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beings, most of whom only want to work hard so they can provide for their families.

Perhaps recognizing that would eliminate many of the social problems associated with illegal immigrants having to live below the government's radar. It may be highly unpopular, but it makes sense that people who eat are less likely to steal food if they have the means to buy food. It also makes sense that people who eat are more likely to steal food if they are not given the means to buy food.

The government should certainly take steps to stop, or at least slow the rate of, illegal immigration. However, quick quips about deporting tens of millions of people to resolve something as complex as an economy has the integrity of drunken bar talk. Usually it is said as a display of extreme patriotism, but it is only extremely idiotic. It shows ignorance of economics, and disregard for humanity.

If America has ever had a precedent for the social situation we face with illegal immigrants, it was white society's regard for Black people after slavery was abolished. Black people were not good enough to participate in society, but they provided businesses a hard working labor force for less cost than White men.

The rest of the story is also history. There were tremendous injustices and struggles. Eventually, Black people were regarded as just people. It did not destroy society as many believed. In fact, the contributions to society by Black people today should make us wonder how much further we would be along if it had happened sooner and less turbulently.

Illegal immigrants did not come to America to ruin its economy. It does not benefit them to do anything other than contribute to a healthy economy. They did not come here to ruin society for Americans. They came here for chances at better lives.

Still, they came here illegally, and we cannot allow waves more to cross the border.

It makes much more sense from an economic standpoint to provide processes for illegal immigrants to become accounted for, and through which they lose the "illegal" part of their identities. If we were to integrate them into society without a turbulent civil rights movement, we would likely find they negatively affect the economy about as much as integrating Black people negatively affected it. We would also likely find they positively affect the economy about as much as Black people positively affect it.

"Round them up, and ship them off!" "Shoot them all!" "They are taking our jobs!" People were drunkenly shouting those about Black people in the past. People are drunkenly shouting those about illegal immigrants today. It does not show thoughts of economy. Rather, it shows economy of thoughts.

Learn more about this author, Tom Koecke.
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