Immigration Realities

I have read, and re-read Reuben Navarette's April 5 column in the San Diego Union Tribune (actually it was also syndicated in my local weekly.) Since I am working on a revision of the GP CA Platform's Immigration plank, I wanted to get some additional feedback on Navarette's viewpoint.

I won't copy the entire article, but I will list his "undeniable realities."

1. Guest worker programs often don't work as advertised.


2. Illegal immigrants don't depress wages, employers do.


3. The idea that illegal immigrants will "self-deport" if you dry up all the jobs isn't realistic.


4. There will always be jobs for illegal immigrants because many Americans want to enjoy upper-class luxuries on middle-class salaries.


5. We all benefit from illegal immigration. Even if you don't benefit directly, chances are you benefit indirectly by enjoying the fruits of a robust economy or lower prices on goods and services.


6. Mexican workers are going to continue to come to the United States - legally if possible, illegally if necessary - as long as they can earn 15 to 20 times more in this country than the can back home.


7. When your're talking about employers and workers, and the workers are here illegally, the laws of supply and demand fall apart.

I am mostly concerned with Undeniable Reality No. 6. I have not heard a single thing out of Congress that would deal with this fact. The only way to solve this immigration problem is to raise the standard of living in Mexico. How do we participate in this from the United States?