THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE, USA
An Online Journal of Political Commentary & Analysis
Volume VI, Issue # 14, January 20, 2004
Dr. Almon Leroy Way, Jr., Editor
Government Committed to & Acting in Accord with Conservative Principles
Ensures a Nation's Strength, Progress, & Prosperity
MASSIVE IMMIGRATION & THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL ALIENS:
THE IMMIGRATION CRISIS -- A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS
By Thomas G. Tancredo
The debate on United States immigration policy must begin with the recognition that we are
in fact in a monumental crisis. We have passed from an era of a healthy
stream of immigrants to an uncontrolled flood of illegal immigrants, and there
are enormous ramifications of this reality. Tragically, our policies have not
recognized this paradigm shift. Moreover, this crisis is approaching the
character of a constitutional crisis because of our failure to deal with serious
issues while they are manageable.
Major segments of the U.S. media have portrayed the face of illegal immigration into the U.S.A. as a
sympathetic family with bright kids. The real picture of illegal immigration on
our borders is nastier. It is a picture of the two Mexican criminals who, in September, 2002,
murdered Kris Eggle, a twenty-eight year old Arizona Park Ranger.
They were fleeing Mexico after committing four drug related murders south of
the border. It is the picture of Muslims living in Canada who are financing
terrorist activities all over the world with the proceeds from the
methamphetamine components they smuggle into the U.S.A. It is the picture of
"people-smugglers" called "coyotes" who charge desperate Mexicans upwards
of $1,500 for transportation to the U.S.A. Often, the women are raped and the
families robbed before they are all shoved over the line into what too often
becomes a death sentence in a desert inferno. It is the picture of corrupted
Mexican and American officials. Segments of the Mexican Army provide
protection for large drug shipments and have actually fired on U.S. Border
Patrol agents!
Now consider the fact that massive immigration, combined with our own
self-destructive policies of radical multiculturalism, have helped to balkanize
America to the point where upwards of eight million people living here are so
undecided about their loyalties that they claim dual citizenships. Of course,
many millions more simply live here, but fail to relinquish their previous
political attachments.
The solution: We must immediately gain control of our borders. This can be
done with the use of technology ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles and
electronic sensors to cameras and radar. This must be backed up with human
resources, including military support. I have said time and time again that the
defense of the nation begins with the defense of the borders.
Next, we must get serious about identifying and deporting felons and potential
terrorists among the thirteen million illegal immigrants now within our country.
Socalled "civil libertarians" have thrown up many obstacles. They do not see that the
citizens’ right to protection of life and property is the FIRST civil liberty of a
free people.
In addition, we need to enact a realistic and workable guest worker program.
The legislation must establish time limits on participation by individuals in the program, and it must
provide incentives for employer compliance. If the demand for illegal immigrants
dries up, so will the supply.
Finally, we need to recognize that becoming an American citizen is not
something you gain by crossing a border. It is something you acquire through
education and adoption of a new loyalty to American institutions. If the word
"citizenship" is to have meaning, then stop the rush to give to everyone here
without citizenship the benefits and advantages of those who have already earned U.S. citizenship. This means no
drivers’ licenses, no welfare, no publicly funded education, and no voting rights
for people who here in the U.S.A. illegally.
Massive immigration will not only determine what kind of a nation we will be --
united or balkanized. It will also determine whether we will be a nation at all.
The clock is ticking.
More on Immigration & Illegal Aliens
Still More on Immigration & Illegal Aliens
Thomas G. Tancredo is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the Sixth Congressional District
of Colorado.
Return to Top of Page
Go to the WEBSITE INDEX
Return to Beginning of
THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE, USA,
Public Issues & Political Controversies
Return to Beginning of
THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE, USA,
Volume VI, 2004
Return to Beginning of
THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE, USA,
Subject Matter Highlights, Page Two
Return to Beginning of
THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE, USA,
Subject Matter Highlights, Page One
Return to POLITICAL EDUCATION Homepage
CONTACT & ACCESS INFORMATION
This is not a commercial website. The sole purpose of the website is to share with interested persons information regarding civics,
civic and social education, political science, government, politics, law, constitutional law and history, public policy, and political
philosophy and history, as well as current and recent political developments, public issues, and political controversies.
THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE, USA
An Online Journal of Political Commentary & Analysis
Dr. Almon Leroy Way, Jr., Editor
Conservative & Free-Market Analysis of Government, Politics & Public Policy, Covering Political, Legal, Constitutional, Economic,
Cultural, Military, International, Strategic, & Geopolitical Issues
Government, Politics, Public Policy, Legal Issues, Constitutional Law, Government & the Economy, Cultural Values, Foreign Affairs,
International Relations, Military Defense & National Security, Geopolitics, Terrorism & Homeland Security, American National Interests,
Political Systems & Processes, Political Institutions, Political Ideologies, & Political Philosophy