Re: 2016 Election
 

Pretty much the only candidate who says it can be done is Trump. Of course, he doesn't explain how.

Re: 2016 Election
 

Perhaps you should take a drive through the central valley of CA - down I-5, CA99, or US101, and observe the massive amount of farm labor that is out there. or, drive around Napa valley during grape picking season. You will see thousands of illegal immigrants working very hard. If you dig deeper, you'll find that they are paid well below minimum wage and have no security. The work is part-time / seasonal, and many of these workers have to move around the country to stay in work, following the growing seasons for different crops/climates.


It is well documented that the farm owners have tried to hire US citizens; no one shows up for the jobs. Why? Who in the US wants to live in the middle of a flat, hot, pesticide-rich, desolate valley with no amenities, miles from anywhere (read: shopping malls and movie theaters), and only for a part-time / seasonal gig? The ONLY people they can get to do this work is illegals.


While Republicans in general assail illegal immigrants, Farm owners - who are predominantly Republican - acknowledge there is no current alternative. Take a read of this if you want to know what the real situation is in regards to illegal immigrants in CA. I found it quite interesting.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/30/us...ence.html?_r=0
If you were to actually deport all these illegals, you would destroy the economy of California, and interrupt the food supply of much of the US.

Re: 2016 Election
 

These are certainly valid points. The acid test on any proposal with regard to the 11+ million illegals in this country is whether the Democrats would agree that legalization of the illegals would carry with it the penalty that they could never become citizens.

They could legally live and work here, but never enjoy the benefits of citizenship - such as voting or collecting government benefits (other than SS, to the extent that they have contributed to the system). They could not sponsor others, i.e. no chain immigration. They would, in essence, always have nothing more than guest-worker status. The Republicans oppose amnesty because they believe that the Democratic Party sees it as a huge voter registration drive and major source of future election victories. An agreement that a form of amnesty for illegals carries with it that penalty might lead to a solution to the problem.

Trump's suggestion that they would leave, but then be allowed back in legally if they applied, ignores the current law, which permanently disqualifies anyone who enters illegally or overstays a visa, from re-entering the country.

Re: 2016 Election
 

Re: 2016 Election
 

Never mind how the hell that manhunt is going to be paid for, who's going to do those jobs when they are all gone? If the jobs would be done by US citizens and permanent residents, there'd be no market for illegal labour in the first place. These illegal workers are still all paying income (and sales) taxes, even if it is indirectly via someone else's social security number. Far better to give them a pathway to residence, even if temporary/seasonal, to allow them to continue to work and pay taxes legally.

You're back, then. Been a while, eh?

Re: 2016 Election
 

The most important question: did we get a definitive answer on the colour of Bernie's suit last night.

Re: 2016 Election
 

Probably not. Actually may be getting credits or refunds.

Re: 2016 Election
 

OK, maybe not all of them, but not all of them won't be either. In that case, though, a path to legality can be looked at as a tax generator. Let's be real - Americans/PRs are not going to do those jobs, or they already would be. At least by issuing some kind of a work visa, be it temporary or otherwise, we're ensuring the work is done. Doesn't even have to have a path to permanent residence or citizenship either.

Re: 2016 Election
 

See I was just about to suggest themadpooper was in fact flavius in disguise.

Re: 2016 Election
 

They pay sales tax etc and drive a lot of the local economy. I recall reading about a town that got rid of all the illegals then their economy collapsed and all the shops closed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/26/nyregion/26riverside.html

Re: 2016 Election
 

Where I am we are a bit thin on illegals, I know someone who owns a Hotel and buses them in during the summer to clean rooms etc.

Inevitably there are winners and losers in accessing cheap labour, I would be a winner btw.

Not sure it is right, what seems to happen is that you end up with high unemployment and a welfare society amongst your legal bottom of the pile community with all the issues that then arise.

There are of course temp work visa's.

Re: 2016 Election
 

Trump the habitual liar was on full display in his speech in Florida. He had a table of alledged Trump products to respond to Romneys attack on his failures. So let us look. Trump Winery which he said he owns 100% debt free. Except this appears at the bottom of the legal disclaimer. Trump winery is not owned by or affiliated with Donald J. Trump. Interesting...especially since he was using it to defend failed Trump Vodka.

He had what he said were Trump Steaks...which were not but which came from the company he buys steak from for his hotels. Trump steaks no longer exist.

He had Trump water..actually bottled by a non Trump company that he buys branded water from for his hotels and casinos.

He held up what he called Trump magazine but it was an annual magazine for his golf club...Trump magazine has been gone for years.

He is the ballsiest liar ever...about things easily proven false. So the question becomes how stupid do his supporters really have to be to vote for a man from whom such obvious lies flow. Not one thing the arrogant ass says can be trusted.

Re: 2016 Election
 

Him and Hillary do make excellent bedfellows, I just find the whole thing sad.

Re: 2016 Election
 

And the other question, how badly does it reflect on the other Republican candidates that they cannot seem to bring him to account? It says something when the most successful candidate other than Trump in the Republican race is Grandpa Munster from Texas.

Re: 2016 Election
 

[QUOTE=You're back, then. Been a while, eh?[/QUOTE]

I was only going to check in after the general, but looked in to see the drift of the debate now that it's a 4-man race on the R side and that Bernie took Michigan. If the regulars would avoid using ad hominem attacks I might stop by more often.

By the way, I am not now, nor have I ever been, themadpooper. I gather themadpooper is somewhat right of centre?