Hodges: Immigration Law Draws Fire
EDITOR’S COMMENTARY
ARIZONA LEGISLATURE DRAWS FIRE FOR IMMIGRATION LAW, by Wayne Hodges
PHOENIX, Ariz – The pros and cons of the controversial Arizona immigration law are very clear. Opponents of the law believe it’s unethical, illegal and generally unconstitutional. The issue of racial profiling also comes into play. Conversely, proponents of the law argue the restrictions will suppress illegal residency and help prevent such undetectable crimes as sweat shops, tax evasion, and drug trafficking. Here’s the tricky part. Both sides make strong arguments. What I find interesting, however, is two-fold. 1) If implemented nationally, what effect would this law have on the American job market? And 2) what methods will be utilized to enforce compliance? Let’s begin with the former. Many immigrants, whether illegal or not, are paid meager wages to perform jobs most Americans would demand top dollar for.
The influx of immigrants into the U.S. labor market has also given some employers too much leverage when establishing pay. This explains why job outsourcing has become so prevalent in corporate America. Greedy executives are able to downsize wages, extend work hours, and walk away rich. Job outsourcing also makes the immigration issue moot since manufacturing plants and warehouses are built inside foreign provinces. I get the sense, when talking to family, friends and neighbors, many of us believe the recession will pass over; returning the American job market to its once plentiful roots. Uh… wrong.
The Arizona Immigration Law has stirred mixed emotions
Until the corporate ‘big wigs’ cease shipping our entry level jobs overseas, and start offering citizens competitive wages to help solidify the domestic labor force, our economy will continue to struggle. Ok, I know what you’re thinking: “This black man is talking a bunch of smack and he’s an immigrant.” Which is true. We all know how my ancestors got here. However, I ask that you spare the history lesson. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Unemployment is up. And economic growth, as a byproduct, is down. Besides, my concern is not the past. I’m an advocate of providing ample opportunities for the American people of today.
*** To listen to Wayne Hodges’ commentary on the Arizona immigration law, click here ***
When I say “American people,” I’m talking folks of all shapes and colors (Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, etc.). Citizens, regardless of pigmentation, should always get first crack at employment. Always. All that being said, the prospect of someone being pulled over by police officers based solely on the color of his or her skin is downright frightening. The law, or enforcement thereof, could also prove counterproductive to freedom and everything else we’ve fought for as a nation. Once again, the pros and cons of the immigration law are concise. The question then becomes “how do we enforce the statute without violating someone’s civil rights?” Contrary to popular opinion, sealing the border is not an option. Greedy business owners are making too much money pimping hard-working immigrants.
RFID Tags are implanted into the hand
So let’s look towards Plan B. Hmm… some have suggested the incorporation of RFID tags (Radio-Frequency Identification). RFIDs are diminutive computer chips commonly implanted into products, animals and/or pets for identity and tracking purposes. There’s no reason to believe this system wouldn’t work effectively for humans. Some people, through voluntary actions of their own, already have the implants. But, there’s just one teeny-weeny problem with making RFIDs mandatory. Most religious groups are adamantly opposed to this practice. Parallels have even been drawn to Satan and the “mark of the beast.” So, what should be done? Lawmakers are paid big bucks to answer these types of questions. Let’s pray they make the right decision.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Johnson County PCT Committeeman, an adjunct professor, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
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April 30th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Wayne, I see your perspective. With all the money, power, and resources we have, we could seal the border if we wanted to. Like you said, the business owners want cheap labor so they want more immigrants in the country. Everything in this country is built on greed.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
that how the rich get rich…ride the back of the MEXICANS
April 30th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I think people are making a big deal out of nothing. The police are not going to just pull people over for the joy of it. They will only profile the people who are suspicious: people without license plates or people with expired tags, that sort of thing. The protesters are making it seem like police are going to harass them for nothing.
May 1st, 2010 at 7:22 am
lets send the aliens packing and get back to taking care of americans first
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:16 am
Come on people what are we condoning? They are going to profile, its human nature! Police pull young African Americans, Asians or Latinos over just to smell the fear. You have a group of insecure pre-pubescent teenage males in a vehicle cruising through Kansas City, Kansas I GURANTEE you will find a Caucasian officer willing to make a “routine” traffic stop. Now that we’ve given them complete autonomy in the matter, why wouldn’t an officer stop a few undocumented workers in a work van?
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:29 am
i agree with M. Knight. white cops find sport in making young minorities tremble in fear. this law will only make things worse. I dont put alot of stock in Arizona’s legislature because these rednecks were foolish enough to shoot down Dr Martin luther kings holiday. as far as im concerned Arizona is home to the KKK
May 3rd, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I realize this is a hot topic, but for the time being, go to http://www.snopes.com and read some of the immigration articles they have investigated. Thank you Rosa Mora
May 4th, 2010 at 5:58 am
Computer chips in people???? That is the mark of the beast. Not happenin. Lets come up with plan C.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:07 am
people dont realize illegal immigrants are costing our country billions of dollars in public funds. we already fightin two wars that cost mega-billions $$$ per month. we cant afford to fork the bill for people who have no business being here. they keep bringin drugs into our country and selling it to little kids. WAKE UP people. this is a MAJOR issue!!!