Illegals are taking American jobs?

There are an estimated 12 to 15 million illegal aliens in America today. I have a very clear definition when it comes to illegal aliens and the description pretty much sums it up. Illegal is illegal, plain and simple, cut and dry. Not only are illegals draining our system and resources be it welfare, health care, police, etc. they are partly responsible for contributing to the major drug and child trafficking problems in America today.

Before you call me a racist, I will say I worked overseas in South America and Mexico for almost 7 years. I completely enjoy Latino people and their culture. They have the strongest family units and faith of any group I have ever been associated with. They are very friendly, peaceful, compassionate, and hard working, much more so than many Americans I know.

Are illegals responsible for taking American jobs? What about the argument Americans aren't willing to take the jobs that most illegals are taking? According to data gathered by crop growers and ranchers, there are approximately 1.2 million jobs on the books in America for pickers, laborers, harvesters, etc. If there are 12 to 15 million illegals then "fruit picking" accounts for only about 10% of the illegal population.

So, how are the other millions of illegals able to survive in America? This is a very serious question and should require some thought. The plain and simple answer is they are working and or benefiting from benefits meant for legal citizens of the United States. A small portion are probably making a living based on doing something illegal like guns, drugs, robbery, etc. But my guess is most of them are working for Americans utilizing them as "slave" labor because of their status. I am sure there are an even higher portion who have jobs and are paying taxes and being functional members of society, but should it be allowed?

Should we round all of these illegals up and send them home? What about their children who were born here? If their parents were illegally here when they were born, should they be considered illegals as well? Could California balance their budget if they didn't have the costs of providing for the vast majority of illegals? Interesting...

I don't think using the excuse that Americans can't find jobs because there are too many illegals taking them is a valid argument. Americans can't find jobs because their leadership in government is doing everything it can to kill small business and capitalism is a much more feasible argument because the latter is true.

However, we do have major issues with illegals and they need to be addressed. I put it higher on my personal priority list than let's say the don't ask don't tell policy in the military that Congress is currently wasting their time on. But obviously not as important as jobs or the economy which should be the biggest priority even though it isn't. I do have it listed lower than health care reform but above Obama's failing socialized medicine plan.

It is important we get a handle on our illegal problem. Not only for national security issues but for the general overall health of our nation. Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth...