[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by nmap

Isn't it interesting that we, as a society, decade in and decade out, refuse to make any effort to pursue such policies? Could it be that the views stated by politicians are mere diversions from the truth? Might that truth be that the actual national policy is to permit (encourage?) illegal immigration in order to keep the cost of labor down?

<<SNIP>>

All pure speculation. Probably wrong. MOO. YMMV.

With respect, this speculation does not serve the discussion of contemporary immigration policy well. Immigration policy (and its antecedents) have always been heatedly debated among civilians and statesmen. Arguing that politicians are acting in diversionary ways suggests that they, rather than American citizens, are the driving force behind this policy or that one.

Originally Posted by nmap

Occasionally, I reflect on the possibility that slavery was eliminated because it was no longer the cheapest model. But that would be cynical, wouldn't it?

This topic has been debated heatedly among historians for decades. IMO, scholars focusing on the experiences and political activities of slaves and slaveholders are turning the tide against this interpretation.

Originally Posted by LarryW

If we want immigrant labor because we think that in hiring immigrants we will get cheap labor (never mind the collateral costs of health care and education) then let us reinvent the Bracero Program[.]

FWIW, there are still Mexican nationals who participated in this program seeking the pay they earned <<LINK>>. IMO, if we're going to reboot this program, we will have to address some of the legacies of its predecessor.

In the meantime, secure the borders...period.

MOO, it would not be that simple. Regardless of the punctuation, another question will always follow.