Immigration As President Teddy Roosevelt Saw It

There are currently about 15.5 million illegal immigrants living in the United States at of 2021. With approximately 1.8 million or more coming annually, that figure could be a lot higher. Many who are coming are now claiming to seek "amnesty". The question, however, is just what is meant by "amnesty"? The answer is jobs.  Like most immigrants, they want a better life for themselves and their family. Unlike immigrants of the past, however, many don't want to assimilate.  

Few have any interest in becoming a U.S. Citizen or in learning to speak English. To want to cling to familiar ways, values, and traditions. They establish enclaves which resemble their homeland than it does the United States. Some even choose to fly their native country's flag, sometimes over our own which is seen as highly offensive.

A few demand to have their children taught, at taxpayer expense, in their native tongue rather than in English. Why? Because this is where they happen to live,work, and socialize but it isn't their "home". That's hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Yet, they want jobs, and for many, any job will do. Of course, that has been the hallmark of immigrants since time immemorial.  Whereas in the not too distant past most immigrants left the "Old Country" and all that entails behind, newer immigrants maintain a much closer relationship with their former country. In fact, many routinely send money from these jobs back to the towns and villages they left. 

Mexican workers, for instance, send an average of 13.4% pf their paycheck back home to family and friends. In 2002, approximately $800 billion dollars was sent home by migrant workers here in the U.S.. Many of these communities are in fact dependent on the money sent home to survive.  

Attempts to secure our borders, as any sovereign nation is entitled to do, has been met with harsh criticism from many of the immigrants themselves, from religious institutions and businesses to stand to be impacted economically, from foreign leaders who reject our right to protect and secure our borders (as they themselves have done), and by a few other misguided individuals. In light of this, I have to wonder what would our Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President, have thought about this?

"TR" or "Teddy" (which, thanks to his crisp upper crust New York accent, sounded more like "Teedy") as President Roosevelt was often called, was the product of his times. He epitomized everything the United States stood for at turn of the 20th Century, and that included a sense of patriotism that we would find hard to understand today. As he said in one of his most famous speeches, made in 1907, we have room for one language, one flag, and loyalty to one nation---the United States of America.  

As an aside, from 1900 through 1915, which included the years "TR" was president, an estimated 15 million immigrants came to the United States, most of them from Europe, especially Eastern Europe.  That means that 13% of the U.S. population was born somewhere other than the United States. Today that number of 47.9 million as of September 2022, which represents 14.6% of the population (the high was 14.8% in 1890).  

I've come across a copy of that speech, posted by BOBWASTINGTIME about seven years ago,  which deals primarily with immigration and what should be expect of those who come to our shores in search of a better life. The video (a recreation of President Roosevelt's 1907 "Immigration Speech") originally produced by One America News Network. The video lasts just 59 seconds but is well worth watching. I think the words of our 26th President should still apply. What do you think?  

Video: Immigration Quote President Roosevelt 1907

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TheodoreRoosevelt Quotable Quote: 1907 Immigration Speech

Money Mexican migrants send back home up 13.4% in 2022

A town in Mexico survives entirely on money sent back by U.S.migrants

Migrant works sent home almost $800 billion in 2022. Whichcountries are the biggest recipients?

Immigration During Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency

Some Thoughts on Illegal Immigration and What We Can Do to Stop It

America. It's been the beacon of hope to millions since its discovery and colonization starting with Jamestown in 1607. Of course, what many don't realize is that America was settled not just by the British, but also by the Dutch, the French, Swedes, and the Spanish. While everyone came here for their own very personal reasons, the vast majority risked all to make the dangerous six week journey to start over (it could take as long to two to three months depending on the weather and currents).

Many wanted to escape the stifling economic conditions which condemned an individual to whatever their economic and social class status happened to be with little hope for improvement (the only ones whose financial status seemed to improved was those who were already wealthy and have the political, social, religious, and financial connections). The "New World" as it was called offered an opportunity to start over for those willing to work...work hard...and suffer the incredible hardships it took.

Along the same lines, others came to this country to escape their past, whatever that was. Some were convicted criminals; felons or those convicted of minor crimes such as theft (especially of food to feed themselves or their family) or in some cases, prostitution or similar crimes . There were those trying to escape crushing debt or other obligations typically forced on them by the social circumstances.

