Change You Can't Deceive In

.
.
It was difficult to come up with title for this article as it will primarily concern itself with a unique opportunity that could allow for meaningful change to many of our Country’s immigration policies. The title really is an acknowledgement of the political environment that exists at present, which may be the “perfect storm” to accomplish a number of reforms that are important to American citizens.

When Scott Brown was elected in Massachusetts earlier this year, many on the left side of the aisle dismissed it as a fluke of no consequence, while those on the right believed it was a glimpse of elections future, potentially ensuring additional seats in Congress. That was before Barbara Murkowski and Mike Castle (most notably) were ousted from their respective runs for re-election. The unprofessional way in which both of these Senators have reacted reveals an immature, unprofessional and visceral reaction to the will of the American people. By dismissing the voice of the American majority on key pieces of legislation that had nothing to do with the clearly stated priorities of the American people, the resulting accumulated anger has become a resonant voice. Throughout history, those that held public office did so because they were concerned about the “greater good” rather than the guaranteed personal gains available through rampant graft, corruption and the exhilarating thrill of power. Most reasonable Americans realize that this is occurring on both sides of the aisle and have collectively decided that it can no longer be tolerated. There is no “Tea Party” caucus, it is a label created by Liberals and propagated by their media “lap dogs” in an effort to create the appearance of a lunatic fringe. In the minds of the faction that enjoy identifying as the “Tea Party,” it is the historical appeal of that event as it relates to similarities in their thinking. What exists is a largely unaffiliated set of individuals, spread across a broad political spectrum, who are certain that excessive spending and government expansion are counter to the concept of our Founders' vision of the American Democratic Experiment, and more importantly, are unsustainable. What has emerged is a strong anti-incumbent fervor. And so it would seem that “Change You Can Believe In” hasn’t worked out the way the disillusioned mass had hoped.

All is not lost, however, as a unique opportunity now exists. The confluence of steep unemployment figures, record numbers of home foreclosures and collapse of small businesses begs a discussion of economics and the factors that affect our economy. In my opinion the time is right to discuss the cost of illegal immigration, its impact on our economy and the immediate need for reform. While the “left” will attempt to derail this discussion with claims of “racism” and “profiling,” such charges are to be dismissed out of hand as baseless. With the exception of Native Americans, we all immigrated to this country, so the issue is one of legality as it relates to the right of access to the American infrastructure. The discussion must center on the economic reasons to address immigration reform and nothing more. The country of origin of those committing the crime is irrelevant, as with any criminal. To suggest otherwise is irrational. At a time in our country when the voting majority wants honest discourse, transparency, full disclosure and firm commitments from those unseating the “seated,” there is no better time for reformation.

It is something to behold that the Federal government would attack the State of Arizona as it attempts to enforce Federal law. This is yet another way in which the Federal government has fueled the intensity of the current mid-term elections. Meanwhile, cities and States that unabashedly provide “sanctuary” to illegal immigrants are flagrantly violating Federal law, openly defying the Supremacy Clause, and allowing the commission of felony crimes without any punitive action from the Federal government.

Sanctuary Cities & States Listing: http://thevoice.name/?p=3926

The incumbent in every race held in a State or municipality that supports the violation of Federal law should be voted out of office. PERIOD.

Immigration Law: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/8/12/II/VIII/1325

Currently there are a number of estimates regarding the size and scope of the immigration problem in the United States. Estimates range from 8M to 20M. One AP story estimates that there are 12 million illegal immigrants in the country at present with approximately 850,000 crossing our borders annually. One can only view this problem as epidemic and again, unsustainable both economically and in terms of infrastructural demands, as it siphons the resources paid for by the tax paying citizenry. No other country tolerates similar violations of their immigration laws, and neither should we.

Illegal Immigrant Estimates: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8G6U2ko8

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates the systemic costs associated with illegal immigration at about $113 billion annually. The article correctly suggests that broad amnesty for current illegal immigrants would result in an increased use of services with a disproportionate increase in tax revenues. It should also be clear that those currently using false identification to access welfare and medical care are depriving the legal residents of our country access to benefits intended for their utilization. As a speculative example, during last year’s “pandemic swine flu” scare, how many legal residents, parents, infants and school age children, were potentially delayed in or deprived from obtaining a vaccination because those who were not legal residents had cued to the front of the line? Again, let’s be clear, this in not about one human being better than or superior to another, it is about the violation of our country’s laws. Most countries have immigration laws that are far stricter than those of the United States. Illegal immigration unfairly burdens education (classroom resources & student/teacher ratios), health care, law enforcement and justice, public assistance, and many other government programs.

FAIR: http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=23198&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1741

Perhaps surprising to some is the fact that those immigrants here legally feel that there is an adequate balance of foreign born nationals in the United States presently. Perhaps not so surprising is the fact that the group that has the highest number of illegal immigrants stands in support of conditional legalization. There is nothing unusual about ethnocentrism, however.

Zogby Poll (Nov. 2009): http://www.examiner.com/immigration-reform-in-national/new-poll-shows-that-minorities-want-tougher-enforcement-against-illegal-aliens

The necessary changes should be implemented incrementally, of course, as this is a complex issue. Some initial first steps would likely include modification of the fourteenth amendment to eliminate the complications that result from the provisions afforded to so called “anchor babies” and the completion of the border fence, which could be funded in part by the savings achieved through the immediate elimination of “sanctuary” states and municipalities, which would in turn stem the flow (and associated costs) of illegal immigrants.

As illegal immigration is stopped in the areas of our country where it is prevalent, crime will begin to drop exponentially. Many Latinos have primarily strong, traditional family values. When their children begin to enjoy the basic requirements as defined in Maslow’s Hierarchy (namely survival and comfort) that come from a reduction in gang related criminal activity, they will be grateful that these actions were taken, as their own communities thrive. Perhaps the “left’s” greatest fear is that they will no longer have the ability to convince immigrant populations that they need “protection” or are “victims” of our society as their families become stable, strong and self-sufficient.

There is no better time to tackle such a difficult issue than the present, when the majority of Americans are not listening for what they want to hear in typical “political game” language, but instead are seeking real solutions to difficult problems. I truly believe this is the time for fiscal conservatives to “lead” our great country on this critical issue. There is rarely an opportunity for the conservative leadership to serve those concerned with excess spending and taxation, while providing a clearly stated reason as to the ways in which those supported by government programs are also being deprived.

In some cases “change” is good, but is important that you get your definition up front. And as of late, we want it in writing.
.