Going Out On A Limb On Immigration...

So a lot of people that I know are really passionate about Immigration. I am not super passionate either way, but I do have some opinions that I would really like some feedback on. I want to understand better why people feel the way that they do.

Illegal immigration is well... illegal. I mean that is right isn't it? Our country sets up laws so that people from all over the world can immigrate and become part of our melting pot. I personally don't think it is fair that people from our southern borders in particular (including Central and South America) don't wait their turns. Instead they ignore the laws and come anyway. That isn't right. Is it?

That being said, illegal immigration has had some really positive effects. Cheaper labor and more labor are good for our country. In my opinion more people living in our country is also really good. You have more people you sell more houses, food, insurance, cars, get more tax income, and grow. We as a country benefit from the influence of new culture and ideas. With the long term impacts of countries with populations that are 4 times as big as ours (India and China) we need to increase our population or we will not be able to compete ultimately. We will become the next France: A proud country whose influence in the world is in decline. Believe me, American Pride could be as big a weakness as it is strength.

Why not increase immigration across the board? Why not allow the poor masses from Ethiopia, Uzbeks, and Ukrainians, people from Indonesia, Palestians, and people from India to join our country in greater numbers? As it is we are gaining illegal immigrants from one geographic area and that area is getting a really unfair slice of the pie. How can that be justified?

I am reminded of the Roman Empire... although the United States is truly a young country by the Roman standard there are a lot of parallels. Immigration was massive during the Roman Empire. The people who were under the influence of the barbarians wanted the safety, economic security, and peaceful way of life that the Romans provided. Many moved within the borders of the empire to gain from their success. The Romans in turn gained new citizens, more tax revenue, and more troops for their legions. As the Empire began to decline the non-Romans began to take a much larger role in the administration and government of the empire. What they did is the most encouraging thing. They emulated the Romans in every way. They tried to run the empire as the Romans did. Those who believe that the American way of life is threatened by illegal immigrants I believe are sadly mistaken.

That being said I would like America to remain a truly racially diverse nation. I don't think that one race of immigrants should grow so large as to overshawdow the others in 40 years, especially illegally. I think this fact is one of the main fears that people have, but won't say.

Anyway, that’s my two cents on the subject. I am not looking for people to insult me. If you want to do that I hope that Ruben steps in and deletes the posts. I want honest perspectives and real opinions so that I can understand the issue better.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to learning more from all you great people here in Motown...

Chris