I have always thought that employers who hire undocumented workers are the root problem...turn off the jobs magnet, and do it in a way that employers are held accountable, and jailed for hiring those not entitled to hold a job in America.
That then begs the question...which comes first, something like E-Verify with some serious teeth, or trying to provide relief to some 11 Million undocumented immigrants. As an American struggling to keep my own head above water, I want to see the jobs magnet turned off first, then comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. It's hard to ask people who are suffering themselves to set their own issues aside so that the nation can help others from a different country who are suffering as well. Seems a bit unfair from my perspective...all this talk about generosity of heart, all this talk of helping others who come here for a better life, but what about those who are here, were born here who don't have that better life, most times not of their own making.
As the old expression says, "Charity starts at home." We have a lot of Americans who are struggling to stay afloat, either can't find a job, or are working at a job that pays starvation wages...I side with giving them a helping hand up the ladder, then once their stabilized, once we have taken care of our own, reach out a helping hand to others around the world as we are able. You might disagree with that, but tell me...if you are out of work, if you can't pay your bills, how are you going to be able to help someone else up the ladder if doing so is going to keep you treading water at the bottom of the well?
Being accused in this whole thread of espousing Right Wing views...think it is short sighted and unfair to assume that all Democrats, all progressives march in lockstep on every issue. Our views on some subjects are directly shaped by our own experiences good or bad. I happen to be one of those who has paid a cost from unchecked illegal immigration into our country, and though I am sympathetic to those wanting a better life, have issues if their better life means me giving up mine. I am suggesting there is an answer, a pathway forward to comprehensive immigration, but that compromise can only occur when all parties have a voice at the table...even when some disagree with that voice.
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