Doing Nothing May Be A Win-Win On Complicated Immigration Issue

By Bruce Bartlett

One of the things that bothers me about the immigration bill is the view held in the White House and Congress that "something" must be done — the option of doing nothing is not an option. It is my experience that when this idea takes hold, it is almost inevitable that something bad will result.

In principle, I favor the free mobility of labor — just as I favor free trade and the free movement of capital. If we still had the kind of economy we had in the 19th century, in which the government was minuscule and there were no welfare programs, I would be inclined to let anyone in who wants to come here. The only way they are going to survive is by working their butts off, and if they are willing to do that, then we want them.

This was, of course, the generally held view at that time. The U.S. welcomed immigrants from anywhere and everywhere. But beginning in the 1930s, this country began to become more and more of a welfare state. Many government programs now confer significant benefits upon those who produce nothing.

Personally, I wish the government would just enforce existing law.