Take a look at these "opposing" plans on immigration reform...Bush said for years that we need reform and now Obama http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/immigration/ is saying just about the exact same thing.
Secure the borders-I think there is some Homeland Security at stake here
Reform the system, allow workers we need with skills we need to enter legally
do something about the 12 million here now, help them become legal and more productive citizens.
I don't know what else we can do, either way it is not an easy issue.
What else could be done?
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Long border = lots of new jobs for fence watchers. This is real economic stimulus!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is an important issue. What are we going to do, build a huge wall from San Diego to the edge of Texas? Why are we not building a wall from Canada? And, what would we do w/o any immigrant workers from the south? There would not be enough laborers. This would be a real mess.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need to help those that are here. Their lack of English proficiency coupled with their illegal status is a recipe for abuse against them. Take a look at this article about Hispanic workers in New Orleans. http://gangbox.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/latino-construction-workers-under-seige-in-new-orleans-targets-of-harassment-by-police-and-armed-robbery-by-criminals/
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I don't know. I think the best way would be to come up with a way to (like Lucas said) help those who are here to become legal and offer some opportunities. I also think that no matter how big of a wall you put up, you are never going to keep everyone out. It might be more better to make the application process more accessible. I am not saying that we should just let anyone who wants to come in (there would be a huge influx I'm assuming), but I think the process could be simplified. This in turn may be able to help provide jobs because these people are coming anyway and they need help.
ReplyDeleteBoyd, tell us how you are leaning on this issue yourself. I think a humane approach similar to what both Obama and Bush put forward is best.
ReplyDeleteJust to be argumentative, I say the borders should be closed! Deal with the immigrants that are already here and then open the borders again slowly.
ReplyDeleteThat is basically what Obama and Bush have proposed. Close or control the borders, then revamp the visa process for visiting workers. Perhaps help those that are here progress and be more accountable to taxes and local law enforcement. Give them a chance to come out of the shadows and even visit families without feeling trapped. I don't think we will get rid of 12 million easily nor do I think we should.
ReplyDeleteWE could help them through the process and then control the border better. Those here could continue to contribute. If we know where and who they are, we may be able to keep those here that want to work and abide by the law, and then sift out those that commit crimes.