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A Nation Of Legal Immigrants

Monday, July 16 at 12:01 AM

This Speakout has not been edited

By Travis Whitsitt, Fort Collins

I believe the real reason the leftist political elites in Washington want amnesty has nothing to do with the much-vaunted compassion they’ve somehow managed to spin themselves as possessing. (An aside-it is very, very easy to be compassionate with other people’s money.)

No, I believe the Democrats are cognizant of a few critical things. The Mexican immigrants who come here illegally represent a huge bloc of potential votes, and theirs is a demographic that strongly trends Democratic.

Let me address a philosophical issue at the core of these debates-this is not about “immigration” the way those who favor the bill try to spin it. It is about “illegal immigration.” Immigrants from the past, who came here, assimilated into the culture, learned the language, and became Americans have built this country. Modern immigrants who refuse to assimilate, continue to speak a language the rest of us do not understand, and have no interest in becoming an American beyond accruing benefit from government programs have no business being here.

What is this “patchwork quilt” business we’re all supposed to buy into as better than that old, racist “melting pot” idea? I think the melting pot worked fine; all the old immigrant sectors still have plenty of individual, defining cultural elements (Italian parades on Columbus Day, our celebration of Cinco de Mayo, and varied non-Christian religious holidays spring immediately to mind), and yet there is something that unites us all as Americans. Now, we see a dangerous division and isolation of the various sectors of our population, and I believe the lack of assimilation on the part of Mexican immigrants coupled with the identity politics promoted by the Left are to blame for this. If we really want to know how well this idea works, it is instructive to look at a country the Left usually likes us to take our cues from. Ask France how the unassimilated Muslim immigrant population within their borders is working out for them.

What needs to be done? First, build the bloody fence and keep any more illegals from getting into the country. Before you start shouting at me that fences won’t work, ask yourself why we build them around our prisons.

Second, triple the size of the Border Patrol and remove the restrictions that prevent them from doing their job. (Did you know a Border Patrol agent has to fill out a form to get permission to discharge his firearm prior to doing so? Funny, if some drug runner whips out his Uzi, filling out a form to get permission to defend myself with my pistol is the last thing on my mind)

Third, immediately check the citizenship status of everyone in our prison system and unceremoniously deport every single one of the illegal immigrants guilty of crimes OTHER than illegal immigration (over a third of them, according to most estimates).

Fourth, make a real dedication to screening everyone for citizenship status when they commit a crime, apply for government benefits, or apply for a job. Deny them all that good stuff, and deport them for good measure.

Fifth, closely tied to number 4, reverse all of those insane rulings that entitle illegals to the health care and education that we taxpayers fund. (Did you know that under Jimmy Carter’s administration, the Democrat congress made immigrants eligible for Social Security benefits even though they had never paid a dime into it in their lives?)

Sixth, make English the country’s official language and require a working knowledge of it for citizenship.

Seventh, set up a guest worker program with zero promises of government benefits or citizenship that employers can apply to be a part of if they truly can’t fill their workforce with legal employees.

Eighth, reverse the Kennedy immigration bill from the 60’s and start to once again favor skilled workers who will benefit the United States in our immigration policy.

The bottom line that liberals consistently fail to understand is that you get more of behavior that you reward. Everything that has been done since the Kennedy bill has rewarded illegal behavior. Do we really expect that to change with even more rewards being handed out?

And finally, shame on George W. Bush for selling out his base and having the gall to tell us that we “are not interested in what is good for America” because we don’t support this bill of his that is nothing more than a desperate attempt to placate a hostile Congress.”

READER COMMENTS

It looks like it was not very difficult for him to prove her wrong.

Posted by on July 28, 2007 09:43 PM

Kim, I never said that you lived in a nice neighborhood, I said the neighborhood once was nice. Don't worry, I recorded 138 homes in a 1/4 mile radius of Lincoln that I felt were not compliant. The fence had fresh paint on it just like you said. I wish they would stop destroying all we built. I bet if you could catch them you would give them a gold star. I on the other hand would like to see them get a ticket. I guess you will be busy interpreting for them.

Posted by slopoke on July 27, 2007 07:41 AM

Kim, How about hospital costs overruns and closures...? Illegals flooding hospital emergency rooms wouidnt be a contributing factor would it? or, How about our education al system being forced to teach students classes in english and spanish, any winners there? or, How about the const. industry being manned by Mex. nationals ,causing wages to plummet in the areas of, drywall, painting , concrete, etc.? or How about home prices plummeting where houses are predominately purchased by Mex. nationals

Posted by mstrplbr-john on July 27, 2007 07:16 AM

Travis, I owe you a beer. Thank you for your letter. I am not as articulate as you but sure can relate with your writing. I can't wait to hear from you again.

