Whose Country Is It Anyway?
It's Time to Revamp Our Immigration Policy.

Holly Deyo
November 30, 2018

Most people defend illegal aliens saying, "We are a nation of immigrants," pointing to 'The New Colossus.' This poem is one most Americans – and many foreigners – know by heart, at least the first line anyway: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

When Liberty was given to America in 1885, U.S. population was just 50 million or about 10% of what it is today. Then we needed able bodies to set up businesses, clear and farm the land, build towns and infrastructure – and yes, make babies.

At 329 million, America's natural resources are strained, social services are drained; schools, cities and hospitals overcrowded and infrastructure in dire straits. Who would have thought California's population would grow to the same size as all Canada?

It is long overdue to reevaluate our nation's immigration policy. Businesses need more employees – ones who have skills, training and education. The vast majority of caravaners and other illegal immigrants speak no English and have zero skills to offer or they could be employed in their own countries. They take low-paying jobs here competing with Americans. Instead of contributing to America, they are a drain. Every single year illegal immigrants cost U.S. taxpayers $135 BILLION. Think what we could do with those funds…

It is ridiculous that Americans are held hostage by Democrats who want more voters and Republicans who want cheap labor.

Several possible solutions exist. Politicians have discussed a 'workfare' system that requires welfare recipients to work, at least part-time, for receiving these benefits. This would certainly be 'just due' for generational welfare recipients. Exclusions would apply to the aged and disabled.

Another possible source would come through overhauling the U.S. prison system. There's a ready-made labor force of 2.3 million. Rather than putting them to work just making license plates and other menial jobs, non-violent criminals could opt for education and training in exchange of doing low-end labor that illegal aliens often do. Time between the two activities could be divided as needed. This way prisoners aren't just sitting around looking for trouble. They would have skills to offer upon release and more importantly, it would instill a sense of accomplishment, self-worth and pride.

America admits some 1 million immigrants every year, but we must be selective on who comes in. It is our right to require it and not immigrants – legal and illegal – to demand anything. America First.