Some Basic Truths about Illegal Immigration

Immigration is a very hot political topic these days. As on many issues, I believe both sides are wrong. This is especially true as both parties move further away from the center. Today I would like to outline what I believe to be some basic truths about illegal immigration.

We need to control our borders – It is not economically feasible to allow millions of people to enter the country and be provided with social welfare benefits. Some of the people coming across the border are dangerous. We need to do what we can to keep terrorists, gang members and drug rings out of the country.

That doesn’t mean we need a wall – I am not an expert on border security. Neither is Donald Trump. His push to build a wall is purely political. We should listen to the experts. Perhaps a wall is necessary in some locations.

Felons who are here illegally should be deported after serving their sentence – I cannot understand why some politicians want to go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that criminals should be kept here regardless of the law. They are putting their interests ahead of the safety of American citizens.

The vast majority of immigrants are good, decent people. It was despicable that Donald Trump called them rapists and drug dealers. If someone here illegally commits a heinous crime, it will be used to denigrate all illegal aliens. I am a serious birdwatcher and know of two birdwatchers that have killed people. That says nothing about the rest of us. The effort to increase hatred should end.

We need to keep ICE – They have many functions including going after terrorists, drug dealers, smugglers and others.

The current system is not working – It is based on strict quotas. There should be a way for more people able to legally obtain work permits.

There should not be an automatic path to citizenship – Some Democrats want millions of people to quickly become citizens and vote their way. It would cost untold billions in government benefits to do so.

We don’t need to treat them like criminals – Not having the right paperwork does not compare to robbery, assault, rape and murder. I support the Dream Act but it should be legislation, not an executive order. If someone is working hard and not causing trouble, there should be a way for them to get work permits.
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I wish Congress and the President would work together to arrive at a practical solution. Unfortunately, both sides are more interested in throwing raw meat to their base and fighting the opposition than actually accomplishing something.
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