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.
