by Will Goodwell

Created on: January 07, 2009

I wish I had a nickel for every time I've gotten into a debate with someone who supports illegal immigration. They always seem to follow the same path. Here is a typical debate and the most common responses.

Their opening statement usually has something do with the fact that "We were all immigrants at one point." This line of defense blows me away. It tells me I may not be dealing with a rational thinker. The fact that our long-forgotten ancestors came here from another country (legally or illegally) has absolutely no bearing on the current illegal immigration problem facing this country. Two wrongs do not make a right. Don't make excuses to justify an illegal act.

Our current problem deals with the fact that people are breaking our laws, belittling our standards, disgracing our society, and hurting our way of life. Before you consider this a hate essay, please note that my views are not based on color, ethnicity, race, or even culture. I don't care if the immigrant is from Canada, England, Mexico, or even Denmark. It is based on the simple fact that we have laws that should be followed. Anyone who wants to come to this country through lawful means is ok in my book. I don't care where they're from, just as long as they follow the standards and practices that allow legal naturalization into the USA.

Those who choose to bypass the legal channels are choosing to step into this country as a fugitive. All things considered, it tells me a lot about the life the immigrant must be leaving behind when they come here, and I can certainly sympathize with such folk. But again... follow the proper channels first and then reap the rewards.

The next argument I often hear is, "But only a handful of work visas are handed out, and many people are turned away." My response: Good. We have laws for a reason. If we open the borders to an unlimited number of people, then we may face overcrowding at an alarming rate. Come to think of it, because of illegal immigration we already are facing overcrowding and a lack of jobs.

My debate opponent inevitably responds with, "But they only take the jobs that we don't want." Tell that to the teenager who can't get his stereotypical first job at McDonalds because the illegal immigrants have the jobs. I've seen it happen. Tell it to the middle class construction worker who can't find work or can't live on the offered pay, because the illegal immigrants take the jobs and take them for less pay. I'm all for a free market that dictates wages, but not

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>