Quote:Again, the consumption tax just has too many problems with it.  I don't think rounding people up works either.  Nor do I think building a wall or fence would stop many people (it would stop some, but not many).  


But there's a major difference between Drugs and hiring illegals.

Drugs, much like Alcohol -- the primary motivation is enjoyment.  (Same with prostitution).  The fear of punishment doesn't take away any of the motivation.  For some it enhances it.  

 

Hiring Illegals, the primary motive is monetary.  Significantly reduce that motivation, and you'll reduce the problem of illegal immigration. It won't eliminate it, but you can't eliminate the problem altogether.  

 

Building a wall does significantly help.  It's probably the second most effective tool other than hiring more Border Patrol Agents.  It doesn't stem the flow of illegals into the country, but it does deter some. Others are a lot easier to catch because it slows them down, especially when crossing into border towns that are 100 yards away.  It also helps with prosecutions because illegals can't say they didn't know they were crossing into the United States when they used ladders and climbed a giant fence.  Where it probably helps the most, however, is preventing drugs from crossing into the United States.  It is a lot more difficult to ramp or crane or cut a fence with a blow torch and bring 2 or 3 trucks loaded with 7500 pounds of drugs into the United States than simply driving in without obstacle.

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