The Manufactured Immigration “Problem”: A Masterclass in Exploitation

 

The Manufactured Immigration “Problem”: A Masterclass in Exploitation

Ah, the grand irony of borders! Once upon a time, they were mere geographical markers, meant to define territories and ensure peaceful coexistence. Fast forward to today, and borders have become nothing more than tools of economic control, designed to keep the money flowing in one direction—upward—while ensuring that the workers remain caged in their designated income brackets.

Our dear corporations, with their boundless enthusiasm for efficiency, have long figured out that moving their workshops across the globe is as easy as a single click of a button. While actual human beings require passports, visas, and extensive background checks just to visit another country, capital flows freely, unchecked and unrestricted. Funny, isn’t it? The very people who work to create wealth are the ones most tightly regulated, while the wealth itself knows no borders.

Take a moment to appreciate the genius of this system: nations exist mainly to serve as tax farms. The citizens within these borders? Well, they exist to fund government operations through taxes, while multinational corporations, the real rulers of the world, enjoy tax breaks and move production to whichever nation offers the cheapest labor and the fewest pesky regulations. Who knew modern-day imperialism would be so sophisticated?

This entire model isn't new. The European industrialists pioneered it centuries ago when they realized that by establishing control over foreign lands with fewer rules, they could manipulate supply chains while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle back home. It was an age-old game then, and it remains just as profitable today.

Now, let’s talk about America—the land of abondance, where billions of people (if we allowed them to) could turn it into a true paradise of opportunity. But alas, some gatekeepers have discovered a far more profitable venture: maintaining artificial scarcity. They ensure that only a select few reap the benefits, while others are left to scramble for scraps. It’s a perfect con—convincing people that they must fight over crumbs while the real wealth remains locked away in tax havens.

Nowhere is this model more glaringly evident than in South America. Billionaires and drug cartels—often indistinguishable from each other—have taken control of vast swathes of land, turning once-thriving communities into crime-ridden, unstable regions. The result? Ordinary families, desperate for safety and opportunity, make their way north. But instead of being treated as refugees escaping an economic and social catastrophe engineered by the global elite, they are labeled as “illegal” and treated as criminals.

And so, these migrants find themselves caught in yet another exploitative system—working the least desirable jobs for the lowest wages, all while being vilified as threats to national security. The irony is that these very industries—agriculture, construction, and domestic work—would collapse without them. But acknowledging that would mean dismantling the illusion that these workers are “stealing” jobs rather than sustaining entire sectors of the economy.

The cherry on top? The very policies designed to “secure” the borders have led to a higher number of undocumented immigrants. In the past, migrants moved back and forth between their home countries and the U.S., taking seasonal work before returning home. But the moment border security tightened, many opted to stay permanently rather than risk multiple crossings. Instead of reducing migration, these draconian measures have effectively trapped people inside the country, achieving the exact opposite of their stated goal.

Economic reports indicate that first-generation immigrants have a higher fiscal cost than native-born Americans, averaging $1,600 per person annually. However, second-generation immigrants, who are birthright citizens, contribute substantially to the economy, adding approximately $1,700 per person per year. In contrast, native-born Americans, including those from third-generation immigrant families, contribute an average of $1,300 annually. This data underscores the long-term economic benefits of immigration, particularly among those born and raised in the United States. Birthright citizenship, originally established following the abolition of slavery, ensures that individuals born in the U.S. are granted legal status regardless of their parents’ circumstances. This principle acknowledges the lifelong contributions of those who grow up and work in the country.

Undocumented immigrants also contribute significantly to the economy through taxation. According to the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy, they collectively pay an estimated $11.6 billion in taxes annually. Despite this, they are ineligible for most government aid programs, which require Social Security numbers and legal documentation. Cultural factors and fear of deportation further discourage undocumented immigrants from seeking assistance, even when they may be eligible for certain limited benefits.

The broader economic impact of immigration, whether documented or not, is clear: a larger workforce generates greater tax revenue and stimulates economic activity. The notion that immigrants drain public resources is not supported by data; rather, their labor, spending, and entrepreneurship drive growth. The challenge lies not in restricting immigration but in reforming the system to ensure efficiency, fairness, and proper resource allocation.

A more pragmatic approach would involve investing in a functional immigration system that supports both economic expansion and humane policies. Redirecting public funds toward streamlining immigration services rather than enforcing ineffective barriers would better serve the country. Creating pathways to legal work status and citizenship can enhance productivity and prosperity, ensuring that more people actively contribute to society without fear of persecution.

In evaluating economic priorities, it is more detrimental for major corporations to outsource manufacturing and engineering jobs than for an undocumented individual to access healthcare or have a child in the U.S. who will grow up to contribute to the workforce. Recognizing the value of all workers and fostering an inclusive system that maximizes human potential is not just an ethical stance—it is an economically sound one. Rather than operating under a mindset of scarcity, the nation would benefit from acknowledging and harnessing the opportunities that a diverse and growing population brings.

So, let’s get one thing straight: the so-called immigration “problem” is not a crisis of lawlessness—it’s a crisis of humanity. It is a carefully manufactured dilemma, designed to keep people divided while the wealthiest among us continue to profit from the very conditions they claim to be combating. Immigration is not a problem; it is a symptom of a system that prioritizes profit over people. And until we address that fundamental issue, the cycle will continue—because, let’s face it, it was never broken to begin with; it was designed this way.