Hijexx wrote: A more fair study would not misrepresent these figures, or at least try harder to extrapolate population data to fit more closely with the wage data time frames. Yes, these things do matter.
Alright, we've got a full on debate going here! Excellent! First of all, to respond to your (well-documented) qualms regarding
the study I pointed out. Not being a statistician, or even good at
math, I will have to assume that your issues with the study are good ones. I tend to take information that is given to me from trusted sources as good enough, since they are experts and I, decidedly am not. However, I believe you will find many studies, even coming from an anti-immigrant viewpoint, that back up my claim. But, for the purposes of arguement, let's say that you are correct in your assertions and we'll take your point and run with it: there is not enough data to support a claim to one side or another. I feel certain it would be similar trying to determine the net-impact of any one social group on the country. Hijexx wrote: This is a large point that cannot be glossed over. More research needs to be done. This is an evolving science.
Fair enough. Moving on: Hijexx wrote: WHAT IS SO FREAKING WRONG WITH LEGAL IMMIGRATION ANYWAY? What is so bad about wanting immigrants that wish to live in MY COUNTRY to do so legally? Yes, I understand the nice, happy ideology of, "What makes living on one part of God's green Earth legal, and another part illegal?" I'll tell you what, it's called the rule of law. We are a land of rules and laws. What you seem to be championing is anarchy or one world government, take your pick. In the meantime, we have what we have, which are many procedures and laws to emigrate. If you don't follow those, if you bypass them, you are here ILLEGALLY and you should be removed.
Needless to say, I disagree. I happened to be reading your comments yesterday, which was Holocaust memorial day. I was thinking about how during the early part of the Holocaust, thousands of Jewish immigrants were turned away from the U.S. and sent back to nazi-Europe because public opinion was widely opposed to them settling the in the U.S. I mention this not to compare Mexico to nazi Germany, but rather to point out the well-observed fact that Americans are typically against immigration- whether for good reasons, bad reasons, or no reasons. This legality issue is covering up the fact that people just generally do not like mass movements of people moving onto what they percieve as "their land." Forgetting the fact, of course, that their own ancestors were once part of these immigrant movements long before our current immigration system was in place. I am certainly in favor of the rule of law. In fact, I want to become a lawyer. However, when laws are unjust or simply do not work, they must change. (Please see: women voters, segregation, abortion, gay marriage.) It is clear that the current immigration system does not work. Otherwise, we would not have 11 million people in the U.S. who work, pay (some) taxes, do not receive social services, and are at risk of violence, racial profiling and abuse. Yet, these individuals fill a need. Otherwise, we wouldn't have such a low unemployment rate. Ultimately, the U.S. needs immigrants for a good economy and also for vibrant social growth. Right now in Congresss they are discussing ways to change the immigration system. They recognize that there are not enough visas (not NEARLY enough) for all the jobs available. There is also not an easy enough path to citizenship for people who come here to work, even legally. It has to change to fit the reality of the situation- we need these people. Probably more than they need us. Yes, we need laws. But we need laws that are just and reflect historical and social realities. 'Legal' immigration as is does not work to fulfill our needs as a country. (And lets not forget that 9/11 took place at the hands of LEGAL immigrants. Oft-repeated, but true.) We need a change, a mass deportation is not an option. (Or is that too obvious?) RE: How can Illegal Immigration help our Homeless situation? |
