The number of illegal immigrants coming to America has gone down, according to statistics. The way experts determine this is by the number of arrests made of illegals crossing the border. These experts determined that since arrests are going down, so is the problem. Many attribute this to the fact that our economy is horrible and there are less jobs for illegals. Now that we have invested in this massive bailout and this massive campaign to end self-determination in the Middle East, we are in a funk.
For the longest time, conservatives spoke of the need for a border fence. They said a wall would stop illegals from coming. They advocated a huge wall that experts said was silly. Experts mentioned the fact that if you build an 11-foot wall, illegals will find a 12-foot ladder. We have seen tunnels that go under the border all across the U.S.-Mexico line. Experts say the wisest investment is to hire more Border Patrol guards. The conservatives are still pushing for the wall.
Liberals have said for years that to stem undocumented workers from coming here, we need to hold businesses accountable to the laws on the books. It appears now that when jobs go away, so do illegals.
Now the dilemma is that the odds of Republicans ever burdening businesses by making them following hiring laws are low. By forcing businesses to hire citizens and documented workers only, profits will shrink. So how do you try to solve the problem of undocumented workers while protecting business interests?
Throw money at it. Take tax dollars and waste them. Ignore experts who say things that are not in line with the party platform, and call them evil bureaucrats. This strategy worked with the Iraq Study Group. It worked with experts who predicted the collapse of our economy. Assure the populace that all is well while Rome burns.
"The fundamentals of the economy are strong" – then the largest collapse in ages.
"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed"- then everything that has happened in Iraq since current freshmen were in junior high.
It does not matter to these politicians what is true and false, what is right and wrong, what is moral and secular. It never will. Throw money at it – make people feel better.
This fence will continue to be built. Undocumented workers will continue to decline during our crisis. As our economy swings back, undocumented workers will increase. People feel appeased by the fact money is spent, but the problem will remain. Politicians will continue talking about reform. Businesses will still be able to hire illegals and risk no punishment, despite the law.
Is the essence of conservatism found in fiscal responsibility, morals and values and a strong nation, or is the essence of conservatism to ignore reality and experts and throw money at it?
Khan, a political science and history junior, can be reached via [email protected]