There were many who willingly sold themselves...or their children... into a form of limited slavery called indentured servitude. There were those of financial means more than willing to take advantage of the poverty of others to work long hours, seven days a week over years on end in exchange for payment of the passage to this New World and the promise of some reward at the end of their service; often a piece of land and/or some form of payment. However, the trip, working conditions, and lack of health care was often so arduous that many died long before the tenure ended.

As an aside, occasionally these individuals would find their servitude altered. Instead of, for instance, working seven years, their owner would work them eight or nine years without them knowing. It also occurred that individuals and their families were actually enslaved (as happened to some of my ancestors who came from Germany to avoid religious persecution. They intended to settle in modern Maryland but ended up in Virginia where they, and the community which came with them, were sold).

This brings me to the other key reasons early settlers came here. One of the most important was for religious freedom; to avoid a State imposed religion or at the very least, a State imposed tax supporting the "official" religion as well as a tax on their religion. Going hand-in-hand with this was political freedom. In many of these countries, political freedom was strictly restricted. No voting for those not belonging to the official church; no political participation for those who didn't own land; no role in politics for those of certain classes or financial means, and obviously women were excluded altogether.

However, as America it developed, more domestic laws evolved which reflected the ideals of the colonists and less of their imperial masters across the pond. Following the American Revolution, laws were quickly developed which restricted immigration along with establishing the sovereignty of this new nation, including its borders, and why not? Every nation has laws designed to protect its citizens and its sovereignty.

Over the seceding decades and centuries, these laws changed as our boundaries expanded---rightly or wrongly---and the nation set about establishing its own unique national identity. Some of the laws concerning immigration were contradictory; some were outright racist in the legitimate use of the term. For instance, at one point the Chinese were encouraged to come (they were seen as a cheap source of manual labor). Then, their immigration was strictly prohibited. The same was true of the Irish (along with the Scots and Welsh). At other times, while the laws allowed immigration of certain groups, they were ostracized by some of those already here. These "Know-Nothings" aimed their wrath at Germans from the East, Italians, Poles, Jews, Catholics, Russians, among others.

Eventually, they came to be accepted, but not without hardship; often severe, suffered at the hands of those who rejected them. One of the chief reasons for their rejection was the belief that they could never become "true Americans". This helped to inspire as sense of desperation among the new arrivals to become more "American" than the Americans living here.

These immigrants prided themselves on becoming Americans. Many were all to glad to leave their past behind. Those who didn't speak English tried to learn what they could before leaving or on the way over as well as learn as much as they could about their new homeland (small classes were held aboard ship which also helped pass the time). It wasn't uncommon for them to encourage their children to become fluent in English and adapt to their new homeland. A few even went as far as to change their names or religions. They worked hard difficult jobs to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

While remnants of their homeland were present, the ancestral ties tended to fade over the generations (the Asians, however, have retained the strongest tie to their ancestral and racial culture). America had become, essentially, a "melting pot" of cultures, races, ethnic groups, classes, and political as well as religious beliefs. President Teddy Roosevelt summed up the attitude of the times the best when he said, "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people". And so it remained for decades.

There are those who, today, would call President Roosevelt a "racist" for that statement, but then again they would be trying to judge our 26th President by their standard of today. In his day, his remark was the sentiment of just about every American, be they newly arrived or having deep roots in this country. But something began to change. It's hard to pinpoint when or how it occurred. I suspect it was after World War I. Returning troops had been exposed to European traditions and culture, and for many, it was eye opening. It created a real sense of "American Exceptionalism". They had come to believe that that the "American Experiment" as it has been called was truly a success.

At some point, perhaps during the 1950's and 60's. we began trying to impose our values---political and economic---on other nations. We had come to expect that everyone wanted to be just like us, and if not, we had the military and economic might to impose ourselves on whomever and wherever we wanted.

We thought nothing about overthrowing governments who refused to cooperate with us. Worse, we even helped install brutal military juntas or corrupt political dictators in order to ensure their cooperation, not to mention unfettered access to their national resources and assets. We did it in places like Cuba, Paraguay, Argentine, Vietnam, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Laos, Mexico, Iran, among many---many--- others. Is it any wonder we became known as the "Ugly Americans" to most of the world?

