Reply #27: This is a Divide and Conquer Issue

[SeattleRob]

My ancestry were immagrants (wales 19th Century) as were most Americans - except Native Americans. I support immigrant rights to get citizenship.

I believe this is an issue that is here to divide us. I would argue that most Americans have a hell of a lot more in common with immigrants than we do with the ruling elites who help drive down wages.

If we wanted to "solve" the problems of illegal immigration, it would be simple. Come down with heavy fines and punishment for people who hire illegals.

On this thread, I have seen the argument that illegal immigrants drive down our wages and put a strain on our social programs. I think it is more useful and contrsuctive to ask, why are conditions in these other countries so bad that people want to leave? In Haiti, for example, the US Government has a long history of propping up dictators and training paramilitaries. In other countries, corrupt governments rob the people blind, while enriching themselves.