The Vegan Marxist
31st May 2010, 10:42
"If it wasn't for the illegal immigrants, Americans wouldn't be losing their jobs! If it wasn't for illegal immigrants, there wouldn't be so much crime on the streets! All illegal immigrants do is steal our jobs & not pay taxes like every other American in this country!"
Don't rhetorical statements such as those pointed out above get a bit tiring to all of you? I know it has for me, & it's put me, along with many other Americans, within a spot where we're being labeled as "nation traitors" because we choose to defend those who are racially attacked within this country. Statements such as, "they take our jobs & give nothing in return", or, "all they do is bring crime to our neighborhoods", can only go so far without somebody standing up & pointing out how erroneous such statements really are. Thankfully, I've been able to document those who are speaking out & those who are bringing truth behind these smeared lies by the well funded, far-right organizations, ranging from the GOP to the Tea-Party movement. Though, it is unclear on how much time we have in order to help decriminalize illegal immigration, due to how anti-immigration laws are now taking strength. Generally in well known areas such as Arizona, & many other states are calling for the same move as well. So I hope this article falls in the right hands, or at least to many hands, because we'll need numbers in order to fight against this rise in racism that is rising up in America once again.
Let's start with the idea that these undocumented workers are not paying any taxes. The general claim by those against illegal immigration is that these undocumented workers are taking up job space, yet showing nothing in return by not filing any taxes. Now, one question, is this really true? I would actually beg to differ. The idea that immigrants pay no taxes is absolutely absurd & has been, unfortunately, a well used accusation during debates on the immigration issue. Yes, there are certain industries that hire undocumented workers & pay them under the table, in which is initially done to help avoid any payrolls & income taxes. Though, fact of the matter is that, most industries just cannot get away with such.[1] When it comes to those industries who are hiring undocumented workers, many of those workers use fake social security numbers. What this means is that they are actually putting in money into things like Medicare, Social Security, etc., in which they will not be eligible for. This also implies that they are putting in income taxes as well. The IRS has specifically stated that they've "seen an increase in the number of tax returns filed using an Individual Tax Identification Number" by undocumented workers.[2] It was stated that around 1.4 million people, as of 2006, have filed tax returns, in which became a 40% increase from the year before.[3] There are even those who are hoping to use the track record of on-time payments to eventually help aid their citizenship applications.[4] It's also a need-to-know that these undocumented workers pay sales taxes as well. For example, whenever one of these workers rent a home, part of their rent pay goes to property taxes. Other taxes are paid as well through corporate interests, in which such payments are put in through goods & services.[5] Yes, there do come problems when it comes to the documentation of said undocumented workers, & where their numbers are within those that file taxes, especially when there is so many different services that are provided through taxes, but when it comes to the claims that these workers are not putting their share in taxes, such a claim is very misleading, & not only that, but damaging when it comes to the campaign of trying to legalize those coming into this country.
Now, let's get to crime, shall we? One of the main initial arguments used against illegal immigrants is the idea that crime has had an overall increase as illegal immigration increases as well. The Arizona State used the new law in Arizona, SB 1070, to bring such claims as a way to justify the law in order to gain the support from their people. Starting in the 90's though, & so on, crime rates have been decreasing, while illegal immigration begain increasing. An example used, it was stated that property crime rates ended up plummeting 43% in Arizona since 1995, & down 30% when it came to nationwide.[6] When it came to crime within known Hispanic cities in the U.S., it was stated that violent crime was 10% below the national urban average & that the homicide rate was 40% below.[7] Police departments have come forward by stating that, under a rough estimate, out of all those that were behind bars for the crimes they committed, the undocumented workers ranged only around 10-20% of those in jail.[8] Fact of the matter is that, these undocumented workers, once they break the one law that forbids them from crossing the border illegally, they come to work & to provide a life for their families. Not to commit any more crime.[9]
The problem that we all face today, though, is that the opposition against illegal immigration is gaining strength & Arizona is becoming the state that puts such opposition into action. Although the bill has yet to be implemented due to its passing doesn't take into effect until January of next year, situations are taking place in Arizona already, & it'll only get worse before it ever truly takes into effect. Such incidents would be the fact that teachers are now being racially discriminated upon through such statements that they not be able to give the students the proper education that the school board feels is needed. These claims would lead to the sacking of said teachers, & then replaced with those that they feel is "qualified" for such a position.[10] Another incident that is taking up some heat is the fact that the Arizona governor, Janice Brewer, sent out requests to the White House for helicopters & unmanned aerial vehicles to be sent to the border of Mexico as patrol units.[11] Although it is unclear whether these requests will be fulfilled, similar actions have already been taken into effect by those in the White House where they are deploying close to 6,000 more National Guard troops to secure the border.[12] Coincidence? Possibly, but it doesn't hide the fact that Arizona is stirring up some controversial power here in order to keep such a law into effect.
