There was likely never going to be “comprehensive immigration reform” or any deal amnestying the DACA recipients in exchange for building the wall. Democrats in the present political landscape will not consent to a wall. For them, a successful border wall is now considered bad politics in almost every manner imaginable.
Yet 12 years ago, Congress, with broad bipartisan support, passed the Secure Fence of Act of 2006. The bill was signed into law by then-President George W. Bush to overwhelming public applause. The stopgap legislation led to some 650 miles of a mostly inexpensive steel fence while still leaving about two-thirds of the 1,950-mile border unfenced.
In those days there were not, as now, nearly 50 million foreign-born immigrants living in the United States, perhaps nearly 15 million of them illegally.
Sheer numbers have radically changed electoral politics. Take California. One out of every four residents in California is foreign-born. Not since 2006 has any California Republican been elected to statewide office.
The solidly blue states of the American Southwest, including Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico, voted red as recently as 2004 for George W. Bush. Progressives understandably conclude that de facto open borders are good long-term politics.
Once upon a time, Democrats such as Hillary and Bill Clinton and Barack Obama talked tough about illegal immigration. They even ruled out amnesty while talking up a new border wall.
In those days, progressives saw illegal immigration as illiberal — or at least not as a winning proposition among union households and the working poor.
Democratic constituencies opposed importing inexpensive foreign labor for corporate bosses. Welfare rights groups believed that massive illegal immigration would swamp social services and curtail government help to American poor of the barrios and the inner city.
So, what happened? Again, numbers.
Hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants have flocked into the United States over the last decade. In addition, the Obama administration discouraged the melting-pot assimilationist model of integrating only legal immigrants.
Salad-bowl multiculturalism, growing tribalism and large numbers of unassimilated immigrants added up to politically advantageous demography for Democrats in the long run.
In contrast, a wall would likely reduce illegal immigration dramatically and with it future Democratic constituents. Legal, meritocratic, measured and diverse immigration in its place would likely end up being politically neutral. And without fresh waves of undocumented immigrants from south of the border, identity politics would wane.
A wall also would radically change the optics of illegal immigration. Currently, in unsecured border areas, armed border patrol guards sometimes stand behind barbed wire. Without a wall, they are forced to rely on dogs and tear gas when rushed by would-be border crossers. They are easy targets for stone-throwers on the Mexican side of the border.
A high wall would end that. Border guards would be mostly invisible from the Mexican side of the wall. Barbed wire, dogs and tear gas astride the border — the ingredients for media sensationalism — would be unnecessary. Instead, footage of would-be border crossers trying to climb 30-foot walls would emphasize the degree to which some are callously breaking the law.
Such imagery would remind the world that undocumented immigrants are not always noble victims but often selfish young adult males who have little regard for the millions of aspiring immigrants who wait patiently in line and follow the rules to enter the United State lawfully.
More importantly, thousands of undocumented immigrants cross miles of dangerous, unguarded borderlands each year to walk for days in the desert. Often, they fall prey to dangers ranging from cartel gangs to dehydration.
@Greg:
But… wait. Obama’s economy was BOOMING, hurtling along at a tremendous 1.4% growth. Why not raise the Fed rate? Inflation is still nothing… why raise it now?
Doesn’t add up, Greg.
An association with Duck Dynasty is far more dignified than being associated with slimy, scumbag, pedophile, raping Hollywood trash.
@Deplorable Me:
Wasn’t the nation told that was the new “normal?”
@retire05: Yeah, they’re trying to make Trump’s economy resemble Obama’s.
Isreals wall was 100 % effective in 2017
https://www.breitbart.com/border/2018/12/21/mexica…
Its for National security we keep our young men in Syria, 50K a month can sneak across the border yup thats no problem…in whos universe?
@Deplorable Me, #51:
The raises didn’t just start. The rate has been incrementally raised in small steps beginning in December 2015, a year before Obama left office.
As I understand it, if the rate had been left near zero there would be no stimulus tools left to respond to another serious economic downturn. Stimulus tax cuts aren’t really an option when we’re already looking at trillion-dollar annual deficits. No tools at all is a dangerous situation.
Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, is a Trump appointee.
Donald Trump, 10 days ago:
Donald Trump, a few hours ago:
@Greg: Who cares shut it down. Let the employees apply for unemployment like the GM employees.
@Greg: Did Trump reject something? No. Schumer did. Schumer would not negotiate, would not compromise… because Pelosi ORDERED him not to. The funding bill never got to Trump. SCHUMER shut it down. You liberals love to blame, but the blame where it belongs.
SCHUMER.
25% of the government is shut down. 800,000 EMPLOYEES! Think the government could be a little too big?
What we need to shut down is The Donald Trump Show, and a number of cynical politicians who have potentiated cluelessness, anger, and ideological divisions in the nation as a means of hanging onto misused power. This is why we have ballot boxes.
@Greg: $4 billion. Schumer shut it down over $4 billion. That’s a rounding error for the wasteful government.
