Immigration: Cities, Towns, States

Create a levy tax that would tax the industries that typically hire illegals

Sent by Michael | 2:26 PM | 7-16-2007

The current caller was saying this is an "anti-immegration" program, but it is not... it is anti-ILLEGAL immegration. These people break the law. We do not have problems with those here legally.

Sent by Jim Molyneaux | 2:26 PM | 7-16-2007

In discussing this sensative topic, people should be aware that what we are discussing is NOT "anit-immigration legislation", it IS "anti-ILLEGAL immigration legislation". A subtle but important difference!

Mark
Chicago

Sent by Mark Sonksen | 2:28 PM | 7-16-2007

Those that are here with out legal status should not have a problem with this what is being done. They should go get what is need to stay here. I would like to see them become legal. I feel that it is wrong for any one that has never worked a day in the us to collect social security or any other goverment funds. We can not even take care of our own people that are here.

Sent by Annette | 2:32 PM | 7-16-2007

It is time to stop blaming the immigration problem on the illegal immigrants. These people are just doing the same thing any of us would do: look for a better job somewhere else. The main responsible here is the federal government that for decades has allowed these "cheap labor" come to our country, now it is gone out of their hands and the victims here are a fast growing minority group that is suffering discrimination and humiliation because of the lack of responsibility of this money driven system of government.

Sent by Paz Stutzman | 2:33 PM | 7-16-2007

Undocumented immigrant? What is that? Someone comes into the country with a visa to go to school. This person is 'documented', but not authorized to work.

Taking the issue to the employer is the right place to start. There is a good chance that an individual in his/her mid 20s or 30s that can not speak a word of english is [probably] not a citizen of the USA and is [probably] illegal.

The intent of the illegals would appear to be to get into the country and then hide away for a long period of time...thereby gaining a lot of sympathy for the children etc., to try and allow them to stay in the country.

To the one caller that spoke about his green card and having to carry it around; I thought, by law, he was required to carry his green card.

To those states that are attempting to get a handle on the illegal immigrant situation - very good.

Sent by shaun luckett | 2:34 PM | 7-16-2007

In Iowa we have to register every newly hired employee the DHS for child support. Why could this not be linked to status of your workers? They have all the infomation needed to check the status and that way the employer would not have addional work.

Sent by Linda - Ames Iowa | 2:36 PM | 7-16-2007

Everyone has to show identification to do anything. I have to show my drivers license to a police officer, why can't a legal foreign citizen therefor show some kind of identification? How is it singling these people out by forcing them to show identification?

Sent by Isaac | 2:36 PM | 7-16-2007

Has there be a study to determine how many of the soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are either the product of illegal immigrants or are illegal immigrants themselves?

Sent by Tammy Pearce (pierce) | 2:36 PM | 7-16-2007

So we ignore the immigration laws this week. Which ones do we start ignoring next week? Theft? Taxes? Murder? I think not!!

Sent by Common Sense | 2:36 PM | 7-16-2007

These new laws will back fire on the American economy. It will create a new racial separation of our society. Also there will be such a wide spread abuse and discrimation that this country will collapse on itself. This country is taking steps backword verses moving forward. I'm nolonger proud to say that I'm an American when I travel abroad.

Sent by damein | 2:37 PM | 7-16-2007

Finally we have a democracy where our politicians actually listen to the people as oppose to a minority of socialist forces that do not have the best interest of the majority of Americans in hand.

Sent by Stacy Thompson | 2:45 PM | 7-16-2007

I am sick in the pit of my stomach thinking about children turned away from schools and libraries because of their immigration status. I can't imagine how these things would be enacted in a way that didn't cause more problems than they solved--not only with illegal immigrants, but LEGAL immigrants.

I can see how checking documents on every person of color would make legal immigrants and U.S.-born minorities feel segregated from the rest of society. The kind of people I hear talking about tax dollars being spent on "freeloading" illegal immigrants are the same people who are offended when they hear people speaking in other languages or are upset by ethnic neighborhoods and people who don't even try to be a part of our melting pot. Who wants to be a part of average American society when you're continually being reminded of how you are not a real part of it?

