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Bradenton, FL, USA - I see that most major newspapers, from my local no-longer-Bradenton Herald to the New York Times, talk endlessly about "immigration" without using the word "illegal." We are seeing heart-warming stories about individual (illegal) immigrants who are successful in the U.S. and will be torn from the bosoms of their families if immigration laws are tightened ã or even if current ones are enforced. These stories are interspersed with quotes from plantation, factory, and packinghouse owners who say they rely on (illegal) immigrants to
do hard, dirty work. I think there are three truths buried in all of this talk, and that in many ways they contradict each other.
1) Individual Immigrants vs. Mass Immigration
Leaving "the old country" to start a new life in the U.S. is a classic American story. Plucky folks come here to escape oppression or poverty. They learn English (although older folks always speak it with an amusing accent) and become happy, productive citizens whether they're in New York or San Francisco.
The tale of a Mexican peasant who has no opportunity in his home village because his hand-grown corn is being underpriced (after NAFTA) by U.S. agribusiness, and decides to emigrate to the U.S. to find work is fine drama. In the book or movie we'll write about him, he first tries to get legal immigration papers but is denied by hard-hearted U.S. consular officials even though he has learned enough English on his own to deal with things like finding street addresses and asking for a job, and has memorized the entire U.S. Consitution by rote. So, with his baby crying from hunger, he finds his way illegally across the border, lands a job as a dishwasher in Provo, Utah, and brings his family there ã also illegally ã where the crying-with-hunger baby grows up to be a doctor who cures cancer.
When, after 30 years in the U.S., nasty immigration officals try to deport this exemplary family, the whole town rallies around them, along with the faculty of Harvard Medical School and thousands of cured cancer patients. In the closing scene, after the family is personally granted citizenship by the President, whose wife saw the heart-stirring drama on TV news, everybody gathers 'round and sings, "I'm proud to be an American ... "
Meanwhile, back in the real world, we're trying to absorb not just a few outstandingly heartwarming immigrants, but millions whose skills and abilities vary wildly, most of whom don't seem inclined to work on their English skills before coming here. The problem is that while we can laud individual (illegal) immigrants' struggles, it is like saving Manatees; we love them like mad, but we sure don't want a solid wall of the blubbery things on our beaches. Too much of a good thing and all that ...
2) The Legal Immigration System is Broken
There is no rational way for a Mexican peasant to come to the U.S. legally right now. Waits of 10 years and more ... . insane paperwork requirements ... . but no requirements regarding English knowledge or U.S. culture. Crazy from start to finish. We need some sort of merit program that favors immigrants who display their willingness to become part of U.S. society before they come here ã and display it in a practical way by learning at least a little of our language and how our legal system works, and possibly demonstrating some training or experience in a job field we believe is short of workers.
Perhaps prospective immigrants should get help from some of the employers, especially hotel chains and agribusinesses, that claim they are dependent on (illegal) immigrant labor. These employers could and should set up "immigration training" centers in Mexico (and perhaps other countries) for people they would like to bring here as employees.
Unless, of course, the employers who scream so loudly about their need for immigrant labor aren't terrribly interested in legal immigrants who might demand decent pay and benefits, but want to keep their immigrant workers illegal ã or at least only give them temporary "guest worker" status that gives them fewer employment rights than an American citizen or legal immigrant. But that couldn't be, could it? We're talking about legitimate U.S. businesses, most of whom are good Republicans, not a bunch of sleazy, low-life exploiters who routinely screw workers and ship jobs overseas.
(Stop laughing. I'm *trying* to be serious here!)
3) There *Will* be Amnesty
I'm not saying there should be amnesty for illegal immigrants, just predicting that it will happen. And just like the last round of immigration amnesties that started in 1986, I expect that there will plenty of language in whatever immigration bill Congress passes about stronger enforcement and stronger penalties for employers who hire illegals.
Note that the last time our federal government claimed it was going to enforce strong immigration laws ã 1986 ã in return for allowing the then-current crop of illegals to stay, the strong-sounding laws weren't enforced and illegal immigration increased.
What you do about all of this is up to you. I would certainly suggest that not voting for Congressional incumbents (either party) would be a good place to start.
Me? I'm thinking about moving to Mexico. My neighborhood seems to have nearly 50% illegal immigrants already, with more moving in every month. If I'm going to live in a Mexican village, why shouldn't I do it in Mexico, where both the cost of living and taxes are much lower than in Florida? I'm a writer and my job is portable, so this isn't just loose talk. If I really want to move to Mexico, I can.
And just think: in Mexico, according to all the illegal immigrant apologists, I can hire all the Mexican workers I like, quite legally, for as little as $5 per day.
Hmm ...
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