Illegal immigration: What is the answer?

[DawnCt1]

Illegal immigration has wreaked havoc on Texas. It is crippling us. It's easy to have a generous attitude when it has little effect on your life, but for those of us in border states who have witnessed the negative effects of 25+ years of uncontrolled illegal immigration, we're tired of dealing with the reality of a spineless federal government.

/QUOTE]

ITA! Texas is the "first line of defense" but Arizona and California are right there with you. Financially, Texas has been able to keep its head above water but in fact, California is virtually bankrupt. It is very easy to be "generous" with OPM (other people's money) but when it starts to affect all 50s states, and it does to a degree that it is acknowledge; (crime, uninsured drivers, hospital emergency room visits) etc, then maybe those who are so generous with OPM will decide that it makes more sense to pay an extra dollar or two for that head of lettuce, because in reality, that head of lettuce is costing us a lot more. It is time to close the border and have those who want to come to the USA follow the rules.

 

[chisnpeke]

Illegal immigration has wreaked havoc on Texas. It is crippling us. It's easy to have a generous attitude when it has little effect on your life, but for those of us in border states who have witnessed the negative effects of 25+ years of uncontrolled illegal immigration, we're tired of dealing with the reality of a spineless federal government.

The people who cross illegally are not (with rare exceptions) evil or horrible people. On an individual basis, they are not objectionable. But the reality is, the US simply cannot afford to take on millions of IIs and their offspring. It would be great if we had an endless supply of money and could take on every needy person in the world, but we can't. That is a fantasy. If we don't stop this, soon we will be a third world country.

The solution is for the people in other countries (Mexico affects Texas the most so for me, it springs to mind) is to make changes in their own countries so those countries are places one would want to remain in. I would be thrilled if we completely shut down the US/Mexico border. The narco-terrorism is enough to warrant that..... No longer are the only Mexicans coming here those who "just want to make a living." In my small neighborhood, we have MANY wealthy Mexicans who have fled out of sheer fear. Kidnappings are real threat. Ask my neighbor who only escaped being kidnapped due to being on vacation....They mistakenly got an employee instead. The poor are leaving, the wealthy are leaving....And bringing many of the same problems here with them.

I truly do not think things will get better in Mexico without a revolution or something darn close to it. Closing the border might force that to happen sooner rather than later. So long as it's open, the US is their escape hatch and a way to take the pressure off. Their government is seemingly helpless against the cartels and is barely hanging on. I just think it's a lost cause and something has to give....something BIG. Plenty of countries have been forced to the point of revolution and come out stronger for it, the US included. Mexico simply MUST get better....Its citizens deserve more and should not have to flee the country to have a decent life. But I do not believe the country will ever get better until the issue is forced.

Instead of asking what we can do to help illegal immigrants, we should be asking why countries like Mexico aren't doing more to make people want to stay put....Why aren't we holding them accountable for the conditions that make people feel they have to run to survive?

So close the border to the best of our ability, make the businesses who hire illegal aliens sorry that they ever did, and when we deport them, my dream would be to drop them by parachute on to the Mexican version of The White House and not 3 feet over the border. Mexico treats anyone entering their country illegally in an extraordinarily harsh manner, yet expects us to open them with open arms. Don't think so.

I realize people enter illegally from other countries, but as I said, for Texas, Mexico is the real problem. So that's what I addressed. We don't open the front doors to our houses and let just anyone walk right on in because they have less and we have more and life's not fair. People need to enter the US (and any other country) legally. If it takes years, that's sad, but no one is entitled live in whatever country they want. It's a privilege, not a right.

First I want to say that I completely agree with you on all issues.

What I bolded: They don't and won't put the effort into making their own country better when there is a country so close that will "help" their people out. Why work on something when somebody else is enabling you.

 

[chisnpeke]

I am friends with several illegal aliens. All have been here 10 plus years. They work, get paid as 1099 employees, and the IRS has given them an ITIN.

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code.

My friends pay their taxes, make $50,000 plus and own homes. Why wouldn't I want them to live here? Their children (also illegal) are in college and doing well.

They have tried to become citizens - the process is unwieldy - even with an attorney.

So they gave up?