Sent by Catherine White | 2:50 PM | 7-16-2007

interestingly enough, no one seems to mention that if we enacted the fair tax plan, which would help current citizens/taxpayers by doing away with the multitude of taxes paid now in favor of a more simplistic consumer tax, illegal immigrants would then become taxpayers and in doing so would contribute money towards the community services that they recieve (the 'free ride' argument)

Sent by Kelly | 2:54 PM | 7-16-2007

This is a fair solution. Those who have no respect for American laws and have broken them deserve to be called on it. Enforcement is the only solution.

Sent by Graham | 2:59 PM | 7-16-2007

Hi, I was listening to a short portion of the program while in my car during lunch. I found the topic interesting but I did not care for the tilt the program seemed to take on the issue.

It seemed to me the program was more about how "wrong" it was to legislate against the immigrants.

But I think you've overlooked the fact that there are businesses out there that are taking advantage of illegal labor every day without facing much of the consequence.

These businesses are free to pay their workers extremely low wages, no health care, and treat their employees extremely poorly.

When I was a child in Texas, my mother worked in a sewing factory and whenever the employees rallied for more wages or benefits the threat of replacing them with cheap labor from across the border was used to quash their morale.

When you're an immigrant you live in fear, you do what you're told, you don't complain, and you never ask for more and there are a lot of businesses and landlords that know this and take full advantage of it.

Illegal immigrants are being treated as indentured servants and I think it's necessary for everyone that these businesses be brought to justice for what they are doing.

Sent by Alfred | 3:11 PM | 7-16-2007

When I turned on today's show, the first thing I heard regarded doing background checks for public pools and libraries. Immediately, I assumed today's topic was about sex offenders. Imagine my surprise when I heard it was about illegal immigrants! Immigration does present it's own issues, but it made me start thinking of where our priorities are as a Nation. Would I rather have my public pool check for illegal immigrants or sex offenders? There may be people out there who are trying to have that implemented, but I have yet to hear about it. Just a thought.

Sent by Sara H. | 3:29 PM | 7-16-2007

Clearly, we do NOT need an Open Door immigration policy. But by the same token, blanket removal of all undocumented illegals is an equally bad practice. I refer to a case in Providence, RI which occured about 1963+/_ 2 yrs. In this case, the owner of a chinese restaurant near the Brown Univ. campus, was to be deported. As he had been of service to the University community for at least six years to my personal knowlege, we petitioned Congress to allow him to stay. As a result of this action, The U.S. Senate passed a bill awarding him citizenship and he continued to be of service for many years.
My point is that within the framework of the law, there needs to be a mechanism to evaluate individuals for their contribution to our society on a case by case basis.

Sent by John A. Tisdale - Woburn, MA | 3:37 PM | 7-16-2007

Out of a week stay in the hospital only one nurse washed her hands.

I questioned the nurse that put on gloves then went digging in a drawer.
Another one rubbed her nose with a glove and I questioned them about changing their gloves. The nurses hated me for questioning them about how to be sterile. The nurses gave me very poor care because I questioned them, in fact they turned to torturing me.

The hospital had to be closed down because of an out break of some viral disease from not cleaning and washing hands.
It's open again but it's the only hospital in the county.

Sent by Buster | 3:45 PM | 7-16-2007

I hope that your guests might address this issue.

Many governmental policies could perhaps be ameliorated if we merely stop the practise of recognizing as legal citizens any child born in this county, whether to legal or illegal parents. If the parents are illegal, the child should be a citizen of the country of their origin, rather than the U.S.

Do your authorities know the origins of this policy? What can be done to begin dialogue about it as it creates and perpetuates many problems related to dispensation of illegal immigrants.

Sent by June | 4:20 PM | 7-16-2007

If the war is terrorism is real, secure the border. If the war on drugs is real, secure the border. Millions have died to protect this country. We Americans in this country sit back and do nothing to protect this country for future generations. Call your local officials to put a stop to sanctuary cities. Report ILLEGALS and businesses who hire ILLEGALS to local, state, and federal authorities. Do business with companies doing the right thing, not hiring ILLEGALS. We the common folks must take our stewardship back, from businesses and politicians only wanting personal gain. Fire Mr Chertoff and build the fence!

Sent by reusha2000 | 4:40 PM | 7-16-2007

In Houston, our mayor and our most recently-elected city council member both believe that it is not the authority of the city to deal with immigration. Local authorities work with the federal government to enforce laws, but it's unlikely that our city (which is affected by immigration - legal and illegal - more than many) will do anything drastic to deal with illegal immigrants.

