Friday, August 10, 2007

Immigration

I know this is a divisive issue. Please remember that Americans are not against immigration. We’re all descended from immigrants. What we are against is the flouting of the rule of law.

We are a nation of laws and all persons are to be treated the same before the law. I realize this doesn’t happen 100% of the time but it is the ideal for which we should strive. Giving 12 million law-breakers a pass would set a horrible precedent.

Immigrants are welcome. Enforce our present immigration laws. Enforce our borders.

No, I am not advocating mass deportations of the illegal aliens already here, however, if you enforce the laws currently on the books and make it impossible for them to get jobs, they will self-deport. Make it unattractive to come here illegally.

Too many municipalities have declared that they will not enforce federal immigration laws. Who gave them permission to pick and chose which laws to follow and which laws to ignore? The whole premise is ridiculous! Suppose they just decided to ignore, oh, say, the first amendment. The mayor and city council doesn’t like what is being printed about them in the local paper so they shut it down. Same for the local TV stations. Think Chaves of Venezuela here. Think that would get some people excited? You bet it would! Why do these cities get a pass for ignoring immigration laws?

Congress has the authority to insist that the laws be followed. Any city that refuses loses all federal money. Simple as that. And not just disaster aide, although that is a good start. All federal money: education, Medicare, welfare, food stamps, Section 8 housing assistance, etc. You get the idea. Think they’d still ignore the laws? I’m guessing not.

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