I'm all over the place on this topic...and I don't wish it were black and white so much as I wish many on every side of the issues could see some of the gray. Any and all public immigration discussions have gone so far off the rails, I am not sure we can get it back to reasonable discussion. Worst for me, is that logic has completely left the building. I'm fairly understanding and even compassionate at times. I remember when we admired people who gave up everything to move and try to make a better life elsewhere -- when we championed people willing to go to a strange place ....and wanting to work and find opportunity for themselves and their families.
But, I cannot for the life of me listen to people who advocate for and mindlessly justify illegal immigration...it doesn't compute. I believe that we NEED increased LEGAL immigration if we have any hope for economic growth over 1% in the next decade. But the idea that opposing ILLEGAL immigration is racist is no longer a fringe notion. We've lost the thread and I don't believe we can get it back....and any and all attempts will be branded not only as racist, but as the last gasp rantings of lunatic whites who long for the past when we reigned. I am generally optimistic, but I don't see an honest, respectful, national conversation on immigration happening in my lifetime. I do think we missed a big opportunity when we took a pass on pressing for English as a single, national language - required in all official dealings, documents, etc. I don't think that's racist. I think that its important for communication, and yes - even assimilation. I think its ok to expect immigrants to conform to some (most?) things American, including language. In which Spanish speaking country would you be fully accepted if you refused to speak Spanish and expected accommodations be made so you wouldn't have to bother?
I don't believe that immigrants are a drain on the economy- or that most, even many, will be sucking from the welfare tit. But, I do believe that the Feds have the right/responsibility to control who comes into the country -- and if you come in outside of legal channels, you should expect to be deported. Pretty cut and dried to me.
As to the asylum questions and coaching...red herring...I don't care about the coaching -- if someone is really persecuted and meets the 'requirements' and legally requests asylum, they should be considered for it. Doesn't mean that they displace those trying to get here legally via other visa means, I don't think.
dstieger wrote:
