Study on Undocumented Immigrants Misses Humanity

ARIZONA REPUBLIC (Opinion) 

By Linda Valdez

September 11, 2012

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/Valdez/171828

A new study from the left shows a beneficial economic impact on Arizona from undocumented immigrants working in the state. The knee-jerk from the right includes dismissing the people involved as “illegals” who are taking American jobs.

Is there anything new under the immigration sun?

This debate is faded and timeworn. Each side has favorite numbers and persuasive spins.

Meanwhile, businesses – especially agriculture – continue to plead with Congress for a legalized workforce and guest worker plan that would meet labor needs.

That demand for migrant labor has driven illegal immigration and led to the current undocumented population.

But the cost/benefit arguments miss a larger point.

Yes, undocumented workers pay taxes, rent apartments, buy food and clothing. And help the economy. Yes, undocumented workers use services and send their kids – some of them U.S. citizens – to school. And cost money.

The same can be said of every other worker whose labor is important to the economy.

But the undocumented people who have been living and working here are not some strange “other”. They are not “illegals” whose departure would open up grand opportunities for Americans and send wages soaring.

They are human beings. They are part of our communities, our state and our country. What part of sweat equity don’t you understand?

Debates over the fate of these people should start with recognition of their humanity.

Not with dollar signs or name calling.