Let's get past the name-calling and fix the immigration problem
It's much easier to duck a problem by dealing with side issues instead of going after the problem itself. That's why this nation has such difficulty passing a comprehensive immigration reform solution. We never seem to attack the issue directly.
In this editorial today, The Bee's editorial board points out a recent study that confirms that those born outside the United States do not have higher incarceration rates when they come to this country.
The study by the Public Policy Institute of California is called "Crime, Corrections and California: What Does Immigration Have to Do With It?" concludes that young males born outside the U.S., and who have less than a high school diploma, have low rates of incarceration in California's prisons and jails. Other national studies have said much the same thing.
Yet those who want to limit immigration use the "criminal element" argument to justify not dealing with the immigration issue. We must do better. Let's solve the immigration problem.
The Bee's editorial board believes in these three elements of a reform bill:
-- Strong border security.
-- A fair guest-worker program that provides industries a reliable labor pool.
-- An opportunity for those already here to earn legal residency if they meet strict requirements, including paying fines and learning English.
Comments
I concur that those three elements are important but don't feel that a fence will be effective. They need to construct guard towers throughout the dessert armed with infrared equipment to catch them sneaking through. There also needs to be very strict punishment for the trafficers or transporters bringing them through. Every vehicle has to be checked not just eyeballed as they drive through. People can be hidden in rather small places. If anyone remembers friends getting in the trunk to sneak into the drive in movie. I remember my sisters doing it. I was younger so I was the one to be hidden.
Posted by: Jackie Krage | February 27, 2008 11:00 AM
I would add two things.First-harsh penalties for businesses or individuals that hire illegal aliens-homeowner's maids and gardeners included. A 1099 is supposed to be filed for anyone you pay over $600 in a year.Second- immediately deport any illegal aliens currently incarcerated and any in the future that commit a felony or greater offense.I wouldn't put my faith in a study for either side of the issue.Common sense and enforcing current immigration laws would be a good start.We already have the answers.
Posted by: Brian Murray | February 28, 2008 7:14 AM
We do have the answers but just don't enforce them. When they are released from prison they are given 72 hours to meet with their parole officer and might face deportation. For once I agree with Brian there should be a bus in the lot to transpoort them across the border. I t just amazes ,me that with all the paperwork that has to be filled out more of them are not caught and depoorted when registering kids for school. Several times they have tried to deport families after they have been here 20 years anf=d the kids have gone through all of their school years here without being caught. It is just crazy.
Posted by: Jackie Krage | February 28, 2008 1:23 PM
By giving citizenship to some of the illegal aliens who are already living here, doesn't that encourage more illegal crossing?
Posted by: Jagdu | April 4, 2008 12:35 PM