Source: Yahoo
The idea that an immigrant could be considered “illegal” in the United States of America goes against the very definition America.
I shutter to think of an America with more fencing and laws giving police the power to check for our “papers” or “green cards”. I don’t understand how conservatives can logically take a stance against immigration. What is more traditional than immigration in America?
Immigrants, if so allowed, assimilate into existing society well. They bring new businesses, foods, cultures, products, and so on. These things don’t hurt pre-existing societies, if anything they enrich them. This is disrupted by Government policy (such as restricting immigration and turning people into criminals) that really just segregates the immigrants and causes society to lose the benefits that are gained by the addition of new immigrants.
If we decide that closed borders are the best solution, then we are faced with many realities.
First, the direct cost of building fences or walls and other cost related to controlling the border, and the invasion of property rights that would likely be seized through eminent domain (got to have somewhere to put the wall).
Second, an influx in corruption, the creation of a black market, and other crime that comes from prohibition.
I think that we need to call a closed border what it really is, a PROHIBITION on immigration. One would think that we have learned from the careless prohibition of alcohol in the 1920′s – 30′s – that failed. This prohibition turned millions of otherwise law-abiding Americans into criminals. The prohibition on immigration and the prohibition on drugs, make about as much sense as the prohibition on alcohol and surely have the same outcome.
What is the point in turning perfectly good people into criminals? It is time that the America people tell the Government to get the HELL out of the way and open the borders. End the prohibition on immigration.
Also, for those of you that feel our founders would be for closed borders. I think you need to consider that before the 1900′s, if you were able to cross the border you were an American! I think we still need a simple process for immigration for those that wish to become citizens, but restrictions are silly.
My solution for current immigrants that are branded “illegal” is they should be given the chance to become legal immigrants. The process would likely involve them paying fines and/or back taxes. They are technically breaking the law of the land and I don’t think amnesty is a good idea. And if they choose to seek permanent citizenship, they will get a spot at the back of the line. This is equality for all. No one should be granted special treatment for any reason…that is inequality.
Another good reason to open the borders is the introduction of healthy competition. If America is the place to go and everyone in Mexico emigrates north to become American immigrants, this will cause Mexico to clean up it’s act. What good is a country with no people? Other countries would compete to get new immigrants(and retain current citizens) by offering lower taxes, sound money, small Government involvement, etc. These are things that make a country flourish and ultimately attract people. Data shows that people would prefer to live in their native country, so they are likely to move back in the case that they are able to live a decent life there. It is a macro-macro example of how the free-market should work.
What ever happen to love thy neighbor? I don’t recall God asking us to check their green card first.