Posted by slopoke on July 26, 2007 09:19 PM

Someone get her a date, a get well card just won't do it.

Posted by on July 26, 2007 09:12 PM

Kim,

Yawn...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!

Posted by on July 26, 2007 08:26 PM

You're a racist moron. Travis has made a lot of points that are not supported in fact. You don't have to agree with me, but can you back up ANY of the statements that Travis has said? Because I refuted all of them. He says that immigrants are here to steal government services, and he's wrong. He says they don't speak English, and he's wrong. He says they don't contribute to social security, and he's wrong. Please, just try and provide SOME evidence that he's saying anything right. Anything at all. Again, if I don't know what Im talking about, then it shouldn't be that difficult to find evidence proving me wrong.

Posted by Kim on July 26, 2007 07:12 PM

Travis had a much better perspective and Kim needs some TLC or a get well card. Like parasites, I wish we could shake them off.

Posted by on July 26, 2007 12:36 PM

Well, I don't know for sure who is spray painting the fence, otherwise, they wouldn't be doing it, now would they? I suspect its the teenagers that hang out in the park behind the house. Are some of them Latino? No doubt. Does that mean I should hate all Latinos and call for their deportation, or deny them access to healthcare, or hope that they curl up and die? If you can provide a logical argument to this, I might change my mind.

You're argument is beginning to make less and less sense. You say I live in a nice neighborhood; therefore, I can't speak about Latinos, because I'm not experiencing the problems you are. Yet, you're pressing me to blame Latinos on my problems. Which is it? Are they my problem or aren't they?

Also, which statistic is it? Are 80% of Latinos are in gangs, or are 80% of gangs Latino? There is a difference. To say that 80% of Latinos is something I have a hard time comprehending; however, to say that 80% of gangs are Latino is a lot more reasonable. However, confusing the statistic makes your argument a lot less credible. Also, did you know that there are gangs in other parts of country, where Latinos are not even members? Are you really trying to blame the gang problem solely on Latinos (and can you prove that they're all immigrants?...Seriously. You've offered this one stat, and yet, have refuted nothing about my position)?

Again, why does it matter who is paying for my education? Does that mean I shouldn't criticize attitudes and policies I don't agree with? Are you suggesting that all simply because I benefit from state taxes (as we all do), that I shouldn't be allowed to say the things I'm saying?

Hm...And does the price of someone's car indicate they aren't poor? First, out of the many Latinos I deal with on a regular basis, almost none of them have cars. Those in my neighborhood with nice cars does not mean that they are not struggling financially. You may not realize this, but you don't have to have loads of cash to buy a nice car. I'd say having an expensive car in a low income neighborhood is more indicative of screwed up priorities than one of wealth. If they're so rich, why aren't the moving to nicer houses? American culture is consumer culture; we promote spending beyond our means in order to have luxury items (it's the American way!). Many people are in debt (not just Latinos, I hope you realize) because we promote a sick amount of consumerism. The problem is not solely Latino. Even if it was, you can't blame the fact that they are immigrants on this kind behavior, because in this case, many of them are American citizens. Btw, of course I do think its ridiculous to live in a low income neighborhood with a nice car, as I think its very much a symbol of what is wrong with society.

And yes, coyotes are expensive. So what? Have you never heard of saving your money? Oftentimes, those who are already in the US will save their money to pay a coyote to bring their family. And not everyone uses a coyote. I would say the vast majority are not. You can read all about that in a book called Shadowed Lives. But that might be too difficult. Why challenge your ideas, when you can simply question mine? (and yet offer almost no proof, except some confused statistics about gangs.)

And have I justified the decimation of our standard of living? Please specifically quote a phrase where I said that was acceptable. I think you'll find that no where have I said that. Instead of obtusely clinging to your xenophobic ideas, perhaps it would be better to try and understand my viewpoint (that doesn't mean you can't stop hating Latino immigrants!...And notice how there's a shift from "illegal" immigrants to now simply Latinos...Interesting how no one really cares about the distinction...It must be that all Latino immigrants are illegal, right?)

So again, just to be clear, here's what Im trying to say: One, many of the misperceptions that people have of Latinos is wrong. I cited a bunch of different studies to prove it. They're speaking English, applying for citizenship, starting businesses, intermarrying (between other ethnic groups! The horror!), joining the military, etc. etc. I guess you can blame your dislike of those immigrants on their "culture" but I suspect that its something a bit more than that.

