I’ve given a lot of thought recently to immigration and what it means to us as a country.
In general, I am strongly in favor of immigration, as I believe that the contributions made by immigrants and their descendants are a major source of strength to us (the USA) as a nation. It is not accident that we used to be referred to, with great pride, as a “Melting Pot”.
The contributions made by immigrants are legion, and don’t require a listing here.
However, I do have a problem with the way immigration works today, and especially have a problem with the huge number of illegal immigrants and the problems that this presents us as a nation.
A few thoughts:
- Immigrants here illegally should be deported ASAP.
- The legal process to become an immigrant should not be as tortuous as it is – it needs to be easier.
- Our immigration “quotas” are probably too low
- We need to find a way to be more “merciful” to those trying to escape significant oppression in their home countries
- Illegal immigrants should not benefit from the birth of a child on US soil, thereby claiming citizenship. If you are here illegally, you should not be able to claim citizenship for a child born here.
- Immigrants must not be a drain on the economy (health care, welfare, etc.) and must pay taxes.
- The laws on the books need to be enforced.
I feel great sympathy for the waves of immigrants from countries where it is either difficult to make a living, or where people are persecuted.
However, I do not believe that coming from those places entitles people to ignore or violate our legal processes.
If you come from a “bad” place, I would probably welcome you to our shores, but not if you come illegally. Go through the process, however arduous and painful it might be. If you come here illegally, however badly I might feel for you personally, I would deport you in a moment.
I don’t have any problem with local law enforcement being able to check for immigration status of people they stop for any reason. Any immigrant should have his or her green card or other legal identification on his or her person at all times. If in doubt, law enforcement should refer the case to the immigration authorities.
In summary – let more immigrants in, we can use new blood. But, do it legally. Do not accept illegal immigration, and do whatever it takes to stop it.
The Poris Perspective - John Poris 
John,
This is a great post. I noticed that someone arrived at my blog by way of yours, and I thought I’d check it out.
If you’d like, feel free to read my post on the same subject! http://tinyurl.com/bjw-immigration
Keep up the good writing,
Brandon
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The country is in need of jobs….this sounds like a great opportunity to put legal citizens back to work! (And I’m the granddaughter of LEGAL immigrants)
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I too am in favor of legal imigration and believe it should be expanded. I am oppossed to illegal immigration from anywhere. Securing all our borders should have been done decades ago and should be accomplished ASAP.I do not believe an illegal should become a citizen, nor should their children.
Having established all that: the problem is what to do about the 12 million of more that are estimated to be here. I do not believe we will locate, hold, adjudicate, deport 12 million people within any reasonable time frame. We might find many and continue to spend the time and money to deport them. The balance will still be here until found. They will continue to have children, work, spend money to live here, educate their children somehow, etc.
What practical means do you see to solve that problem?
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