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Originally Posted by Mr Mephisto
I read somewhere that if all the illegal immigrants in the US left, the economy would take a nose dive.
On the radio the other day I was listening to the PBS show "All Things Considered" (a great US radio programme that's retransmitted in Australia). They noted that some congress men were championing anti-immigration laws (disallowing them driver's licences, prosecuting those who employ them or give them benefits etc). It was rather interesting, but I don't remember all the details unfortunately. One fact did remain in my mind though. Apparently there are over 4 MILLION "illegal aliens" in the US. Furthermore the majority of them are working and therefore contributing to the tax system and the economy.
I can understand the desire to limit or address economic refugees (because this is what they are). But be careful what you ask for. As I said above, I think some of you may be mistaken as seeing these people as a burden on your economy as opposed to a net contributor.
Interesting debate.
Mr Mephisto
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Most of their contribution to the tax system is via sales tax which I believe is not enugh to compensate for what they actually can use in return. Their children are allowed to use our school systems, they can get charitable hospitcal care, and in some cases also government help.
That's why I think the Fair Tax Proposal by John Linder is a pretty neat one. Liberals are fighting it under a "Raising taxes on the poor" banner right now, but from what I've read and heard it really sounds like it's an initiative that will help our government in the next century.