Two, simply because one is Latino does not mean that they are bringing down the standard of living. According to you, I live in a "nice neighbrhood"; yet there are definitely a large number of Latinos living in my area (as can be confirmed by looking at the demographics of Lincoln High). Surprisingly, they aren't bringing down the standard of living in my area (at least, in my opinion). You claim they are bringing down the standard in yours. So which is it? Are Latinos solely to blame, and should I only go by your personal experiences, and ignore my own? I am not denying that there are Latinos in your area who are not doing their duty as a tenant in their home. That is unfortunate. You said you're already dealing with the problem by calling the proper authorities. However, if there are two neighborhoods with Latinos living there, and one neighborhood has a fairly decent living standard, and the other does not, why blame the Latinos? There must be another cause for the problem, otherwise my neighborhood would also be in ruins.

Posted by Kim on July 26, 2007 09:02 AM

I know the area very well thank you. Who is spray painting the fence? Why, it's been on the news a lot lately that it is one of the largest contributors of ozone. We (front range) are under scrutiny right now for ozone pollution. Gangs do the graffiti, 80% of gangs are Latino. Decimation of lawns have nothing to do with poverty, rather attitude. How can you say they are in poverty when most homes in a decimated state have exuberant numbers of high end suvs and sport cars parked usually on lawn areas. How can the children of these poor people afford hummers, cadillacs, mustangs of late models? Most gangs sell drugs. How could these poor people pay the coyote's $2000-$5000 just to get here? How come the largest percentage of chrome car accessories and high end stereo equipment is in the poor Latin's cars? How can you justify in any way the right to reduce the standard of living already established? How can you say that it does not matter who pays for your education?

Posted by slopoke on July 26, 2007 07:14 AM

She sounds just like Ward.

Posted by on July 26, 2007 06:57 AM

LATINO,LATINO, LATINO,LATINO!!!!!
SHEESH!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by on July 26, 2007 12:43 AM

Grabber, your comment doesn't even make any sense. Did you even bother to read what I wrote, at all? Or would you prefer to box into a label, and then reply to your idea of what I wrote? How about trying to address something that I actually wrote, to begin with? Just pick one point. If I don't know what I'm talking about, then wouldn't it be really easy to find something wrong with what I wrote? Just one thing, OK? It shouldn't be too hard.

Posted by Kim on July 25, 2007 09:48 PM

Well, it seems that you don't know the area very well at all. Homes without graffiti!? The fence that surrounds my backyard gets sprayed on a regular basis. Three out of five families in my neighborhood speak Spanish as a native language. I will agree that the lawns are fairly well kept. I know it may be difficult for you to understand, but Latinos--as a race and culture-- do not trash their yards and gardens simply because they happen to be Latino. Poverty is a bigger indicator of poor living standards.

Additionally, I do not make money off illegals. I work with the homeless. For the moment, a large majority of them are immigrants (we don't ask for immigration status); however, there is also a significant portion that are legal residents or American citizens. Additionally, I am not working where I work merely for the employment, I work because I would like to improve the lives of some of the most downtrodden and ignored members of society. If people stopped being homeless tomorrow, and all illegal immigrants legalized and fairly treated, I would not be upset or angry.

It's interesting how you think my opinions are derived from my motivation to continue the job that I do, and that is somehow wrong, or invalidates my argument? If you do think that, wouldn't your reasoning for disliking Latino immigrants because they take away your job be just as invalid?

I receive enough in grants and scholarships to cover tuition costs, and have enough for books and school supplies.

While my background may be somewhat pertinent to this discussion, who pays for my education is not. And yes, I suppose we can say that taxpayers are paying for my education. But so what? Does that mean that I can't criticize something that I think is wrong? Or incredibly misinformed?

You're doing two things by bringing up my background and education. Note how I don't feel the need to discuss yours. First, you're setting me up to attack me. Apparently because you think I live in a nice neighborhood, I am not qualified to discuss the impact of illegal immigrants. This is a logical fallacy called an ad hominem. I would argue that I am quite qualified to speak on the issue of illegal immigration, because I see the hardships that Latino immigrants (legal or otherwise) face on a regular basis.
Second, you're creating a diversion. My background should not become the topic of this discussion.

Posted by Kim on July 25, 2007 09:43 PM

Sounds like Kim should go to Mexico and teach them of our culture and how to get over here successfully . That would help them add value within our culture's values and standards. It never ceases to amaze me how much they scramble to come over here because it is so much better, but try in vain to reduce us to a third world standards so they feel comfortable. The whole world is giving effort to get green, and they try hard to turn it into brown decimated earth. Then someone like Kim cries foul.

