April 29, 2010
Border Patrol
I say nothing about the current hoo-haw about Arizona taking illegal immigration enforcement into its own hands, because frankly I don't know enough of the details of the legislation to offer any reasonably intelligent comment.
I am, however, delighted by the tizzy into which so many people seem to have been thrown by the Grand Canyon State's recent resolution on the matter. Something that has this many panties in a wad across the political spectrum must be good!
As I think I've said here before, illegal immigration is a dodgy matter. On the one hand, I understand that the United States cannot simply yell "Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free!" to everyone seeking to gain entry. On the other, I am perfectly convinced that if I were a Mexican peasant looking to provide some kind of life for my family, I'd be out there swimming the damned Rio Grande, too. Immigration itself is not bad. The issue is management of such immigration.
I suppose that in the end, I take the position articulated by someone or other recently of supporting high walls but wide gates.
Posted by Robert at April 29, 2010 10:33 PM | TrackBackActually, that's the phrase I've used to describe my position for years now.
Posted by: B.B. at April 29, 2010 11:22 PMI can't blame someone who's looking to make an honest living to support his family. (drug dealers, et al., specifically excluded.) But there are those on the Left who want to turn the issue into a means for Mexico to claim back the Southwest. They are harming the legitimate issue of those simply seeking a better life.
But what I want is for people to come in through the front door, not sneak in through a side window.
Perhaps a guest worker program is what is needed.
Posted by: rbj at April 30, 2010 09:57 AMMaximum LEader has the best take on all of this, and it's my first point whenever the issue comes up:
It's completely useless to talk about any sort of policy regarding whom we allow in legally, and for how long (Amnesty, Guest Workers, relaxed standards for allowing in immigrants) until we get a handle on making sure that for the most part, only those we DO allow actually GET in. until border enforcement becomes a priority of the Federal Government, instead of an embarassed afterthought, all discussions of actual immigration policy is moot.
Posted by: B.B. at April 30, 2010 11:05 AMIs the Rio Grande really deep enough to swim? In New Mexico, it looks more like something to wade across.
Posted by: Nigel Ray at April 30, 2010 12:34 PM
Image courtesy of the lovely and talented 