Illegal Immigration Policy That Works

Check this out - it's so good to be proven right!  All of you who have been reading this blog for a long time know that I believe the best policy for illegal immigration is something like this:
1. secure the border (for real)
2. crack down on businesses who hire illegal workers
3. ramp up enforcement of existing law

Two recent stories indicate that this WORKS!!!

First, let's look at Arizona, home of some of the toughest immigration laws in the nation:

The Arizona economy, heavily dependent on growth and a Latino work force, has been slowing for months. Meanwhile, the state has enacted one of the country's toughest laws to punish employers who hire illegal immigrants, and the county sheriff here in Phoenix has been enforcing federal immigration laws by rounding up people living here illegally.

"It is very difficult to separate the economic reality in Arizona from the effects of the laws because the economy is tanking and construction is drying up," said Frank Pierson, lead organizer of the Arizona Interfaith Network, which advocates for immigrants' rights and other causes. But the combination of factors creates " a disincentive to stay in the state."

State Representative Russell K. Pearce, a Republican from Mesa and leading advocate of the crackdown on illegal immigration, takes reports of unauthorized workers leaving as a sign of success. An estimated one in 10 workers in Arizona are Hispanic immigrants, both legal and illegal, twice the national average.

"The desired effect was, we don't have the red carpet out for illegal aliens," Mr. Pearce said, adding that while "most of these are good people" they are a "tremendous burden" on public services.

But this isn't an issue that is confined to the border states.  Take Rhode Island, for instance:

Rhode Island, facing a budget crisis that will lead to massive cutbacks, is engulfed in the most intense battle over illegal immigration in New England, with Republicans and Democrats alike calling for a crackdown on unauthorized workers.

In the past few weeks, state lawmakers and the governor have proposed a battery of measures targeting unauthorized workers, from expelling undocumented children from the state's healthcare system to making English the official language to jailing business owners and landlords who harbor illegal workers.

Do you get how significant these indicators are?

First, there should be no doubt that this is a national problem - it affects every state in this country.  If Rhode Island is struggling with it, you can bet it's an issue in every state.

Second, this is one of the few key issues that spans almost all political boundaries.  Note the quote from the Rhode Island story: '...with Republicans and Democrats alike calling for a crackdown...'.  We also saw this in last year's amnesty debacle, with about 80% of the country being opposed to it.  That 80% included young and old, Rep and Dem, conservative and liberal, all colors and backgrounds.  It's a universally hated proposition. 

Third, the financial effects of rampant illegal immigration (and total lack of border security) are becoming apparent.  Conservatives have been predicting this for years, but it is only now that states are starting to feel the real crunch in excessive services (i.e. welfare, free health care, food stamps, etc.) all over.  Taxpayers can only shoulder so much unproductive burden, and that burden is growing and growing with each illegal immigrant who leeches off the system.

Finally, the combination of business crackdowns and increased enforcement DOES WORK.  We don't have to answer the question of deporting millions of people - they will leave voluntarily when the jobs dry up.  This is exactly what's happening in Arizona.  It's all about the disincentive, and that's what I -- and many other conservatives -- have been saying for months.  It works, it works, it works...if we have the will to follow through!  Fortunately some do, but more need to get on board.

Now, is there going to be some pain?  Yes.  Arizona is struggling with its economy even now, and I'm certain that other places will, too.  Some industries will go through periods of slowness or even decline for a time as illegal workers head for greener pastures.  But, if all states start implementing these policies, the only places left to go will be...back home.  But over the long term, it will be far more beneficial to America - if we reclaim billions of taxpayer dollars that currently go to illegal aliens, we could use that money for legitimate uses like helping American poverty, defense, tax cuts, etc.  Isn't that a better use of our own money?

It can be done a whole lot easier than you think using the laws and policies that are already on the books, especially if the borders are actually secure.  These stories are proof.

One final thought.  I find it interesting that pro-illegal immigration people suggest it would be impossible to even find all illegal immigrants, so there's no point in even trying.  And yet...reporters seem to have no trouble finding them at all!  Think about it - every time you read a report on illegal immigration, don't they invariably include at least one sob story from an illegal alien?  Both of the stories I linked above do.  If reporters can track them down with a tape recorder and a pad of paper, you'd think that local police departments an federal ICE agents would be able to, too, wouldn't you?

Hmmm...

There's my two cents.