Now to the law, itself. There are many, including Mexican-American citizens, who feel as if the new law that was passed in Arizona is quite justifiable. Of course, one of their main arguments is that they're bringing crime to their state. Though, I've already refuted such claims above. But, that doesn't prevent them to state their arguments. Yes, the law has been revised to where no citizen of Arizona is checked for their papers unless they've been convicted of any crime first. Though, the claim that this shows no use of racial profiling being implemented under the new law is quite black & white. In fact, this only leads to the police in having justification to stop any citizen walking by, or pulling over anyone while driving by that they see as "suspicious" in their view. There was even a clause that was ruled into this law that states any citizen of Arizona can sue the government if they feel the law is not being enforced to the best of which they feel the police are able to do.[13] Funny how so many like to claim it costs money to keep them into the country, let alone Arizona, yet, under this new clause, they're going to find themselves taking more money out from the government due to opposition against the law by those enforcing laws in Arizona.[14]
If one was to merely look at the background of the law & who helped make it, the idea that this law is being used to help racially profile those they deem "dangerous" legally doesn't seem too farfetched after all. For example, one of the architects of said law is state Senator Russel Pearce. This is the man who's been a known supporter in neo-Nazi white nationalist organization located in Arizona.[15] This is the same man who's made it a state crime to be "trespassing" in Arizona if you're undocumented. Such blatant racism is only fueling in numbers by those who find this as an opportunity to justify their racist rhetoric by covering it up with the idea that they're protecting the country by terrorists, both foreign & domestic. Like how Rep. Duncan Hunter has stated that he feels all U.S.-born that were conceived by illegal parents should be deported with them.[16] How far our country will take this is beyond me, but it appears racism is gaining strength once again, as race turns itself into a taboo as it was during the times when the segregation of blacks was seen as a civil act against "enemies of the state".
Fact of the matter is that, beyond the baseless attacks & misleading claims against undocumented workers that are migrating over the border, these workers are the ones making sure this economy stays alive. Reports have even shown that, despite the mass migration of undocumented workers have increased, the economy is not dying because of them, & rather they're keeping it going. In fact, reports are even stating that if legalized then it'll help boost the economy.[17] With this new law set to take place in January of next year, much fear is already taking place in Arizona. Yes, such fear will lead to the prosecution & deportation of those illegal in Arizona, but, as shown above, it is not the undocumented workers who are committing crime. With said workers being there, crime has gone down & the economy has remained alive. Yet, with them fleeing the state, or being deported out of the country, the economy will have barely anyone to help keep it stabalized & crime will take an increase once again. If there's anything we've learned from our economy, it is not profit that keeps it alive & stabalized, but rather it is labor that does such. In fact, it is the profit-system that has destroyed our economy, inch by inch, & has also helped increase crime rates than what it should be. And if anybody tells you otherwise, then respond with only one word - Enron.[18] Those who come to this country undocumented & looking for work, as we continue to judge them & attack them, we better start looking at the larger picture & realize that we need them as they need us. Instead of acting out of nationalist interests, maybe we should start acting out as human beings & be there for our fellow people. I guarantee you that, if we are to finally start such thinking, the world we live in will be in the state of a better place.
--------------------------------------------
[1] (http://hamptonroads.com/2008/03/contractor-gets-14-months-hiring-illegal-immigrants) Tim McGlone, "Contractor gets 14 months for hiring illegal immigrants", Hampoton Roads, March 7, 2008
[2] (http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1424.html) Gerald Prante, "Immigrants and Taxes", Tax Foundation, April 11, 2006
[3] (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18077009/ns/business-personal_finance//) "Illegal immigrants filing taxes more than ever", MSNBC, April 13, 2007
[4] (http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1424.html) Gerald Prante, "Immigrants and Taxes", Tax Foundation, April 11, 2006
[5] (http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1424.html) Ibid
[6] (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/02/nation/la-na-arizona-crime-20100503) Nicholas Riccardi, "Both sides in Arizona's immigration debate use crime argument", Los Angeles Times, May 02, 2010
[7] (http://reason.com/archives/2010/02/22/immigration-and-crime) Steve Chapman, "Immigration and Crime", Reason, February 22, 2010
[8] (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/02/nation/la-na-arizona-crime-20100503) Nicholas Riccardi, "Both sides in Arizona's immigration debate use crime argument", Los Angeles Times, May 02, 2010
[9] (http://reason.com/archives/2010/02/22/immigration-and-crime) Steve Chapman, "Immigration and Crime", Reason, February 22, 2010
[10] (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703572504575213883276427528.html) Miriam Jordan, "Arizona Grades Teachers on Fluency", WSJ, April 30, 2010
[11] (http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/24/news/economy/predator_arizona_border/) Aaron Smith, "Arizona to Obama: We need Predator drones!", CNN, May 24, 2010
[12] (http://www.personalliberty.com/news/obama-deploys-troops-to-help-secure-mexican-border-19802996/) "Obama Deploys Troops To Help Secure Mexican Border", Personal Liberty, May 31, 2010
[13] (http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/stunning_clause_in_az_immigration_law_lets_citizen .php) Zachary Roth, "'Stunning' Clause In AZ Immigration Law Lets Citizens Sue Govt For Lack Of Enforcement", TPM Muckraker, April 28, 2010
[14] (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/protestors-arizona-immigration-bill-urge-boycott-state/story?id=10487582) Emily Friedman, "Ariz. Sheriff Says He Will Refuse to Enforce Immigration Law", ABC News, April 27, 2010
[15] (http://fwix.com/phoenix/share/9f1b4c1dbb/russell_pearces_senate_bill_1070_yet_more_nativist _legislation_outlawing_brown_people_brought_to_us_ by_a_neo-nazi_hugger) Stephen Lemons, "Russell Pearce's Senate Bill 1070: Yet More Nativist Legislation Outlawing Brown People Brought to Us By a Neo-Nazi Hugger", Fwix, January 19, 2010
[16] (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/28/rep-hunter-deport-us-born-children-illegal-aliens/) John Marelius, "Hunter: Deport U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants", Signon Sandiego, April 28, 2010
[17] (http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/07/immigration.economy/index.html) "Legalizing unauthorized immigrants would help economy, study says", CNN, January 7, 2010
[18] (http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/484/White-Collar-Crime-FALSIFYING-CORPORATE-DATA.html) "White-Collar Crime - Falsifying Corporate Data", Library Index. http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/484/White-Collar-Crime-FALSIFYING-CORPORATE-DATA.html
Don't rhetorical statements such as those pointed out above get a bit tiring to all of you? I know it has for me, & it's put me, along with many other Americans, within a spot where we're being labeled as "nation traitors" because we choose to defend those who are racially attacked within this country. Statements such as, "they take our jobs & give nothing in return", or, "all they do is bring crime to our neighborhoods", can only go so far without somebody standing up & pointing out how erroneous such statements really are. Thankfully, I've been able to document those who are speaking out & those who are bringing truth behind these smeared lies by the well funded, far-right organizations, ranging from the GOP to the Tea-Party movement. Though, it is unclear on how much time we have in order to help decriminalize illegal immigration, due to how anti-immigration laws are now taking strength. Generally in well known areas such as Arizona, & many other states are calling for the same move as well. So I hope this article falls in the right hands, or at least to many hands, because we'll need numbers in order to fight against this rise in racism that is rising up in America once again.
Let's start with the idea that these undocumented workers are not paying any taxes. The general claim by those against illegal immigration is that these undocumented workers are taking up job space, yet showing nothing in return by not filing any taxes. Now, one question, is this really true? I would actually beg to differ. The idea that immigrants pay no taxes is absolutely absurd & has been, unfortunately, a well used accusation during debates on the immigration issue. Yes, there are certain industries that hire undocumented workers & pay them under the table, in which is initially done to help avoid any payrolls & income taxes. Though, fact of the matter is that, most industries just cannot get away with such.[1] When it comes to those industries who are hiring undocumented workers, many of those workers use fake social security numbers. What this means is that they are actually putting in money into things like Medicare, Social Security, etc., in which they will not be eligible for. This also implies that they are putting in income taxes as well. The IRS has specifically stated that they've "seen an increase in the number of tax returns filed using an Individual Tax Identification Number" by undocumented workers.[2] It was stated that around 1.4 million people, as of 2006, have filed tax returns, in which became a 40% increase from the year before.[3] There are even those who are hoping to use the track record of on-time payments to eventually help aid their citizenship applications.[4] It's also a need-to-know that these undocumented workers pay sales taxes as well. For example, whenever one of these workers rent a home, part of their rent pay goes to property taxes. Other taxes are paid as well through corporate interests, in which such payments are put in through goods & services.[5] Yes, there do come problems when it comes to the documentation of said undocumented workers, & where their numbers are within those that file taxes, especially when there is so many different services that are provided through taxes, but when it comes to the claims that these workers are not putting their share in taxes, such a claim is very misleading, & not only that, but damaging when it comes to the campaign of trying to legalize those coming into this country.
Now, let's get to crime, shall we? One of the main initial arguments used against illegal immigrants is the idea that crime has had an overall increase as illegal immigration increases as well. The Arizona State used the new law in Arizona, SB 1070, to bring such claims as a way to justify the law in order to gain the support from their people. Starting in the 90's though, & so on, crime rates have been decreasing, while illegal immigration begain increasing. An example used, it was stated that property crime rates ended up plummeting 43% in Arizona since 1995, & down 30% when it came to nationwide.[6] When it came to crime within known Hispanic cities in the U.S., it was stated that violent crime was 10% below the national urban average & that the homicide rate was 40% below.[7] Police departments have come forward by stating that, under a rough estimate, out of all those that were behind bars for the crimes they committed, the undocumented workers ranged only around 10-20% of those in jail.[8] Fact of the matter is that, these undocumented workers, once they break the one law that forbids them from crossing the border illegally, they come to work & to provide a life for their families. Not to commit any more crime.[9]
The problem that we all face today, though, is that the opposition against illegal immigration is gaining strength & Arizona is becoming the state that puts such opposition into action. Although the bill has yet to be implemented due to its passing doesn't take into effect until January of next year, situations are taking place in Arizona already, & it'll only get worse before it ever truly takes into effect. Such incidents would be the fact that teachers are now being racially discriminated upon through such statements that they not be able to give the students the proper education that the school board feels is needed. These claims would lead to the sacking of said teachers, & then replaced with those that they feel is "qualified" for such a position.[10] Another incident that is taking up some heat is the fact that the Arizona governor, Janice Brewer, sent out requests to the White House for helicopters & unmanned aerial vehicles to be sent to the border of Mexico as patrol units.[11] Although it is unclear whether these requests will be fulfilled, similar actions have already been taken into effect by those in the White House where they are deploying close to 6,000 more National Guard troops to secure the border.[12] Coincidence? Possibly, but it doesn't hide the fact that Arizona is stirring up some controversial power here in order to keep such a law into effect.
Now to the law, itself. There are many, including Mexican-American citizens, who feel as if the new law that was passed in Arizona is quite justifiable. Of course, one of their main arguments is that they're bringing crime to their state. Though, I've already refuted such claims above. But, that doesn't prevent them to state their arguments. Yes, the law has been revised to where no citizen of Arizona is checked for their papers unless they've been convicted of any crime first. Though, the claim that this shows no use of racial profiling being implemented under the new law is quite black & white. In fact, this only leads to the police in having justification to stop any citizen walking by, or pulling over anyone while driving by that they see as "suspicious" in their view. There was even a clause that was ruled into this law that states any citizen of Arizona can sue the government if they feel the law is not being enforced to the best of which they feel the police are able to do.[13] Funny how so many like to claim it costs money to keep them into the country, let alone Arizona, yet, under this new clause, they're going to find themselves taking more money out from the government due to opposition against the law by those enforcing laws in Arizona.[14]
If one was to merely look at the background of the law & who helped make it, the idea that this law is being used to help racially profile those they deem "dangerous" legally doesn't seem too farfetched after all. For example, one of the architects of said law is state Senator Russel Pearce. This is the man who's been a known supporter in neo-Nazi white nationalist organization located in Arizona.[15] This is the same man who's made it a state crime to be "trespassing" in Arizona if you're undocumented. Such blatant racism is only fueling in numbers by those who find this as an opportunity to justify their racist rhetoric by covering it up with the idea that they're protecting the country by terrorists, both foreign & domestic. Like how Rep. Duncan Hunter has stated that he feels all U.S.-born that were conceived by illegal parents should be deported with them.[16] How far our country will take this is beyond me, but it appears racism is gaining strength once again, as race turns itself into a taboo as it was during the times when the segregation of blacks was seen as a civil act against "enemies of the state".
Fact of the matter is that, beyond the baseless attacks & misleading claims against undocumented workers that are migrating over the border, these workers are the ones making sure this economy stays alive. Reports have even shown that, despite the mass migration of undocumented workers have increased, the economy is not dying because of them, & rather they're keeping it going. In fact, reports are even stating that if legalized then it'll help boost the economy.[17] With this new law set to take place in January of next year, much fear is already taking place in Arizona. Yes, such fear will lead to the prosecution & deportation of those illegal in Arizona, but, as shown above, it is not the undocumented workers who are committing crime. With said workers being there, crime has gone down & the economy has remained alive. Yet, with them fleeing the state, or being deported out of the country, the economy will have barely anyone to help keep it stabalized & crime will take an increase once again. If there's anything we've learned from our economy, it is not profit that keeps it alive & stabalized, but rather it is labor that does such. In fact, it is the profit-system that has destroyed our economy, inch by inch, & has also helped increase crime rates than what it should be. And if anybody tells you otherwise, then respond with only one word - Enron.[18] Those who come to this country undocumented & looking for work, as we continue to judge them & attack them, we better start looking at the larger picture & realize that we need them as they need us. Instead of acting out of nationalist interests, maybe we should start acting out as human beings & be there for our fellow people. I guarantee you that, if we are to finally start such thinking, the world we live in will be in the state of a better place.
--------------------------------------------
[1] (http://hamptonroads.com/2008/03/contractor-gets-14-months-hiring-illegal-immigrants) Tim McGlone, "Contractor gets 14 months for hiring illegal immigrants", Hampoton Roads, March 7, 2008
[2] (http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1424.html) Gerald Prante, "Immigrants and Taxes", Tax Foundation, April 11, 2006
[3] (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18077009/ns/business-personal_finance//) "Illegal immigrants filing taxes more than ever", MSNBC, April 13, 2007
[4] (http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1424.html) Gerald Prante, "Immigrants and Taxes", Tax Foundation, April 11, 2006
[5] (http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1424.html) Ibid
[6] (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/02/nation/la-na-arizona-crime-20100503) Nicholas Riccardi, "Both sides in Arizona's immigration debate use crime argument", Los Angeles Times, May 02, 2010
[7] (http://reason.com/archives/2010/02/22/immigration-and-crime) Steve Chapman, "Immigration and Crime", Reason, February 22, 2010
[8] (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/02/nation/la-na-arizona-crime-20100503) Nicholas Riccardi, "Both sides in Arizona's immigration debate use crime argument", Los Angeles Times, May 02, 2010
[9] (http://reason.com/archives/2010/02/22/immigration-and-crime) Steve Chapman, "Immigration and Crime", Reason, February 22, 2010
[10] (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703572504575213883276427528.html) Miriam Jordan, "Arizona Grades Teachers on Fluency", WSJ, April 30, 2010
[11] (http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/24/news/economy/predator_arizona_border/) Aaron Smith, "Arizona to Obama: We need Predator drones!", CNN, May 24, 2010
[12] (http://www.personalliberty.com/news/obama-deploys-troops-to-help-secure-mexican-border-19802996/) "Obama Deploys Troops To Help Secure Mexican Border", Personal Liberty, May 31, 2010
[13] (http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/stunning_clause_in_az_immigration_law_lets_citizen .php) Zachary Roth, "'Stunning' Clause In AZ Immigration Law Lets Citizens Sue Govt For Lack Of Enforcement", TPM Muckraker, April 28, 2010
[14] (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/protestors-arizona-immigration-bill-urge-boycott-state/story?id=10487582) Emily Friedman, "Ariz. Sheriff Says He Will Refuse to Enforce Immigration Law", ABC News, April 27, 2010
[15] (http://fwix.com/phoenix/share/9f1b4c1dbb/russell_pearces_senate_bill_1070_yet_more_nativist _legislation_outlawing_brown_people_brought_to_us_ by_a_neo-nazi_hugger) Stephen Lemons, "Russell Pearce's Senate Bill 1070: Yet More Nativist Legislation Outlawing Brown People Brought to Us By a Neo-Nazi Hugger", Fwix, January 19, 2010
[16] (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/28/rep-hunter-deport-us-born-children-illegal-aliens/) John Marelius, "Hunter: Deport U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants", Signon Sandiego, April 28, 2010
[17] (http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/07/immigration.economy/index.html) "Legalizing unauthorized immigrants would help economy, study says", CNN, January 7, 2010
[18] (http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/484/White-Collar-Crime-FALSIFYING-CORPORATE-DATA.html) "White-Collar Crime - Falsifying Corporate Data", Library Index. http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/484/White-Collar-Crime-FALSIFYING-CORPORATE-DATA.html