Illegal Immigration

A hot button issue at the moment is illegal immigration. Republicans, understandably, would like to make it as hot as possible to compete with Wall Street reform, which can only work against them. In this debate all I can say is that I’ve heard arguments from both sides and agree with each, at least to the extent that we have a problem. I disagree with some of the more simplistic solutions.

Lou Dobbs types are correct in claiming that it’s contrary to the national interest to have so many undocumented people in this country. While some true believers have threatened to shoot trespassing census takers, this inconsistency doesn’t invalidate the other part of the argument. We have a right to know who is occupying our premises. The claim that they only take jobs other workers would refuse notwithstanding, there is more competition for any kind of job, now that we’re two years into our decline, than at any time since the Great Depression. As a consumer I’m annoyed when being served by someone hired to deal with the public who doesn’t speak or understand English well enough to communicate. I found this particularly infuriating in a recent verbal tussle with a Citicorp representative, although he could have been speaking from India. It’s also a reasonable that immigrants who are here illegally should not have a leg up in becoming citizens.

On the other hand I consider it axiomatic that these people deserve humane treatment. While acting illegally, their breaking the law is more a matter of survival than of avarice, as in the case of the other folks making headlines these days. Many have been in this country for years and have children who, according to our law, like it or not are U.S. citizens. The idea of jailing them, posed by some enthusiasts, is both cruel and silly. It costs $40 thousand a year to incarcerate a person. Deporting them? I suppose we can afford the fare. But we would either be deporting citizens or, by parental choice, breaking up families. 

Concerning the Arizona law passed this week, there’s nothing that can be said in its favor. A law degree isn’t necessary to know that our borders are subject to federal, not state, purview. When the Arizona National Guard is sent to Iraq or Afghanistan it’s not at behest of the state. Critics of this law who say that it will lead to racial profiling are understating their case. It is racial profiling. Being of extremely fair complexion I’d have no concern over driving through the state. But I’m not certain about my wife who might do well to stay out of the sun before her trip. Can Arizona afford the expense of the extra law enforcement hours required? Or are they willing to tolerate more common garden variety crime. In criticizing this law the question is not where to begin, but where to end.

I have no panacea for dealing with the plethora of illegal immigrants now in this country or those who will be entering it. Increased border control is a reasonable procedure that falls in the “easier said than done” category. The problem is exacerbated and complicated by political ramifications. Whatever the eventual resolution not everybody will be satisfied with it. In my opinion most of the “sure” remedies that I’ve heard at this point are simply dead ass wrong.