WASHINGTON, DC -- President George W. Bush's proposal to grant amnesty
to 3 million illegal Mexican workers is "a great leap forward in
immigration policy," Libertarians say, because immigration is good for
America.
"Immigration is the sincerest form of flattery," said Steve Dasbach,
national director of the Libertarian Party. "Every industrious
immigrant who comes here is making a statement that they want to live
and work in the freest, most prosperous nation on Earth -- as so many
millions of our own forefathers have. America should welcome them."
In an attempt to woo Hispanic voters and address the issue of illegal
immigration, Bush has floated a controversial proposal to grant amnesty
to the approximately 3 million Mexicans working illegally in the United
States and create a "guest worker" program for seasonal workers.
But in response to criticism from some conservative and anti-
immigration advocates, the administration has shown signs that it is
retreating from that position.
"George Bush, stand your ground and defend America's proud tradition of
accepting new immigrants," said Dasbach.
Here's why immigration is good for America:
* Immigration creates jobs. "Since 1962, the U.S. economy has expanded
by 126 million jobs, despite hundreds of thousands of immigrants
arriving every year," said Dasbach. "That's because so many immigrants
start businesses that employ American workers."
For example, a recent Cato Institute study found that the top five
immigrant-founded firms in Silicon Valley, CA, alone employ more than
80,000 people. And an analysis of the 85 largest cities reported that
those with the highest number of immigrants create jobs at twice the
rate of other cities, according to the Alexis de Tocqueville
Institution.
"The fact that immigration and a record-low unemployment rate coexist
indicates that immigrants create new jobs," said Dasbach.
* Immigrants stimulate the economy in general. "More workers increases
the demand for all products and services, which fuels economic growth
and creates a greater need for workers throughout society," said
Dasbach. "That's because immigrants aren't just workers, they are
consumers as well. In fact, in the 1980s, the U.S. accepted 7 million
new immigrants, while unemployment fell sharply and family incomes
rose. So the immigrants-are-taking-our-jobs argument just doesn't make
sense."
* Immigrants provide immeasurable cultural benefits. "What would
America be like without sushi, pizza, wiener schnitzel, burritos or any
of the other foods brought to our shores by immigrants?" Dasbach asked.
"Or imagine radio stations and concert halls devoid of salsa, flamenco,
techno, or classical music, all of which originated in other nations.
Or try telling sports fans that baseball would be the same without
Sammy Sosa, tennis would as exciting without Monica Seles, or
basketball would be as much fun without Dikmbe Mutombo.
"The point is that American culture would be more bland without our
rich tradition of immigrants."
Dasbach acknowledged that many Americans are concerned that more
immigration drives up welfare costs, thereby increasing the size and
power of government.
"Democrats and Republicans have worked for decades to create a powerful
welfare magnet, and they shouldn't be surprised when it attracts
millions of Americans and non-Americans alike," he said. "The solution
isn't to reduce immigration; it's to eliminate the welfare state.
"President Bush should ignore his critics, recognize that immigration
is far more American than welfare -- and grant amnesty to every hard-
working immigrant who comes to America in search of a better life."
Regards,
Barb |
