Conservative Voice: Illegal immigration: Some crimes actually do pay

Is there any crime that is rewarded more richly by the United States, than illegal immigration? Is there any crime more easily and thoughtlessly excused and forgiven?

Illegal immigration is a crime. That is why they call it “illegal” immigration. Under Title 8, Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. Some Americans still think that this is a victimless crime; that illegal immigrants are simply trying to provide a better life for their families. Does this justify committing a felony? American would not accept this defense from drug dealer, bank robber, embezzlers or big oil companies. Will Americans continue to sympathize at their own peril? Using the words of the Nineteenth Century American poet Emma Lazarus’ “The New Colossus,” a plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty proclaims:Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.What’s so bad about the flood of illegal immigrants crossing our borders? Is America not a sanctuary for the “huddled masses”? The population of the United States is currently about 279 million. With 1.1 million legal and illegal immigrants crossing our borders every year, the Census Bureau estimates by the year 2050 the population of the United States will reach 420 million. How will the landscape of America change with the influx of 140 million people? Illegal immigration creates an incredible economic drain on states like California and New Mexico. Medical costs, incarceration, and education costs for these people are enormous. It is said that many of these felons apply for and receive Individual Tax Numbers and pay their federal taxes like good law abiding Americans, perhaps this is why the federal government is seemingly content in doing nothing. The majority of these illegal immigrants do not speak English. They do not embrace American culture. They are simply here to make money to send back to their families in Mexico. The cities and states they live in do not benefit from their presence, since they are sending their money back home and do not waste money on entertainment, restaurants or other unnecessary expenditures.The border patrol is ineffective. They are under-manned and ill-equipped to handle the flood of illegals crossing the borders. After the events of September 11th, it is unthinkable that this unregulated invasion would be tolerated. America is headed down a dangerous road; the same road that France has been traveling down for years. While their country burned last year, the only thing their sniveling president could do was make excuses for the criminals that were running amuck across his country. The French president said that suburban residents were deprived of some basic social rights and that the kind of people involved in the riots had “undeniably been entangled in a series of social problems.” The most significant “social problem” was the fact that many of those vandals had illegally immigrated to France, eagerly and greedily enrolled in French social programs, while refusing to embrace the French culture, and are now expected to behave like ordinary legal citizens. France has generous pensions, unemployment benefits, and rigid hiring and firing laws, government enforced 35-hour work weeks, two-hour lunch breaks, and nearly half of the GDP devoted to welfare programs. While embracing the French culture is not a pleasant though, certain sacrifices must be made if you are living within another country’s borders.

The United States is becoming equally liberal toward illegal immigrants. Instead of deportation, they are rewarded with welfare programs, scholarships, and medical care. The borders must be enforced. What is a country without borders? There is nothing wrong with immigration when it is done legally. The great lady in the harbor proclaims, “I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” When someone invites you into their home, you walk through the door; you don’t sneak in the window.(Monsters and Critics' columns are written by outside contributors. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Monsters and Critics. In the interests of creating an open forum, we invite you to volunteer a regular column of your own. To apply contact the "submissions" department via this form. Please include an outline and sample.)

And Also

Look Back at the Worst Celebrity Breakups

Look Back at the Worst Celebrity Breakups - PopEater
Aussie censors block violent Aliens vs. Predator - The Tech Herald
Tom Hanks Stands Up For A Classic, Torpedoes Spielberg's Harvey Remake - Cinema Blend
'Scrubs' Star Judy Reyes Has Baby Girl - PopEater
A&E series 'Hoarders' and 'Intervention' premiere Monday, Nov. 30th, preview

Your Talkback on this Story

Latest Headlines in News

Older Talkback

page: 1

R.M.Feb 23rd, 2006 - 21:30:59

Nice article that hits many of the major points. Most conservatives are not against immigration....just illegal immigration. As a resident of CA, we have seen the harm that the millions of illegals cause in so many areas from closing hospitals to over crowded roads, schools and jails.

When can WE build that wall?

Report this comment

JakeApr 18th, 2006 - 21:27:20

Yeah, we know there's a problem - so what's your solution? The McCain bill makes sense because it requires illegal immigrants to pay a fine and learn English before being allowed on a path to citizenship. Some have falsely accused this proposal as 'amnesty,' but the payment of the fine obviously fulfills their obligation regarding the law. It's time for a common sense idea to take hold - deporting 11 million is an impossible and moronic idea.

Report this comment

joseApr 29th, 2006 - 22:56:14

what a racist article. if you dont like mexicanos then just sat it but america was built from immigrants and mexico is having its turn now migrating here.

Report this comment

The MinutemanMay 3rd, 2006 - 07:00:38

This is the people's country. Going through the proper channels and respecting our laws is imperative. We welcome all good folks to these shores.

But let me ask one thing. What if everyone from the USA or any other country decided they wanted to live in your country and do it now? Consider the consequences of such a migration. That is why countries have immigration quotas and security issues.

Let no one be denied the privilege and opportunity to pursue their dreams. Let all who wish to do us no harm be commended, but do not threaten or abuse our kindnesses. And most of all, let freedom ring...

Report this comment

AndyMay 13th, 2006 - 21:15:07

If suddenly we allowed in five times as many immigrants 'legally', would you be opposed to that? Or are you just against their existance and hiding behind the word 'illegal'?

Report this comment

All AmericanJun 20th, 2006 - 17:55:58

If cocaine were legalized would that make it right? Child pornography? Is that too harsh? Okay let's look at it this way: People should be allowed to immigrate to the United States. However if they passed a law tomorrow that legalized any and all immigration from Mexico would you agree that this would be wrong. Even 'five times' as many would not be right. At least right now the majority of the Mexicans crossing the border are in semi good health (they did just elude border patrol and walk for miles through the desert, right?!). If the borders were opened wide for everybody then every Tom, Dick, and Juan who wished hobble, crawl, walk, or ride across the border. If the border states think the cost of caring for the illegals here now is unbearable try to imagine the cost if five times as many were legally allowed to enter. What is the right number? But I do know that most people aren't objecting the word 'illegal' they are objecting to the blatant disregard for everything that America stands for. They are objecting to the flagrant abuse of American generosity.

Report this comment

anti matterJul 21st, 2008 - 22:00:47

why dont we just create a large man made island and put immergants there?

Report this comment

page: 1

News

News Columns

Conservative Voice: Illegal immigration: Some crimes actually do pay

And Also

Your Talkback on this Story

Latest Headlines in News

Older Talkback

From Sites we Like

Sites We Like

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print