American Excess

[lookout123]

Can you give any suggestions on how low-skilled workers can turn their economy around, or why there is a great incentive to work here instead of in Mexico?

They work here because of more money, less corruption, better and free medical care, and the knowledge nothing will happen if they get caught here. Makes sense. Eliminate the source of their jobs (punish employers), refuse all but true emergency medical care and report them to ICE when they do show up, and make real meaningful penalties for being caught here. Then fewer will feel the risk is worth it.

But remember - fixing the legal immigration system goes hand in hand with this.

The problem I see is that there might be a correlation between what is happening economically in Mexico, immigration, and NAFTA. I still don't know enough about it to say for certain, but I have glanced into it and there seems to be similarities. That is one of the reasons for my harder stance. If it just came out of nowhere and the US did nothing to cause or worsen the problem, I would have a different viewpoint.

Illegals were here long before NAFTA. It is not our job to make sure everyone in Mexico has solid employment and a big screen tv. Secure the borders, overhaul immigration and let them deal with their problems.

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by lookout123

Illegals were here long before NAFTA. It is not our job to make sure everyone in Mexico has solid employment and a big screen tv. Secure the borders, overhaul immigration and let them deal with their problems.

I am aware of this, but it seems that there was a large increase of illegal immigration after NAFTA passed.

Illegal Immigrants are criminals but that doesn't mean that they are making immoral or irrational decisions. When a society is set up so the most rational decision is to break a law, you know there is a problem or flaw somewhere. Why do you think so many people in the inner city take up drug dealing instead of working at a minimum wage job? It is the most rational decision for them. The risks of drug dealing is much worth the extra money they will be making from it. $1000 a week is much better than $150 a week working full time in a job that very few people could possibly enjoy.

[lookout123]

Are you kidding me? You are actually going to argue that it is ok to deal drugs if you can make more money doing that than working hard for less money? I make pretty ok money right now, but I guarandamntee I kind double my income immediately if I choose to break a couple laws I'm not fond of, and I most likely wouldn't be caught. Would that be rational? Would that be moral? Would you condone that as being understandable?