Schumer shut the government down for $4 billion. Just to keep the supply of illegal immigrants flowing and Americans dying.
@Greg: We used that ballot box and voted for a guy that actually tries to keep promises. Hope and change means nothing vote for slogans thats how stupid dems are.
@kitt: Meanwhile, liberals support those who only support border security when they aren’t trying to appeal to their lowest common denominator; thos who hate America and want to punish her with illegal immigrants.
Unified republican control of the House, Senate, and Executive branch doesn’t seem to be working out so well—which is entirely the fault of the party out of power…
Seriously?
Next month, democrats will again have control of one of those three components. Maybe thoughtful compromises might be worth trying? Otherwise, you can cue up some of the Trump campaign’s favorite used-without-permission rally music, and give a thought to the words.
@kitt: You mean like MAGA—What do YOU think DT means by that? Meme’s gone from ‘keeping promises’ to ‘wanting to keep promises’ to the hell with the promises.
Bill hate America and want to punish her with illegal immigrants particularly the rodentia—–That’s bullshit Bill
Greg I’m sure Mick would have no trouble with DT getting what he deserves
@Richard Wheeler: The real fight will be when he tries to tackle healthcare, you boys aint seen nuthing yet. 10 billion for the Mexican people nothing for their voters security, ya thats going to work for re-election kiddos.
Its all about a pissin contest none of the fat cats in DC represent anyone.
It did look like Trump was going wobbly on the border for a while. All the Artists can do is ask that he doesnt use their music, as no one pays to get into a rally there isnt much they can do about it. Bitch and watch the residuals drop to nothing.
@Greg:
You don’t understand 60 votes, do you? Remember the crap the Democrats had to pull to get that Abysmal Care Act passed, even with a super majority and both chambers?
The $5.7 billion is a compromise. Keep in mind, most of these reptilian Democrats all supported border security and a fence/wall in the past. Now, suddenly, they were never for it. Remember, what Pelosi and Schumer are holding ransom for their little egos is border security and a major step forward in protecting our country from illegal immigration. Don’t worry, no one expects Democrats to understand “compromise”. They only understand lying, dishonesty and breaking promises.
@Richard Wheeler: Sorry if pointing out that rapists, murderers, child traffickers and gang members are rodentia offends you. Preferring to let this trash into our country, infiltrating in along with illegal immigrants, simply because they are infantile and oppose anything Trump tries to do simply because Trump tries to do it do NOT have the best interests of this country at heart and show a total disrespect and hatred for this country, the Office of the President and the Constitution. You liberals simply need to set aside your hatred for Trump and allow what is best for the country to be done. It’s not a game.
@Deplorable Me: 72,000 death from overdoses in 2017 not enough for the Democrats, they refuse to slow the drug trafficking.
We have a opioid epidemic in America thanks to the pharmaceutical industry, not because of undocumented aliens. People really don’t know how this happened?
7 Staggering Statistics About America’s Opioid Epidemic
Drugs come across our southern border. Murderers come across our southern border. Rapists come across our southern border. Child traffickers come across our southern border. This is all OK with Pelosi, Schumer and the Democrats.
$4 billion. Schumer is shutting the government down over $4 billion.
@Deplorable Me:
But it is not about national security for Schumer. It is about obstructing anything Republicans want. And Greggie Gullible has the audacity to say that when the Democrats take control of the House, that [maybe] thoughtful compromise will be worth trying? Ain’t gonna happen.
So Chuckie (The Schmuck) Schumer will continue to let American citizens die because of his hatred of Trump and knowing Pelosi will not take speaker if he doesn’t.
Here is just a small example of the human cost of illegal immigration.
Of course, SPLC labels the Remembrance Project a “hate” group saying it is “anti” immigration. Never mind it was started by a Hispanic and has never once discouraged LEGAL immigration.
Trump calls it a wall. So does Schumer. But it is more like a fence. So I guess even a fence is “immoral” and will not work. Perhaps Schumer and Pelosi should advise Obama to “tear down this wall” that he just build around both his rental homes since they are immoral and won’t work. Obama’s life is no more important than anyone else’s but walls (fences) are ok when they are build around the houses Democrats live in.
@Deplorable Me:
That’s because they are future demokrat voters. Want to stop this nonsense? Just tell the elitists that since they oppose border security for the country then we will take down the physical security measures that keep their elitist primadonna asses safe. No more walls. No more barricades. No more metal detectors. And if they continue going after our Second Amendment right to self protection from a tyrannical government and the criminal element, then they can kiss their armed security good-bye too.
@retire05:
The left considers that funny. It’s just whining when someone’s loved one gets killed, robbed or hurt by an illegal immigrant, especially one that is repeatedly deported and returns. All the left can see is their hatred for Trump and they hate Trump simply because he defeated Hillary. Think about THAT. They hate Trump because he defeated possibly the WORST possible person to allow to sit behind the Oval Office desk. No matter what Trump’s faults may be, keeping Hillary the lying, criminal incompetent corrupter is a God-send.
