Illegal Immigration Turning Ugly

Cal Thomas has a roundup of items from all over the country that show how confused the issue of illegal immigration is. In one Federal court, a planned crackdown on the hiring of illegals by the Bush administration is blocked. In a different court, tough state laws against illegals are allowed to go into effect. In still another local rules are passed unanimously. On and on, a confused and confusing mish-mosh of rules upheld, struck down, passed or rejected. All because the Federal government will not enforce laws that are already on the books. American citizens are becoming angry - and Thomas points to at least part of the reason why:

Much of the anger is caused by the federal government's refusal to adequately enforce existing immigration laws. Most citizens know that if they break laws, they will pay a penalty. They know their driver's license is a privilege and that the state that issues them can take them away when certain laws are broken. They see New York Governor Eliot Spitzer ordering special classes of driver's licenses for illegal immigrants and regard it as a double standard. Countries to which Americans travel prohibit us from working in those countries, but we are told we must accept law-breaking foreign workers.

Illegal immigration is one of several contributing factors to the growing anger of many citizens who are told by courts, editorial writers, some columnists, activists and other rabble that whatever they believe in, fight for, pay for and worship must always take second place to what others believe, especially if it opposes their beliefs. The law-abiding, "traditional value" crowd is never asked for their opinion on anything. Those with traditional values are having what they regard as illegalities and immoralities imposed upon them with all of the gusto they are so often accused of wishing to impose on others. They see the country being transformed without their permission and they are rightly disturbed about it.

The rhetoric is growing increasingly harsh. But a huge majority of citizens and immigrants who played by the rules to get here are rightfully furious that schemes to provide driver's licenses for lawbreakers are endorsed by Democrats. They are enraged enough to light up Senate switchboards whenever a sneaky attempt at amnesty is pending before that body - yet again. There is an unholy alliance of open border advocates, unions and short-sighted agricultural interests that are busy right now trying to pass an "AgJobs" bill that will essentially tie illegal immigrants to the agricultural sector for a number of years, creating nothing more than a class of disposable serfs; tied not to the land but to the businesses that occupy the land.

If a citizen or a legal immigrant to this country dares to object, they are instantly called racist. That is the chosen smear tactic that is rolled out at the drop of a hat. But demanding that illegal immigrants follow laws - as citizens are required to do - is not racist. Those advocating serfdom might want to examine their real motives, however. 

A secure border with a liberalized immigration policy is possible. Enforcement of laws that make it unprofitable for businesses to hire illegal workers will increase opportunity and wages for Americans on the lowest economic rungs. All it takes is political will.