Jake Shannon – Solving the Immigration Problem

Jake Shannon – For some reason, the mainstream media has been pushing “immigration” as a problem in search of a solution. Why this “smoke and mirrors” issue is being pushed so hard, in light of MORE sweeping legislation being passed by the 111th Congress like the Dodd-Frank Bill, is a bit disconcerting to me.
For some reason, the mainstream media has been pushing “immigration” as a problem in search of a solution. Why this “smoke and mirrors” issue is being pushed so hard, in light of MORE sweeping legislation being passed by the 111th Congress like the Dodd-Frank Bill, is a bit disconcerting to me. The solution to immigration seems to be a self-evident one; simply allow any foreigner, without a criminal background, that is actively seeking work to stay here.
Now please note, I am advocating freedom of entry and residency, and not “amnesty” or the granting of U.S. citizenship. Anyone working here, that is producing or otherwise contributing to the overall economy should be able to freely.
If we had no welfare state, there would be few valid arguments against opening our borders, assuming the foreign citizens weren’t allowed to vote and they didn’t have a violent or fraudulent criminal history. However, if foreign citizens are allowed to vote, take food stamps, Social Security, “free” medical care, and “free” education, then there are some very serious conflicts of interest.
Immigration is really a secondary issue. End welfare, Social Security, Medicare, the progressive income tax, the minimum wage, public education and the War on Drugs and you will end the enmity towards immigrants (assuming they aren’t violent criminals). Keep those institutions and you create bad incentives.