AILA Blog
Deporting “Them” All–A Costly, Ineffective Solution
3/22/10
The Center for American Progress released a report detailing the actual cost of the only solution proposed by anti-immigration restrictionists–Mass Deportation. In “The Costs of Mass Deportation,”Marshal Fitz, Gebe Martinez and Madura Wijewardena have put together a realistic appraisal of the costs of the only option other than comprehensive immigration reform. It is not a pretty picture. With costs over 5 years of $285 BILLION dollars (money which most folks understand that we do not have), we are faced with what appears to be an easy choice.
One, bring 12 million people out of the shadow economy and into the light. Allow them to pay taxes. Allow them to drive without fear. Allow them to live with their families. Allow them to generate wealth in the greatest economic engine ever created by man, the U.S. economy. Change our legal immigration system to eliminate outrageous non-immigrant and immigrant visa delays and encourage the immigration to the U.S. of the best and the brightest.
Or, two, deport everyone who had the courage to try to make it in America, even without a visa or status. Keep legal immigration restricted and strangle the economy, innovation, and motivation. Create fear and panic in immigrant communities, both legal and undocumented. Unmotivate immigrant youth to excel in school. Do everything in your power to cause distrust of lawful enforcement authority in immigrant communities.
These are your choices Congress. These are your choices Mr. President. Which will you have the courage to pursue and change?