Immigration Issue: Overrated?

[estranged4life]

Overrated
Apr 7, 2006
by Tony Snow

NEW YORK CITY -- By Election Day, immigration will emerge as one of the most overrated issues of 2006.

That's because public controversies can't ascend to real prominence unless they feature a clear clash of ideologies and force partisans to adopt entirely different approaches to dealing with the matter.

Neither exists in the case of immigration because voters maintain a series of understandable, but inconsistent, views. Roughly 70 percent of those responding to various polls have agreed with (a) deporting illegal aliens, (b) granting them guest-worker status, (c) giving them a crack at "earned citizenship," (d) imposing major penalties on businesses that knowingly hire them and (e) assimilating them into the American culture by requiring them to know basic civics and to speak and write in passable English.

Even though more than 80 percent of respondents say the government does too little to protect the borders and more than 90 percent consider illegal immigration a serious problem, the issue does not rate among the top three concerns of Americans in any major poll.

This contradictory hash of views naturally produces a muddle when politicians start drafting legislation. The most recent rash of proposed laws pits Democrats versus Democrats, Republicans against Republicans, and both parties in opposition to each other.

Polling aside, immigration lacks traction as a great issue because it doesn't impose clearly quantifiable harms or confer clearly measurable benefits. It's certainly difficult to argue that illegals have wrecked the economy.

The most recent unemployment claims report shows that Americans are filing for unemployment at significantly low levels -- down 20,000 from last month. The economy has grown for 30 consecutive months, generating a net increase of 5 million jobs. It added 247,000 jobs in the most recent reporting month, and economists expect a growth rate of 4.7 percent in the year's first quarter.

Incomes have begun to grow briskly again, as have tax receipts. Manufacturing activity has jumped to 61.5 in the Institute for Supply Management index (anything above 50 indicates economic expansion) -- up from 54.8 in January.

The business-creation rate among Hispanic Americans has reached three times the national average, and is growing. While remittances to Mexico hit an estimated $20 billion last year (making American cash the second-largest source of Mexican income, behind oil), tax payments by illegal immigrants from Mexico to local, state and federal governments exceeded the $20 billion mark.

Since the immigration "reforms" of 1986, the number of jobs in the United States has risen a net total of 44 million. The standard of living in the nation has grown to the point that the average welfare recipient has more creature comforts (homes, computers, televisions, cars, air conditioners, etc.) than the average citizen of France.

The crime-wave argument doesn't fly, either: Nationwide crime rates have been trending downward for a decade. (Unfortunately, there are no good data to indicate whether illegal-immigrant crime has risen more rapidly than the average, but there is some sketchy evidence that overall crime rates are lower because illegals don't want to be discovered and thus risk deportation.)

As for the burden on federal resources, the issue poses a weird quandary. The most cogent fiscal argument against legalizing "undocumented" workers is that it would put an end to a scam that helps most Americans. Illegal immigrants contribute billions each year to Social Security and Medicare. If they were to become legal (and hence eligible for benefits), both programs would tumble into catastrophic bankruptcy far earlier than government accountants project.

"Supporters" of illegal immigrants have done their best to turn public opinion against illegals, but not even that has worked. The Mexican-flag-waving rallies have aroused disgust, but not xenophobia. At worst, they have created only a vague sense of menace. Whatever harm illegals may be wreaking, they are not doing it in a concerted or organized manner (with the notable exception of the MS-13 crime gang).

Despite partisans' seething passions on the issue, most of us feel baffled and torn. Immigration isn't a single issue, but a bundle that encompasses everything from border security, to welfare reform, to the necessity of supplying enough workers to keep the economy growing.

Immigration has always been a mixed blessing. It infuses the nation with industrious and idealistic new Americans, and burdens it with scoundrels, slackers and intriguers.

So don't count on any reform's working for long, if at all. The immigration issue will stalk us -- and frustrate us -- as long as we remain vibrant enough to attract the globe's big thinkers, and free enough to welcome those who want to add greater luster to the American dream.

http://www.townhall.com/opinion/colu...07/192789.html

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Found this online elsewhere, What do y'all think? Seems the immigration issue is the one issue that is on the TV news each time I turn it on.

Also, isnt Tony Snow one of the ass-ka-teers on Faux News?

[strandinthewind]

Well, the only reason I care about it is the fact that the govt.'s are loathe to point any finger at the industries using them. They are worse IMO.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Well, the only reason I care about it is the fact that the govt.'s are loathe to point any finger at the industries using them. They are worse IMO.

the govt. is much, much worse...

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

the govt. is much, much worse...

Sad - very true - and its true in almost all cases on all topics Again, how much of the "evidence" matches up in the OKC bombing - little IMO.

[irishgrl]

personally, I'd be very surprised if ANY immigration reform passes....
I think we need it, esp border security and deportation. but there is just a pervasive sense of gridlock in Congress, even though on this issue I think there is more potential for middle ground compromise.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

I think we need it, esp border security and deportation.

Sadly, this issue is most specific to Mexico.
We like Canada. lol.

[SteveMacD]

We need to build a wall to keep all of those GD Canadians out!!!

Those syrup eaters are costing Americans their jobs. Sure, they come down here after getting a FREE education THERE and steal jobs away from perfectly average American doctors.