To add insult to injury, part of our "Americanization" of the world, known euphemistically as "nation building", resulted in US taxpayers shelling out billions upon billions of dollar (without our approval by the way), largely on behalf of corporations seeking to profit from the new world order. Yet, despite the numerous countries which benefited from our largess, not a single country modeled itself after the US model. Not. A. Single. One. Nevertheless, corporations profited handsomely.

Today, we face an invasion of our own. It comes mainly from the very countries which we helped to destabilized through our "interventions", be it military/CIA or economic. The "pollo" have come home to roost so to speak. The situation had been a slow, but steady increase since the 1950's, however, it wasn't until 1986, when President Ronald Reagan (R-CA) granted amnesty to the estimated 3 million illegal immigrants living in the country, that the surge began in earnest.

Nowadays, the actual number of illegal immigrants living in America is anybody's guess; best estimates put the number at somewhere between 10 and 30 million, and all them are expecting, even demanding, that they too be given amnesty. Even the leaders of various Latin America countries, such as Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Costa Rica publicly stated that the United States had "no right" to prohibit their entry or to secure our borders, which was amazing given their strict immigration laws.

When the State of Arizona attempted to help enforce current federal immigration laws, President Obama (D-IL) ordered his then Attorney General, Eric Holder, to sue the state for enforcing existing federal immigration laws! To make matters worse, he even allowed Mexico, a sovereign foreign countries, to join in the lawsuit; something no other president had not only never done, but would have never even considered! As an aside, Holder would later be involved in illegally selling weapons to Mexican drug cartels ("Operation Fast and Furious") which resulted in the deaths of US federal and Mexican law enforcement agents as well as civilians, and individuals were still being murdered with these weapons as recently as 2019.

Some businesses, especially in the restaurant, apparel, construction, farm, yard care, and horseracing industries, also engage in hiring illegal workers, who typically work for pennies with no protection from unsafe and unhealthy working conditions or limits to hours worked, not to mention any form of legal protection. To further complicate the situation is that American labor unions are encouraging individuals to illegally cross the border in the hopes they will obtain many of the low paying menial jobs typically found in hotels or horse racing, and join the local unions. The reason? Dues. Unions have long since lost their political clout and can't begin to compete with corporations which defacto own both major political parties. Besides, it's not cheap for unions bosses to keep up appearances.

Churches and religious institutions have also been active in promoting the violation of US immigration laws, using their religious status and influence to avoid typically searches and arrests. They've even been involved in actively providing shelter, evading arrest, finding permanent jobs, residence, and how to circumvent laws to obtain taxpayer based services. Even some universities (many the beneficiary of taxpayer dollars) have begun offering reduced tuition rates for illegal immigrants or their children.

However, this all pales to the fact many politicians, especially within the Democratic Party, have openly allowed their towns, cities, and even state to adopt a so-called "sanctuary" status, in clear and flagrant violation of US Federal Law (and even then, demanding more federal money to cover the costs!). Now, we have candidates running for president in the Democrat Primary promising amnesty for all illegal immigrants in this country and even for a open border policy. Can you imagine what that would do to the US economy (and especially US taxpayers)? At present, illegal immigrants already cost taxpayers approximately $130 billion dollars annually. I don't know about you, but I can't afford any more tax or rate increases!

Needless to say, their promises, like all the others, is to win the election. Frankly, I don't care that these promises are coming from Democrats or even Republicans. Neither of these two corporate owned parties represent my interests (nor that of the majority of Americans given that most Americans are registered Independent; a number which continues to grow). The fact is that we are a nation of laws and those laws need to be enforced. Those who violate them should be severely punished, including the arrest of their leadership be it a mayor, governor, corporate president, HR manager, local priest or minister. They should also be heavily fined and stripped of their corporate or non-profit charter as well as their tax exempt status as applicable.

Meanwhile, we debate about building a wall or the cost of the wall, or how humane the presence of a wall would be, or for that matter, whether enforcing our immigration or sovereignty laws, just like every other country on the planet, are. Perhaps another factor we overlook is that these individuals aren't coming here to become Americans; to adopt to our laws, language, or values.