Or the wall De Blasio added around the mayor’s residence. Some people, it appears, deserve security more than others.
@another vet: The left always keeps their distance from the trashy rabble they have to endure ruling.
@another vet:
I love it when the Democrats are harping on how the “wall” is a waste of money. Ummm, remember the days of Cash For Clunkers? That little boondoggle only cost the taxpayers $6 BILLION and not one life was saved. Don’t remember Pelosi and Schumer (who were there during the days of Cash For Clunkers) complaining how that was a waste of money.
@retire05: Just like everything else they lecture everyone else on: they accuse everyone of doing what they themselves do. They are fiscally irresponsible hypocritical Marxists/Socialists.
Trump tweeted support for the tsunami victims, so Pelosi and Schumer will have to denounce them.
A government shut down might not scare them, certainly MS 13 and terrorists waltzing in doesnt.
@Deplorable Me, #72:
The statistics clearly demonstrate that amoral, opportunistic politicians and their media tools are lying about undocumented aliens, and about those who believe they deserve to be treated with compassion as fellow human beings. But what else is new?
The holy family were refugees.
@Greg: No, the stats don’t lie. They show that illegal immigrants commit a large number of crimes, from burglary to rape and murder.
https://cis.org/Camarota/NonCitizens-Committed-Disproportionate-Share-Federal-Crimes-201116
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/jan/26/illegals-commit-crimes-double-rate-native-born-stu/
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/conviction-data-show-illegal-immigrants-commit-more-crimes-than-native-born-americans-study
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/9-of-10-illegal-immigrants-arrested-have-criminal-record
But the real kicker… the thing that must gall the victims and victims’ families the most… is that probably ALL of these crimes and losses would not have occurred if the perpetrator here illegally had not been here. Yet, you on the left really don’t care, or to give you the benefit of the doubt and credit for SOME humanity, simply wish to ignore the reality so you don’t have to accept responsibility for it.
Pelosi and Schumer and all those who support them, as they declare that no matter what, there will be no wall are simply saying to all the citizens, victims of illegal immigrant crimes and future victims, that political victories means more to them than citizens’ lives and safety. That is an undeniable fact; border security to them is a political chit they play with.
If you can’t recognize that and find it disgusting, you have very serious problems.
@Richard Wheeler: 20
So my recollection is you were saddened to the limit because the country elected Obozo president when he hadn’t served one day of military service. Is that correct?
@Redteam: Mattis– I’ll stay through Feb. to insure a smooth transition
DT Pack up and get out by the first
Typical Trump
The fact he ducked out of serving–one thing
How he treats people like dirt–quite another
He’s crass and classless—obviously some people—maybe one in three– like that about him–do you?
@Greg:
Yes they were, the king was out to murder the baby. These people were offered refugee status in Mexico and refused it. They were willing to return for 50K. The leader of that group has ties to a bombing. They are a burden dragging down wages and 63% on some form of entitlement.
@Richard Wheeler:
No, Wheeler, typical of anyone who is an employer and understands that when an employee gives an extended resignation, you’re not going to get much work out of them. Best to hand them a severance paycheck and tell them “Good luck.” If you have hired people (other than the illegals you said have done work for you) you would know that.
You mean like the men you voted for?
You’re opinion, which really is quite worthless.
When it comes to crass, Trump can’t hold a candle to Bill or Hill Clinton.
It just occurred to me that Henry F. Potter would almost certainly be a Trump supporter.
@Richard Wheeler: Trump wanted the new guy to go to the upcoming conferences and meetings. It makes management sense.
@Greg: Potter was a Democrat. He kept people poor so they were dependent on him, a typical Democrat trait.
You know, when Obama had that $785 billion for all those “shovel ready” projects he promised, seems like the wall and border security would have made a really good one. Of course, his campaign supporters needed their payoffs more than the nation needed border security… so now Schumer shuts the government down for $4 billion. Almost a trillion dollars, just flushed down the toilet and they won’t spend $5 billion on border security and protecting citizens. Liars, hypocrites and thieves.
KATIE BAR THE DOOR—-The ‘Trump Rally” according to Trump of 9500 points has lost nearly 8000 because of The Fed Chairman says Trump— you appointed him Donald—should he go the way of Mattis?
Trump is blasting his guy as much as he blasts Mueller
Christmas chaos with the Dems on the doorstep.
OK now, get this. You can’t make this up. Some aid groups in El Paso are complaining that ICE released a batch of illegal immigrants and didn’t notify them.
No, really. People that support cities breaking the law and not notifying ICE when a dangerous illegal immigrant is being released from jail are complaining the ICE is not showing them the courtesy of a call and notification.
Ignorant asses.
@Deplorable Me: Walls dont work so in bipartsan fashion the gave 38 billion to Israel for their wall, which was 100 % effective in 2017.