Comments on: Are Republican Immigration Hawks Socialist?

By: true liberal

true liberal — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:31:44 +0000

I don’t know of any political party that isn’t collectivist. What average voter doesn’t like to hear about how “we” are all compassionate and “we” all have “obligations” and “we” should care about the path of “our” society? Especially when this position is contrasted with “selfishness” and “division.” Talk about a Hobson’s choice!

As for immigration, I’ve always loved how you articulate the pro position (both in moral and economic terms). From an economic perspective, the argument is strong as ever. The Economist’s Economic Focus this week is on Mexico-US immigration.

Even if one takes into account the welfare state use of illegals, the fiscal benefits to the US government are still positive. The higher tax revenues from cheap labour-led GDP growth combined with the future tax payments of the 2nd generation more than make up for education and health care costs. Check it out:

http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9256643

When people conclude that Mexicans will be likely to abuse the welfare state, I think they often neglect how the process of immigration leads to the positive selection of individuals with high work ethic. The journey to the US is trying, to say the least. Those who make it are likely highly motivated and value the opportunity for upward mobility. Many of their offspring will internalize this culture (that is if the experience of public school doesn’t destroy it!).

By: Jody

Jody — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 02:45:59 +0000

It’s just as socialist as any club or any publicly owned property. I.e., you can draw the analogy if you want, but it rapidly becomes absurd because of its infinite applications. Or, in otherwords, it’s only a serious criticism if you don’t buy the concept of borders to begin with…

By: JoshK

JoshK — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:01:31 +0000

I never understand why no one will suggest publicly that which makes the most sense: Let in immigrants who (instead of paying a smuggler) pay down part of the future entitlement program debt and forgo the right to entitlements themselves.

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:10:27 +0000

I'd be with you, but just like I don't trust government to close the border, I don't believe that we'll ever cut off government benefits to immigrants.

And speaking of Rome, didn't their downfall accelerate when they invited the Visigoths inside their borders?

By: TJIC

TJIC — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:05:42 +0000

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