Immigration 2
by John Lawrence, January 18, 2018
Of course the Dreamers should be given a path to citizenship as well as all illegals that have been here more than say 5 years. However, the crackdown on illegal immigration should be strengthened, but not necessarily by building a wall. The most prolific source of illegal immigration is overstaying of visas. This system needs to be modified so this just does not happen. As far as the Dreamers, their parents who brought them here should also be allowed to stay if they've been here 5 years or more.
Lottery based immigration should be ended. We don't want random people coming here from random countries. Family reconciliation is OK up to a point. I would say Grandparents should come, but no aunts, uncles or cousins. I don't know why this issue should be so prominent. It could be dealt with in a rational manner.
Throughout history there has been a rationale for immigration that made sense. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries there were wide open spaces in the US that needed to be settled. There was also a need for labor. In the 20th century there was just a need for labor. In the 21st century there is no longer a need for labor so immigration needs have changed.
It makes sense to let people in that have cooperated with the US and because of that have been targeted by militant groups in their countries. Of course, if the US military hadn't been there in the first place fighting useless wars, there would be no call for this type of immigration. The US and Europe should help resettle refugees in their own countries. This means a massive PEACE effort of rebuilding infrastructure, homes and businesses. The US should pay reparations for all civilians killed and homes and businesses destroyed. The US military should be put to use rebuilding rather than destroying.
Immigration should be kept to a minimum and be merit based instead of guilt based which it has been up to now. With that sentiment I agree with Trump. There is no need for immigrant labor when we have a large homeless population and formerly incarcerated population that can't get jobs. Automation is depopulating the work force on a daily basis. First see to it that all Americans that are here already have a job and a roof over their heads before letting more people into the country.
