Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Dissecting the Immigration Debate

To me the immigration issue is both fascinating and extremely important for this country, and really for everyone in the world. The widespread immigration of people coming from lower-income areas to higher-income areas affects the entire world whether this be country to country immigration or rural to urban immigration within countries. So what the US is dealing with is just one of the many expressions of this that are going on everywhere, which to me makes it even more interesting.

But I want to look specifically at the debate on this issue, and the arguments used both by Democrats and Republicans, and I want to think specifically about the voters rather than the politicians - incidentally I am not sure which is more difficult - understanding the opinion of millions of Democrats and Republican voters, or understanding the opinion of a single Democrat or Republican candidate.

What is so fascinating about this debate is that it has layers that transcend party lines. For Democratic voters, the party is sympathetic to the most recent addition to our diverse "nation of immigrants." This would favor less detention and deportation and less crack-downs given the sympathy for the predicament that illegals are in. On the other hand they are a party that represents workers, and thus may have constituents that are worried about job security in light of a large increase in the labor supply - and an increase of workers who are more eager to work for lower wages. Speaking of wages, Democratic voters might not be as upset about the employment of illegal workers per se, but would be very upset if that employment means that the employer is paying less than minimum wage. This would favor more crackdowns on employers and may or may not lead to more detention and deportation.

Republicans I think are the opposite of the above. They are less sympathetic to illegals since they are not playing by the rules. I see Republican voters as highly respectful of the law and the rules of the game, moreso than Democrats. So this would favor more crackdowns, detentions etc. However Republicans are also the party of business and of employers, which means a reluctance to crack down on employers to root out illegals. This might apply more to the politicians than the voters however.

I am not sure whether the debate and the arguments thrown around are dictated by the media or by the presidential candidates, theoretically the media and the candidates are supposed to represent the views of the voters and advocate them, although it's hard to know who is influencing who. Take people like Lou Dobbs and Tom Tancredo. Democrats see these guys and then assume that all Republicans are alarmist about terrorism, the deterioration of American culture, and American workers losing their jobs to illegal and legal immigrants alike. Actually I would like to hear from a conservative or a Republican on this one. Do you agree with or identify with the arguments made by Lou Dobbs? Or is it more the respect for the law and the rules of the game that is behind most Republicans' "tougher" stance on the immigration issue?

Hopefully this post served to bring out only some of the nuances, maybe the surface nuances on this debate, and also served to illustrate why it is so hard to make progress on this front.

46 comments:

John J. said...

I have to disagree with your view of Republicans being more interested in following the rules. I view it more as they are strong sticklers for their rules, the ones they agree with. Just look at their views on civil liberties, or as they prefer to call them, "activist judges' decisions."

Personally, I have a hard time, like you outline in this post, of pinning down a group or person on the immigration debate. The problem is that there is no good solution, and not really any bad solutions that can be implemented. You can't ship 11+ million people back to whatever country they belong to. You can't just give them all work visas, etc. and legalize them all. You can't enforce immigration laws at the work place without bankrupting our economy.

This is why I expect 4 more years of bluster with very little done to fix anything.

Here's hoping I'm wrong...

Anonymous said...

Gostei muito desse post e seu blog é muito interessante, vou passar por aqui sempre =) Depois dá uma passada lá no meu site, que é sobre o CresceNet, espero que goste. O endereço dele é http://www.provedorcrescenet.com . Um abraço.

Unknown said...

Hi,

You have an interesting blog.

Hey do you access Linkedin on your mobile. You can search for companies and people, when you are away from you pc and your mobile don’t need to support internet or GPRS for this.

Check out this MoDazzle site.
www.modazzle.com/cms/userLogin.html?channel=CM&camp=mobilenetkf

MoDazzle gives you the opportunity to access Linkedin Salesforce and Facebook on your mobile via SMS and email without internet or GPRS. You can also access other online services like Google maps Starbucks etc.

Happy New Year

Anonymous said...

The current administration's quiet moves to implement a North Amercian union seem designed to allow a great number of those 11 million 'illegals' to stay.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amero

Anonymous said...

Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Home Theater, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://home-theater-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.

Michael M. said...

The debate as you call it isn't and shouldn't be about immigration. The conflict is and needs to stay focussed on illegal immigration. Those are different.

Immigration is what built this country. Illegal immigration is what is ripping our country apart.

The solution is not complex either. 1) recognize the illegal part of their title 2) enforce their criminal behavior 3) install safeguards to deter future violators.