Posted by grabber on July 25, 2007 09:27 PM

Kim,
I do know the area very well, I worked my first job in the medical building just East of Lincoln High. I drove a RX delivery car through out that neighborhood. I remember the well kept homes and lawns without graffiti. My case in point. I also realize that having illegals here gives you employment, and takes away mine. You did not mention, but am very curious who pays for your education, is it in part paid for by the same people you criticize?

Posted by slopoke on July 25, 2007 07:00 PM

You know, instead of writing some useless comment, such as "sounds like Tina," maybe you should actually do some research. Or try and refute the points I've brought up. Otherwise, you sound like an idiot who would rather go on chanting that Latino immigrants are bad, while ignoring a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

I've provided ample evidence that clearly demonstrates how many of these "common" perceptions are wrong.

Additionally, to the comment about education, are you kidding? Are you seriously implying that there's something in the Latino brain that makes them incapable of learning? That an education is wasted on a Latino immigrant (or even a Latino citizen...did you know that they exist?), simply for the fact that they are Latino?

And what education are you talking about? The one that Travis, and others, would like to deny them? And in some respects, are already denying them? When you consistently treat people terribly, why is it so astonishing that they end up performing terribly?

Posted by Kim on July 25, 2007 06:25 PM

Thank you Travis for a great article.

Posted by slopoke on July 25, 2007 04:00 PM

Sounds just like Tina .

Posted by on July 25, 2007 03:54 PM

It seams the more education we give them the more they hurt themselves.

Posted by pokey on July 25, 2007 03:51 PM

First of all, MS-13 is not Mexican. They're from El Salvador. See, Mexicans aren't really the only problem in the United States (that was sarcasm).

In fact, you can blame the creation of MS-13 on the United States. The US trained the founding members of MS-13 during the civil war in El Salvador. Their purpose was to fight the guerrillas. After the war, the United States left them without any jobs or opportunities. The founding members migrated to the US, and were impressed by the gang culture of the United States, and decided to form their own gang. Hence, I would say that gangs are a whole-heartedly American expression of the poor trying to create a community where they are accepted.

Additionally, you have a gross misunderstanding of social-psychology. Social science literature clearly documents that those who are poor and feeling alienated try to create bonds with others who may have experienced something similar. Why are gangs only prevalent in poor communities? Psychology literature indicates that children who are constantly expected to be underachievers (or violent, or what have you), they tend to fulfill those roles. Another way to reassert yourself in a society that looks down on you is to reassert your power. What is normally a means of power: Violence. (I hope I don't have to try and explain this point to others..I hope we can agree that a way to achieve power over others is through violence...It isn't the best way to achieve power, but it is historically documented)

This isn't rocket science. You may not like that people join gangs, but it's hard to deny that they're a product of poverty and alienation. Isn't it also strange that those who joins gangs are the exact same people that we (as middle-class Americans) have a negative view of? Why is that? Is it honestly because Latinos are more violent, and more dangerous? Isn't it interesting to note that blacks, and Asian immigrants (particularly Cambodians and Vietnamese, depending on the region) are generally found in gangs? How can you blame everything on Latinos?

Moreover, gangs have been a part of American culture before Latinos became prominent members. In the early 20th century, gangs were composed of Italian immigrants, or Irish. Or even just regular American citizens (ever heard of the motorcycle gang, Hell's Angels?). You can't always blame Latino immigrants on all our social ills. In fact, history seems to demonstrate that most of our social ills are brought on by ourselves.

Posted by Kim on July 25, 2007 02:38 PM

Kim,
That's stupid! Perhaps "latinos join gangs" .because they've been mistreated by their American Brethren.?

Ok..you all ..if you feel alienated or mistreated..the solution is ..JOIN A GANG!
No..maybe that's what they like being in the MS-13..they bring their gang from Mexico.
So..don't use American Brethren as an excuse for them being in a gang.!

Posted by on July 25, 2007 12:57 PM

Well, I am currently a student at UCD (undergrad). But I happen to live in a lower-middle class neighborhood in Denver, with a large Hispanic presence (by Lincoln High School/ S. Federal, if you're familiar with that area). Additionally, I work with the immigrant community at a non profit.

Posted by Kim on July 25, 2007 12:40 PM

Kim,
Just curious, do you live in a habitat that resembles a lower, middle, or upper income environment? Not that I mean to pry, but that may be a reason we differ so much. Just curious and thought I could ask. Are you in the work force as blue collar, middle management or executive? I am very curious, as to your base?

