The American Spectator

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p> LABOR FLOOD FALLOUT br> Re: Paul Chesser's Costly Refilling of the Labor Pool : /p>

Here are a few thoughts on the consequences of illegal immigration that proponents seem to ignore.

1. Crime. Federal pens currently house one-third illegal immigrants. That's not a trifling number. That means we have to pay for the incarceration, apprehension, legal expense et al of someone that should not be here in the first place! Same holds true for California. Here's another scary thought; late last year, Federal law enforcement with state and locals arrested 10,000 gang members, all here illegally. And that was only 10 percent of them! That means that 90,000 of them roaming our streets. These individuals kill at the drop of a hat. And why not; penalty for them doesn't fit the crime!

2. Economics. Throughout the '40s and '50s there were jobs in America where an immigrant could move up without formal education. Auto and chemical plants, come to mind. These jobs provided good wages, insurance and an avenue for upward mobility. They're gone now, due to export overseas and improved productivity. They will never return. New economy requires education; make that advanced education. It's simply not available to the fruit picker and day laborer. Illegal immigration creates a permanent underclass that is a breeding ground for hatred and envy. Result; one day we'll have massive riots.

3. Individuals you speak of have no connection to this country other than economic. They want into the States because there's an avenue to make some money and send it "home." As I recall, transfer payments to Mexico are their biggest source of foreign currency. Note; by the way, how many waived the Mexican flag at their rallies. I also recall that several years ago in a California stadium, the American soccer team had garbage thrown at them. The opponent: Mexico! A recent interview with a "leader" in the demonstrations; we want "universal health care," "living wage" and "open borders," all right now. The United States owes us that!

4. Illegal immigrants come with a cost factor that their taxes simply don't cover. Who picks up the tab for health care, education and everything else? The United States taxpayer, that's who.

p>Here's a question for you. How did the United States get along before the flood of illegal aliens? br> -- name withheld /p>

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