Arizona Senator John McCain gets criticized for speaking the truth

Recently, Arizona senator John McCain mentioned that illegal aliens who traveled over our porous border might have been responsible for recent wildfires out west. Once the liberal activists and apologists for the illegal aliens heard this, they were all over his remarks. Congressman Raul Grijava had this to say:

Late Monday, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said that his state’s culture is “as toxic as I have ever seen it,” as “every misfortune is blamed on undocumented immigrants.” McCain’s comments, he said, continue to provoke an extreme anti-immigrant and anti-Latino atmosphere in Arizona. This level of intolerance has reached a new low.”

Of course, McCain’s critics seem to ignore one very important fact: He’s merely repeating what the Forest Service has said. Essentially, they have seen evidence that people crossing the border have started campfires that weren’t properly extinguished, leading to fires. That’s it.

If you’re mystified by how someone’s statement (based on fact) could attract such a venomous response from proponents of illegal immigration, then you aren’t familiar with the liberal talking points. Here they are:

* Undocumented workers Illegal aliens don’t take from the U.S., do anything wrong, or cause other problems.

*Undocumented workers Illegal aliens are a positive force who make the U.S. better.

*If you criticize undocumented workers illegal aliens, then you’re a racist.

That’s their story, and they’re sticking to it.

Not surprisingly, those on the loony left are already preparing their talking points. Texas State Rep. Mike Villarreal makes this poor point:

“All of the studies have calculated a net positive to our economy,” Villarreal said. “Even considering any services which we provide to our own citizens that they may take advantage of.”

As the National conversation on illegal immigration continues to evolve, keep an eye out on these types of arguments. Those who support illegal aliens say they are a necessary part of the U.S. economy. They point out that some pay income taxes, sales taxes, take the jobs “Americans don’t want”, and their spending helps stimulate the economy.

Well, there’s no doubt that illegal aliens pay some taxes, and spend some money in the United States. The big problem with this argument is that their economic contribution doesn’t off-set the costs of having them here. Consider these points:

* Illegal aliens can pay income taxes, but I feel confident in guessing that most don’t. By the way, if they did, the amount they pay would probably be low, since they often work at jobs with low wages (because they helped drive those wages down).

* It probably costs anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 to educate a child, which the state is required to do. These costs go up for special education or ESL programs. If a family of illegal aliens has 2 children, it might cost $30,000 to educate their children. Do you really think this low-income family generates at least that much in economic activity? I don’t think so.

* There is a massive amount of crime along the U.S./Mexico border. Combating this crime costs both money and lives.

* Finally, we hear how illegal aliens merely want to work here and live a better life. I won’t dispute that, but I would like to add a propensity for law-breaking to that list. After all, they’re trespassing in our country, ignoring our laws, and in many cases, ignoring deportation orders. Do you really want lawless individuals living in your neighborhood?

Passing strict immigration laws makes common sense for economic and security reasons. The United States is a sovereign nation that should be able to control who enters its borders. Of course, to the leftists, our sovereignty and borders are actually the problem. Most of them don’t want to say so, but they don’t feel borders make much sense, they just feel like people should come and go as they please. Of course, there’s more to gain if you’re going from the bad place to the good place. What’s in it for us? Nothing but problems.

While gangs, kidnapping, and drug trafficking are running rampant in Arizona, Barack Obama is cracking jokes. Do you still wonder why illegal immigration is such a problem? Mr. Obama and his fellow leftists should just come out and advocate an open borders policy once and for all. After all, his administration is acting like it is already our policy.

As I looked at the list, I noticed that 3 of the states are along the Mexican border and have a large number of illegal aliens entering the state. Well, it looks like New York and Florida are in the same boat. It turns out that California (1), Texas (2), New York (3), Florida (5), and Arizona (6) make up five out of the top six states with the most illegal aliens. Is this merely a coincidence? Could some other variable be at work? That’s certainly possible, but you must admit that it is some coincidence.