Sent by Alex | 5:43 PM | 7-16-2007

I just wanted to point out the findings of a study by the Center for Immigration studies on illegal immigration.

Based on Census Bureau data, the study from the Center for Immigration Studies estimates that households headed by illegal aliens used $10 billion more in government services than they paid in taxes in 2002. These figures are only for the federal government; costs at the state and local level are also likely to be significant. The study also finds that if illegals were given amnesty, the fiscal deficit at the federal level would grow to nearly $29 billion.

Among the findings of the study:
??? Illegal alien households are estimated to use $2,700 a year more in services than they pay in taxes, creating a total fiscal burden of nearly $10.4 billion on the federal budget in 2002.
??? If illegal aliens were legalized and began to pay taxes and use services like legal immigrants with the same education levels, the estimated annual fiscal deficit at the federal level would increase from $2,700 per household to nearly $7,700, for a total federal deficit of $29 billion.
??? With nearly two-third of illegals lacking a high school diploma, the primary reason they create a fiscal deficit is their low education levels and resulting low incomes and tax payments ??? not their legal status or their unwillingness to work.
??? Amnesty increases costs because illegals would still be largely unskilled, and thus their tax payments would continue to be very modest, but once legalized they would be able to access many more government services.
??? Because many of the costs are due to their U.S.-born children, who are awarded U.S. citizenship at birth, barring illegals themselves from federal programs will not significantly reduce costs.
??? However, they impose annual costs of more than $26.3 billion, or about $6,950 per illegal household.
??? Employers do not see the costs associated with less-educated immigrant workers because the costs are spread out among all taxpayers.

Sent by Jake | 7:20 PM | 7-16-2007

It appears we have lots of comments and some actually want to correct the current situation.

Tax-System
This needs to become a progressive flat tax system immediately...the entire tax code needs to dissappear as well as all the jobs programs it creates in the IRS. This is best way for the entire country to pay a fair amount of taxes..... period. We all consume, the rich consume more and poor consume less...and we should all pay according to our ability to consume.

Immigration
This is a national security problem and anyone promoting, supporting, harboring should be fined $5000.00 each. Yes no legal babies allowed if parents are illegal..they are illegal too and no benefits allowed ...ever from the public trust. We are all part of the problem and it must end now. Anyone that does anything for an illegal immigrant whould be fined $5000.00 each. All law enforcement is the same law enforcement and all officers must do their job as one...federal, state, local....no agency can pass the buck for not enforcing any law...ever.

Obewan

Sent by Lew Orban | 10:03 PM | 7-16-2007

Where I have lived, schools and many local public services are funded by real estate taxes. Everyone who owns a home and everyone who rents is paying real estate taxes. So the only illegal immigrants who are not supporting the schools their kids attend are homeless.

Sent by Quarterback | 10:25 PM | 7-16-2007

What if Al-Qaeda members wanted to come and here? I think I am safe to assume most of us are not willing to accept them as merely "undocumented workers". So now that we have established that it does matter WHO comes into this country illegally, we have to figure out how we are going to separate the good from the bad. How are we going to make sure we are not allowing terrorist, murders, child molesters, and other criminals to reside in this country?

I have an Idea. Let's make a law that says every person who enters this country must apply through a process. People who need these people can tell the government how many and justify the need. Then they can send those who are waiting in the process. Nah nobody would ever want to pass a bill like that.

Allowing illegal immigration is a direct violation to the rights guaranteed to me in the preamble of the constitution. Any person entering this country is considered an invader. I do not know what their purpose is, nor do I care. Oddly enough the current unemployment figure and the percentage of Illegal immigrants is right about the same at about 4.5%

One last thing. Most people wouldn???t mind paying an extra 40% for their citrus fruit and lawn mowing services as long as they had a job and one that pays a decent wage. Americans will do any job; they just won???t do it for less then the amount it takes to meet the basic needs of survival.

Sent by lordoflogic | 10:28 PM | 7-16-2007

This in reference to the Mayor of Hazelton. I happen to be from Northeastern Pa. I truly feel that the Mayor is being racist and that if the immigrants were from Canada, white and spoke English better than he did, then he wouldn't have such a problem with the brown, non-English speaking people who move to Hazelton because it is affordable and a simple place to live.

Sent by jemimah simms | 9:09 AM | 7-18-2007

It is interesting to read international media from time to time, just to see how American policies are reacted upon abroad.

The building of the border fence, for example, though condemned by most all of Latin America, has been applauded and celebrated abroad as well...

Who? Why? Where?... Surprisingly, it is in Mexico where the celebrations are taking place. A group of Mexican "polleros", (people who traffic with immigrants to "aid" them cross the border) are celebrating the fence.

How so?

According to Mexico City newspaper, "El Universal" an interviewed "pollero" claims that it will be "good for business". Obviously, making it harder for immigrants to cross illegaly on their own, these immigrants will likely seek "professional" aid...

In short, the human traffic industry in Mexico is expecting to fill their pockets with the fence. Because they know their economics: as long as demand exists, supply will always find its way through no matter what the barriers are. Increased barriers do not reduce economic activities, they only create black markets.

If America can't control drugs even after waging war against Nicaragua and Panama, how can we expect a fence and border patrol to control immigration?

Obviously, asking for enforcement is not enough. We need a new, better law that solves the economic need AND enhances internal protection. Laws that try to keep illegals out without addressing key issues of why they want to come in (and are recieved with jobs) are incomplete and will only produce more security threats, because they will incentive the sophistication of the human traffic industry...

Sent by Hari Seldon | 7:12 PM | 7-23-2007

Enforcement is a solution when laws work. When the law doesn't work, enforcement is not a solution because the law is meaningless. That is why we have congress: to change the laws when they seize to work. Since we have so many illegal immigrants, it is obvious that our laws doesn't work. We need a new one. Are we to presume that the problem was created EXCLUSIVELY due to decades of bi-partisan government incompetence? In that case, what we need is a new government...

lordoflogic: The process exist but is insufficient. The demand for foreign talent far outweights that which is allowed by law (H1B visa quotas). The solution has been to either outsource the job, or to bring in immigrants illegally. These people create economic value to America. Of course it matters who we let in, but if we want to keep the bad out, then we also need a way to let the good in!

I know, you might ask, why do companies don't simply hire talented Americans to do the job? Microsoft, Google, and similar companies would answer: "because there aren't enough!"... Yes, there are a lot of Americans willing to do the job, but perhaps not enough trained to do it...

As for people not minding paying an extra 40% on low skill jobs... Economic theory has shown (for the last 200 years) that, no matter what people say, prices are a much stronger economic force than nationalism. Even if people actually did pay what they claim to be willing to pay, the scenario is not that of a "fixed" rise in prices. The problem is that Americans demand "the amount it take sto meet the basic needs of survival", in which, for some strange reason, cellphones and TiVo are included in these "basic needs". Thus, what will happen is that prices will rise, workers in other industries will demand raises, raising costs, and then all industries will have companies raising their prices, and again, Americans will demand a higher wage, and the process is repeated ad infinitum until REAL productivity is improved (that is, real costs come down enough to make wage hikes possible). Without REAL productivity increases, the demand of having labor intensive industries higher more expensive Americans will only lead to an inflation spiral.

Is the solution hiring low-cost immigrants? It definitely is an economically sound short-term solution, but in the end, companies should not be allowed to evade their responsibility to research and develop ways to enhance productivity.

Understanding the way the economy actually works would be helpful in elevating the discourse in the immigration issue.

Sent by Hari Seldon | 7:33 PM | 7-23-2007

i live in tucson,az if you go to a mall here, every other 10th. car is from mexico, sure they bring in economy but is it worth the problum of getting in a car accident because of them.they don`t stick around.they go back home.i think something needs to be done on the insurance program before they are even permitted to enter this country

Sent by eduardo | 8:11 PM | 8-2-2007

The real issue is the FAILING of the CORRUPT MEXICAN government. IF YOUR BLEEDING HEART LISTENERS REALLY WANT TO HELP. THE US SHOULD ANNEX MEXICO LIKE IRAQ AND OVER THROW THAT EVIL REGIME.
IT WOULD ALSO SOLVE THE US ENERGY CRISIS AS MEXICO AS THE SECOND LARGEST OIL RESERVES.

Sent by mh | 12:33 PM | 7-16-2008