"All government, indeed every human benefit
and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act,
is founded on compromise."
- Edmund Burke
It is not perfect (what is?), and many at the polar ends of the political spectrum will find things to hate about it. But it's time for something to be done. I believe the Gang of Eight Immigration Bill is a prudent piece of legislation that follows Burke's spirit of compromise philosophy. I support it as long as punishments are enforced and the border secured.
What I like about it. Everyone pays a price. Immigrants will get amnesty (sorry Michelle Malkin and the other pundits) but at a cost. Immigrants on temporary status would not qualify for welfare benefits, any with a felony or three misdemeanors would not qualify, and employers would have to electronically verify the status of workers (e-verify). I have read all of the opposition to the law, and my feeling is if it happens then the law should be amended. If e-verify is prone to give false information then hire Bill Gates to fix it. If Napolitano and the DHS can't secure the border then give the mission to the military. Find ways to make it work.
The truth that Republicans ignore is that there is a huge demand for the labor provided by illegal immigrants. While I realize that many would vote Democrat in local elections, by the time they are citizens that could very well change. Republicans have much in common with hard-working immigrants (hispanic or otherwise) because most just want opportunity and not government handouts. Republicans have to go back to economic basics: no supply if there is no demand. Businesses must be punished harshly for employing illegals.
The truth that Democrats ignore is that far too many crossing the border are criminal in nature. Regardless of what numbers or studies you want to look at, the percentage of illegals in our prisons far out distances the percentage of illegals in the country. There should no longer be "rape trees" standing on the Arizona border. People living in border areas of Arizona and Texas should not fear for their lives and property. Those coming in illegally should not be given handouts and living off the system (there are far too many citizens already doing that). Most importantly, it is not unjustified for a nation to secure its border and establish entrance criteria.
If the federal government can not live up to its responsibility to develop and enforce sound border and immigration policy, then federalism should kick in and states should have the power to develop their own policies (within the confines of the Constitution). No law is perfect. Unlike nationalized healthcare (not mentioned in the Constitution), this IS an issue that is constitutional. Any immigration law will be tweaked and modified to suit the evolution of the country. But it's a start. Right now it is the prudent thing to do.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment