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| 2007-07-07 register | login | ||
A Win-Win Solution for ImmigrationNow that the immigration reform bill no one liked is dead, perhaps we have a chance for a creative solution, one with carrots for both sides of the border.What about using the positive impact of immigration to offset the costs to individuals and municipalities? Allowing more immigration is essentially allowing more freedom and opportunity for a large number of people. Those are the real engines - and values - driving the American economy : Freedom and Opportunity. Economists agree that increasing the number of legal immigrants will spur economic growth. We propose to greatly increase the number of permanent resident green cards issued and lower the barriers to citizenship. Some American workers are afraid that increased immigration will lower wages. This is a legitimate concern. So lets offset that with increased opportunity from immigration. Lets offer a low-interest, guaranteed loan to any American worker (citizen or resident) who applies to start a business that will employ others, in an amount equal to their accumulated social security. Let the experienced American roofers worried about wage decreases start a roofing company and take advantage of the new influx of labor. The economic growth and resulting increased tax revenue should easily fund such a loan program. Municipalities are concerned that an influx of new workers would include many uninsured and place a burden on hospitals. So lets reduce that $5000 fee some, and require instead that all new immigrants and applicants for temporary visa purchase health insurance. Problem solved. Permanent residents and citizens will be able to unionize, switch jobs, start businesses, make their own choices for housing - all basic rights we take for granted, but which could be denied guest workers. Guest worker plans create a lower class of residents and is not an American solution. Immigrants - new Americans, not guest workers - have always been part of America's vibrant history. ------------------------------------ Tweaks and constructive comments welcome. Policy docs, I think, should be made in a way similar to open source software - but that's another story."" |
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