Illegal-immigration problem belongs to everyone
Our country and way of life are being threatened by the growing influx of people crossing our borders illegally. While Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, is right in blaming Congress for its lack of leadership in dealing with the problem, mere bellicose talk only fans the flames of fear and anger. We should be calling for the best within us to work together for the common good.
Sen. Hickman's tough talk about fixing immigration is nothing new. The last several sessions, state lawmakers have been coming up with the same fixes send illegals back, no public benefits, no drivers' licenses, and no in-state tuition. They called for tougher penalties for immigrants, token sanctions for employers, and have allowed the banking industry by their silence on the matter to flourish by transferring money earned by immigrants to their homeland.
He says he has talked to his local GOP friends who support his stand on the issue. That's like going to a cattle ranchers convention where everyone agrees meat is good. Public policy requires balancing the various interests and deciding on what is in the public's interest.
What those who propose quick fixes fail to understand is that societies, especially ours, are in a constant state of dynamic equilibrium where changing one aspect affects other parts. Immigration has always been a workforce issue where America looked to foreign workers in times of crisis. Lacking a national immigration and workforce policy, our employers are forced to find creative ways in order to compete in today's global marketplace, even if it means playing fast and loose with outdated immigration laws. Sen. Hickman might realize that if he took the time to talk with our own state employers such as farmers and growers; the construction, recreation and manufacturing industries; and service industries such as hotels and restaurants. He also seems to fail to recognize the growing economy for local businesses that benefit from a growing consumer market.
What has accelerated the influx of foreign workers to this country are the help wanted signs put out by our employers some willing to break outdated immigration laws along with bankers and businesses who hang out se habla espanol signs. They are the ones reaping the benefits of a broken immigration law; yet, they remain silent and unwilling to protect their immigrant consumer and workforce "cash cows." And until they do, they will allow our citizens to continue worrying about our way of life and making immigrants their scapegoats.
Recent comments
This man offers no solution other than the SURRENDER of this country...
Don Reynolds Austin Texas | Dec. 22, 2007 at 3:57 p.m.
I am sick of this propaganda. First of all, the estimates of illegal...
Stephen | Dec. 21, 2007 at 8:36 p.m.
I can't believe people actually condone illegal immigration. It is...
DJ | Dec. 21, 2007 at 5:54 a.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Taylorsville man arrested in robbery 1:21 a.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 1:20 a.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...


