Hey guys,
I'd like to share with y'all a thought I've had lately. We've seen how illegal immigration has become an escalating problem in the United States. In response, the Bush administration and the Republican Party have floated various proposals on how to "handle" the problem. None of these proposals seem designed to actually curb the flow of illegal immigration. Rather, they seek to allow those who have already immigrated illegally to remain here (under amnesty/as "guest workers") and/or to relax the restrictions on legal immigration. The justification provided is that illegal immigrants "do jobs that Americans won't do".
On the other hand, Social Security has also become a growing problem in this country. The situation with Social Security is that the ratio of workers to retirees is quickly becoming tipped in favor of retirees. If this continues, the current system will ultimately become untenable and will literally go bankrupt. Obviously, this is a scenario that no politician wants to face. Here's where immigration comes in. It stands as fact that most people (and certainly most Latin Americans) come to this country to work. Those who do so are therefore going to be relatively young. Furthermore, all people -- citizens, legal immigrants, and even illegal immigrants -- who work in this country pay Social Security tax (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigra..._United_States). Given these things, it does not take much to put two and two together.
Per the reasoning of the Bush administration and the Republican Party, if not also others, the tide of illegal immigration should not be stopped. In fact, it should be encouraged. Everything that these people are saying and doing stands in favor of this position. And it may so happen that they ulterior motives. The more younger workers that come into this country, the more Social Security taxes are being paid, and the longer the system can continue to operate. Plus, immigrants from Third-World countries cause wages to be depressed, since they are generally willing to work for less. It means keeping the money flowing to retirees and more cheap labor for big business. Overall, it's a win-win situation for the politicians.
Any thoughts?
- Rob