Posted by Slopoke on July 25, 2007 07:12 AM

Yes.

Posted by slopoke on July 25, 2007 06:37 AM

Slopoke, although I do not agree with your opinions in the least, I do respect them. I do understand a lot of the anger that many Americans are feeling about the immigration issue. And I'm sure that your situation is not unique. I also feel that there are a lot of common misconceptions, and this particular essay (the one above) does nothing but perpetrate them.

While it may be true that 80% of Latinos [really? ALL Latinos? Or was it only in reference to a certain age demographic?] are in gangs (and I find that statistic circumspect, but I am not sure of the methodology, so I'll let it stand for the moment), it is a bit disingenuous to to point to Latinos as being the cause of gang violence. Correlation does not equal causation. Something that may be interesting to note is that gangs are generally composed of lower income youth. Gangs are a response to poverty and alienation...Geez, why would Latino feel alienated?

Perhaps the reasons that Latinos join gangs is because they've been mistreated by their American brethren? And of course, not all those Latinos are illegal immigrants, right? Isn't it possible that some of them are legal, possibly even second or third generation?

It's easy to blame things on illegal immigrants, but in this case of Latino gang members, it is not an issue of illegal immigrants, because many Latinos are citizens. Do you honestly think that more illegal immigrants = more gang violence?

Posted by Kim on July 24, 2007 11:09 PM

Kim,
I feel qualified to speak from my heart. I am not college educated, but have lived in the same house for 35 years. This gives me great insight into what has changed and what can be compared to as a good base to make judgement. Single father and prior business owner I do know a thing or two about reality. I call it as I see it and have mailed thank you cards to those who have cared and nurtured tangible pieces of America. I have also invoked inspections for those who do not. Any form of amnesty if ever given should base at least in part the type of neighbor they have been, it's only fair. Like a application to renew a licence to drive. Not very many Latino neighbors would fair well. I know Tina would say I am stereotyping, but I say I call it as I repeatedly see it. RMN reported that 80 % of Latinos are involved in gangs, they are the ones who spray paint. I saw two Sheriffs vans full of juveniles doing abatement work today, those I saw were Latino. Again, just calling it as I have seen it.

Posted by slopoke on July 24, 2007 09:46 PM

Posted by slopoke on July 24, 2007 09:43 PM

Real mature. I cite several studies, that prove the opposite of what good ol' Travis wrote, and I get "blah blah blah"? How about providing some real proof that what I just cited is wrong? Using your critical thinking skills doesn't hurt, really. I suppose it's more comfortable to think that Latino immigrants (illegal or otherwise) are bringing the downfall of American society. It would be harder to adjust your thinking to see that maybe all our social ills aren't to blame solely on some immigrants, but perhaps the very nature of our society. Whatever.

And, no. The cost of immigrants is not more than their benefits. The fact is that the United States needs new blood in the labor force. On a whole, American natives are not reproducing fast enough to keep up with the rate of job expansion. This is simply a fact; look up the Congressional Budget Office, and you can find the report. Alan Greenspan also said as much.

You may not like illegal immigrants coming and doing the work, but until we modify our convoluted immigration policy, I would say there's not much choice. Again, we need the workers to fill up low-skill, service jobs.

Another thing worth thinking about, there are several studies (I'll just cite one, Massey 2007) that also demonstrate the relationship of tightening border control vs. rise in illegal immigration. Before hand, migration between the Mexico-US border was cyclical. However, once border protection became stricter, many immigrants decided not to risk crossing the border back, and simply decided to stay.

This is not to say that we should have an open border. I'd prefer that we expand HB-2 visa quotas to the millions, to allow for the necessary labor in seasonal farming, or whatever else is needed. However, strengthening border security will only exacerbate our problems, if we don't account for the fact that workers are coming for a reason.

I could go on to talk about how our economic policy is intrinsically tied to Mexico's, and how our policies have affected immigration, but I don't think anyone wants to hear it. Obviously, you'd much rather go on thinking what you is comfortable. Obviously, the we--as a society--are not blame. It's all those dirty Mexicans.

Posted by Kim on July 24, 2007 08:47 PM

Kim,
BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!!

Posted by on July 24, 2007 06:12 PM

Kim,
Do you think that all the hundreds of lush lawns that have turned into brown earth this past decade have contributed to the present ozone dilemma we are experiencing today? Did you know that ozone is a contribution of dust, heat and carbon dioxide. How many millions will we be fined by the Feds. Tell me again just how much we need this.

