Commentary
Initially, the ACA was promoted as a way to reduce health care costs and benefit millions of low-income Americans. However, the reality has been quite different, with health care costs actually rising. The ACA has transformed into a bureaucratic burden on taxpayers, particularly in states like California with a significant population of Dreamers.
Dreamers are individuals who entered the US illegally and have been residing in the country without proper immigration documentation for an extended period of time. While some may sympathize with their situation, it is important to acknowledge that they are already benefiting from various taxpayer-funded social services both at work and in school.
The recent executive action to extend health care benefits to Dreamers without congressional approval may face challenges before its scheduled implementation on November 1, 2024. While there are arguments for providing permanent solutions and health entitlements to Dreamers, questions arise about the fairness to citizens and legal immigrants who fund government health care programs.
Traditionally, immigrants, whether illegal or seasonal, came to the US to work hard without expecting a multitude of benefits. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards demanding resources and entitlements, even for those who have violated immigration laws. This entitlement mentality is fueled by the perception that benefits are readily available.
A Better Course of Action
Instead of allocating taxpayer dollars to provide health care benefits to undocumented immigrants, the focus should be on addressing the needs of law-abiding citizens and legal immigrants who have earned entitlements. American taxpayers contribute to programs like Medicare and Social Security through their taxed income.
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In recent years, Californians have been facing challenges related to inflation, housing costs, overall cost of living, and issues like crime and homelessness. Much of these problems stem from government debt and spending on ineffective social programs instead of essential infrastructure and law enforcement. It is unjust to force hardworking Americans to subsidize the lifestyles of individuals who disregard the rule of law and national sovereignty.
Enforcing existing immigration laws could help address these issues. Rigorous vetting of asylum cases, enforcing policies like the Stay in Mexico program, reducing chain migration, streamlining legal immigration processes, and increasing resources for immigration enforcement could all contribute towards a more orderly immigration system. Individuals who overstay visas would be required to reapply or return to their home countries, and E-Verify would be used to ensure legal residency for the workforce.
In times of uncertainty, prioritizing the needs of Americans and national security is crucial. Upholding the rule of law not only protects citizens and legal immigrants but also promotes prosperity and security over chaos and dependency. A structured immigration process ensures fairness and safeguards against individuals who lack moral principles.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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