Illegal Immigration Issues

By William F. Sauerwein

News reports continue highlighting the massive protests concerning the status of illegal aliens. On the surface, these protesters demand “fair treatment” for those hard-working people, performing “jobs that Americans won’t do.” Underlying this image is a sinister image that threatens our national security, our economic well-being and our sovereignty. While the media ignores the threat and politicians pander for the “Latino vote,” ordinary Americans feel helpless.

As a “nation of immigrants” we faced these problems throughout our history, often with unsatisfactory results. President Theodore Roosevelt faced the problem of massive immigration from southern Europe, and warned of the danger of “hyphenated Americans.” Later when the United States entered World War I the loyalty of recent immigrants from enemy countries presented a real danger. Fortunately, most of these new Americans eagerly embraced their adopted country, and fought for it when required.

Currently Americans of German ancestry make up the largest group, I am among this group. Currently I live in the greater St. Louis area, which could be considered a “German enclave.” We do not fly German flags, or culturally identify ourselves with Germany, except maybe when we celebrate Oktoberfest. Few know the birth date of Baron von Steuben (November15th), who trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

German-Americans rendered other valuable military service to the United States. During the Civil War the German-Americans in St. Louis overwhelmingly supported the Union. Their reinforcement of the small force of U.S. Army Regulars kept Missouri from seceding from the Union. During the post-Civil War Indian wars German immigrants comprised the second largest group in the U.S. Army.

World War I dramatically affected German-Americans, most of whom felt pressured into demonstrating their loyalty to the United States. Before the war cities with large numbers of German-Americans published German-language newspapers. Schools in these cities taught German as a second language, not a replacement for English. In my hometown this stopped, and did not start again when the war ended.

The advent of World War II, and hatred for the German enemy, ended any lingering interest in anything German. Though most people today in my hometown possess German surnames, very few speak German, most of whom learned this through military service. None speak with a German accent, nor does anyone advocate the establishment of a German Lebensraum.

Today we face a similar problem with the continuing wave of immigrants, mostly from Mexico. We supposedly addressed this problem with the Illegal Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986. When perusing this law on its website it “solved” almost every issue that the current act in Congress addresses. The difference, at the time the IRCA became law it supposedly legalized 3 million people, we now face at least 12 million.

While most of them probably came here looking for a better life, as did my ancestors, that is not the issue. My ancestors came here legally through Ellis Island, where they waited in long lines for admission. One of these lines was for medical examination, preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. The system at the time required they possess a needed skill and have a sponsor already residing in the country. This ensured they would not become a burden on the public, something crossing the border illegally does not ensure.

Media reports claim that many of those openly demonstrating are illegal aliens, and lacked fear of apprehension. That they openly flaunt our laws disturbs me, since violating one law often leads to violating more. The demonstrations’ purpose is demanding that we do not enforce existing laws, and enact new ones rewarding their illegal conduct. Furthermore, as “hard-working” people how do they get so much time off for demonstrating.

More disturbing to me was the open display of Mexican flags, the signage in Spanish and the open racism. This demonstrates the unwillingness to assimilate into the American “melting pot,” as done by previous immigrants. Signs displaying the phrases, “Chicano Power,” “Brown Power,” etc. are examples of overt racism, and not “ethnic pride,” as claimed.

The most disturbing implications are those of establishing the separatist state of Azatlan in the American Southwest. This propaganda states that the American Southwest was “stolen” from Mexico, and rightfully still belongs to Mexico. This view is promoted by racist organizations, such as La Raza, whose motto translates into, “for the race everything, for those outside the race nothing.” Another such group is the Movimento Estudianil Chicano de Azatlan (Chicano Student Movement of Azatlan), commonly known as MEChA.

Suppose the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) held such massive demonstrations, carried Confederate flags and “White Power” signs. The KKK espouses support for the “white race,” “Southern Pride” and separation of the races. I do not follow their rhetoric and do not know if they advocate the establishment of a “New Confederacy.” The media would immediately, and correctly, brand these activities as “hate speech,” “racism,” and “anti-American.” Furthermore, they would not be concerned about the KKK’s First Amendment rights, as they are with those of La Raza and MEChA. One thing all three groups have in common is anti-Semitism, yet only that of the KKK is disparaged.

