Immigration Rights

OK, let's get one thing established first. I support LEGAL immigration to the United States. Diversity of cultures, ideas, peoples are some of the great things about our country. What I don't support is a relationship that begins with cheating and breaking the law, which is exactly what happens when someone enters the country illegally, accepts wages for work, and neglects to contribute to the tax base. I realize there are exceptions, but I'm talking about the basics here. There is a process for applying for entry, a visa and maintaining legal status. It may take a while, perhaps years, but even that is less restrictive and arduous than those who might endeavor to immigrate to many other countries. And frankly, most other countries are more strict in their immigration laws than we (the U.S.) are.

I've heard arguments like:
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- the immigrants work jobs that US citizens won't work.
Really? Or do employers exploit the fact the immigrants will work for lower wages and fewer benefits? I'm not convinced. Besides, there are ways to increase the quotas for visas based on labor force demand. Legal methods that ensure that those who pay and are paid follow the same rules that our OWN CITIZENS and COMPANIES must follow.

- If employers had to pay US citizens and provide benefits, products would cost more.
Maybe. But that's the little picture view. What's the cost of providing public services, education, social services, and if they have their way, benefits for those that either don't pay taxes, or spoof the tax system by living multiple familes per residence?

- No human is an illegal alien
Pass the socialist koolaid. This mentality has a great track record, no? F'ing idiots.

- If you like strawberries, thank an immigrant.
Thanks immigrant. Now apply for a visa and fill out a tax form and come back when you're allowed to.

And the employers of illegal immigrants are guilty as well. It irked me to no end to hear that companies had to shut down yesterday due to absenteeism. This is not analogous to civil rights. These people are not US citizens as were women during sufferage, or the blacks after emancipation or during the civil rights movements. If a company had to shut down yesterday, they should be under scrutiny, if not by it's own shareholders and board, by the INS.

I'm also irked by compromising our language. I do not support mandatory bi-lingual government funded facilities. This is a misuse of valuable resources. I would, however, support language and literacy education funded by the government. There are some things, such as language, currency, laws, government structure, checks and balances, that bind us together. Expending resources to divide our AMERICAN culture is not productive. Prior immigrants took pride in becoming AMERICAN, not coercing America to become foreign.

So as part of my silent counter-protest, I went out last night and spent $$$ like an idiot. I'll be damned if I'm going to be coerced into providing for people who cheated to get where they are. We have to do enough of that already.

Oh yeah, before you jump my shit, I've looked through HR4437. As with any bill or resolution, it's way verbose and complicated and off the mark in places. The spirit of the bill should be in controlling entry to the US. I'd need to study it more carefully to see if it aligns with that spirit, but frankly, I don't have the time nor inclination to do so.

Cheers