Mexican Straw Men

Illegal immigration has been the hot topic in the news lately, and in Congress. We have people wanting to build a fence across our southern border. We also have vigilantes patrolling our southern border [a disaster waiting to happen]. Much has been made of the claim that terrorists could cross our southern border if we don't shut it off. We also hear that the illegals are stealing jobs from Americans. Let me address some of these claims.

First, the jobs matter. How many illegal hispanic workers have you met with a "middle-class" job? Let me answer that - NONE!!! They truly do get the dirty jobs that others don't wish to do and do it for unethically low wages. We shouldn't punish the poor man working to feed his family. The real criminals are the employers who take advantage of the illegals. There is a crises of disappearing "middle-class" jobs, but it has nothing to do with illegal hispanics. These jobs are being outsourced to India and other asian countries. Cutting off illegal immigration will do nothing to solve this.

Next, the terrorists. There is no evidence that a terrorist has ever tried to enter our country illegally by crossing our southern border. They would have to be stupid to do so. The southern route is for desperate people trying to feed their families. This route has more border patrol officers, it is composed mainly of desert, and many have died trying to enter that way. For anyone with a little money, there are far easier ways to get in this country. In fact, all of the 9/11 hijackers flew into this country on a commercial airline. All they needed was a decent set of papers. Closing the southern route will do nothing to stop any terrorists.

Now, the fence and the vigilantes. The fence is a ridiculous idea, of course. Anything that can be built can be torn down. I know if my family's future was at stake, I would find a way under, over, thru, or around any fence and get to the other side. I expect many others would do the same. The vigilantes are just a bad idea. It is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs. They also seem to be very fond of the confederate battle flag [the calling card of southern racists]. I'm afraid this whole issue is tinged with racism. Our northern border is both longer and more accessible, but I don't see anyone wanting to build a fence between the U.S. and Canada. After all, most Canadians are white. We seem to only want to keep non-whites out. No vigilantes at the northern border either.

America does have a jobs problem and a terrorist problem, but punishing poverty-stricken Mexican workers will not solve either problem. We should push our government to come up with real solutions, and stop attacking Mexican "straw men".