The Blog @ Spolitics

Immigration Reform and the Dangers of an Underground Economy

We’re hearing a lot in the media about the economic effects of illegal immigrants — both the financial burdens on society and how they are doing the jobs Americans won’t do and lowering the costs of certain goods and services. We’re also hearing a lot about America’s generosity. There seems to be a concerted effort by some to paint the immigration issue as one that’s about nothing more than racism and money. 

Hot Air’s latest “Vent with Michelle Malkin” takes pains to remind us that it is also a security issue by illustrating the dangers of an underground economy. Namely that twelve million people here illegally, not matter how decent and hard-working they may be, are using false documents to try and get work. The market for these documents and the support systems for their efforts also help terrorists operate in our society anonymously. 

Illegal immigration apologists don’t seem to get this. Reform has to be about eliminating a system that encourages and facilitates underground human trafficking and fraud because our enemies seek to take advantage of that system.