immigration

[topaz]

So I don't understand the big ruckus over immigration.

Specifically, I don't understand why immigration is restricted.  I don't understand why we perceive a need to have a category of "illegal immigrants" at all, why we don't classify anyone who comes to this country as a potential citizen if they pass all of the appropriate tests, and a non-citizen resident until then.

I understand the problems with having a large number of aliens who place a burden on public resources and don't contribute to the tax pool.  But it seems like a problem that would be more effectively addressed by taxing resident aliens than by trying to block them from coming here to live at all.

Anyway, happy immigration protest day to everyone!

Comments

[redjo.livejournal.com]

For us in particular, our immigration system is utterly dysfunctional. There are positive incentives to immigrate illegally, but it's a huge bureaucratic hassle to do so legally.

TELL me about it ... *bangs head repeatedly against wall because it's less painful than the green card process*

[keyne.livejournal.com]

Have you seen http://fj.livejournal.com/406429.html ?

[redjo.livejournal.com]

Great writing. And now I'm thoroughly depressed (since I'm also doing everything by the absolute letter). The one bright spot is that I'm driving distance from my home country whenever they decide to deny me entry.