Despite all the arguing that surrounds this issue, I can say that I appreciate the pro-immigration group's genuine desire to care for the immigrants who have certainly suffered their fair share. I think Democrats in general have a desire to help those in need. We like to think in terms of uniting with others who share our problems to fight for better conditions for all. This is, of course, a great testament to the kind of people Democrats are. But we need to remember that there are also plenty of Americans in need too.

The problem here is that there just aren't enough jobs and resources to go around. The wage depression and stress on government and health care services that PNWMOM cites in the OP are the issue. I've seen people on DU who oppose illegal immigration say something like "It would be different if we had the jobs to sustain everyone." It seems to me that finally it comes down to a need to choose, in a time of limited jobs and resources, between our own citizens and illegal immigrants. No one likes to have to make the choice.

Immediately then, we are blamed for falling prey to the "divide and conquer" strategy of the rich. If they can just pit the workers against each other, we'll be too busy fighting amongst ourselves to worry about all the ways they're abusing us. Well, I'm sure this is true. But since the American people have seen fit to continually re-elect politicians who refuse to represent their interests, we are faced with three branches of government that are actively aiding a corporate power grab and massive re-distribution of wealth from workers to the already obscenely rich.

In this current political and economic climate where no one speaks for the middle class, I see NO CHANCE of affecting change through the usual legislative process, except on this one issue of immigration, which for reasons we all understand, has created strange bed-fellows. To be honest, I hold little hope that any immigration legislation is forthcoming after all the saber-rattling ceases. Most of us agree that the whole issue has been orchestrated for political reasons in an election year, but since it has been raised, and just might be voted on, I want to have my say on it.

If those who are busy calling me racist could take a moment to really explain how they plan to do anything to improve real wages, short of controlling the borders and sanctioning employers of illegals, I'd be happy to hear about it. But time and again in these debates it seems to come down to this point of having to chose how to spend our energy and resources. I won't apologize for putting my own people first. Mexico should fix Mexico, maybe with some help from us and some activism of their own citizens who have come here rather than fight for what is theirs in their own country.

Stossel(sp?). I totally agree that an increased minimum wage would put more money where the economy needs it, not to mention help out people who have been struggling to make ends meet. 2/3's of what drives the economy is consumer spending. Given the massive redistribution of wealth to the already rich under Bush, the way to spur consumer spending would be to get money into the hands of those who are starved for it, definitely NOT the already rich.

All these Republican claims about how tax cuts create jobs through increased investment are just not true under the current circumstances. Businesses are NOT investing their increased profits in creating more jobs because the economy is pretty stagnant and they won't sell whatever product they make with that increased investment. They are keeping cash on the books in record amounts, of course not sharing any of that increased profit with their workers.

On all of this we likely agree. The problem is that you can't force business to share those profits, in my opinion, until you reduce the supply of labor to a point where they have to pay more for it. Raising the minimum wage is a great idea and would help people and the economy, but I don't see it happening in this corporate dominated time, as I've said above.

But I totally agree that a higher wage would lead to more jobs, as it would create a greater demand for goods and services. But how do you plan to accomplish it??? This is the question you haven't answered, as far as I can see.

I sent a version of this post to various Senators and Congressional Representatives.
I post it here to point out that many democrats do not support increased immigration.


My husband and I, along with many of our friends, have been watching the immigration debate with great interest. I write today to inform you that though my husband has a good paying job, we have not shared in the often touted "booming economy." We are not suffering, but we fail to understand the massive redistribution of wealth to the few, very rich, not just through tax cuts, but also through everyday government policy and legislation. The term "corporatocracy" aptly describes our view that government has abdicated responsibility for the welfare of the nation in favor of big business campaign donors.

I'm 45 and have never felt more betrayed by my government. Who is left to work for the interests of the middle class? This used to be the domain of the democrats, but any cursory glance at congressional voting records shows this is no longer true. Who do you think will be left to buy goods and services when the middle class becomes the underclass?

This brings me to my point. My husband and I are WILL NEVER AGAIN VOTE for anyone who works against our interests, driving middle class wages down, increasing crowding and home prices, etc., by supporting increased immigration, much less offering "earned citizenship" (which is in fact earned amnesty) to illegal aliens. THERE IS NO JOB AN AMERICAN WON'T DO, only jobs employers won't pay an American to do.

The solution is very simple, as you well know. ENFORCE STRICT, COSTLY SANCTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL ALIENS. The rest of the problem will solve itself.

Please stop allowing illegal aliens and corporations to gut the wages of the middle class. You are, after all, a democrat.

Very seriously yours,

P.S. As I am not a corporate donor, I'll await your FORM LETTER reply.