Sen. Mike Jorgenson
State Senator Mike Jorgenson has been pushing immigration reform at our state’s level, without much success, during the last few years. He’s speaking about his plan tomorrow at 7am in the Shore Lounge at the Resort. Sen. Jorgenson says Idaho spends up to $200 million spent annually on illegal immigrants. The Press has the story today, you can read it here. What do you think Idaho should do? Any other ideas, comments or questions?
I wrote a letter to the editor last month about illegal
immigration;in the CDA Press.There were over 100 comments
made,so people up in North Idaho care about the issue of:
Illegal Immigration.The problem Senator Jorgeson faces are
the southern legislators who are protecting their farmers
and don’t want the state to make it MANDATORY for employers
to use the E-verify system.Right now using it is voluntary.
Even some of the southern legislators are farmers themselves.
So, unfortunately change may have to come from the Federal
level.
What people don’t realize is:that even though food may be a
little cheaper, because farmers use illegal immigrants to
increase their profits, in the end it might cost taxpayers
more money than any savings made at the grocery store.These
are seasonal workers who when laid-off either apply for state
benefits or go back to Cental or South America and spend their
money there,which further hurts the economy and businesses.
Comment by kageman — July 9, 2009 @ 10:54 am
We need to question all Idaho candidates running for state and national office about their stand on illegal immigration.
We need to examine their voting records.
We need to listen closely to hear if they change their tune depending on the audience.
We need to read between the lines to examine their expressed views.
We need to collectively and individually let the politicians know they will not get our vote if they continue down this path of irresponsibly and thumbing their noses at the citizen.
Comment by citizen — July 9, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
To get a grip on illegal immigration in Idaho and elsewhere there needs to be enforcement through attrition:
let local law enforcement do its job
in arresting illegal immigrants, cut any benefits illegal aliens receive
and make it mandatory for employers to use the E-verify system.Enact tough penalties for employers who don’t comply with the state and federal immigration laws.
I tend to believe that one reason America is in this recession or depression is because of illegal immigration; among other reasons.
Sometimes the US spreads itself too
thin and tries to prop up too many countries economies IMO.
Comment by kageman — July 10, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
I meant attrition through enforcement. 😉
Comment by kageman — July 10, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
Illegal Immigration will be yet another Great Unsolved political problem, where keeping it an active political problem is more important than actually addressing the issue. Like other hot-button issues — abortion, gun control, climate change, and so on — having the issue is more important to the politicians and activists than actually solving it. Therefore, there will be bluster and speeches, laws and more laws, but the issue will remain as long as the upset electorate throws money at the politicians.
The true resolution to any issue is to dialog it. America was once a land of great debate. We’ve lost that, clinging instead to petty partisan bickering that keeps the political class in power and the people wanting. Apparently those in power prefer it that way.
Comment by Dan — July 10, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
It looks to me as if this issue will be solved state by state.
Those states that do not solve it will become 3rd world territories and we must pray they don’t take us all down.
Comment by citizen — July 10, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
Unless the feds decide to manage the problem what any state does will be a drop in the bucket in correcting this situation. Yes, illegals play a part in our local economies but they impact the national gov’t the most. I am aghast that in all the talk about healthcare reform that there has been no mention of eliminating care for illegal aliens. All those European countries whose healthcare systems are being lauded do NOT pay to care for non citizens. Indigent Americans cannot illegally reside in France, England, Canada or even Kuwait and expect free healthcare. While I’d agree that state level posturing to control this problem is good unless it becomes a national policy we will all continue to pay dearly. The really spectacular irony is that Mexico has free healthcare and NO American citizen receives free care from that country.
Comment by Wallypog — July 11, 2009 @ 7:09 am
How does giving each state the authority to solve illegal immigration square with Article IV of the US Constitution? Does illegal immigration constitute an “invasion”, particularly instances wherein it appears to have been state-encouraged if not fully state-sponsored?
Comment by Bill — July 11, 2009 @ 9:31 am