Kathleen Antrim
Monday, Jan. 17, 2005

This book, complete with pictures, is essentially a “how-to” on illegally entering the U.S. and establishing a residence. Among many practical tips are instructions on how to cross a river without drowning and how to salt drinking water for survival. It also lists some illegal aliens’ rights – free U.S. government perks like medical care – and explains how to integrate into American society without notice.

A translated copy of this book has been published by the New York Times and can be found at www.nytimes.com.

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One reason this manual exists is because weak-kneed U.S. politicians won’t stand up to President Fox for fear of losing the ever-increasing Hispanic-American vote. But like most things in life, the truth can be found by following the money trail. And illegal immigration means money – big money. Unfortunately, that money doesn’t benefit us, the American citizens. In fact, it’s costing us dearly.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that over 1 million illegal immigrants enter the U.S. every year. While some countries export oil to gain national wealth, Rick Oltman, western field director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), explains that Mexico unofficially encourages the export of its labor force.

“Exporting a worker [to the U.S.] is like an annuity for Mexico that pays every month. It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Oltman said. “This is a willing cargo that has its own legs and motivation.” And according to the Banco de Mexico, the U.S. dollars sent into Mexico in 2004 alone rang in at over $15 billion. This exceeds Mexico’s combined income from tourism and foreign investments. Is it no wonder why President Fox and his administration are so brazen? Not wanting to upset big-business contributors who benefit from cheap labor, as well as pandering to the Hispanic-American vote, has overshadowed Washington’s desire to close the borders, enforce the law, and increase national security. And fear of being called a “racist” stops many Americans from speaking out against illegal immigration.

Some argue that illegals take jobs that “Americans won’t do.”

“There’s no job that an American won’t do, there are only wages an American won’t work for,” says Oltman. He explained that the illegal labor force depresses wages, making the jobs undesirable to U.S. citizens. This inexpensive labor costs this country much more than most realize.

California struggles to maintain solvency while, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, illegal aliens cost the state $10.5 billion annually – $7.7 billion to educate the children of illegals, $1.4 billion for health care, and another $1.4 billion to imprison lawbreaking aliens. And California is only one example of a nationwide epidemic.

Bringing over $15 billion a year into Mexican coffers is an outstanding return on Mexico’s investment in exporting its nationals, so spending a few extra dollars to publish a “how-to” book in order to increase revenues certainly makes sense.

But we’re allowing the Mexican government to dictate our immigration policies and procedures and to make a mockery of our country, laws, government and citizens. The Bush administration must take a clear stand against illegal immigration, close the borders, and mandate that existing immigration laws be enforced.

Vicente is dumb like a fox. And he’s certainly outsmarting us.

Kathleen Antrim is a weekly columnist for The Examiner, and author of the political thriller "Capital Offense." She appears every Monday at 7AM (PST) on Radio America-Alan Nathan's Battle Line www.radioamerica.org, and on alternating Mondays at 8 AM (PST) on KSFO, 560 AM, on The Lee Rogers and Melanie Morgan Show. For more information log on to: www.kathleenantrim.com

Editor's note: