Recently, we published a story on the threat posed by sanctuary cities. The left accuses those who oppose illegal immigration of being racist and misogynistic. Trump supporters know that building the wall is about protecting the future of America.
The Cost of Illegal Immigration
The cost of illegal immigration is both real and staggering. Some key findings from a 2013 report completed by the Federation for American Immigration Reform noted the following:
- $113 Billion – This is the estimated annual cost of illegal immigration at the federal, state, and local levels
- $52 Billion – The cost to educate children of illegal immigrants. This burden primarily falls on state and local governments.
- $1,117 – Every head-of-household (American citizen) pays approximately this amount annually to support illegal immigrants.
Illegal immigration negatively effects the economy by increasing competition for jobs and devaluing wages. It poses authentic risk to our environmental sustainability as the population grows at alarming rates. The burden on social support systems prevents helping poor and disadvantaged American citizens.
Hard Stance
President-elect Donald Trump has taken a hard stance against illegal immigration from day one. As a successful businessman, he understands that it is destabilizing America’s economy. The family man also knows it threatens the future for our children and grandchildren. And he is determined to “build the wall.”
In a memo, Trump outlines his plan to have Mexico pay for the wall. One interesting fact highlighted in the report posits that: “They [Mexico] receive approximately $24 billion a year in remittances from Mexican nationals working in the United States. The majority of that amount comes from illegal aliens”. He is considering higher tariffs on imports and taxing visas as well.
So, in essence, American taxpayers are funding welfare in Mexico. However, as it turns out, Congress may already have enough money for Trump to build the wall immediately.
Source Credit: USA Today
Secure Fence Act of 2006
The Secure Fence Act of 2006, signed by President George W. Bush, allocated funds to construct hundreds of miles of fence along the southern border. Additionally, it authorized more vehicle barriers, lighting, and checkpoints. It doubled funding for border security to $10.4 billion. It was never completed.
In 2008, H. R. 5124, Reinstatement of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, never made it to a vote. The resolution would have allowed for an additional 700 miles of 14ft high fencing to be constructed. In 2012, Democrats voted down Congressman Jim DeMint’s, “Finish the Fence” amendment. So where is all that money?
Source Credit: blogs.voanews.com
Building the Wall
According to an interview given by Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert (R), Congress has it. He stated: “Billions of dollars have already been appropriated in Congress to build the wall throughout the years.” He also asserted that, “This time, Congress is not afraid to use that money.”
Despite the existence of billions of dollars to build the wall, Trump will surely be implementing his plan for Mexico to pick up the tab. Currently, American taxpayers are footing the bill for Mexico to rid itself of their problems. It’s way past time for them to start paying us back.
Source Credit: USA Today
Source Credit: blogs.voanews.com