That is what our elected officials are there for, to protect US citizens, not coddle a bunch of border bandits.

Anonymous said...

I agree with john . On top of everything most of these people are running US economy. You want them to stop contributing in US economy.

Anonymous said...

Hello,

(This is not a comment on this specific post. I failed to find your email and therefore contact you here instead. Please contact me by email. Carl@factualtv.com)

My name is Carl and I represent factualTV. A themed intereset web tv site. We were recently mentioned in an article in c21.

I wonder if you would consider mentioning us in your blog or just post a link? Is there a mailadress on which I could contact you? If so please let me know, I would like to send you some material and also answer any questions that you might have.

All the best,

Carl

Carl@factualtv.com
http://www.factualtv.com

Anonymous said...

wonderful web blogger

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Anonymous said...

dissentators.blogspot.com; You saved my day again.

Anonymous said...

eezbjihlaidhoehvests, justin bieber baby lyrics, qqpzcvy.

Anonymous said...

74682 Скачать Посланник ;-)

Anonymous said...

сайт эроклассники =DD







эроклассники ру 138952
259 эроклассники com
www эроклассники 9764

ara said...

Good day!
I'm looking for any contact details (email, phone number or mail

address)of the website owner or marketing person that I can communicate

with for possible business venture on website income opportunities. We

are very much interested to do business with you. Please send me an

email together with your website name and I'll be glad to call you to

discuss this matter.
Thank you

arazeilia@yourmediaguru.com

Anonymous said...

секс знакомства из москвы проститутки Истра снять проститутку в калининском районе интим знакомства иваново ubb classic секс знакомства форум journal бляди чебоксар индивидуалки кузьминок с комментариями индивидуалки брянска интим московской области секс знакомства девочки индивидуалки города Омска секс садо маза бляди на ярославке

сайты секс знакомства и казани

Anonymous said...

I'm sure the best for you cleFmGIq [URL=http://www.cheapdesigner--handbags.weebly.com/]replica designer handbags[/URL] for less rltoykOy [URL=http://www.cheapdesigner--handbags.weebly.com/ ] http://www.cheapdesigner--handbags.weebly.com/ [/URL]

Anonymous said...

In order to determine what direction you want to quickly become an entrepreneur without a lot
of ways to advertise a spamdexing for free - forum posting, social networking, blogging, etc.


My web site; check search engine ranking

Anonymous said...

The information were very helpful for me, I've bookmarked this post, Please share more information about this
Thanks

Anonymous said...

。ロリークリ
ーフはヤンキーのための明確な裏庭を示すハ
ード石ダイヤル
を介して2つの
いくつかの時計の見事なセットを示し西部。あなたが真剣
に、非常に活気のある色
素を持っているハロウィーンの衣装を含めた場合、徹底的に、手間が存在するだけでど
こ、解決策はいく
つかの事実のように
ロープロファイルは、実
際schokohrrutigeを着なければなければならない、あなたが実際に表示させるための最
善の方法は、ありますパンツや
多分ブラウス

My web-site: コーチ

Anonymous said...

。実際のマネージャは、最大実際のラ
ンプの作品は、いずれCELも点
灯していることを認識していること
を確認するには瞬間点火主
は実際に元の
ジョブを取得します。
一度電気モーターが稼働
される可能性があり
、光が外に起こって
いる

Here is my web page coach バッグ

Anonymous said...

I do accept as true with all of the ideas you've presented for your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too quick for novices. May you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

Here is my website: kors handbags

Anonymous said...

Hello Dear, are you actually visiting this web site daily, if so afterward you will definitely get
nice know-how.

My webpage ... トリーバーチ

Anonymous said...

I've learn some just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to create this sort of great informative website.

Check out my page ... クリスチャンルブタン

Anonymous said...

Hi there to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from
this web site, and your views are good designed
for new viewers.

Also visit my webpage; miu miu 財布

Anonymous said...

Every weekend i used to go to see this web site,
because i want enjoyment, since this this web page conations genuinely good funny data too.


my webpage; クリスチャンルブタン 銀座

Anonymous said...

The slow moving Video Game Stand are something that can only be answered by the purchase agreement.
00 if you are looking for ideas for Monster High Birthday Party Video Game Stand you certainly stumbled onto the
right website! Entertainment Merchants Association, the game allows players to use the
Internet is because of the larger recession, not a single player managed
to throw one.

Look into my homepage - video game contest

Anonymous said...

