Scruggs, Vassallo Debate: Changing USA Immigration Policy?

Dickie Scruggs: We need a sane immigration policy—not a roundup.

Richard “Dickie” Scruggs

The argument over illegal immigration across the southern border is essentially over. Like it or not, they’re already here. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of undocumented immigrants rose from about 7 million in 2000 to more than 12 million in 2008, when it began a decline to the current estimate of 11.3 million.

This surge in illegal immigration occurred under a two-term Republican President with mostly Republican Congresses. Ironically, according to Reuters and official ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) statistics, President Obama–often knocked as soft on the issue–has deported more undocumented immigrants than any previous president, and this week hinted at more massive roundups in early 2016. And yet, despite the recent highly publicized crossings and deportations, the number remains steady at about 11 million undocumented immigrants.

The proper question—and, I submit, the only question susceptible of a rational answer—is what to do about the 11 million so-called “resident illegals”.

I argue for a plan resembling former President Bush’s. He correctly recognized that: “Massive deportation of the people here is unrealistic. It’s just not going to work….” Similarly futile would be “militarizing” a border over which billions of dollars of commerce routinely flows. (Mexico is our third largest trading partner.) Instead, President Bush proposed a plan—with bipartisan support—for a “pathway to citizenship” for undocumented immigrants. It would require them to register, pay taxes, stay out of trouble and off public assistance. After a period of years on “probation”, they could apply for full citizenship.

The latest Gallup poll reflects that 65 percent of Americans support a “pathway” solution, although the number of Republicans who support eventual citizenship is just 50% and is declining. The trend among Democrats is increasingly supportive.

A vocal minority, championed by Donald Trump, urges massive roundups, internment camps and deportation boxcars crammed with immigrants.

Hispanic immigrants are hard workers and make good neighbors. They were indispensable in helping the Coast get back on its feet after Katrina. While they were helping us dig out, repair, and rebuild, NO ONE ASKED ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS.

This is my “point”: there should be a sensible, humane and bi-partisan plan for giving these hard-working immigrants a path to legal residence, then citizenship. Proposing to deport 11 million full-time residents of the U.S. is inhumane, impossible, and inconsistent with our great country, which is truly a “nation of immigrants.”

Steve Vassallo: We need controlled borders if we are to have a safe and secure nation.

Steve Vassallo

Under the current administration, the situation on our southern border with Mexico has eroded into total chaos. The “spin” by the administration that things are improving is laughable.

Representative Duncan Hunter (R, CA) had this to say recently: “The greatest existential threat to this nation right now is this administration’s open-border policy. This is no longer about immigration, it’s about the President and the DHS keeping open the corridors on the southern border that are accessible to anyone in the world. We can defend our country against another country’s navy, a missile threat and even repel a conventional military invasion. But the President’s policy of allowing anyone into the nation as students or refugees presents a serious threat.”

The facts back up the Congressman’s concerns. According to our Border Patrol statistics in October, 5,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border. And in the first half of November, another 3,000 came across! Since the new fiscal year commenced (10/1/2015) an increase of 58 percent of illegal immigrants has resulted. According to the Washington Times, some 25,000 illegals from El Salvador; Honduras; and Guatemala have been caught in the first seven weeks. The increase in illegals stemming from China, Brazil, India and Cuba has increased by 100 percent during this same period. Illegal immigrants from Pakistan has increased 400 percent. Border patrol officials in DC are keeping a deafening silence that is anything but golden.

And to add insult to injury, if the aforementioned is not frightening enough, 13 Syrian refugees have been detained attempting to cross the “Gateway to the American Bridge” in Laredo based upon a recent report by KGNS Television in Laredo.

The fanatical left in our country is attempting to paint Donald Trump and other Republicans as those who are out in “left field” (no pun intended) when the facts are all with the GOP. Hillary Clinton’s position is to continue to let illegals cross, legalize those who are here, and make certain they are allowed to vote sooner than later. What we need is a secure wall similar to the one Israel has to protect its border, the elimination of sanctuary cities, and a common sense approach to running this government. What Hillary & Co. also want to dodge is the fact that 40 percent of illegals are visa overstays which the government has no realistic policy to address nor do they care to.

As to what to do with the 11 million already here that entered illegally, there is a simple, humane solution. Donald Trump has never suggested internment as the Democratic pundits continue to shout, wanting the American electorate to believe yet another of Hillary’s falsehoods similar to the recent ISIS recruitment video. When the truth surfaced, Donald Trump was not featured, but her husband was! Just a slight mistaken identity! To remedy the illegal problem, employers should be placed on notice that the hiring of illegals is a federal crime that will no longer be tolerated. This alone will greatly reduce the problem on its own merits.

In conclusion, the felonies and other crimes being committed by this element is over the top. In just Texas the number of felonies attributed to this problem is alarming. This is an issue that cannot be soft-pedaled any longer. It’s time for tough action opposed to the rhetoric by the left. Another eight years of this dangerous and deadly reality will make all of America unsafe, even for the nannies and gardeners!

Dick Scruggs is one of Oxford’s best-known former attorneys who now expresses his passion for adult education through the GED in a unique state-wide program he has developed, aptly called “Second Chance.” Scruggs is a well known Democrat and anchors the position of the Left in Point/No-Point. He can be reached at DickScruggs@gmail.com.

Steve Vassallo of Oxford is a frequent contributor to HottyToddy.com covering a wide range of subjects. An arch conservative, the popular columnist holds the political position of the Right in Point/No-Point. He can be reached at sovassallo@gmail.com.