One MEChA site calls the Chicano “race” the “people of the sun,” and “civilizer” of Azatlan. While claiming the Southwest was “stolen” from Mexico in 1848, from whom did these “civilizers” steal it? The name Mexico derives from “mestizo,” meaning “mixed blood” or “mixed race.” The two races mixed were the Spanish conquistadors and the native Indian tribes they conquered. Using their terminology, their ancestors were “evil” Europeans, who murdered, pillaged and raped the poor Indians.

Regarding its history with the Indian tribes, Mexico’s “genocide” equaled that of the United States, and surpassed it in some areas. Most Southwestern tribes, such as the Apache and Comanche, hated both the Mexicans and the Americans. Of course we must never discuss the brutality practiced by the Indians against both the Americans and Mexicans, and each other.

One reason for the success of the few Spanish conquistadors against the large Indian empires was the eager alliances of other Indians. In Mexico the Aztecs brutalized other Indians they conquered, practicing slavery, tyrannical rule and massive human sacrifice on those they conquered. Seeking revenge, and hopefully an end to this brutality, they allied with the Spanish conquistadors.

After Mexico won its independence from Spain the current American Southwest was very sparsely populated. The climate in this region was harsh and arid, and much of it still is today. Most of the inhabitants were the Indians, whose nomadic lifestyle seemed suited for the region. When the Indians needed more they raided Mexican settlements and returned home with the “booty.”

Despite today’s rhetoric, Mexican officials actively encouraged American colonization, and other foreign immigration, of the region. In Texas, Stephen Austin made the most famous of these agreements under the provisions of Mexico’s Constitution of 1824. Mexican officials intended for these “Anglos” to act as the buffer between them and the Indians. While most Americans reneged on several conditions in this agreement, Mexican officials ignored it, provided they continue absorbing the Indian depredations.

Most “Anglos” remained “good citizens,” farmed their land, paid their taxes and fought the Indians. However, the continued influx of so many foreigners disturbed Mexican officials, and they now reneged on their agreement. Internal Mexican political struggles led to the rise of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna as the Mexican dictator. This proved unpopular with both the Mexican and Anglo populations, resulting in several revolts.

Santa Anna’s tyranny eventually cost him Texas in the famous Texas War of Independence in 1835-6. Ironically, the Texas flag was the Mexican flag with the numbers “1824” in the center. The Texans fought for a return to Mexico’s 1824 Constitution, not annexation to the United States.

Ironically, the Mexican state of Yucatan, which contained no significant Anglo populace, declared its independence from Mexico. This occurred simultaneous with the revolution in Texas, and advocated a return to the Constitution of 1824. The Republic of Yucatan recognized the independent Republic of Texas, and declared neutrality during the Mexican-American War.

Under Santa Anna, Mexico did not recognize Texas independence, and this created almost constant warfare. Texas applied for annexation to the United States in 1844 largely because of this warfare, and the U.S. assumption of Texas’ public debt. Mexico threatened war if the annexation occurred, and the unresolved border further heightened tensions.

Texas became a U.S. state in 1845, and war began with Mexico in 1846. Mexico was defeated on every front, with American forces seizing Santa Fe, New Mexico and then Los Angeles, California. Other forces invaded Mexico proper, and General Winfield Scott’s army captured Mexico City.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the war under very generous terms for the time. In this era of “empire-building” by major European powers defeat often meant annexation, and installing a puppet government. Victors normally exacted tribute from the conquered for paying the expenses incurred by the victor.

Mexico ceded the current American Southwest, previously captured by American forces in battle. For this Mexico received 15 million dollars and the U.S. assumed 3 million dollars of debt owed by Mexico to American citizens. From our position of strength in Mexico City, had we demanded more, Mexico could have done little to oppose.

Santa Anna negotiated the current Mexican-New Mexico-Arizona border with the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. The American ambassador to Mexico, James Gadsden, negotiated the deal, for which Mexico received 10 million dollars.

The history of our relationship with Mexico reveals suspicion, envy, racism and armed conflict. Perhaps the greatest rift occurred during World War I with the Punitive Expedition of 1916. Mexico was in a state of civil war, with the fighting occasionally spilling over the border. American forces patrolled the entire border region, ostensibly for preventing cross-border incursions.

