Want to curb illegal immigration? Enforce the existing law July 20, 2007 The recent defeat of the immigration reform legislation was difficult to applaud, even for those of us who opposed many of its provisions, because the current situation with more than 12 million illegal immigrants in our country is unacceptable. In fact, the argument that the legislation would be an improvement over the status quo was the most persuasive one put forward by those in favor of it. The reason the status quo is unacceptable is that the federal government is not enforcing the border security and workplace laws now in effect. This lack of enforcement is creating the problem, as it enables non-citizens to easily enter our country and secure employment. Available employment is the key attraction to illegal immigrants, and the lack of enforcement at the employer level is why jobs remain available to illegal immigrants. The best solution is therefore not another immigration "reform" bill, but rather enforcement of current laws. Putting real teeth and enforcement behind employer sanctions for employing illegal aliens - those without valid Social Security numbers - would significantly strengthen our borders by reducing the incentives and increasing the risks of entering the U.S. illegally. In addition, as the supply of illegal workers decreases, wages would increase, bringing more legal Americans into the workforce to do jobs that many now claim Americans "won't do." We should not accept the status quo, but neither should we accept another immigration "reform" bill that simply rewards those who have been in our country illegally and does not address the root cause of the problem. Rather, employers should be held responsible for ensuring that all of their employees are legal workers with valid Social Security numbers. Current law says employers have this responsibility, but the federal government has thus far been unwilling to enforce it. That needs to change - under this president or the next one. |