The Land of the Free - Stuff
America finds itself teetering on the brink of a major decline. The culprit? An influx of illegal immigrants that, according to some, has become the economic equivalent of an alien invasion, but without the cool UFOs and laser beams.
President Joe Biden, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and the Democratic Party have rolled out the welcome mat so wide it could double as a red carpet at the Oscars. "Come one, come all!" they seem to say, handing out golden tickets to the American dream like Willy Wonka in a border town.
The Math of Madness: let's break down the numbers in this comedic horror show. For instance, New York City, a proud sanctuary city, has already shelled out a staggering $1.47 billion on temporary food and housing for immigrants in 2024. Not to be outdone, they've added another $53 million in a debit card program. Who knew the path to economic prosperity was paved with taxpayer-funded plastic?
Project 21, an advocacy group for immigration reform, estimates that it costs Americans over $500 billion a year to handle the cost burden of illegal immigration. At the same time, competition with immigrant laborers depresses the annual wages of Americans without high school diplomas. These less-skilled American workers are among the most vulnerable members of society and already struggle to afford health care and nutritious food. "By turning a blind eye to illegal immigration, our elected officials are effectively kicking these workers while they are down."
Nationwide, estimates suggest that anywhere from 12 million to 22 million immigrants have entered the U.S. illegally this year. For those keeping score at home, that's like adding the entire population of several states to our national budget—overnight. It's the economic equivalent of hosting a surprise party for 22 million people and being stuck with the bill.
As resources are funneled towards this new population, states and municipalities are cutting back on services for their own citizens. Veterans, the homeless, and those in need are finding themselves out of luck and out of funds. It's as if America's own citizens are now guests at an all-you-can-eat buffet where they can only watch others dine.
Sanctuary cities are turning into overcrowded campsites, with local governments scratching their heads and wondering if they accidentally signed up to host the world's largest family reunion.
Meanwhile, economic experts are running around like headless chickens, trying to make sense of the lunacy. President Biden, in a recent speech, assured the nation that everything is under control. "We're building back better," he said, while standing in front of a backdrop of rapidly inflating debt. Secretary Mayorkas chimed in, "Our borders are secure," though his nose seemed to grow a few inches longer, a la Pinocchio.
The Democratic Party, meanwhile, is busy congratulating themselves for their humanitarian efforts, seemingly unaware that their economic policies are starting to resemble a Saturday Night Live sketch.
But let's be serious for a moment. While it's important to help those in need it must be done with prudence and caution - people's lives are at stake. There's a reason airlines tell parents to put on their own oxygen masks before assisting their children: if the parent loses consciousness, they won't be able to help their children at all. If we bankrupt our nation trying to help everyone without the necessary resources and logistics in place, we'll all end up gasping for air— and it's game over.
In the end, it's not about being selfish—it's about being sensible. Because if America collapses under the weight of its own generosity, there won't be any resources left for anyone, citizen or immigrant alike. Therefore, let's work on finding solutions on both sides of the border to help solve the problem rather than adding to it.
So let's laugh at the absurdity, but also remember the importance of keeping our own house in order before trying to save the world. As they say, charity begins at home—and so does economic sanity.
See Elephant's Den Perspective "From Desperation to Hope" 10/17/2023
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