the sojourner

When my parents came from Mexico to America, they were illegal immigrants. While they were here they got their “papers.” They became legal residents. Then, my father was a dishwasher and 30 years later retired a French Chef. My mom worked odd jobs and raised us. They bought a home. My father became a citizen. Over 95% of my family is still in Mexico.

I was born in America.
I grew up in America.
I became a follower of Jesus in America.
I am anti-illegal immigration.
Even as a member of the largest minority (is that an oxymoron?) in America.
I am anti-illegal immigration without guilt or shame.
Even as a follower.

I have debated or discussed this issue on college campuses, Starbucks and churches. I respect the folks who disagree with me, but they are wrong; their views will harm America and the illegal immigrants they claim to care about.

Illegal immigration is illegal
This is obvious. I believe in the rule of law and in the sovereignty of nations. I believe law-breakers do not deserve special “rights� or amnesty. Illegal immigrants violate the law of this country by their presence. Illegal-immigration is illegal.

We cannot afford to import poverty and export dollars
President Fox cracked the code of managing a poorly managed country: allow the low skill, low educated to escape to America and send back American dollars, dollars which continue to economically prop up your poorly managed country. We cannot afford to import poverty and export dollars.

There’s no such thing as cheap labor
Want me to prove it? Then just Google illegal immigration and look into the financial impact of illegal immigration on Border States…alone (if you live in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest or Northeast, the financial impact of illegal immigration is a few years away). Stats are for California…alone.

Crime and Prisons
Most illegal immigrants do not commit violent crime. Many do. Rape, mutilations, robbery, murder, identity theft (those phony social security numbers belong to someone), operating a motor vehicle without a license and illegal voting in our local, state and federal elections. Approximately 33% of the prison population is illegal immigrants…at a cost of $42,000.00 per illegal per year. Some studies suggest the cost to be around Seven Billion dollars. Who pays for the incarceration? Citizens and legal immigrants.

Education
Estimates of 24—41% of the Los Angeles Unified School District population are here illegally or the children of illegal immigrants, at a cost of approximately $9 THOUSAND per student per year. The LAUSD is a holy mess, overcrowded and under funded. The children of legal immigrants and citizens suffer. Who pays for the education of illegals? Citizens and legal immigrants.

Health Care
Illegal immigrants, who normally use emergency room service for routine medical care, have caused the shut down of many medical facilities. How? They don’t pay for the services they use. Wonder who does? Citizens and legal immigrants.

Security
In the post 9/11 America, can we allow an open border with Mexico? Is this wise?

The Hart-Seller Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965 (pushed through by Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass) was supposed to deal with the problem of illegal entrance. 20 years later President Reagan wrongly granted amnesty to illegal immigrants to solve the problem of illegal entrance. Now 20 years later, we are granting amnesty again and once again, Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass is behind the push to give law-breakers amnesty.

Let’s forget the long running concern of creating an educated, highly skilled work force. The proponents of lax immigration laws apparently believe we need so many high-school dropouts, that we should import them from across the border. By the way, if low skilled workers were the key to economic growth, then Mexico would be an economic force instead of an economic farce.

Honestly, if we can survive $3 a gallon gas, I think we could struggle through $3 heads of lettuce. Oh, that reminds me, when folks say illegal immigrants do jobs Americans and legal immigrants would not do, they lie. Illegal immigrants take jobs that Americans and legal immigrants would not do for the wages that are paid.

I realize many want to help illegal immigrants. Some may even believe it is their spiritual duty. Fine, but don’t expect the US Government to fulfill your moral obligations. The government is not the church nor should it do the acts of charities that are required of the members of the church. The problem I have with followers who want amnesty and social services for illegal immigrants is that they want to feel morally superior about helping illegal immigrants without actually lifting a finger.

What say you?