Few, if any, are coming here because of political or religious persecution, at least according to the US State Department and Homeland Security. They are coming here solely for economic reasons ("economic migrants"), which the United Nations has stated is NOT a legitimate reason to request sanctuary. As an aside, the UN also states that immigrants must move to the next closest stable country, not trek the length of a continent to find a better paying job or to seek any form of sanctuary. I'm sure there are a small few exceptions along the hordes trying to gain entry, and if so, those should be weeded out as soon as possible.

The United States, while no longer the representative Republic we were intended to be (we're a corporate dominated Oligarchy in case you didn't get the memo) is still the country of choice for those seeking freedom and a chance to start over just like our ancestors did. Nevertheless, we are first a nation of laws, and like every other nation, we have not just the right but the duty to enforce those laws, especially when it comes to our sovereignty.

As an aside, I have to say that much of the problems America faces, particularly regarding illegal immigration, has resulted from the government's tendency of sticking its nose where it doesn't belong, especially on behalf its corporate masters, simply because we don't like the choice of government some other people have chosen or the policies of their governments. The US would be best served by our Founding Father's advice to avoid "foreign entanglements" unless it's a matter of dire humanitarian necessity, and then only in conjunction with other nations.

We welcome those who come here with the intent of bettering themselves and through their efforts, bettering this nation. All we ask is that you following the existing channels and laws for entering this country, learn the language of this nation---English--- respect the values and traditions of this country, and obey the laws of the land once here (ie: we are not and will never be a theocracy). This is nothing more or less what any other country would expect and demand. If you can't do that, you need to look elsewhere.



United States involvement in regime change in Latin America


United States involvement in regime change


The 2020 Democratic immigration debate, explained

Toilets for Water Fountains? Yes According to Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Let's Consider The Facts

Using toilets for drinking water? Seriously? Well, if you believe Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) they are. She tweeted on July 1st that female detainees being held in temporary custody by the US Border Patrol were being told that if they wanted drinking water they had to use toilets. In addition, she claimed that during her visit, Border Patrol guards attempted to physically and sexually "intimidate" her.

Judy Chu (D-CA) also tweeted that "migrants" (a euphemism used to soften the term illegal immigrants) currently being held in temporary custody were instructed by Border Patrol guards to use toilets for their drinking water. A third Congressional representative, Madeleine Dean (D-PA) said in a tweet that the conditions she witnessed were "far worse than we could have imagined" while others have referred to the holding facilities as "concentration camps".

The three women were visiting the holding facilities as part of a delegation organized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The purpose of their visit was examine the living conditions of those being held, which also included speaking with some of the detainees. According to Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, she was told that the guards would walk the women around at odd hours and for no apparent reason; often calling them offensive names. She also claimed that she learned that the Border agents allegedly used a false Facebook page to post derogatory stories about her, including some lurid photo shopped pictures.

So how true is any of this? Well, it's true that the holding facilities are crowded. In fact, there are overcrowded. In some instances, the men are held in "standing room only" conditions. However, this is because these facilities were never intended for the volume of people which have attempted to enter this country illegally. The detainees are, according to the Border Patrol, provided with medical care, showers (typical military five minute limit), and hot meals They are provided with clean clothes, blankets and pillows. They also have access to snacks and drinks during the course of the day. I'm sure living conditions aren't great, but they're not exactly like "concentration camps" either.

As for the claim that the women were told to "drink out of the toilets", well, that story isn't exactly factual. As with most federal facilities such as prisons, toilets, drinking fountains, and sinks are one unit in order to reduce costs and conserve space. The three are just part of a single constructed unit with separate plumbing. Thus, there is no "drinking out of the toilet". Regarding the claim that border personnel were trying to physically and sexual "intimidate" her, that to may be an exaggeration given the number of officials and those with cameras who were present. It's more likely that those at the facilities felt as if their professionalism and dedication to a difficult job under difficult circumstances were being questioned.

