Posted by
EFuller on Monday, May 21, 2007 8:14:53 AM
Examine the competing interests of each stakeholder in the immigration issue and you realize a few things. The following table generalizes broadly, but reflects the basic motivations of each group. Observations follow.
|
Who |
What They Want |
What They Do |
|
Politicians
|
- Votes
- Loyalty of new voters
|
- deliver amnesty to illegals
- deliver path to citizenship to illegals
- promise security to citizens, but fail to deliver |
|
Illegal Aliens |
- to remain in U.S.
- economic opportunity |
- break immigration laws |
|
Employers |
- cheap labor |
- break employment laws |
|
Legal Immigrants |
- U.S. citizenship
- economic opportunity
- "keep their place in line" |
- obey the immigration laws
|
|
Citizens |
- control of border
- respect for laws
- opportunities for the disadvantaged |
- vote
|
A Few Observations
Illegal aliens are often un-interested in assimilating into the American culture. They want to keep their culture and access the economic opportunities of the U.S.
Politicians don't want to control the border. If they did, they'd conduct hearings about the lack of a fence, why INS can't control things, etc.
Most citizens are not opposed to immigration. They simply want the laws observed and the border controlled.
Politicians who want votes are willing to alienate their current voters in a bid to gain the loyalty of new voters. Bottom line: unless they hear a scream from the current citizens in protest, they will deliver amnesty and a path to citizenship for illegals and only promises for border control.