Posted by pokey on July 24, 2007 04:22 PM

Never had such arrogance surfaced before, like those that use an alias to make a deal to pay for a home over time just to rip out the copper pipes to sell as scrap. To come and get pregnant. To drive without insurance. To not comply with standard of living codes. Add up the real costs that the above suck up. That is a hell of a lot more than the value that they add. Many of us are not racist in nature or in our heart, but disappointed and angry. Many of us have best friends of the Latino blood and would die for them. Just drive around some of these neighborhoods you will see the good and the bad, each owns their own perception. The damages done to these neighborhoods far exceeds the damages done to the trade center, to make it worse it has not been recognized by some of our leadership. I personally will never trust any one who comes in my back door uninvited even if they just wanted work. How would you feel if you were in line for citizenship and did all the things like learning English, History, Culture etc, so you can add value when you arrive? Illegal is illegal and should not be rewarded.

Posted by slopoke on July 24, 2007 07:49 AM

Wow, when you're part of an anonymous forum, the racism really starts showing, right guys?

One, the sad myth that immigrants are here to take advantage of our social services has been soundly debunked by several studies. The Pew Hispanic Research Center has a study that illustrates that most immigrants migrate for economic reasons; i.e. for higher wages. Leo Chavez wrote a book, Shadowed Lives, about illegal immigrants and their stay in the US, and in that book, most of them claimed to be looking for work, not government services. Portes and Rumbaut also published a book, Immigrant America: A Portrait, that illustrates that many immigrants migrate because of economic opportunities and increased social mobility. But let's not let facts get in the way, right?

Furthermore, this reminiscing over those immigrants that assimilated perfectly into the American mainstream in the latter part of the 20th century is pure romanticizing. Is it that hard to pick up a history book? Just like Latino immigrants of today, the Italian, Irish, Latvian, Finnish, etc. all migrated to ethnic enclaves, and their children generally grew up bilingual. The American government actually didn't trust those guys either, and they (the immigrants) were heavily tracked and harassed by the authorities.

Oh, and by the way, the Latino immigrants *are* assimilating, and learning English. The Portes and Rumbaut book I mentioned earlier documents this very well: they're becoming citizens, they're speaking English, they're becoming more politically active. Unless you think politically active is "unamerican"? Additionally, a study by Massey, et al (2006) called "Linguistic Life Expectancies" also details that by the 3rd generation, most Mexican immigrants (the study referred specifically to the LA area) speak fluent English, and speak almost no Spanish. Who'da thunk it?

And illegal immigrants are not entitled to Social Security benefits. I really want to see a link for this one. However, to say that illegal immigrants have never contributed a dime to SS is another lie. In 2005, the New York Times published an article that claimed that $6-8 billion a year was put into the SS fund, and most of it was from illegal immigrants. But again, why let facts stand in the way of spreading your xenophobic diatribe?

You think we don't need the immigrants? In 2005, the CBO published a report that stated that 40% of the low-skilled labor force was foreign born. And that low-skilled jobs were one of the fastest growing industries in the US. Americans (those who were born on US soil) are not reproducing fast enough to fill these job openings. Fancy that. Who do we expect to fill those jobs? Foreign born workers, or otherwise said, immigrants. The CBO didn't distinguish between illegal and legal, but it doesn't really matter. The point still stands, the United States' economy is dependent on low-skill workers, and thanks to abstinence only education (just kidding!) we're not having enough babies to sustain our service-based economy.

Posted by Kim on July 23, 2007 10:22 PM

Slopoke,
You are so right! The first protest downtown
Denver..they had one of their anchorbabies holding a sign that said..'My daddy built your house"....the adacity!..Our fathers, grandfathers...Americans did all the work,
we didn't need them then we don't need them now!

Glenn,
That's true..No immigrant thats come to America has acted as bad as these here now with all the crime,drama and thievery.

Posted by demand in your own country on July 23, 2007 09:54 PM

Who says they are hard working, compared to what? Our Fathers built this country with bare hands, many with only one or one leg. Remember they saved the world also. They worked hard without air tools and cordless tools. They hauled roofing materials on their shoulders, not by conveyor. Not a skill saw in sight. All along after a hard days work, they mowed and maintained beautiful lawns. The bungalows in Valverde(green valley?) were meticulously maintained. So don't tell me we need them, we need fewer of them!