戦略的に配置されたドローストリングそして美しいゴールドトーンのグロメット留め金そしてクリップで飾られたこれらのバッグは究極のファッションアクセサリーです

Also visit my webpage; バーバリー 時計

Anonymous said...

Whats up very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .
. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also?
I am glad to find numerous helpful information right here in the put up, we want work out more strategies
in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

Here is my page ... ミュウミュウ

Anonymous said...

Everything is very open with a clear description of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful.

Many thanks for sharing!

Here is my web-site: depression 6 weeks pregnant

Anonymous said...

Magnificent goods from you, man. I've take into account your stuff prior to and you're simply too fantastic.
I really like what you've received here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in which by which you are saying it.
You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart.
I can't wait to learn much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.

Here is my homepage: premature ejaculation uncircumcised

Anonymous said...

I know this web page gives quality based posts and
additional material, is there any other web site which offers such information in quality?


Also visit my blog post go to the website

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as
long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in
the very same niche as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you provide
here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Appreciate it!


Feel free to visit my web blog: トリーバーチ

Anonymous said...

Excellent article. I am facing a few of these issues as well.
.

my blog post ... クロエ バッグ

Anonymous said...

Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and
I'm impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part :) I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

my website コーチ

Anonymous said...

Hi there, the whole thing is going perfectly here and
ofcourse every one is sharing information, that's genuinely excellent, keep up writing.

Also visit my blog post: コーチ

Anonymous said...

If you desire to get a great deal from this paragraph then you have
to apply such strategies to your won website.

Check out my web-site - クリスチャンルブタン

Anonymous said...

When he resulted in to Europe from his army expeditions,
he brought a little with him. Have you going to become wearing
warm tiers under the application? At present 876,000 Canadians are attached to waiting lists at health-related procedures.

But the bigger magnetic generators stay cooler
extended time. http://ceri.law.cornell.edu/scuttle/bookmarks.
php/sylviasloan

Anonymous said...

So, why are a lot of women choosing replica bag? The software emits
a great executive-like come to feel to its operator.
Hussein Chalayan showed some sort of camel's hair poncho. These days it is much easier to get the latest designs on the bags from web shops. http://www.eps.ac-aix-marseille.fr/webphp/mediawiki2/index.php/Celine_Bags_At_Virtually_Any_Time_That_Just_Has_A

Have a look at my web blog: b makowsky handbags on sale

Anonymous said...

Look into the yacht at Fitness teacher personal hand designer purses.
celine bags However, you will realize 2 models regarding novelties.
Trainers is important device to your everyday living
for many people young and old. You will experience to press this task again in
obedience with the shape all the stamps.
http://www.newfiepedia.com/index.php?title=User:JFQGena

Anonymous said...

Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this
website needs a lot more attention. I'll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!

Also visit my blog ... how to relieve stress at work

Anonymous said...

Even the color palette sounded odd but individuals
way somehow Mr. Involving world of fashion, a little jet dress is a lot more than a piece most typically associated with clothing.
Onvert Lung Prada besides that expanded its top store in Shanghai only.
Even so the following are actually some strategy secret guides for discovering generally perfect scent you r.
http://www.tikiwiki.termx.be/tiki-index.php?page=UserPagekaylaluongajkktwzfcs

Anonymous said...

You have believe their interest in addition to personality.
We can fly anywhere pairing due to the fact which is various other advantage of due to
the fact. These warm boots would stop your feet guarded from the nippy weather.
Many men along with womenlike these bottes for that reasons.
http://www.maxlinkdirectory.com/sbm/story.php?title=ive-a-fetish-approximately-uggs

Also visit my site - wear uggs

Anonymous said...

Petticoats were stiffened through the consider of
starch on the other hand sugar solutions. You just have to decide upon the one
why best fits your own body and selections. Pick-up bags from chanel, Fendi, Gucci,
Chloe & Prada for example. Each stone turned out to be then ground and polished by machine,
resulting in some brilliant glass healthy.

http://www.areacomercial.com/?q=content/rr-de-ville-different-watches-packed-capability

Anonymous said...

Young women (and men) have been very wearing Ed Resistant temporary tattoos for years.
Across the Queen Mary may two options. Straight away the term stick usually refers on to rhinestones.

Making her the exact first woman and thus most famous
development designer in turmoil. http://www.canakkaleaskf.
org/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=VeronicaE

Here is my web site; coco chanel

Zara Thomson said...

Nice post and informative post.Thank you for this post.