No one should be surprised by the poor participation rates among illegal aliens. We are required by law to complete the Census. Of course, why would illegal aliens pay any attention to that small detail? They’ve already trespassed into the country and possibly broken other laws such as using fake I.D., identity theft, or related crimes. What’s one more infraction?

The next time you hear someone tell you that illegal aliens bring a positive benefit to America, remember this article. Remember how the U.S. will need to pay Census workers up to $25 per hour to track down those who didn’t fill out there forms, and how many of these individuals happen to be from states with large numbers of illegal aliens. Also remember how many of the people who don’t fill out the Census will be the ones who use the resources denied to their state because of their lack of participation.

Do you still think illegal aliens have a positive net benefit?

You would expect to hear about some local groups criticizing the law, but criticism is coming from some unusual places. Namely, the Mexican and Guatemalan governments. I guess they’re afraid their citizens won’t be allowed to trespass into the U.S., steal American jobs, then send remittances back home. What will Mexico do without all the money its citizen invaders send home? They’ll have to actually work on trying to improve their country so their citizens want to stay.

What I also have trouble with is the opposition of Latinos who are legal citizens. I can’t understand why people who may have waited years to come to the U.S. and endured great hardship, expense, and uncertainty, would support common criminals. Of course, there’s no shortage of Latino groups who are fanning the flames and scaring people by talking about how the law will be targeting “immigrants”. In truth, the law is actually targeting “illegal immigrants”, but of course, being truthful and including the word “illegal” might actually result in many Latinos not being scared, and leave many citizens in agreement with the law. After all, we can’t allow the truth to get in the way of their propaganda campaign.

We need to gain control of our borders so we can control how many people are allowed into the United States each year. This is important for economic, cultural, and safety reasons. Unfortunately, many don’t understand these points, including Barack Obama. This excerpt demonstrates the disconnect between Barack Obama, the American people, and common sense:

Obama called the Arizona bill “misguided” Friday and instructed the Justice Department to examine it to see if it’s legal. He also said the federal government must enact immigration reform at the national level — or leave the door open to “irresponsibility by others.”

“That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona, which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe,” Obama said.

Make no mistake: Barack Obama’s idea of fairness is to offer amnesty to 12 million illegal aliens who have already shown disdain for our laws, and an apparent lack of interest in assimilating. Do you really think Barack Obama is going to guard the border? Jail business owners who give American jobs to illegal aliens? Deport those who spit on our laws? No way. After all, he’s already ordering the Justice Department to examine Arizona’s law, so legal challenges will be right around the corner.

Arizona also requested an additional 3,000 troops to help protect the border. Have they arrived yet? No. Will they ever arrive? I wouldn’t count on it. Obama also let his opinion be known when his buddy Skip Gates threw a temper tantrum when a police officer reported to a call (remember the “beer summit”?). Did he make any mention of the Arizona rancher who was allegedly murdered by illegal aliens? None that I know of.

Barack Obama has let the country know what is important to him: Protecting individuals who break the law. As for Governor Jan Brewer, she is being forced to take care on the work the federal government has failed. My hope is that more states follow Arizona’s lead by making life difficult for illegal aliens. 50 different attempts to come up with immigration laws aren’t ideal, but in the presence of a leader who ignores the law, it’s our best hope.

Dumb and Dumber: Senators Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham

Barack Obama announced his support for a comprehensive immigration reform bill being sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Here are some details of the bill:

* Illegal aliens must admit they broke the law
* Pay a fine and back taxes
* Perform community service
* Pass background checks
* Be proficient in English
* Grant legal status to those who receive a masters degree or doctorate from a U.S. university
* Zero tolerance for illegal aliens who commit crimes
* Flexible system which bring in more immigrants when the economy is strong, and fewer during a recession
* Require all U.S. citizens to get a new Social Security card with built in biometrics

Are any of you disgusted, or is it just me? The bill does nothing but reward those who have broken the law, and offers ridiculous rules that won’t be instituted or enforced in any serious way. If you think I’m wrong, think about the points listed above and ask a few questions:

1. If someone has been here illegally for 10 years, how would we know how much they owe in taxes? The situation is ripe for evasion.
2. How much will the fine be? Will it be reduced for people who are low income? (Let’s hope not).
3. They must pass background checks. Will all crimes be grounds for deportation? Just felonies? Just violent felonies?
4. Do you really think illegal aliens will be turned away for not being proficient in English? If you do, I have a bridge I’ll sell you.
5. How much will biometric cards cost, and will they further compromise the privacy law-abiding citizens?