Posted by slopoke on July 23, 2007 01:24 PM

Here's the solution to killing two birds with one stone: 1. stopping the flood of migration from Mexico, 2. ending the ridiculous Iraq bloodbath that's killing our citizens everyday with no end in sight.
REDEPLOY OUR U.S. TROOPS TO MEXICO.IRAQ HAS BEEN INTERNALLY WARRING FOR EONS AND NO AMOUNT OF U.S. LIVES OR DOLLARS WILL EVER CHANGE IT. Trying to civilize a religious and political stone age society was a bad idea from day one. OVERTHROW AND OVERHAUL THE CORRUPT MEXICAN GOVERNMENT and declare Mexico to be a U.S. colony or annex Mexico into the U.S. Mexico has a wealth of resources needed by the U.S. Aside from a large unskilled labor pool. Mexico has oil and endless agricultural goods. We could then educate the mostly illiterate and impoverished Mexican population to work in home-based industries.There is no shortage of funds in Mexico.The problem lies with a lack of providing basic substinence living to the Mexican masses and access to basic health care and education.(Mexico has mandatory public education to 6th grade but if a student can't afford uniform and book fees, they are unable to attend. So, for the majority of Mexicans its the same as having no public education at all. By the way for the fortunate few that graduate from 12th grade, college is free. So why are they begging for tuition breaks in the U.S.?) Instead they risk their lives to come to the U.S. so their kids can get an education.).Mexico's economy is horribly mismanaged. The money is shared and kept by corrupt politicians, businessmen, investors etc. No Mexican living in the U.S. can deny these facts.They should lead the charge on the overthrow of the Mexican government. Sadly, most Mexicans are blinded by their "loyalty" to Mexico and would rather deal with the intolerable situation on both sides of the border than make a change back home.Most of the 12 million(Mexicans believe this number to underestimated by 50%) illegal Mexicans have so little faith in their government that they did not even vote in the most recent presidential election. Our troops could make a welcome and meaningful change in Mexico and would be welcomed by the impoverished masses rather than dodging suicide bombers and subject to endless hostility with no end-game in sight, as is the current situation in Iraq.On a selfish note, it would be wonderful to get cheap fresh mangos coffee, chocolate and other delicious Mexican produce in our markets. Maybe tropical vacations would become affordable to the average American citizen. The potential benefits of annexing Mexico are mindboggling. No change in U.S. immigration law will stop illegal immigration, only a change in Mexico will make them stop coming here.They want personal safety,a fair system of government, a poverty safety net and our opportunistic lifestyle, plain and simple. Currently,the only way out of Mexican poverty is to leave Mexican soil.Any Mexican that disagrees, should hike back across the border right now.The Mexican government is so impotent it can't even control its crime. Controlling Mexican crime should be our highest priority as they are right next door and the crime is flowing over our border too.Even affluent Mexicans prefer living in the U.S. because of the rampant crime in Mexico.The suggested solution of punishing U.S. employers (our own people) for hiring illegals is a well meaning but a naive approach to the problem. Look at the big picture.If you are truly annoyed by illegal immigration, convince your congressman to redeploy our troops to Mexico as a humanitarian measure for the U.S. and Mexico.

Posted by Enlightenment on July 22, 2007 10:31 AM

Travis,
Seventh> No guest worker program needed..there's already millions here,and that's more than enough. Close the border!

Posted by on July 21, 2007 11:17 PM

Travis, I couldn't have said it better. When will it end? They say that employers will be fined, but it's not happening . To say that illegals have undermined the working class is an understatement. My spouse had to attend trade school for four years to receive master mechanic status in his trade but now they pick illegals up on the corner to do the same job. Things are getting more tense in this country about this illegal immigrant situation. Our leaders better start to listen and act to end this tide of illegals. I wish there were more Tom Tancredos out there. He is the only one with the guts to say it like it is.

Posted by c on July 21, 2007 05:39 PM

It's already been said but good letter. "I'm not fooled" has a point that the defeat of the dreadful amnesty bill was bipartison but it was also a lobsided in that much more republicans were against it than democrats. If everybody who voted for it had an alternative motive for doing so, then you could say that the republicans are more in touch with the citizens than the dems. But I'd vote for a candidate from either party who is interested in not 'giving away' America, so I'll probably be voting republican.

Posted by Matt on July 18, 2007 04:06 PM

Posted by MB on July 18, 2007 04:06 PM

Right, let's not forget how we defeated the AMNESTY BILL ! Both parties want illegals, the MAJORITY of AMERICAN citizens do not.
What to do? Keep on calling, faxing, writing, and e-mailing all of them. Fix the border first and now! Go after employers, more ICE raids and more deportations. We need them all now.
Thank you to all of you that continue the road to defeat the illegal amnesty.

Posted by duke on July 18, 2007 10:29 AM

Great comment, I'll add a little to what you said.
So many supporters illegal immigrants have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. The people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to everyone why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life
and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.

Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to
protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had
brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their
children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along
side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France
and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought
about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting
Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United
States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those
villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the
Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one
flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have
thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who
they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so
much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American.
They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are in 2007 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same
rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different
set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

Posted by Glenn Tefft on July 18, 2007 08:34 AM

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life
and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.

Posted by Glenn Tefft on July 18, 2007 08:34 AM

Criminal illegal Mexicans? Cheap dates. The real expensive criminal illegals, are Hindu-Indians. They steal high salary jobs and illegally displace, qualified AMerican "white-collar" workers. (D-Punjab) Gov. Ritter and Hillary Clinton, are leading the charge for these low-profile illegals, by pimping and exploiting the INS "high-tech" employee visa program. These Indians are taking jobs, that aren't hardly "high-tech". ROtter than He-- Ritter, in violation of both state and federal appropriation laws, contracted and hired Dataman, Inc. (Denver Tech Center), to take over (outsourced) Metro State College's human resources function (hiring and recruiting). Ritter's lackey's, state senators Groff and Fitz-Gerald, were placed under his "mushroom" program. I was astonished when I applied for Metro's VP Information Technology vacancy, I was interviewed by an Indian woman, who could barely speak English. When I "quizzed" her about my federal job preference, derived from serving in 3 deployments to Vietnam, all this "cow" could muster, was a blank stare. I want to thank Groff, Bill Clinton, Hillary, Ritter, and Fitz-Gerald, who have a history of only serving themselves. Fitz for congress, a reward for failure!I'll take (R)Marilyn MANSON any day.

Posted by 40acresandmymuleandvetbennies on July 17, 2007 10:53 PM

Posted by 40acresandmymuleandvetbennies on July 17, 2007 10:52 PM

The quickest way to stem the illegal invasion is to truly make the penalties for hiring illegals meaningful. The year that WalMart was finded $11 million for hiring them, WalMart made $285 BILLION - to put the fine in perspect, imagine only fining a speeder a penny for every mile over the posted speed limit - hardly a deterrent.

I suggest we get together & have a law like Arizona's new "2 strikes law" against employers.

According to the article at http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0705/p01s04-uspo.html
"Its new law effectively sets up a two-strikes penalty. A business employing an illegal immigrant would have its business license suspended temporarily. A second offense would mean a permanent revocation of that license."

While I am willing to give employers who can prove that they attempted to use the national database to verify legality (currently that is voluntary - it needs to be mandatory) - I think this is a great idea. Meaningful fines (say 5% of annual corporate gross for the first offense, 10% for the 2nd - and 10% + jail time for the company heads sounds about right to me) would also be an alternative - and use those fines to finance the wall!

Am I the only one who understands that no jobs for illegals actually means fewer illegals? Go after the illegal employers and the wall may be moot.

Posted by Mary on July 16, 2007 06:08 PM

Excellent letter, Travis. Well laid out and articulated. The illegal alien workers are not friends of the United States. They have undermined the working class which has, in turn, pulled down the entire middle class economically. You can't have a free market system operate when illegal slave labor is utilized as a base component of the economy.

I would just like to expand a little the subject of the Republicans. They didn't stand up for America in their opposition to the Shamnesty bill. They responded to the public outcry against the bill based on their fears of not getting reelected. They know that they have a uphill battle ahead of them to just stay even with their current legislative seats -- to further alienate a large voting block would make in near impossible.

The Republicans are controlled by big business. Big business wants the illegals as both workers to reduce overhead, and as consumers of the cheap imported products that they have outsourced.

Neither the Democratic nor Republican parties have clean hands in dealing with illegal immigration. They both have their own agendas in finding a way to provide amnesty to those already here; and, increase the numbers with new immigrants.

Posted by darfor on July 16, 2007 12:20 PM

Travis,

Great thoughtfulness went into your article. It sounds logical, reasonable and appropriate. Therefore, expect naysayers bent on illegal immigration being legal to pick it apart.

I'm not fooled either and think Republicans will be seeing their support staying at home. I will be since they are sell outs to my safety and citizenship the same as Democrats.

Every day is Code RED when the fence ain't up!

Posted by raoul on July 16, 2007 11:42 AM

Travis, you forgot to mention the Republican's motivation. They support business and business supports the Republican party. There is no incentive for either party to end illegal immigration. The immigration bill died as a result of people voicing their oposition to their elected officials, not because the Republicans were looking out for you or I. Don't be fooled by either party, their not interested in your concerns....only your vote.

Posted by I'm not fooled on July 16, 2007 05:12 AM