There is an estimated 10 to 20 million illegal aliens in this country. In California alone, there are about 3 million illegal immigrants and it is said to cost around 9 billion dollars year to take care of them. “If illegal aliens were given amnesty and began to pay taxes and use services like households headed by legal immigrants with the same education levels, the estimated annual net fiscal deficit would increase from $2,700 per household to nearly $7,700, for a total net cost of $29 billion,” according to the Center for Immigration Studies.

Since this is election year, let us explore the major presidential candidates’ stance on immigration. Republican, Senator John McCain—the presumptive nominee, tried to get legislation passed in 2005 for amnesty. Senator McCain and Senator Kennedy were the principle sponsors of Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act, S. 1033; this bill would have made amnesty for illegal immigrants possible on a historically massive scale—good thing it did not pass, with all the problems we face now with immigration issues. Recently, as reported by BlueRidgeNow.com, McCain blocked an immigration bill that was sponsored by U.S. Representative Heath Schuler of North Carolina. It is called the Save Act, this bill would require border security and, it also requires employers to verify a new employee’s residency status.

Congressman Ron Paul, the Republican presidential candidate, seems to be more strict than his fellow Republican, McCain. Paul wants no amnesty, welfare, and birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants. He also wants more strict visa rules and enforce physical borders on all sides (including the coasts) and pass true immigration laws. He believes that the illegal immigration problem will never be resolved unless our economy was healthy and thriving. The resentment of some Americans toward immigrants is the fact that their taxes pay for their welfare and in some instances taking U.S. citizens’ jobs away. If our economy was in good shape, then there would not be this resentment towards illegal immigrants and possibly be more welcoming toward immigrants according to Ron Paul’s philosophy.

Democrat presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama’s stance on immigration is rather similar. Senator Clinton criticized H.R. 4437 (a bill that passed which imposes harsh penalties for undocumented employees), she said that it was “a rebuke to what America stands for.” She did not think it was right to deport 12 million people and Senator Obama feels the same way. They both want to see illegal immigrants work their way to a path of citizenship. Also, they both voted for the Secure Fence Act in 2006, which authorizes the construction of a fence 700 miles long along the United States and Mexican borders.

Other than Ron Paul (his views lean towards being libertarian, which in my opinion does not make him a staunch Republican), the Republicans and Democrats seem to want to be strict and enforce immigration reform but it just seems to be all talk. Every issue from Democrats and Republicans seem just talk these days and really no substantial solutions. On immigration issues with this election, it seems to be on the back burner. The economy and war seems to take precedence in people’s minds these days—those issues will soon-to-be future articles, so stay tuned.