With respect to the claim that there is a "secret" Facebook page, US Customs and Border Protection said they would investigate, even though this is a private personal page. If it is determined that Border Patrol agents were involved in any "inappropriate" behavior regarding the posts, they will be dealt with internally which may include suspension or termination. As an aside, while I personally don't approve of posting any sexual or discriminatory pictures, stories, or comments, I presume these individuals were all over 21 and the content was intended for those who were also over 21 and invited to view the page (and, obviously accepted).

Therefore, if these presumed adults were making personal comments, etc on their own time (and that's an important point. Any comments and so forth should never be on "company time") on a private page, then what business is it of US Customs and Border Protection? For that matter, if you make comments at home on your or someone else's private page, if it any business of your employer, especially if those comments were not disparaging your employer but commenting on someone or something else altogether?

Recently, Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL) said that people---US Citizens---shouldn't be allowed to criticize those in office. No, seriously. She said that. Rep. Wilson said that those who do should be prosecuted and face some form of punishment. If they do on social media, their account should automatically be shut down. She added that "You cannot intimidate members of Congress, frighten members of Congress. It is against the law, and it's a shame in this United States of America."

Her comment was made in direct response to Ms. Ocasio-Cortez's claim that there was a private Facebook account making fun of her (and by implication apparently, other members of Congress. I presume that includes the President too, and yes, I mean Trump). As if this couldn't get any more bizarre, Rep. Wilson said this was already the law but wasn't being enforced.

I hate to be the one to break it to either Congresswoman but here in the United States we have the right---the duty---to question those in government and demand of them honest answers to our question regardless of how those questions are posed. It's protected by the First Amendment protecting freedom of speech. Obviously you want to avoid anything libelous, we still have the right to say what we will about government and those who in power.

Nevertheless, attempts are being made to further improve living conditions at these facilities. Congress just passed at the end of June an emergency border funding bill to add $4.5 billion dollars in spending on these holding centers. However, while that may temporarily improve conditions, unless something is done to secure the border (such as building the long promised wall), things will only continue to get worse.

According to the partisan "Freedom for Immigrants" site, there are currently 200 detention sites across the US. 60% of all detainees are held in privately owned facilities such as GEO Corporation and Corrections Corporation of America/CorpCivic. in 2017, GEO Corp received $184 million dollars from taxpayers to run its centers while CorpCivic received $135 million.

Each company houses approximately 15,000 individuals each per day. Federal statistics indicated that the average person is held one month...or less. As an aside, the average age for the majority of detainees is between 26 and 35 years of age followed by 35 to 45 and under 25 years old. So, basically the overwhelming majority are in their prime working and childbearing years.

NBC News (another partisan site), has reported that 2019 has, so far, seen the highest influx of illegal immigrants since 2006, exceeding 3500 apprehended per day on seven occasions in February and March 2019 (March 19th saw 3974 arrested, a new record. Beating out the old one of 3530 set in 2006). February 2019 saw 76,000 individuals crossing the southern US illegally which was a 11 year high. The busiest crossing point is around El Paso Texas, which has seen a 97% increase over 2018; a 434% increase since Trump has taken office. To put it in better perspective, 2018 saw 396,579 illegal immigrants apprehended. So far this year there has been 268,044. Is there any doubt that our detention centers are overflowing?

Some groups, overwhelmingly on the Left, are hoping that the US Government will simply throw in the towel and open the borders to whomever wants to come. However, that's not likely to happen whether Trump or anyone else of either party are in office. For that matter, regardless of which of the two corporate owned parties controls Congress. Per the Washington Examiner, each illegal immigrant costs US taxpayers around $70,000 each (or about $70 billion dollars), which is seven times the cost involved in simply deporting them.

With the recent rash of new diseases appearing at the border such as whooping cough, mumps, measles, TB, and chicken pox with many of these new arrivals, that may be a bargain when you include the cost of treatment. This also doesn't factor in the costs of gang related activity which has already spread across the US. Even the sleepy little river town of Louisville Kentucky has an estimated 25 gangs including several major Mexican and Latin American drug cartel related gangs (although the mayor and police chief try to downplay it as much as possible). As a result crime---especially murders---have skyrocketed.

