I'm surprised the "conservatives" haven't solved the immigration problem

[BOSSHOG]

They could either stop hiring illegal aliens to do their work or they could do the work themselves thereby giving Mexicans zero incentive to cross the border. What am I missing here? I fail to understand their rantings and their ravings? Could it possibly be that their "outrage" is being orchestrated by the republican party to stir up an election issue? Who would think such a thing?

T-Shirt spotted in the French Quarter last weekend:

FEMA - Find Every Mexican Available Is that the "conservative" solution while talking out of one side of their face?

[phantom power]

1. Funny, I had the same observation last night.

If the nation is serious about ending illegal immigration, by far the most effective way to do it is to strictly enforce a "no undocumented employee" law.

But here is why the GOP isn't supporting such a law: the "plutocrat" wing of the party loves cheap labor too damned much. An undocumented worker is the plutocrat's dream. They'd love to be able to treat all of us like that: no minimum wage, no benefits.

The current wedge between the "poor working-class xenophobe" wing of the GOP and the Landed Gentry wing is a sight to behold. And there is no dodging this one, either. I love it.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Ya mean they're hypocrites?

Waving the flag on one hand while keeping illegals employed? Getting all irate when someone suggests Americans won't do those jobs and they don't do those jobs? Wow! I just can't figure that "conservative" mind out. Good for me.

[hanginthere]

3. That's the point.

As it is, they get to play both sides of the fence.

Big Business gets a compliant non-regulated work-force, and the politicos get stir up racial tensions.


Both are happy as long the problem is not solved.
This is not a problem the rightwing wants fixed, believe me.

[BOSSHOG]

4. The same applies to gay marriage

If it was outlawed per constitutional amendment what would then be the source of their outrage relative to homosexuals.

[phantom power]

5. Except that the working-class wing of the GOP isn't fooling around.

They really want a solution to this problem. From a workers-rights perspective, I happen to agree with them completely on this issue.

This is just one more of dozens of issue the Dems could cream the GOP with, if they ever became interested in winning (and governing) again. Here's how I would play it: Draft a bill that requires all employers to employ only documented employees. Citizens or non-citizens with valid working visas. Give this bill teeth. Major fines, and/or jail time for violators. Allow every illegal immigrant the chance to apply for a visa. No idiotic unenforceable "five-year minimum." Just allow them to apply.

Now, illegals have a rational choice. They can apply for a visa, no questions asked, and seek better employment, with proper benefits given to every documented worker in the US, or they can leave, or they can continue to live in secret, but without employment.

Employers who are currently making money off of cheap illegal labor will hate it. Too bad. The rest of us will feel it too, in increased prices for certain good and services. Too bad.

That is the solution to illegal immigration. The Dems can own it, if they dare to win. Make the GOP vote it down, if they dare to lose.

Or, if we as a country decide that we like the current hypocritical system where we try to have our cake and eat it to, then so be it. But then we can all shut the hell up about the horrors of illegal immigrants.

[hanginthere]

7. Sure seems like a no brainer

Losers: Big Businesses who are willing to cheat the government, not pay fair wages and abuse workers.

Winners: Working Class.

Seems like a Democratic issue to me.
But I think all the politicos, left and right alike are afraid of the getting their hands dirty with the problem.

[eugene5debs]

6. The "Cons" have made it worse

Now we have wages driven down, prices driven up, and Mexican flags being burned.

http://www.staggeron.org/homeland.html#Mexican_flags_burning