The other is the 78 million boomers that are going to retire. Government is trying to replace them and provide workers for the jobs being created that are more than our current birthrate provides.

They want to keep workers to retirees at about 3 to 1 or greater to keep the system funded. That would mean a huge increase even above the illegals here now. The want to have 3-5 times the current quotas for the next 20 years or somewhere between 67 to 100 million by some estimates to keep that ratio of 3 to 1 for social security.

The program was designed when there were 16 to 1 (actually more when first enacted) and as we live longer and longer, that ration has dropped and will drop even faster during the boomer retirement period.

So, even if they do send these workers back that are here illegally, they will replace them and add another 60-100 million more anyway.

In Bernanke’s testimony to Congress he said

Quote:
Unfortunately, economic growth alone is unlikely to solve the nation’s impending fiscal problems…..Increased rates of immigration could raise growth by raising the growth rate of the labor force. However, economists who have looked at the issue have found that even a doubling in the rate of immigration to the United States, from about 1 million to 2 million immigrants per year, would not significantly reduce the federal government’s fiscal imbalance.7
http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/testimony/2007/20070228/default.htm
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So, Congress has a simple solution. Don’t double it, make it 4 times or 5 times as much for immigration quotas.

Now you may ask where they will find all those jobs? Why that is simple too. Spend more to “stimulate” job growth. But, how?

One way, I can think of is to expand Medicare programs and immigrate more doctors, nurses, lab techs, receptionists, etc. Make the dollar less valuable to encourage tourism and put those immigrants to work as bus boys, waiters, sweepers, motel maids, burger flippers, etc. And by immigrating 100 million that means jobs for construction workers buiding 1/3 more homes, hospitals, roads, bridges, prisons, government service buildings, etc.

Wages? Flooded labor pool? Who cares? Profits will be high and we can tax profits and workers at all income levels pay payroll taxes that can be loaned to the Federal government. What could possibly go wrong?

I think when and illegal uses a social service, you document them on the spot. Politicians will listen to whoever they feel is the majority or can help them the most.

Not sure what you mean by tying immigration policy to SS and Medicare, unless you are talking about how Bush signed a law saying illegals who work here can collect on the benefits when they hit retirement age.

If that is what you are talking about, I think only people who paid into it should be allowed to benefit from it.

Talking about fair, would it be fair for me to go to jail for stealing your tv because I just want to watch tv?

A nation can’t be fair even to all of its own citizens but it can be just and apply laws equally. Here we have so many here illegally it is difficult to even apply the law equally.

But, we could get them to leave by being “unfair” and denying benefits other than emergency ones. How do you feel about denying their children an education if they are here illegally? What do you believe is the “right thing to do” if an illegal goes to ER and they check his ID and find he is illegal or should they even check and report a violator?

How far would you go in denying illegal immigrants benefits and reporting those found here illegally by social service, school and healthcare officials? Would politicians listen to you or to the people who cry “unfair?”

Also, what do you propose as a good immigration policy for the 78 million boomers that will retire and draw from Social Security and Medicare instead of paying in?

I’m going to apply for Mexican citizenship then come accross the border for the free benefits that I won’t have to pay for heavily by being a legal American tax payer. I may even cut grass for a living.

Mike, it is all about the money, and reality. Other countries have people who work cheaper. Many of those countries abuse the workers.

Jan, when was the last time you felt congress actually represented the legal people of this country, let alone keeping promises. Unions had their purpose, but hurt the country today.

I do think securing our borders should be the first step and actually enforce existing laws. Funding that should be the highest priority. Then fund the staff to speed up the legal immigration process.

We need new critters who want to know the what the economic, social and fiscal effects would be by before opening up the borders.

These are people with the best (supposedly) paid staff, legal contacts, experts to consult with, etc. and they never can figure out the same things you can figure out just watching the news and knowing how businesses (and politicians operate).

How did we get Congress critters that are that dumb?

It is like when I was in police work and somebody I arrested lied about doing a crime and some officers would be surprised they lied. I said you are going to send him to prison if he confesses and you don’t think he will lie?

A Congressman that controls the legislation that affects profits and believes a business (some at least) isn’t going to try and manipulate them has got to be pretty dumb.

Put it this way, if you were in Congress, would you take the word of business or have some expert in the industry consult with you to let you know what the real picture is?

Labor union workers have been sold out for decades when union leaders told them they didn’t have to worry about the wages in other states or nations competing with them. Now look at all the auto factories in right to work states.

Both unions and the government have been making promises they can’t keep.

The “jobs American’s won’t do” and “we can’t deport 12 million” is getting bad reviews by the voters. Come up with some new sound bytes that don’t make voters even angrier.

Tell us why in addition to these 12 (probably 20) million aliens you want another 67 to 100 million legally brought here over the next 20 years or so. Tell us how we will pay enough taxes for the 1/3 more schools (maybe more since they have a higher birth rate), 1/3 more hospitals, roads, bridges, prisons, government services, etc. that 1/3 more population will need.

The truth would be nice, really. Try it. You might like it.