On March 16, 1916 the famous Mexican revolutionary/bandit (depending on your perspective) Pancho Villa attacked American troops stationed at Columbus, New Mexico. Though defeated, Villa killed 17 Americans, soldiers and civilians, and inspired a nationwide outrage. An uneasy agreement existed between Mexico and the U.S. for eliminating Villa’s threat.

American forces penetrated about 500 miles into Mexico, supposedly beyond the agreement’s limits, pursuing Villa. Villa hoped to instigate combat between the Americans and Mexicans, and thereby both would forget about him. This occurred at the town of Carrizal, in which 12 Americans and 45 Mexican soldiers were killed.

Adding fuel to this fire was the so-called “Zimmerman Note” sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman to the German ambassador in Mexico in January, 1917. Anticipating American entry into the war on the Allies’ side, he proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany. If Mexico attacked the U.S. Germany would provide financial and military aid, and Mexico could recapture Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Mexico refused this alliance for several reasons, mostly doubting its military capabilities against the U.S. Furthermore, given the Allies’ successful blockade of Germany they doubted the receipt of the promised aid. Mexico also acknowledged its inability for absorbing a large Anglo population within its border (sound familiar?).

This influx of illegal, mostly Mexican, aliens presents the same threat to the United States. Current estimates place their number at about 12 million, and I believe this estimate is too low. If only one-fourth of them are working age males this means we have a potential 3 million man invading army. They already demand bilingual education, government documents printed in Spanish and many demand the right to vote for non-citizens.

Most disturbing is the enthusiastic support they receive from native-born Americans, particularly the radical Left. Many of these leftist supporters hate the United States and firmly believe the U.S. is “too big and too powerful.” Taken to the logical conclusion, that means the U.S. must become smaller and less powerful. Assisting with the establishment of Azatlan would certainly accomplish this goal, but then what?

Unfortunately many of these leftists hold positions as educators, members of the media and as powerful politicians. Educators possess considerable influence over the nation’s youth, particularly at the college level. If the media, including Hollywood, controls what information gets to the American public it dramatically affects the public perceptions. Politicians control the laws enacted at all levels of government, and many now place their political agendas ahead of the public good.

Since both La Raza and MEChA possess “Marxist” (communist has such harsh implications) leanings, and both organizations appear the moving force, it achieves the Left’s dream. The Left’s first loyalty is to international socialism, and they believe communism failed solely because it began in backward Russia. Would Azatlan become an independent nation, or an extension of Mexico, either way it would be hostile toward the United States. What of the large population of Anglos and other non-Latinos who reside there? Current dogma states they must be expelled and their property confiscated, but what if they do not go peacefully? The Civil War settled the question of secession from the Union, at the cost of over 600,000 Americans killed.

Given the current “brain-washing” of both American citizens and illegal immigrants, preaching anti-American hatred, maybe Azatlan would go peacefully. In the “blame America first” atmosphere promoted by the American Left, they would probably call it “justice.”

If anyone doubts the veracity of “Marxist” leanings, go on either organization’s website. The next scheduled mass demonstration is scheduled for May 1st, May Day, the day most celebrated by communist countries. Other supporters include other leftist organizations, such as anti-war and pro-Palestinian groups.

We currently have enough laws addressing the current illegal immigration problem; we just need to enforce them. For example, Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, refuses to enforce federal immigration laws. Many cities threaten their police officers with termination if they assist federal officials in prosecuting immigration laws. I thought federal law held supremacy over state and local laws, but I guess only if they are enforced.

Despite the propaganda, not all those illegally crossing our borders are the “down-trodden” seeking a better life. One Middle Eastern terrorist was captured last year crossing the border near Brownsville, Texas. From a distance most observers cannot differentiate between Latinos and Middle Easterners, and the “coyotes” guiding them accept all payment. As we learned on 9/11, it only takes a few for creating a massive crisis.

Then we have the problem with the influx of Latino gangs, particularly the MS-13 gang from Central America. The Department of Justice estimates that half of the estimated 800,000 gang members in the U.S. are Latino. Just how taxing is this to our various law enforcement agencies and our criminal justice system? We already know that the gangs basically run the prison system, with little interference from the corrections officers.

