Do I Look Illegal? Part Two.

I began a rant yesterday. A rant about race. But I was only just beginning...

Source.

I read an article a few years ago about illegal immigrants and the impact on the economy. I have no clue what I was reading or even how to find it again, quite honestly.

I did fine this article from Newsweek, however.

Basically, most people focus on the negative. As usual. Illegal immigrants cost too much money. They came here, against the law, to use our welfare systems by using fake social security numbers. They are criminals. They are ruining our workforce. Truth be told, some illegal immigrants do. Some are just here to abuse the system, to break the law, and to work hard.

And, the ones who abuse the system should be penalized, as should all legal residents and citizens who abuse the system too.  People who work under the table, but collect foodstamps and other forms of welfare. Or the ones that are able to work, but cannot get a job due to failing their drug tests, repeatedly. And who are spending the money that they do have on drugs or alcohol, instead of food for their kids. But don't get me started on that soapbox.

Additionally, illegal immigrants who are engaging in criminal activity (aside from simply being here without papers) should be penalized accordingly, again, in the same manner as all others who live here legally. If we had no illegal immigrants, would crime diminish? Are other countries significantly more deliquent than the U.S.? Can we really blame crime upon something like immigration, or is it more attributed to things like morals and lifestyle?

However, many immigrants come here illegally, use false documentation, and take jobs that many of us "Americans" are too proud of taking. They are doing hard manual labor, back breaking labor, making minimum or sometimes less than minimum (because their employers know that they will not report them) wage. They have money coming from their check going into the government and they are unable to even file taxes. And they are putting money into our economy, by buying furniture and cars and homes. They open bank accounts and purchase gas for their cars. They buy food and clothes and shoes. They go to restaurants and go to movies. They spend their hard earned money and put it into U.S. economy.

So, what's the biggest issue with illegal immigrants?