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boatin · 04-24-2006, 09:30 AM

I'll start by admitting that I have no facts and figures for my stance on what I'm about to say. I haven't seen any of either (facts or figures) so far on this thread. I apologize if I've missed them, but here's my take:

It costs the US taxpayer some amount of money to educate, give health care, and do a number of other kinds of support. That adds up to real money, I'm sure. On the other side, we get cheaper food, cheaper houses and a number of economic positive factors for the average taxpayer.

I'm NOT talking about what's right or wrong here, just what is.

My contention is that if we could wave a magic wand, and make the border impassable, and magically remove every illegal immigrant, the average taxpayer's life would get worse economically.

If one accepts the premise that there is more economic benefit than harm, it would behoove us (the taxpayers) to find a solution that takes advantage of that, helps solve some of the real problems in the system and puts us in a better place than we currently are.

I believe amnesty could be part of that solution. Another part would be to ensure that we're not abusing immigrants and making things fair for all. There's always a middle road...

Now, if you don't accept that premise, you'll have a different take of course. I would sure be interested in seeing someone attempt to show that the costs are higher than the benefits.

Part of why I believe the benefits outweight the costs, btw, is that I know the free market system works. If we didnt' get great benefits, this wouldn't have developed the way it has...

So there's more ramble from me. Here's hoping it makes sense outside of my head...

04-24-2006, 09:30 AM	#106 (permalink)
boatin Psycho	I'll start by admitting that I have no facts and figures for my stance on what I'm about to say. I haven't seen any of either (facts or figures) so far on this thread. I apologize if I've missed them, but here's my take: It costs the US taxpayer some amount of money to educate, give health care, and do a number of other kinds of support. That adds up to real money, I'm sure. On the other side, we get cheaper food, cheaper houses and a number of economic positive factors for the average taxpayer. I'm NOT talking about what's right or wrong here, just what is. My contention is that if we could wave a magic wand, and make the border impassable, and magically remove every illegal immigrant, the average taxpayer's life would get worse economically. If one accepts the premise that there is more economic benefit than harm, it would behoove us (the taxpayers) to find a solution that takes advantage of that, helps solve some of the real problems in the system and puts us in a better place than we currently are. I believe amnesty could be part of that solution. Another part would be to ensure that we're not abusing immigrants and making things fair for all. There's always a middle road... Now, if you don't accept that premise, you'll have a different take of course. I would sure be interested in seeing someone attempt to show that the costs are higher than the benefits. Part of why I believe the benefits outweight the costs, btw, is that I know the free market system works. If we didnt' get great benefits, this wouldn't have developed the way it has... So there's more ramble from me. Here's hoping it makes sense outside of my head...