Current supporters of amnesty/guest worker programs state that our economy “could not survive” without these illegals. They further state that Americans will not perform the menial work performed by these illegals. Supposedly these illegals “earned” their American residency through paying taxes, particularly social security taxes.

Since most “low-income” Americans pay little in taxes, the same holds true for “low income” illegals. If paid “under the table,” neither they, nor their employer, pay social security taxes. If these illegals contribute so much to our economy, why are the border states in such a crisis?

How many of these illegal immigrants are breaking our economy through the lavish benefits received from our social services? How high are our school taxes because we educate the children of illegals, including in-state college tuition? Since social service workers, medical professionals, educators, etc., do not report these illegals, they feel no threat of capture.

First I would close the border, we are a nation at war and national security must have priority. Double the size of the U.S. Border Patrol, if necessary, and upgrade their equipment for the current threat. Likewise strengthen the Coast Guard, Customs Service and others responsible for our borders, including the Canadian border and all ports of entry.

Several media reports state that Mexican military personnel have crossed our border and fired on our officials. Mexico has denied that these are Mexican troops, but even if true, they possess Mexican military armaments. Back up our officials with military force and tell Mexico that we will engage these “bandits” crossing our border.

The politicians supporting the “guest worker” program state we cannot deport 12 million people. Then how do we expect to get them to pay their fines under the new law, and register for their permits? Remove the incentive and sanctuary and many of these illegals will leave voluntarily. Prosecute all employers who hire them, including the loss of current and future government contracts. Further prosecute, and fire, social service workers, medical professionals, educators and anyone else not reporting known illegals. Make part of the punishment the loss of federal funding, such as the old “55” speed limit laws.

No matter how long the journey, we always begin with the first step, so it goes with enforcing immigration laws. Start catching them in small numbers, and soon the small numbers become large numbers. Fingerprint and photograph them when caught and keep these files on record. Deport them on the first offense, and imprison them on subsequent offenses. Streamline the deportation hearing process, and keep them in custody while they await this hearing.

We currently have many illegal aliens in our prison system; why not place them in prisons in their home country. If not, build special prisons in inhospitable locations, like Alaska, and make them work in the wilderness. How many would risk this type of consequences for the menial jobs?

Make the healthy and able-bodied Americans on welfare take these menial jobs, or lose their benefits. Americans refuse to take these jobs because the welfare system provides similar compensation, requiring no work. During the Great Depression, before the establishment of the “welfare state,” Americans performed those jobs. No jobs, no illegals.

Reducing the number of people receiving public aid puts more people into the work force, and the tax base. The people on public aid are supported by the hard work of the American taxpayer, who becomes increasingly frustrated. When the government takes money from our pockets for rewarding welfare recipients, we have less for supporting our families. The American taxpayer is not a bottomless pit of money for the frivolous spending currently legislated at all levels of government.

Those professing loyalty to Mexico, or any other country, and advocating the creation of Azatlan pose a threat. Deport them to the country of their loyalty, and forbid their reentry as subversives. The only way for creating Azatlan is carving out a portion of the United States. Given the militancy of La Raza and MEChA; this makes those currently advocating it also subversives. The Justice Department currently prosecutes members of the KKK, why not La Raza and MEChA?

While we fight Islamofascists overseas, we pander to Latino-fascists at home. The U.S. Senate “sold out” to the illegal aliens, and those who support them, meanwhile the American people lost. They passed this bill despite the overwhelming objections of the American people, the people they supposedly represent.

I remember their outrage over the selling of several port terminals to the United Arab Emirates. They all jumped in front of the television cameras espousing their support for national security. Now they demand porous borders and reward those who illegally entered our country. Furthermore, they ignore the prominence of Mexican flags in these demonstrations, and the public anti-American rhetoric.

Anyone who believes illegals will comply with the new law after violating the old does not deserve their office. Furthermore, anyone believing they want to assimilate into the American culture has not seen the media footage. Those not believing in the subversive, and possibly treasonous, activities of La Raza and MEChA live in a fantasy world.

Given the current track record, we will repeat this process in 2016, with 48 million illegal aliens. Only then it will be easier because the number of those upholding the United States laws will steadily decrease. The Roman Empire opened its borders to the Germanic tribes, and within 50 years it collapsed. While most Americans cannot conceive of the U.S. collapsing, neither did the Romans as the Vandals ransacked Rome.