Coming To America
We have a problem in this country. And like all issues we tackle politically, I wonder who of those monkeys on Capital Hill really understands the scope and cost of what we are dealing with. They all want to fluff their feathers and puff their chests, but when putting together the nuts and bolts, like everything else, they are good at bolstering and lousy at solutions.
The U.S. government estimates approximately 10 million people illegally enter this country every year. And they are costing us tax dollars. So, logic would tell us to keep them out, or deport them, right? Well, hold on there cowboy, that might not work either.
When looking at the real issues we have in terms of illegal immigration I'm beginning to wonder if this may be red herring. Not to mention no one wants to be left out. We all want to think that illegal immigrants hurt our communities. Well, we all can't be Los Angeles or Miami. While there are ways that this impacts us that many of us fail to address, it isn't as profound as the media would lead us to believe.
We forget, too, that when we make sweeping changes, those changes look good on paper. But it cost money, time and effort. Just like out sourcing impacts your wallet, in a positive way, so illegal immigrants may not be costing you, locally, what you think. Unless, you live in L.A. With Latinos comprising 35% of the population in the greater Los Angeles area, there has to some serious financial impact to those that live in California. But in my neck of the woods? It only impacts those I love when the INS decides the "crack down" on undocumented workers. So far, in five years, it has impacted my Mother and now a good friend of mine from Kenya, living here legally. Or so they thought.
This is America, and we've been taking immigrants since the beginning. It's what makes us the country we are. We should encourage those who come here to do it legally. We should make efforts to encourage undocumented workers to change their status. Grant them amnesty? Well, that's more than I have the patience for right now. Unless you want to grant me amnesty the next time I do something I know is illegal. If my motives are altruistic, then why not?
So before you go jumping on the wagon with the most supporters, make sure you read all the side boards. Because reading only the one from the back, sometimes makes you out of balance.
The U.S. government estimates approximately 10 million people illegally enter this country every year. And they are costing us tax dollars. So, logic would tell us to keep them out, or deport them, right? Well, hold on there cowboy, that might not work either.
When looking at the real issues we have in terms of illegal immigration I'm beginning to wonder if this may be red herring. Not to mention no one wants to be left out. We all want to think that illegal immigrants hurt our communities. Well, we all can't be Los Angeles or Miami. While there are ways that this impacts us that many of us fail to address, it isn't as profound as the media would lead us to believe.
We forget, too, that when we make sweeping changes, those changes look good on paper. But it cost money, time and effort. Just like out sourcing impacts your wallet, in a positive way, so illegal immigrants may not be costing you, locally, what you think. Unless, you live in L.A. With Latinos comprising 35% of the population in the greater Los Angeles area, there has to some serious financial impact to those that live in California. But in my neck of the woods? It only impacts those I love when the INS decides the "crack down" on undocumented workers. So far, in five years, it has impacted my Mother and now a good friend of mine from Kenya, living here legally. Or so they thought.
This is America, and we've been taking immigrants since the beginning. It's what makes us the country we are. We should encourage those who come here to do it legally. We should make efforts to encourage undocumented workers to change their status. Grant them amnesty? Well, that's more than I have the patience for right now. Unless you want to grant me amnesty the next time I do something I know is illegal. If my motives are altruistic, then why not?
So before you go jumping on the wagon with the most supporters, make sure you read all the side boards. Because reading only the one from the back, sometimes makes you out of balance.
posted by Molly Sue at
4:58 PM
2 Comments:
What??? I think we agree on this. It is much more complicated then anyone wants to believe!
Yeah...I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, CA. We were almost a minority ourselves and saw many sides to this issue personally, from gang activity to hardworking families living in shacks (literally, and it was the best home they had ever known). Very complex issue.
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