Dare I Say: Secure Borders, End Sanctuaries, Deport Illegals

By Pete Stiglich

Instead, they'd rather emotionalize any debate on illegal immigration with cries of racism, discrimination and an alleged lack of compassion for our fellow human beings. They choose this course rather than honestly dealing with the established fact we are a nation of laws - laws intended and necessary to preserve civility and order for our common good.

I, for one, refuse to be intimidated or influenced by such capricious, illogical labels and accusations. Name-calling is certainly a last resort for the weak, the ignorant and the indefensible.

Perhaps a quick refresher on immigration law would prove useful. Title 8, Section 1325 of the US Code, Improper Entry by Alien states the following:

"Any citizen of any country other than the United States who:

Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or

Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or

Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact;

...has committed a federal crime. Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison.

Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense."

Over the years, the population of illegal aliens in California and throughout the nation has grown considerably. Latest estimates range anywhere from 9-11 million to more than 20 million illegals nationwide.

California's illegal alien population was estimated to be more than 2.8 million by the Department of Homeland Security in 2006. The Federation for American Immigration Reform puts that number at well over 3.4 million. Given the obvious lack of effective control and accountability, no one knows for sure.

A recent estimate suggests California taxpayers are spending approximately $15 billion each year on educating, incarcerating and providing healthcare and other social services to illegals. That's money that otherwise could be better invested in meeting the basic necessities of legal residents. You'll have to ask the democratic majority in Sacramento why we continue this foolish expenditure.

On a somewhat related matter, the California State Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on the constitutionality of our state law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. The same opportunity is not, however, offered to legal out-of-state students as is the intent of federal law.

The in-state cost advantage is significant. The LA Times reports that a University of California school charges about $28,600 for out-of-state undergraduates. Eligible in-state undocumented students pay only $8,000. A California resident pays $26 per unit to attend a community college, while out-of-state students pay between $140 and $170. Of course, rest assured that you, the taxpayer, are subsidizing these discounted in-state tuition costs.

So, where do we go from here? What's the appropriate action to take?

In my mind, it's simple. We either decide to fully enforce the requirements of Title 8, Section 1325 or we repeal it in its entirety, succumbing ultimately to all the chaos and risks of open borders. For surely, it would be wholly unreasonable and unfair to allow illegals from one country to enter while not affording the same privilege to all others.

Suggestions of granting amnesty are simply a way to avoid dealing with the real problem. Let us not forget former President Reagan's amnesty program of the 80s, intended to clear the slate and solve America's illegal immigration problem once and for all. To call that policy decision a complete failure would be an understatement to say the least.

The true solution, the only real and lasting solution, is to enforce current law. Failure to do so sends a clear and unmistakable message to the rest of the world community that America has no backbone, no commitment, no real willingness to enforce the rule of law within its borders. This can not, will not, be allowed to happen, if I have anything to say about it.

Besides an honest effort to enforce the provisions of Title 8, I would support the following:

1. Complete the 850+ mile double layer security fence on our southern border and ensure proper staffing of the US Border Patrol.

2. Implement a comprehensive program that ensures those entering illegally or overstaying lawful status will not be able to obtain employment, public assistance benefits, public education, public housing, or any other taxpayer-funded benefits without detection.

3. Apply stiff penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegals, to include loss of business licenses.

4. Withhold all state and federal funds from Sanctuary Cities for failure to comply with applicable laws.

5. Ensure Birthright Citizenship does not apply to the children of illegal aliens as is presently the case.

I say take away all the incentives and begin enforcing current law and most illegals will self-deport.

That's already beginning to happen with passage of tough anti-illegal immigrant laws throughout the country, along with the worsening job market.

Those who don't go voluntarily must be deported. It took many years for this problem to develop. It will likely take years for it to be solved.

But, I can be patient so long as I know we have seriously begun to secure our borders, end sanctuaries and deport illegals.