But, do we Americans bitch about that? NO! Instead, we stock our groceries with Molson, Labatt, donuts, and back bacon. Our PBS stations are playing Red Green reruns ALL WEEKEND LONG! Our "lite music" stations are loaded with Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray. And, what's with all of these GD Tim Hortons popping up all over the place. Hell, there are like FIVE TIMES as many NHL teams in the United States these days! Folks, if we keep making these North American Euro wannabes feel at home, they simply won't leave. WE NEED TO TAKE AMERICA BACK! Getting the CFL out of the USA ten years ago was a good start, further improved by moving the EXPOS (God, what a lame name for a team) to Washington.

It's time to start saying YES to American doctors.
Yes to American hockey players.
Yes to American Celtic/Folk musicians.
Yes to American Zamboni drivers.
Yes to the American Curling team.

Folks, join me in Operation Leaf Blower! It's time to tell Canadians WE MEAN BUSINESS!!!











{BTW, If you couldn't tell that was sarcasm, then you simply haven't been paying attention.}

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

We need to build a wall to keep all of those GD Canadians out!!!

Hell, there are like FIVE TIMES as many NHL teams in the United States these days!

we already have their Lord Stanley Cup, residing in the hotbed of hockey (And no brain voters & "durn-fool-idgits"), Florida or bka Flori-DUH...I mean after that I say we leave those damn hosers of the North alone ay

[SteveMacD]

Folks, we've just taken a major step backwards in Operation Leaf Blower

Winnie the Pooh Gets Hollywood Star

LOS ANGELES - Winnie the Pooh sure does love his honey, but the beloved bear now has something just as sweet: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The children's character, created in the 1920s by British author A.A. Milne, was joined Tuesday at the star's unveiling by his Hundred Acre Wood pals Tigger, Eeyore and Rabbit.

Pooh debuted as a cartoon character in the 1966 Disney featurette "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree," and went on to star in dozens of films, specials and several cartoon series.

"I know that Winnie would react to all this fanfare by simply saying, `Oh bother," said Robert Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Co. "But, Winnie, you really are worth a bother."

Milne named Pooh after a stuffed bear owned by his son Christopher Robin Milne.

The ceremony coincided with the DVD release of 1997's "Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin," which marks the bear's 80th anniversary.

Of course, Winnie is named after the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA. We're letting Canada take over Hollywood. What next? Washington? Before we know, America will become the 11th Province of Canada. And, then, the Revolutionary War, where we broke away from the British monarchy will have been for nothing! Hope you like Mayo on GD everything!

[MacMan]

I loved your sarcasm!!

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

Of course, Winnie is named after the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA.

My home

Before we know, America will become the 11th Province of Canada

Nah, we'll make you a territory

Hope you like Mayo on GD everything!

LOL... Almost!

[skcin]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

We need to build a wall to keep all of those GD Canadians out!!!

Those syrup eaters are costing Americans their jobs. Sure, they come down here after getting a FREE education THERE and steal jobs away from perfectly average American doctors.

But, do we Americans bitch about that? NO! Instead, we stock our groceries with Molson, Labatt, donuts, and back bacon. Our PBS stations are playing Red Green reruns ALL WEEKEND LONG! Our "lite music" stations are loaded with Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray. And, what's with all of these GD Tim Hortons popping up all over the place. Hell, there are like FIVE TIMES as many NHL teams in the United States these days! Folks, if we keep making these North American Euro wannabes feel at home, they simply won't leave. WE NEED TO TAKE AMERICA BACK! Getting the CFL out of the USA ten years ago was a good start, further improved by moving the EXPOS (God, what a lame name for a team) to Washington.

It's time to start saying YES to American doctors.
Yes to American hockey players.
Yes to American Celtic/Folk musicians.
Yes to American Zamboni drivers.
Yes to the American Curling team.

Folks, join me in Operation Leaf Blower! It's time to tell Canadians WE MEAN BUSINESS!!!

{BTW, If you couldn't tell that was sarcasm, then you simply haven't been paying attention.}

I just saw this. LMAO!

Anyone bother watching Bush speak last night? After I got over my pissed-offness that he was going to cut into my regularly scheduled programs, I actually watched. I agree that illegal immigration needs to be addressed, and for once I don't disagree with his theory/plan. That being said, I think it's easier said than done & I don't know how realistic it all is. Thoughts?

[strandinthewind]

The thing about W is that yes. his plan sounded good int he abstract last night. But, if history teaches us anything, the plan he presents to Congress and eventually signs will hardly resemble anything like that.

[skcin]

^ Good point. One thing that did put me off was the speech itself. Lots of "play by the rules" and "get in line" and such. It's like we're all 5 years old & at the playground.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by skcin

I just saw this. LMAO!

Anyone bother watching Bush speak last night? After I got over my pissed-offness that he was going to cut into my regularly scheduled programs, I actually watched. I agree that illegal immigration needs to be addressed, and for once I don't disagree with his theory/plan. That being said, I think it's easier said than done & I don't know how realistic it all is. Thoughts?

I flipped the channels between watching MLB (Rangers vs.Yankees) & WWE (Live from "Dirtbowl", err Lubbock TX), Didnt want to waste minutes in my life I could never get back by watching more bologna (bka "How to earn the American voters vote in upcoming elections") from those in Washington DC.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by skcin

^ Good point. One thing that did put me off was the speech itself. Lots of "play by the rules" and "get in line" and such. It's like we're all 5 years old & at the playground.

AND - much like the current gun laws - if they would just enforce the current laws on the books - the problem would be far less severe.