World, Minus U.S., Wakes Up to Immigration Fraud

By Joe Guzzardi
September 9, 2013

When it comes to getting serious about immigration reform, the United States is pathetically and embarrassingly out of touch with the rest of the world. I’m not defining reform the way the Gang of 8 and its supporters do—legalizing 11 million illegal immigrants and inviting millions more overseas workers during the next two decades to compete with 20 million unemployed Americans. True reform wouldn't consistently overlook the easily abused visa and refugee programs or fail to address unconstitutional birthright citizenship, a practice well known throughout the world, which has spawned the outrageous birth tourism industry.

Serious reform should begin the way it did last week in Australia when voters booted out incumbent Prime Minister Kevin Rudd whose government was notoriously weak on illegal immigration. Although Australia is surrounded by water and therefore not subject to aliens walking across the border, it has headaches aplenty with flotilla illegal people-smuggling boats. Officials estimate that the Royal Australian Navy intercepts as many as 2 or 3 boats a day at an enormous cost to the government and risk to the sailors who must navigate shark-infested ocean waters.

Triumphant Tony Abbott campaigned on real reform. In the days leading up to the election, Abbott said: “This is our country and we determine who comes here.” The mainstream media’s effort to portray Abbott as a harsh, punitive and racist failed.

In the face of Australia’s growing problem, Abbott demonstrated determination. During the first quarter of 2013, the number of refugees who successfully petitioned for Australian asylum increased from 63 to 90 percent. More than 30,000 asylum seekers are currently in Australian detention centers on bridging visas.

Canada has also taken a tough but successful stance against asylum abuse. Effective December 15, 2012, the new Canadian policy which cracks down on applications from nations that have no human rights abuse history has resulted in a 70 percent weekly decline compared to similar periods during the last six years. Failed claimants will not qualify for work permits or social services and will be removed promptly.

Compare the realistic approach Australia and Canada have adapted to the U.S.’s ongoing, global encouragement. During the last five years, asylum claims from Mexico and Central America have quadrupled. The instant prospective refugees utter the magic words “fear of prosecution,” “I have a job waiting,” or “I’m a Dreamer,” they’re on their way to America. After a brief interview, most are deemed non-flight risks, released on their own recognizance and ordered back at a future date for a full review. Most disappear.

By ignoring rampant fraud, the U.S. promotes more of the same. Since the June Senate bill passed, border patrol agents report a surge in activity all sectors. Over the weekend, an Arizona Republic story revealed that asylum claims from Indian nationals are at record levels. Indians fly into Central America, pay $35,000 to be smuggled into border states and then disperse throughout the nation. Since there are few jobs that the migrants could land that would enable them to pay off their debt, many will face a lifetime of forced labor. Once word spreads to India, population 1.2 billion, that the U.S. welcomes asylees—or at least will not pursue them once released—more will come.

While formal legislation seems unlikely this year and may be delayed until 2017, little headway can be made in curbing immigration as long as gaping holes remain in the legal system.

The United States is the world’s most welcoming country to immigrants worldwide. But when our generosity is taken advantage of, we need to follow Canada and Australia’s example and, in the best interests of citizenry, tighten up.

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Joe Guzzardi is a Californians for Population Stabilization Senior Writing Fellow whose columns have been syndicated since 1986. Contact him at [email protected]