So tell me, what is the problem some people seem to have with the word, "illegal?"

It seems pretty straightforward to me. The definition in my Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (okay, not so new - it's a 1979 edition) is, "not according to or authorized by law." That's pretty clear.

So why do we need to refer to people who have entered the United States in a way "not according to or authorized by law" as something other than "illegal?" Why pussyfoot around and call them "undocumented," as if their problem was simply that a pickpocket stole their identity documents? They have broken the law. In a nation governed by the rule of law, which is how we advertise ourselves to the world, people obey the law or pay the just consequences. Our fundamental problem is that we've removed the consequences.

Make no mistake: this is a serious problem, and absolutely no one connected with it is being totally honest with you. People enter this country illegally for the same reason that tens of millions of people have entered it legally throughout our history: they are looking for economic opportunity, freedom from oppression or persecution, or both. Some who enter illegally are criminals. The problem is that we made it simple, useful, and consequence-free for people to break the law to enter this country.

Turning a blind eye to illegal immigration benefits Americans who like low prices and who depend on low-wage workers to do the hard work we don't want to do ourselves. It benefits businesses who keep costs low by hiring illegal immigrants who can be shamelessly exploited without fear of reprisal. It benefits the folks on the political left who want a cause with a human face to espouse. It benefits the folks on the right who need a cause around which to rally their troops. And it benefits the human smugglers who prey on people whose only crime (before crossing the border illegally) may have been to want a better life for themselves and their families.

So what do we do about it? That's not hard - all it takes is a realization of the problem and the political and moral will to solve it. First, remove the need for people to enter this country illegally by creating a visa category for unskilled labor...make them legal. Second, crack down hard on those who hire illegal immigrants...remove the economic incentive to hire those who break the law. Third, immediately deport illegal immigrants whose nationality can be determined, or jail those who can't be so identified...make sure that there are consequences for being here illegally. Finally, and perhaps most important, if you are honestly concerned with the rights and welfare of those who break the law, don't perpetuate the problem by abbeting their illegal activity - channel your energy into pressing your government to deal honestly with the problem. Recognize that you do not help anyone or solve any problems just by protecting individuals who have broken the law. Make your case to change the law if you don't believe in it. Excerise your rights as a citizen of a nation based on the rule of law. Think about how we could better spend the money we now throw at a problem we all conspire to perpetuate.

The issue of those already here illegally for a long time is a separate issue, and we'll talk about that another time.

For the record, my paternal grandparents came to this country - legally - from Hungary after the First World War. My maternal relations came to this country - legally - from across Europe in the 1700s and 1800s. And my wife is a fully-legal, properly-documented, legally-employed immigrant alien.

Have a good day. Obey the law, or work to change it if you disagree with it. Do something useful.

My next post will be on Monday, when I'll let you know how Agnes and I fared in our ballroom dance competition that starts tomorrow. Cross your fingers for us.

Bilbo