COMensarations
Monday, March 27, 2006
One Way to Solve the Illegal Immigration Problem
Warning: Some of you will find this a crackpot idea. But you may be amused by it, anyway.
I know how to solve the illegal immigration problem, or 90% of it anyway. Mexico and the United States should combine into one country. All the “illegal” immigrants who are citizens of Mexico automatically become citizens of the Greater United States of North America.
Naturally, there are pros and cons. On the con side, the U.S. gets a bunch more seaports and airports to keep track of. However, it’s not like there aren’t people who could be transferred from the smaller Border Patrol. Mexico will probably end up with the FDA’s overly expensive and lengthy testing protocols. Plus there will be many of the problems Germany has experienced with its reunification. (However, I don’t think Mexico is as bad off as East Germany was and I think that culturally, both countries are much better equipped to deal with problems than the two Germanys were.)
On the pro side, the U.S. gets a much smaller land border to monitor. Mexicans get support for their efforts to eliminate bribes and corruption. (At least we all hope it doesn’t go the other way.)
A bunch of paperwork is eliminated. No more green cards. No more limits on the amount of money you can take to Mexico, or bring in. Businesses that operate in both countries will eliminate one set of tax returns. Persons wanted for crimes can be sent back to their home territories more easily. U.S. soccer fans will finally see the sport get the attention it deserves and Mexicans can develop American football franchises. Retirees will have a broader range of climates to retire in.
And, once the new Southern states are part of the big, bad, infidel nation, everyone living there will have a stake in keeping suspected terrorists out. No more saying, “They’re just passing through. They won’t do any damage here.” The need for the smuggling networks that have Homeland Security so worried almost completely disappears, removing a resource for terrorists who wish to enter illegally.