Americans are bombarded with polls telling them what they think. Often, these polls are presented in a way to convince Americans what they should think. To understand how well a poll captures public opinion the key is to look at how the questions are being asked and who are being asked the questions.
Many in the media are reporting that there is no crisis at the border because apprehensions are below "historic highs." That is true, but this framing is misleading. The increase in family units, unaccompanied minors, and asylum seekers has created an untenable situation. And total apprehensions increased in FY2018. The media recognized the problem in 2014. Now they tell us there's no need for concern.
The federal government is shut down, at least partially. The reason, we are told, is President Trump's demand for a "wall." That isn't really the President's demand, and that really isn't why we are at such an impasse.
Despite the constant drumbeat of reports to the contrary, there is no worker shortage in the United States. If there were, our crops would go unpicked, our lawns unmown, and our computer games uncoded. Maybe there's something else behind these claims.
President Trump last week reiterated his call for more foreign workers to fill jobs apparently Americans won't do. This was lost in the blow-up between the President and CNN correspondent Jim Acosta. However, it isn't the first time the President has said this, and it isn't true.
Christopher Browning, a professor of German history, published a long essay in The New York Review of Books. The topic wasn't a book review but a vituperative attack on President Trump, including a denunciation of those, Trump supporters or not, who seek to restrict immigration. It is shockingly shoddy work by someone of Browning's stature, and any effect it may have will only serve to inflame political passions.
Economic indicators are good. Employment is up and wages are increasing, albeit modestly. Congress can ensure that trend continues by cutting the inflow of foreign workers. The upcoming budget negotiations will show what commitment, if any, leaders in Congress have to improving conditions for American workers.
On this Labor Day, let us consider how much work there is to do to achieve a sustainable immigration system. One that considers the well-being of the American people and the environment.
How to provide health care and how to pay for it is a contentious political issue in the United States. Immigration adds another dimension to the debate, especially when it comes to using tax payer money to fund health care services for illegal aliens. A recent article in a health journal says not to worry, immigration, even illegal immigration, provides a net benefit to the health care system. We take a look at how the article's authors came to this conclusion.
"Vox explains the news." Or so they say. Last week a Vox writer tried to explain how Baby Boomers are dependent upon immigrants to fund their Social Security. This is untrue. The Social Security system is in dire straits, but immigration is not going to save it. In fact, our current immigration system is putting strains on the system, and more immigration would only make matters worse.