Immigration and the FairTax
From reader Earl Foreman:
I would like to see or hear some comment on the immigration issues that are currently in the news. It seems to me the issue of illegal immigration might be eased by FairTax. First off, I would like to say that it is not right people should live here illegally, but the fact of the matter is that we are hard put to keep them out and right or wrong the illegal immigrant is a factor in our economy. I do not think that making it a felony for being here is the right answer either. Most of the people that are trying to reach this land are looking for a better enviroment or circumstance for themselves and or thier families. They for the most part are doing what they can to provide for families. This is no different then our forefathers albeit the illegal immigrants are doing so by avoiding our immigration laws.
It seems to me the main concern that the American people object to is that illigal immigrants are using services that should be reserved for Americans. Using the Schools, Hospitals and welfare, ect without paying into the system. Perhaps the answer is Fairtax. I would rather have everyone pay a consumption tax. This in turn would help to pay for the extra school needs, hospitals and welfare.
Some would object by saying we preying on the illegal immigrant by making them pay a consumption tax. I would say that everyone would pay in equally. Uncle Sam would not need to know who was paying into the system preserving privacy both for us and the illegal immigrant. This would be a boon to the illegal immigrant.
If they choose to go out and return as a legal immigrant via the normal and preferred channels they should be allowed participate in the prebate. Otherwise, that is the penalty for trying to stay outside of the boundaries of the law.
Others would object because the illegal immigrant sends much of thier wages back to thier families that they left behind. Pulling money from our economy, but in truth, wouldn’t the service of sending money to another country be taxable by the consumption tax? And while living here, they will consume.
I wonder if other people think this would be fair? I still think we need to fix our borders and perhaps create a Guest Worker program and solution.
Mr. Foreman also sends us this link to a related article by Matt Towery at the Free Republic.
When I pay , everybody pays . Fair Tax . Say’s just what it is . No more tax evasion . No more offshore accounts ( but who really cares ? ) Like the sign on the used car lot – ” Buy here , Pay here ” . U.S. Fair Tax . I guess it’s just too uncomprehendably uncomplicated for some to grasp .
You hit the nail right on the head. It would basically solve the problem of non tax payers using up citizens services. Now who’s going to tell the Congress? John Linder and the other 52 co sponsers? That would be our best bet! 2006 and it’s time for the FairTax.
Amen to that.
The prebate is an excellent example of how to apply some pressure to illegal immigration. Their pocketbook is the entire reason they are here. Perhaps we should consider the possibility that we have a pretty huge carrot out there for illegal immigrants to follow, and the solution could be to reduce the size of the carrot.
I agree that illegal immigration would probably be slightly curdled by the fair tax, but if the rebate is given to only legal U.S. citizens, what about all legal immigrants who aren’t citizens. People who may have worked legally in America for years will see an increase in taxes, but will not receive a rebate. So alll lower-class immigrants will be hurt tremendously, and will also hurt workers overseas coming here. This will probably almost halt immigration since the poor immigrents will need to pay much more to survive. Do you really want legal immigration to be hurt by the fair tax? And if not how can the fair tax be fixed.