GREAT BEND, Kan. - Arizona has recently come under fire for its immigration bill. I have heard loud arguments from both sides regarding the legal implications of this law. Those arguments aside, we need to look at the big picture. Is this bill by itself going to be effective, or is it just a political ploy to satisfy those upset with illegal immigration? A lot of wording, but nothing more than the government creating more laws and creating a civil rights debate? I am not going to touch that aspect in this article; whether or not the bill is infringing on the rights of American Citizens.
According to Numbers USA and the PEW research center, both of which are bi-partisan studies, 7.7 million American jobs are held by illegal immigrants. The majority of immigrants come into America seeking jobs. Big business lures illegal immigrants in with the promise of a better life; a life where a man and woman can take care of their families, and live a relatively safe existence. The majority of illegal immigrants come to America for employment.
Is it cost effective for American's to go after illegal immigrants one at a time?
Does it destroy the rapport police officers have been working to build with the Hispanic community? Does it create un-needed drama between left and right political spheres?
Wouldn't it be easier to go after corporations that knowingly hire illegal immigrants? Slap tougher fines, and create stricter laws? Current fines are minimal. Wouldn't the afore mentioned options reduce the flow of illegal immigrants? Sure, seems logical. It would cost the government less, and would seem much more effective than going after 11 million individual people.
If illegal immigrants did not have the opportunity for employment in America, which is the basis for the migration, doesn't it seem the flow would lessen?
Maybe the politicians that are raving over this bill do not want to adequately address the problem. Adequately addressing the problem would offend their corporate investors, and strike away a major political issue. Certain political leaders need this issue to solidify their base, and get votes.
Nothing can anger working class people more than hearing that someone is getting something for nothing. Nothing angers the unemployed more than hearing that someone is here illegally and is employed. Politicians know this, which is why they use it to their advantage. I hear politicians discussing those on welfare "stealing" our pay checks, and illegal immigrants "stealing" our jobs. Words can be powerful. Those words can also turn peoples attention away from what is really going on. While we are busy fighting amongst ourselves we miss the big picture. We miss the fantastic deals corporations are getting in America. We miss corporations purchasing our government. We allow government to dehumanize our countrymen. It is time we look past the showy words, and the meaningless talk.
Corporations need to be held accountable. If the government wants to go after an entity for illegal immigration it does not seem cost or time effective to go after each individual person.
A good example of this is drug enforcement in America. Why would police go after each individual drug dealer in America, when you can arrest those that grow it, the heads of the organizations? Police give breaks to small time drug dealers when they can get a bigger bust. Corporations that knowingly hire illegal immigrants would strike me as a much bigger bust for illegal immigration.
Why blame the individuals when corporations in America are welcoming immigrants with open arms, and small paychecks?
Perhaps all of the arguments about this bill between the right and the left are exactly what politicians want. The arguments about this bill dissuade us from the more important things going on in America. Perhaps those that champion this bill need to take a step back and a deeper look. Is there a better way to handle it?
This is very true! Sadly more people do not think this way!
Thank you Christina for an excellant post!
That is an excellent analysis. I've never thought of treating corporations that hire illegal immigrants like drug cartels but it makes perfect sense. Great article.