@
JAB That's actually a fairly easily controlled thing usually by way of what visas we grant to whom, and the already-established application requirements (which can be modified as needed). The number of work and study visas can be changed with relative ease (when compared to the legislative nightmare that is immigration reform).
Quick question (asked mostly because I don't know): how many LEGAL immigrants are using social benefits, and to what dollar amount? And how does it stack up per capita vs. citizens?
I honestly do not know the stats, it just the argument I always see/hear about the subject. I know (personally) a few Mexican migrant workers who purposely have family members who come here, who do not work, but have medical problems that are treated here. To what cost and amount of times this happens, I have no idea. My overall point, is that it should become a very non-issue by simply saying “I need your insurance card or X amount of money before you receive treatment (obviously there will always be some exceptions, car crash, accidents, etc).
The reason I ask is that the requirements to obtain most visas are strict and many include proof of income and assets to support oneself (or in many cases, be supported by a sponsor) after immigration. That leaves me curious as to who is legally entering (and on what visa) and immediately turning around to apply for benefits.
My knowledge is more around the migrant workers, who are legal.
FWIW, if you insist on setting bar for it, LPR (lawful permanent resident, see also: green card) status is IMO a more appropriate level. Those who have gone that far in the process are - for the most part - simply waiting to apply for citizenship, or have applied and are awaiting a response. They've been in line for months - if not years - and spent thousands of dollars and hours to get there. They have the vast majority of the same rights as citizens (exceptions being voting, jury service, and certain public offices). JM2C.
That’s another issue that I have problems with, the length and cost of doing it the right way, etc. I really think it should be governed under the idea of “you are a benefit to us or you are not” if you are, get the process over with, if you are not, why should we even offer a citizenship, go to the port of entry every X many days and don’t expect any rights/benefits. And again, I am not saying every single person should have something to offer, I think spouses, people who serve in the armed forces, or possess specialties should be a non issue, just get it done kind of thing. The complication parts of it are just annoying to me and I don’t have to go through it.
Step one is disincentivizing illegal immigration in the first place... I think we see eye to eye on that one, and I think it would solve over 90% of the problems associated with immigration in general. Once that's done, we can start talking about how to streamline temporary work visas, visas for those two come here to contribute, etc. Unfortunately, that's also the hardest step when legislators and a significant number of business owners (and by extension, American consumers) are enjoying the fruits of illegal labor...
.....don't worry I will make Shadowspear a "government consulting agency":-"