I wasn’t expecting much out of this bill, and I received what I expected. You might think I’m just some guy who sits around criticizing people without offering any ideas of my own. So, without further ado, here are some of my suggestions for immigration reform:

1. Make it a felony to enter the United States illegally, or intentionally over-stay a Visa.
2. Make English the official language of the United States.
3. Do not offer amnesty of any kind to any illegal aliens.
4. End the anchor baby provision.
5. Mandatory jail time and steep fines for employees who knowingly hire illegal aliens.
6. Further enhance the e-verify database and support the expansion of its use.
7. Militarize the Mexican border.
8. Streamline the deportation process.
9. Giver preference to immigrants who are educated, have job skills, and speak English. Enhancing the economy, not unifying families, should be the goal of our immigration policy. The United States isn’t the world’s social worker.
10. Construct walls (not fences) along the Mexican border, focusing on the most frequently traveled areas.
11. Increase funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to increase the security of our country.
12. Adults who came to the United States illegally should be ineligible to return.
13. Reduce immigration for a period of time in order to encourage the assimilation of those who have arrived recently.

I believe these are excellent ideas which would protect our security, protect our jobs, enhance our economy, and encourage assimilation. Of course, I wouldn’t expect any immigration bill coming out of Washington to look anything like this. Many Democrats are obsessed with increasing their pool of potential voters, while many Republicans are obsessed with bringing in a source of cheap labor for their deep-pocketed donors. While these politicians are selfishly pursuing votes and donations, our country continues to be overwhelmed.

So, why am I in disbelief? It’s because of some stats provided by the Governator: Out of 170,000 inmates in California’s prison system, more than 20,000 are undocumented workers illegal aliens. Don’t liberals always say that undocumented workers illegal aliens come here to earn an honest living (after trespassing of course), and that they contribute more financially than what they cost? Well, these numbers seem to fly in the face of their reasoning.

Since 12% of California’s prison population consists of undocumented workers illegal aliens, wouldn’t Californians be $1 billion better off if the illegals were prevented from coming here, or deported soon after being discovered? Of course, $1 billion is just the tip of the iceberg. What about court costs, legal aid, and the indirect costs associated with their crimes? The United States has its fair share of criminals. We don’t need to have any more imported from abroad.

A recent study found that undocumented workers illegal aliens cost the state of California more than $9 billion each year. This number is considered “a bottom range number.” Basically, if there were no undocumented workers illegal aliens, California’s $19 billion deficit would be more than cut in half. Shouldn’t this be obvious to more people?

Now, back to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to reduce prison costs by building prisons in Mexico. There are some aspects I like, and some I don’t. I believe they should be sent back to Mexico, but not at taxpayer expense. Why not deport them and protect the border like we should have been all along?

Many workers would be required to obtain health insurance from their employers. Illegal aliens wouldn’t be eligible for subsidies if they’re honest about their status, but those who provide false documents and lie about their status will be eligible. Maybe I’m wrong, but if someone will break U.S. laws by coming here illegally, then why wouldn’t they break more laws to get free or reduced cost benefits? Then they can get free benefits and have legal residents and citizens foot the bill.

This is just one way illegal aliens can get free or reduced cost health benefits. The other backdoor solution will likely be found in comprehensive immigration reform. Think about it: There are 12 million illegal aliens who many Democrats are trying to provide with a “path to citizenship.” If these illegal aliens come out of the shadows and embark on their path to citizenship, wouldn’t that technically make them legal residents, and possibly eligible for government benefits? It’s too soon to tell, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.