It’s gratifying to see that Georgia is now dealing head on with its share of a vexing national issue: illegal aliens. Representative Matt Ramsey last week submitted the thoughtful, meaningful, and necessary “Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011” to address the many aspects that unlawful entry into the U.S. has on our state.
Many illegal aliens come here to avoid corruption and consequences of capricious edicts and loosely or selectively enforced laws, so it is paradoxically inappropriate that their very first act coming here is to break the law.
The U.S. Constitution clearly designates immigration as one of the limited responsibilities of the federal government, but past and present administrations of both parties have shirked that responsibility, eroding the rule of law and, by extension, a more orderly society.
The states, consequently, have had to shoulder much of the ever increasing burden of the feds’ pandering to assorted special interest groups.
The act also seeks to restore justice (that is, the equal application of the law) by promoting a level playing field here for all those who legally join our ranks as Georgia citizens.
Providing the same benefits to illegal aliens that we afford to those who legally earned their citizenship diminishes the effort and sacrifice of our naturalized citizens. It is patently unjust.
Failure to deal with the issue also encourages a black market in labor, supported by employers who shift a large part of their normal employee costs onto Georgia’s taxpayers.
We are taxed an estimated $2 billion to $2.2 billion annually for benefits to 480,000 illegal aliens (more than Arizona) because many of their employers are not paying them enough to support themselves.
Employers of seasonal workers, of course, may sponsor aliens into the U.S. under the H-2B program, but often fail to do so because it requires them to pay the prevailing wage. They’d rather you make up the difference between their black market payroll and prevailing wages.
Rep. Ramsey and his cosponsors clearly recognize immigrants’ many contributions to Georgia and America, and encourage current and future generations from abroad to seek legal immigration and add their individual stamp on American exceptionalism.
Ramsey cannot prevail, however, without your involvement. This will become an economic, legal, and very emotional issue that will be ardently opposed by special interests and those who feel compassion is best served by turning a blind eye to the orderly processes to accommodate future citizens from abroad.
It’s time to step up.
Bob Ross
Peachtree City, Ga.
