In my last post I discussed my opinions on illegal immigration. I want to add a few more thoughts on the political causes of the problem.
My contention is that this a problem created by politicians on both sides of the border. The U.S. side gets cheap labor. The south side gets all those lovely U.S. dollars that are sent back home to support families left behind. It's a win-win situation for governments, but a lose-lose proposition for the people who are being used.
So if you are the average American looking for someone to blame, blame Washington D.C.--not Hispanics.
The news media frequently reports that there are probably between ten and twelve million illegal aliens in the U.S. Let's be conservative and go with the ten million figure.
Now all of these people aren't working. Some are wives that are unable to work, and some are children. Let's be conservative again, and say there are five million of these people employed illegally. And you better believe most are employed, or they would go back home. Contrary to what you might have heard or read, there is no "welfare" program for people who must live incognito. How could they apply? They would be deported.
Why don't these people "do it the right way?" Why risk rape, robbery, death, and other perils illegally crossing the border when you can fill out a little paperwork and get a work permit?
Here's why. We have estimated above that five million are able to find work. Yet the U.S. only issues 65,000 permits (H1-B, the most common)a year. I believe that we have made a slight error in our calculation of supply and demand.
The work permit application process is complicated, convoluted, and riddled with incompetence.
Next time I'll tell you the story of someone who did it the right way and let you be the judge.
Questions of the heart
5 days ago
Yes, the visa process needs work.
ReplyDeleteI´m not as convinced as you, however, that welfare benefits are unavailable to these folks, especially in the so-called Sanctuary Cities. Bet on it.
In many parts of the U.S., it´s specifically forbidden for local officials to question one´s immigration status. Plus, fake IDs are less than a dime a dozen.
I believe that the governments of these countries should also take responsibility for their citizens also by creating programs and jobs to help the people of their nations,but instead they are letting the peolple fall by the wasteside and they are putting the money into their pockets and forgetting that the people exist. The people are the ones who make the nation and elect the officles and believe their promises , but in the end all it is lies, lies and more lies. The people need away out and they hear of the American dream. So they come. Some may not want to leave ,but what can they do? there is no faith in government or any other type of help for them so leaving would be the only choice. America holds the key. This a very sad thing families separated or even killed, because their governments feel there are other things to do more inportant. The US can help these governments and the people who are already here .There are strict laws for us in their nation for entering. The U.S.needs to have the same ,strict laws, and if you enter illegally and try to get help or a job you are greatly punished .The US needs a deep high wall and bob-wire inclued at the north and the south and need to be in a true agreement with all nations what the laws are and how they can help them. Now if the US goverment did this and help her citizens with wages and programs then americans could not cry and complain about jobs being taken and help be given to illegals .
ReplyDeleteSenor Felipe, I will defer to your knowledge about the welfare factor. Doesn't make sense to me though, why people would leave their homes and families for a few lousy bucks a month on the public dole. Even those who come from further south than your country, where conditions are much worse.
ReplyDeleteLeidi, I agree--it is the fault of governments. Corruption in government is the problem in most of the Americas, North, South, and Central.
I'm not sure that the citizens of the U.S. will stop complaining if the problem is fixed, though. It's what we do. We'll just find something else to complain about.
Ray, We both know that something has to be done about illegal immigration. For the Hispanics, the problem lies with the corruption in governmentS. People who try to come legally have to pay $300 (may have gone up)to fill out an application. They sit and wait hoping to be one of the "lucky" ones who gets to fill out a work application. If they are not chosen, they lose their money. Fair? I think not.
ReplyDeleteI have talked with people who crossed the border in Arizona and listened to their experiences of traveling at night, snakes, hunger, thirst, and even passing dead bodies on the road. How many Americans would even consider doing that to get back into the US? We are so blessed and take so much for granted.
Several years ago I asked a young man who had left his wife and young son in Mexico to come here and work. I asked him how he could stand being away from his family for so long. His answer came with tears in his eyes; he had rather be separated from them for a while than to stay and watch his son starve to death.
I know a 26 year-old man who is married to an American and has two children who tried to come legally. They paid a lawyer in Atlanta a good bit of money to work on getting his visa.
The man now has a medical problems and has to have dialysis three times a week. His father had been supporting all of the family; however, the wife took the children and they are living with her parents up North. I called the lawyer in Atlanta and went over all the paperwork and receipts of payment,etc. She told me since he had been here for 10 years he would have to return to his country (not Mexico)for 5 or more years. When I told her of his medical condition, she said maybe they could get the application and visa in one year. I had already spoken with the dialysis people who said the man would die within 2 weeks without the treatments. The lawyer's response was maybe he should just stay here so he could be treated. I saw this young man baptized just a few weeks ago and I have the opportunity to watch him grow in the Lord.
I believe that they are here for a reason. My prayer is that as many as possible will accept Jesus as Savior and be witnesses in this city, in this state, and in their own countries if they choose to return.
I do want to add that the demonstrations in Arizona and California do not reflect the sentiments of the Hispanics with whom I work. It angers me to see the US flag upside down under a flag of Mexico.
It has come to light that illegal immigration is not limited to Hispanics, but people from terrorist countries are now using that avenue to enter the US. Personally, I would like to see the border closed, convicted criminals sent back to where they came from, and work permits issued to those who have jobs, or training in needed areas. I do realize that I don't know the way to solve this problem; however, I do know the ONE who has the perfect solution and pray that His will be done.
Ms. Judy, we are 100% in agreement.
ReplyDeleteWe have not even touched on all the other aspects of legal immigration. I know of a young Honduran lady who works in a Mexican restaurant. She is paid in tips (only). Some days she makes less than $20 for a shift. She saved her money (substantial amount) and paid an attorney who promised to "handle" her immigration papers. He kept the money but did nothing for her. I bet you know lots of stories like that.