Illegal immigration. About the only agreement in the vitriolic debate is that it’s one of
Most estimates say 10 million to 12 million illegal Mexican immigrants live and work in the
And that’s where journalist and author Larry Blasko dives head-first into this raging controversy.
“You have one side shouting ‘Deport Them!’ and the other side shouting ‘Love Them!’” says Blasko. “But the reality is hand-wringing and finger-pointing solve nothing. A logical solution could be implemented by now with all the energy both sides have expended screaming for extreme measures.”
In his new book, “Opening the Borders: Solving the Mexico/U.S. Immigration Problem for Our Sake and
By illustrating the impact that illegal Mexican immigrants have on the
“Listen, when the mayor of
“Opening the Borders” takes a close look at the oft-repeated claim that illegal immigrants are stealing jobs from law-abiding Americans.
“Let’s be realistic for just a minute,” says Blasko. “Sure, you can say that these low-paying jobs have been proliferated by illegal immigrants, but ask yourself, are there really millions of Americans lining up for these jobs?”
Blasko takes that thought one step further by asking what would happen if all 10 million to 12 million illegal immigrants were suddenly deported.
“What happens if overnight there’s no labor force to fill those jobs?” asks Blasko. “We need to consider the detrimental effect that would have on the price of everything from fruits and vegetables to home repair services.”
“Opening the Borders” carefully dissects both sides of the argument when it comes to taxes and Social Security, and this leads to the crux of Blasko’s solution – a “compact of free association” agreement that would align Mexican and
Blasko also points out a vital difference between Mexicans and other immigrants.
“We need to realize that as wonderful as our country is, not all the Mexicans who come here seeking work want to remain here permanently,” says Blasko. “Many of them just want to honestly earn enough money to live well and retire in the country they find wonderful and love –