(10-24-2018 08:32 PM)OldOwlNewHeel2 Wrote:  

(10-24-2018 02:23 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(10-24-2018 12:44 PM)OldOwlNewHeel2 Wrote:  

(10-24-2018 10:50 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(10-24-2018 10:08 AM)OldOwlNewHeel2 Wrote:  Making them legal seems like it would help.

In what way?

Seriously, how would that help?

Sorry - were you not implying that their undocumented status makes it more difficult to extract federal income taxes from them? If not, then it seems we're talking like a tax evasion problem, not an "illegals" problem.

Their undocumented status helps them avoid taxes, sure, but making them legal will not motivate them to stop avoiding taxes and start paying. Not one penny worth.

If you want a better life for your family, which will help your family more, paying more taxes or having more money to send home?

I don't even know where to start. Under this logic, you should have no problem with amnesty, since apparently nobody would ever want to give up the sweet life of abusive labor practices, constant threat of deportation, and a complete inability to participate in civic life if it means they have to pay some income taxes.

As to the other side of the coin, Tanq nailed it (no doubt inadvertently) by pointing out that it's a lot easier to track financial transactions when there's an SSN associated with them. So there's another benefit.

I mean, seriously.

I see. Somehow, you think making it legal to come into the US without a visa or passport means they will apply for a SSN, so they can pay taxes. Now, THAT is logic.

Clearly, we are talking about two different things here.

You seem to think they will all come in an orderly fashion through customs, declaring their intentions to stay here and work here and pay taxes here, and wait quietly while they are given an SSN.

I think for an extra 20% in their take home pay, they will not. For an extra 20%, they will do what they have to do to avoid getting an SSN, even it if puts them at some tiny risk of being deported.

I asked you several posts ago how making them legal will make them pay taxes. Now would be a good time for you to give the details in how that would work.

I am not relying on just logic. I am relying on 70 years experience with legal and illegal immigrants, mostly from Mexico but some also from Central America. I have hired them, worked with them as an equal and as a boss, known them personally, gone to church with them, and even sold a house to one, owner financed.

Experience + logic tell me that making them legal will not make them pay taxes or apply for a SSN.

What is your experience with illegals? Now would be a good time for you to also give us the details on that.