Political discourse on immigration reform remains remarkably limited and short-sighted. Opponents of the act tend to characterize it as a gross injustice. Bending our nations laws to accommodate illegal aliens cannot, in their view, be justified. Uneducated and illiterate Mexicans have little to contribute to modern American; they will burden our public schools, hospitals, and welfare system while paying minimal taxes. Ultimately, these economic and social arguments veil either racist attitudes towards Hispanics or an acute lack of foresight and political understanding. Laws are meant to be adapted to respond to changing circumstances. With sluggish population growth, a faltering recovery, and massive budget deficits, America could benefit greatly by an influx of new citizens, even if they are generally unskilled and uneducated. It is ironic that many of the same Republicans who so vehemently espouse free trade (e.g. NAFTA) oppose looser immigration policy.
