Immigration

[Martin Hash]

I am a believer in immigration (and emigration too for that matter). There are no greater advocates of the American ideal of free enterprise than newly arrived, hopeful, enthusiastic, optimistic immigrants. From personal experiences as a contractor, attorney, and business owner: adult immigrants are hardworking, loyal, thankful, and conscientious. In fact, without immigrants, “The American Way” would probably collapse if forced to rely on our lazy, over-indulged, native-born workforce. However, even with these convictions, I feel our country’s cynical reliance on illegal immigration, and the political capitulation to immigration Special Interests, borders on criminal.

One of the options often mentioned is to fine employers of illegal immigrants. First off, making business responsible for the ills of the world usurps what is presumably Government's job. But let's assume employers are the solution - there's no reason to be selective. We could use this tactic to weed out all "bad" people: tax cheats, deadbeat dads, part-time prostitutes. Business owners could be responsible for legal infractions of their employees. They are already responsible for their employees’ medical care, unemployment and retirement - they can be the police force too. But EVEN IF we expand business' role as nannies, the strategy will not work, because for laws to work, people have to WANT to obey them. If all that is involved is a fine, the illegal immigrant exploiters (and immigrant political advocates) will simply ignore it or tack it onto the cost - bring the whole family into the country for a set price that includes fines. And as for increasing the penalties: jail terms, confiscation, worse (?) - for hiring someone without papers!?

Though draconian and racist, at least Arizona had the courage to act. That is more than can be said for anyone else who has the power to do something. Please, Barack Obama administration: clarify, expand, reduce, legalize, criminalize, whatever-you-have-to-do… But do something to “fix” immigration to this country.