In light of President Obama’s speech on immigration and his new regulations, I came across an excellent article by Charles C. W. Cooke in the National Review.  It can be found here: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/393248/congress-seems-happy-have-its-powers-usurped-charles-c-w-cooke (sorry I can’t do better with links).  The real crisis is Congress’s happy relinquishment of its prerogative over time, and the quite predictable results.  It is a must read.

By the way I will “go on record” to say that we do need immigration reform, but not from the president, but from Congress, which has that power–at least until it arguably gave it up some years ago.  But I also admit that right now, Congress is in a straight.  If they pass reform, Obama might well simply veto it, so as they say “what’s the use.”  I believe they should pass reform anyway and a bill that is not simply what the president seems to be baiting them to pass.  Immigration reform, if it is to make freer ingress into the United States, must include clear and easily enforceable rules, must be able to filter our criminals and potential terrorists, and must provide for security on the borders.  Having said that, I am a bit cynical that we will be able to control access in any meaningful way unless and until the states and the Federal government reform their welfare and benefit policies for everyone.  The attraction is just too great.  I want to welcome immigrants, as freely as possible without compromising law and order and security.  But I want anyone willing to work without government benefits–and that ideally goes for citizens too–except in dire circumstances.

Yes, that’s “pie in the sky” I suppose.  At any rate, read the article.  It’s significance goes far beyond just immigration.