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It’s “A Day Without Immigrants” day. Millions of people in the US are taking the day off in protest against proposed immigration reforms. Here in Sacramento the weather is expected to be perfect for a day off. I’m going to work because I can’t afford to take the day off.

I support immigration. Without it most Americans would be Europeans. Illegal immigrants are a more complex topic. Yes, they are breaking the law. Many Americans broke the law during prohibition. Most people didn’t consider that to be a problem. Therefore, prohibition was repealed.

The largest employer of illegal immigrant day laborers is homeowners. Do you check the documents of the guy who mows your lawn? Most people are happy to pay a good price for a job well done. One of my coworkers put the issue in perspective, “I’m not concerned with whether or not we have illegal immigrants. I just don’t want to spend $20 for a head of lettuce.” I doubt that the majority of US citizens want to see a significant increase in the cost of food. If we get rid of all of the illegal immigrants and keep more from coming in, that will be one of the consequences. Higher costs for producers = higher costs for consumers.

I haven’t seen a plan that actually improves the situation and I don’t have one. Therefore I think we should use the system we’ve been using.

Related links:

CNN/Fark.com

San Jose Mercury News

a Day Without a Mexican