So what are we to do? That's the same question we've been asking since President Ronald Reagan make the mistake in 1986 of granting the estimated five million illegals currently living the country at the time amnesty under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (which obviously "controlled" nothing). Since then the number of illegal immigrants have continued to rise, states as well as cities and towns have blatantly ignored federal laws and became "sanctuary" communities (which still demanding federal money to contend with the influx). Universities have offered in-state tuition and protection from authorities, and all the while, religious groups and churches act as if immigration laws don't apply to them. The same can be said of some businesses and cash strapped unions.

As I've written before, the Federal Government needs to build the wall. It may ultimately prove to be ineffective, but it will send a message that if you want to enter the US, do it legally. States, cities, towns, as well as colleges and universities who prove "sanctuary" and aid to illegal immigrants should lose all federal funding. States offering driver's licenses to illegals should not be reciprocated.

Businesses and their owners who hire illegals should receive a stiff fee per employee along with a 90 day suspension of their business license (six for second offense, one year for their third, and permanent after that). Meanwhile, the business owner and/or board of directors should be subject to jail time. Employers should also be required to use E-Verify for all employees. Employers who require seasonal help should require that employees have a green card (especially those who are involved with farming, construction, and horse racing). As an aside, we should make it easier to acquire a green card. If you really want to come here for a better life, great. We'd love to have you, but do it legally (it would be terrific if you had some employable skills too and could speak at least some English). There's a embassy or consulate on just about every country on the planet. Usually they're located in large cities or a nation's capital. Just coming for a job? Fine. Get a green card. You can get them at the same place.

Churches and religious groups who aid illegal immigrants should not be exempt from search and seizure. Since they're playing at politics, their tax exempt status should be revoked along the same lines as businesses. They should also be subject to fines and jail time. No funding for public schools for children of illegal parents. English should also be mandatory anywhere funding is paid for by taxpayers. Lastly, the Federal Government should deduct the cost of housing, feeding, treating, and deporting illegal immigrants from the financial aid the US provides to these countries (many of these countries depend on US aid). Perhaps this might encourage them to do something to resolve the problem before it leaves their borders.

Until we, that is the Federal Government and especially Congress, recognizes this is a serious threat to our national security and the profit is eliminated by businesses, churches and social organizations, and so forth, the problem of illegal immigration is only going to continue to get worse, and we haven't even discussed the possibility of terrorists trying to slip through (which the Department of Homeland Security has already said has likely happened). Unless we the People get tough with those elected to serve our interests at every level, the situation will only deteriorate until we have no choice but to throw in the towel. If that should happen, the consequences to this country will not only be catastrophic, they will be irreversible.



Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Says Detained Migrants Were Told To Drink Toilet Water

Rep Frederica Wilson demands prosecution for those who mock Congress online

Detention by the numbers

Border surge the highest since 2011, each illegal immigrants costs $70,000, 7x deportation cost

Infectious Diseases Making Border Crisis Worse

America's Achilles Heel: Stopping Illegal Immigration

There's been a lot of talk---perhaps far too much--- of late about the recent influx of illegal immigrants and the "alleged" separation of children from their parents. Most of this "outrage" has emanated from the political Left and has been directed at President Trump. Perhaps that's because of the continuation of the anger and disbelief of Trump's victory of the Presidency and the denial of the obvious coronation of Hillary Clinton.

Certainly there can be no denying that the Left has been on a bender of sorts since the election. it seems every news broadcast, every headline or lead story, and every talk radio or TV show starts and ends with some alleged wrong doing by the Trump Administration. They've even tried to tag the enforcement of immigration laws, which call for the temporary separation of children from their parents "Trump's Policy" when they know good an well that it has been in effect for decades.

I've even heard a few commentators point out the attempts to discredit Trump's White House via alleged bribery charges, Russian collusion, vote buying, and just about everything else you can think of allegation just simply hasn't stuck no matter how much the Left wishes it to. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's known criminal behavior has been completely ignored. Do you think that perhaps the two are connected somehow?

Just recently, the corporate media, still trumpeting its "anti-Trump" tune, has been claiming that these individuals were there to "seek asylum", which may...or may not be true. The reason I say that is that it's not logical that people would bring their families (including young children and teenagers) hundreds of miles just to illegally cross into the US and then, after being arrested by the Border Patrol, saying they intended to enter the US in order to seek amnesty. "Why" you ask? Because the US maintains consulates and embassies literally everywhere in the world. But since these individuals are coming from Latin America and Mexico, let's stay focused on them for the sake of argument.

Mexico has a US embassy in Mexico City, which is the country's largest urban center. In addition, there are nine consulates scattered all through Mexico. Colombia, which isn't a very large country, has an embassy in Bogotá, the nation's capital. Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panamá, El Salvador, and the rest of the countries which make up Central America all an American Embassy in their capital city as well. As for South America, Brazil (which has the fewest number of illegal immigrants attempting to enter the US), has an embassy in Brasilia and three consulates; Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Recife.

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Peru, and all the rest in South America also have one US embassy each, which are all located in their respective country's capital city. So, again I ask---why could you tote your entire family hundreds, if not thousands of miles along dangerous roads full of all sorts of bad guys (especially those working for the drug cartel), illegally crossing borders and risking the loss of everything they have, including their lives, just to knowingly and willingly break US federal law to enter the US and ask for asylum when they simply just needed to go to their country's capital city and apply? Even initially, US officials will mail out the paperwork to get them started! Thus, I have to wonder if their actions make any logical sense? For me, the answer is clearly "no".

Of course, the next obvious question is why these individuals are seeking asylum in the first place? None of the countries south of the border are engaged in any ongoing military action. Each has a relatively stable government, at least as far as our State Department is concerned since the US doesn't officially provide aid to any "terrorist" or "terrorist sponsoring" state (of course, "terrorism" is in the eye of the beholder as we all well know), but let's look at that too for just a moment. Given that the majority of illegal immigrants come from Mexico, we'll start there.

According to USAID, Mexico, with a population of 131 million, receives $87 million dollars from US taxpayers. Next is Honduras, with a population of about 50 million, takes in $325 million. El Salvador gets $75 million while Costa Rica and Nicaragua receive $15 million and $31 million respectively. Paraguay cashes in with $22 million dollars of our money. Uruguay gets a paltry $837,000 (obviously they need a better lobbyists). Brazil cashes our check for $15 million each year as Argentina, which has one of the worst economies in Latin America as a result decades long poor economic policies, gets $2.1 million of our tax dollars, and the list goes on. In short, each of these countries benefit mightily for US taxpayers to help prop up their governments. Of course, none of these figures include the peripheral benefits of US trade or military bases.

If we look at the their economics, we find that most are doing ok; nothing to write home about (though sending money back home seems to be acceptable). As I said earlier, Argentina has perhaps the worse economy due to decades of pursing poor economic policies which has resulted in hyperinflation, severe unemployment, and, naturally, a lot of civil unrest. Nicaragua too has had some major economic troubles, especially since the death President Manuel Noriega. Brazil, on the other hand has done well economically, however, that prosperity hasn't been equally spread out. The ruling 3% or 4% elites have made a great deal of money off of the country's developing economy while the remaining majority live at or below poverty level.

Of course, the same thing can be said of most of Latin America countries, Mexico included. The problem goes back centuries where wealthy clans bought up huge tracts of land, which they, in turn, used to invest in various industries. Naturally, their wealth allowed them to control the various governments which have come and gone and ride out the periodic "People's revolutions", either through bribery, extortion, and old fashion murder. A middle class never really got a chance to take hold. Peasants were kept largely uneducated and ignorant, mostly with the active support of the Catholic Church, which received large kickbacks from the wealthy elites. In fact, it wasn't until relatively recently (post 20th Century), that any assemblance of a middle class has started to develop. Nevertheless, the elites remain in control of the government and more importantly, the military.

About two decades ago, there was a brief attempt to change the social and economic face of Latin America through a reinterpretation of the Catholic/Christian message called "Liberation Theology" which provided a more "socialist" take. The message was highly popular among the poor, especially in underdeveloped rural portions of the various countries, especially sense it promoted social justice. The message was promulgated primarily by individual priests and lay leaders, who spread the message primarily by word of mouth as they ventured from village to village (the best known of these was Gustavo Gutierrez).

It wasn't long before the ruling elites and the Catholic Church officials clamped down hard on this modern day "heresy". Anyone promoting "Liberation Theology" face dismissal from their parish and even excommunication! Thus, it too was consigned to the "dustbin of history" as Trotsky once said of the opposing Mensheviks. What's of interest, however, is that out of this there seems to have developed movement to bring individuals from these poor South American countries to the United States regardless of whether they broke US immigration laws or not.

These groups, which tend to be liberal and religiously oriented, as well as highly organized. They tend to hide behind their traditional "untouchable" status to secretly transport, house, feed, and support these families. They are also actively engaged in helping these individuals navigate or actually circumvent US laws to obtain taxpayer based social services such as healthcare, housing, and even jobs through various programs and church based connections, and when necessary, to even evade immigration officials.

The other group directly involved with smuggling illegal immigrants are (not surprisingly), drug cartels who are often paid up to $10,000 per person. These cartels often make use of corrupt politicians and individual in the police force and military. In some cases, such as we're now experiencing, these cartels will "borrow" children from those working for them or who may owe them money, and randomly pair them with an adult to create a "family", which is then used to aid these individuals in crossing the border illegally, believing that families get preference. Of course, the media loves a good "family drama", which gets overdramatized and politicians can't keep away from anything which smacks of good "PR" (the same thing can be said of Hollywood Liberals, who are always looking for the latest social "fad").

As we're now seeing, many of these kids are spilling the beans once they're interviewed separately by immigration agents, but that's not all of the story. In some cases, parents are legitimately sending their children north in order to link up with relatives already in the US. However, authorities from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have reported that, when contacted, these relatives often seen to vanish, leaving the kids abandoned, which creates a whole other problem---what to do with these children? At present, HHS officials are trying to place these kids with foster families while they continue to find either their actual families (who also don't want to be found for fear of prosecution) or an actual close relative willing to take the child.

Lastly, perhaps the worst offender in my opinion, are those who encourage these individuals to illegally enter the country with the promise of jobs. In reality, these are typically dirty, unclean, underpaid, unstable, and often unsafe jobs (obviously with no benefits). They are subject to whatever treatment the employer wants to dish out without recourse. What's worse, there's no one for these individuals to complain to. Some say these individuals will do the work US citizens won't, which is untrue. American's will work these jobs, but only if working conditions are improved and they're paid a realistic salary. No more paying pennies and pocketing dollars!

My solution to at least some of these problems is fairly simply. Illegals caught in the US should be deported ASAP by depositing them at the nearest home embassy or consulate; let them find a way to send their citizens back home. We should deduct the costs of handling these individuals from the millions of dollars in taxpayer aid being sent to their home country. We should, however, make it easier for those with a needed skilled to obtain a work permit and enter the country (with a mandatory minimum English fluency requirement). We should end the "anchor baby" provision; requiring that at least one parent to be a US citizen. No access to any taxpayer based services, including healthcare (unless it's deemed an medical emergency). All US taxpayer funded documents should be printed in English only, however, English language classes should be made available.

To reduce the supply, we must eliminate the demand. Any business or institution, including churches, aiding, employing, or assisting illegal immigrates should be subject to a substantial mandatory fine for the first offense; an increasing fine for the second offense including a 30 day suspension of their business license or tax exempt status along with a 30 day jail sentence (which includes the president/CEO and members of the board). For the third and additional offenses, a larger fine, permanent suspension of their business license or tax exempt status and up to one year in jail.

As mayors or governors who want to thumb their noses at federal laws, that's fine. However, they should also be willing to accept responsibility for their decisions and forego federal money to their state or community as well. You shouldn't be able to flip someone off with one hand and beg for money with the other. In short, we need to make it impossible and/or unprofitable to continue with this business as usual attitude and not expect consequences for their actions.

The US should and will continue to welcome immigrants to this country. It's what have made America the greatest country the world has ever known. But we can't continue to accept illegal behavior. We are a nation of laws, and we must not allow some to blatantly ignore the law just because it's convenient or makes us feel good. Maybe most importantly, it's not fair to those who have taken the time and made the effort to do the right thing; who are attempting to follow the law.





USAID: United States Agency for International Development