Blogcabin California

Whether one may be a Republican or a Democrat, it often becomes very important for all of us to try to set aside political party differences in order to work together in finding solutions to pertinent issues that may adversely affect our well-being. One very perplexing issue has been brought to the forefront in recent weeks by demonstrations against our nation’s plans to do something about the influx of illegal immigration. Don’t forget that the key word here is “illegal.” It is not “racist” nor is it “prejudiced” to discuss matters of legal vs. illegal immigration in a civilized manner. It has nothing to do with the people who come into this country by applying for work permits and visas, nor with those who are seeking to immigrate into this country in order to become citizens.

There’s no doubt that the people who come here from Mexico to work are very hard-working people and they do take on jobs that most United States Citizens apparently do not seem to want to take. However, it makes one wonder why such jobs would not be offered to our growing number of homeless people in order to assist them to regain a degree of dignity, productivity and some hope for security. This would certainly keep revenues within our country! But I suppose some people think that the homeless are just United States Citizens who have fallen on hard times! (I hope you realize that I am being a bit facetious with this last statement). I personally feel that it’s a disgrace that certain factions in this country prefer to take care of everyone else before taking care of our own!

Those who come here under legal permits are certainly entitled to a decent wage that would allow them to save enough money for themselves. But if they do not wish to become United States Citizens, I do not believe they should continue to withhold that job from a qualified U.S. Citizen, nor should they be entitled to our Social Security benefits if they do not remain in this country during retirement. Furthermore, I personally feel that those who come into this country illegally should have no claims upon our Social Security benefits or any long term Social Service benefit for that matter. Assistance should of course be given for emergency medical or nutritional care, which should not be denied to anyone who happens to be in this country if an emergency situation arises. There is a difference between giving genuinely needed assistance in case of emergency and giving in to calculated system abuse, the latter of which occurs quite frequently. For example, some people do take advantage of our system by coming here for the sole purpose of giving birth to their children in the United States, which would make those children automatic citizens, thereby entitling the entire family to Social Service benefits!

I don’t know how you feel about it, but I was under the impression that the Social Security system was created as a safety net for United States Citizens upon retirement from the work force. I was also under the impression that our Social Services system was designed as a temporary assistance program for United States Citizens who are in dire need of that assistance until they can get on their feet again and help themselves. It’s bad enough that our Social Services have been severely abused, but that is another issue altogether, although it is highly relevant to the ways in which our economy is being adversely affected. For many years now there have been situations that are extremely upsetting to United States Citizens but people have not spoken up about them.

It’s bad enough that our jobs are being outsourced to other countries on an ever-increasing basis while United States Citizens are going without. It’s bad enough that many people from foreign countries who have no intention of becoming citizens come into our country on legal permits and take jobs for which United States Citizens are qualified, while once again, those qualified United States Citizens go without. Again, it’s nothing personal against people who come here to work on legal permits, but I ask you: is it fair that most United States Citizens cannot take jobs in other countries unless it is a job that cannot be filled by one of that country’s own citizens; yet, the citizens of those countries can come here and take jobs that could be filled by qualified United States Citizens? Why do we not have laws like they do to protect job opportunities for our own people?

It’s also bad enough that millions of dollars (at least in California) are siphoned to Mexico by both legal and illegal workers while the State of California continues to bear a huge budget deficit. And now Mexico wants our Social Security benefits, too? Enough is enough! These actions constitute an economic vampirism and should these issues not be adequately dealt with, it will not only continue to drain our economy, but will also serve to weaken border security in these difficult and perilous times and it will not make things better by sanctioning the entrance of illegal aliens into the country.

If we do not remain strong about fixing the problem of illegal immigration, it is also a slap in the face to Mexican-Americans who came into this country in the legal way; as well as to those who have become United States Citizens and who have worked hard to support themselves and their families with the hope of achieving a better life than they were able to find in Mexico. Many Mexican-Americans who came here legally had hoped to earn a comfortable retirement for themselves within the United States, their country of choice. It is also a direct insult to every naturalized citizen from any nation who immigrated here in the proper and legal ways if we were to allow concessions for those who are entering the country illegally.

In addition, President Fox of Mexico needs to hear an even stronger message from us and that involves the fact that he, himself; and whoever replaces him in July, must take more responsibility in their office and do more for their own people. It is a message that can only be delivered by adopting stricter immigration laws. President Fox has publicly stated that he expects the United States to create businesses and jobs in Mexico and within the United States for the people of his country. With all the money that has been siphoned down to Mexico, by both legal and illegal workers, perhaps we should concern ourselves with some very direct questions that need to be asked of him: What has happened to that money and why are the majority of Mexicans still living in poverty? Why is the Mexican government not taking a more active role in building up its own economy? What has President Fox done to help Mexico develop its own resources from his own country’s treasury? What is he doing to create jobs for the people of Mexico so that they would not have to consider illegal ways to cross the borders for work? I think that the Mexican people deserve more consideration from their own government! Mexico has its own Social Security system and now President Fox wants ours? Why? If President Fox thinks that it is none of our business to ask such questions, then he should most definitely think again! Is he calling the shots about what United States Citizens are to do with their money? I would hope not! It is our money he wants and we have every right to know just what he intends to do with it and why he wants it in the first place! Again, I say enough is enough!

President Bush and some members of our Congress need to be apprised of your opinions in regard to the ways in which you may feel that our Immigration laws and our Social Security system is being reviewed, especially in light of the fact that our Social Security is in trouble. Personally, I do not feel that President Bush’s theory of the “privatization” of Social Security is the answer, especially with the way the stock market fluctuates. We need to do more to strengthen the economy of our own nation by assuring that all United States Citizens have the opportunities that are so freely being given out to others. In this way, our economy will grow stronger, our citizens will become more secure and creatively productive, while our internal revenues will grow and strengthen. Making concessions to those immigrants who do not want to play by the rules is no better than re-arranging the deck chairs of the Titanic… it does nothing to keep our securities afloat.

You may read more about these and other issues on the website of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). This website also contains comprehensive information about the costs of illegal immigration in various Border States such as Arizona, California and Texas. It will also advise you about ways in which you may express your opinions to Congress, as it contains links that enable you to send your messages directly to your Congressional representatives in all Houses. It is an excellent website that addresses all aspects and concerns of legal and illegal immigration.