Michael Sauers

October 27, 2024

There are many elements to the southern border problem or blessing depending upon your perspective. No one motivation exists but there are some that take precedence over others in importance and consequence. Taken together they are formidable and have, so far, negated any real solution.

First and foremost is the reality of building a better life. More opportunities for advancement exist in the United States compared to Central and South America. Central and South American countries are heavily influenced by military juntas, some of whom have been trained and supplied weapons by the United States, international corporations, drug cartels and the World Bank. Actually, the United States has attempted to rule many Latin American and South American countries by supporting military coups, oligarchies and right wing governments. We love their oil! These all contribute to immigration. Consequently, this flow of immigrants seeking safety and a better life has been and is a source of cheap labor. Migrant farm labor, landscaping, slaughterhouses, construction, hospitality, factory farms, health care and many other low tech, low wage jobs fill the menu. This has been going on for about 60+ years. Industries, some politicians and employers argue that these are positions that most Americans don’t want.

There is truth to the above simply because industries and employers have steadfastly refused to pay a living wage and benefits to both legal and illegal workers, whether immigrants or natives. Why should they when there is a steady supply of cheap legal and illegal workers. Using cheap labor skyrockets profits. It is as simple as that and everyone knows it. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour. Pensions are a thing of the past. Benefits, such as health care, are difficult to realize.

Unless you have been hiding under a rock you know that what business wants, business gets. They are driving the bus. Many industries don’t want a better immigration policy. It would spoil their profits. Cheap labor holds down all labor and acts as a counter to Unions. Unions have their sins but they have fought to end child labor, secure health benefits, pensions, descent wages, and establish an eight hour work day and a five day work week.

Politicians have danced around this maypole issue for decades and nothing substantial has changed. They are bought and paid for. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is as weak as water on this issue.

Another reason for a chaotic southern border is drugs. Americans, unfortunately, have fueled traffic in almost every category of drugs. They are a huge market. It is a trillion dollar business. Drug cartels are murderous, wealthy and aggressive. They dig tunnels, smuggle at legal entrances, bribe/threaten customs officials and make a huge fortune.

The open southern border has other benefits depending on your pleasure; guns, voters, sex workers, exotic animals, escape route for criminals, etc. Also, there is a multi trillion dollar legitimate business relationship between the United States/Canada and their southern trading partners. That cannot be denied nor should it be threatened.

It is a mess and a dilemma.

I’m leaving this one open for further research.