Immigration Burden or Boom for Tax Rolls?

Hospitals not taking free money for illegal immigrants
By Michael Hampton 
Posted: September 20, 2006 9:18 pm 
What if the government tried to give away a billion dollars to
pay for emergency hospital bills for illegal immigrants? Do
you think half the Southwest would be up in arms protesting?
Far from it, in fact. The federal government actually does
have such a program, but it hasn’t been much of a success. 
The program, passed a couple of years back to reimburse
hospitals for spending money on emergency care for illegal
immigrants, has had very few claims filed, primarily because
the paperwork is too onerous, hospital administrators say.  In
addition, illegal immigrants are unlikely to advertise their
status, and many hospitals are loath to ask about it, further
complicating any effort the hospitals might undertake to apply
for the money.  The government officials responsible for the
program, though, are utterly clueless idiots. Federal
officials can’t explain why overburdened communities have not
grabbed the cash.  “We are really not certain why providers
are not claiming the money,” said Herb Kuhn, head of the
government’s Center for Medicare Management, which administers
the program intended to distribute the $1 billion between 2005
and 2008.  Nationally, only 15 percent of the money has been
handed out three-quarters of the way through the program’s
first year. — Chicago Tribune
(http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2006/09/20/hospitals-not-taking-free-money-for-illegal-immigrants/)

For an eye opening look at Hospital services for the indigent
see: Hospitals Try Free Basic Care in Austin, Texas @

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/25/health/25insure.html?ex=1179374400&en=11c3004eab22f485&ei=5070

I accept that there is a net economic benefit to the US from the work of illegal immigrants, though I know that others will debate whether this is true. This includes taxes they pay, local, Social Security, income, sales, etc., as well as an increase in overall economic activity as a result of their work, even though they send a significant portion of their earnings back to their country of origin.

When something doesn't hurt you or your family or your friends, helps some people (the immigrants) whom you don't know, has what you believe is a net positive benefit to the country, but does hurt people ("American blue collar workers") whom you don't know, the tendency is to fall back on the net positive benefit.

I lived in the Third World for a few years and know how important to their economies these workers are. The benefit to their families and their economies is significant. Is there a price to be paid by American blue collar workers? Yes, I have said that repeatedly. It comes down to a comparison of costs (how much and paid by whom) and benefits (how much and to whom). That can be a subjective judgment.

Most social and economic policy has costs, not just financial, as well as benefits. I am honest enough to say that when the costs, in terms of lower wages, lost jobs, etc., are less (partially because they are further from my home) than the benefits, both to the immigrants and to the economy as a whole, I tend to be more sympathetic to the immigrant and his/her plight.

I does not mean that I have no sympathy for the American blue collar worker, any more than it would be fair for me to call you a racist nativist who has no sympathy for the poor of the Third World.

Joe Lamacchia founder of the Blue Collar Worker clearing house
and website:  www.bluecollarandproudofit.com, seems to think
that blue collar work is not being attacked "on all
sides."  Rather see what is said about his work -

"Blue Collar and Proud Of It is exactly what this country
needs. Joe understands that there is a critical shortage of
skilled workers and is trying to do something about it. He is
working with the Technology Education Association of
Massachusetts, TEAM, (we are the shop teachers) in order to
address this problem on the education front. Shops are being
closed all over the state because the focus is now on
Engineering/Physics instead of "hands-on" education.
This is one reason that there is a shortage of workers. TEAM
and Blue Collar, with backing of the trades, hope to address
this at the state level. Keep up the good work Joe." 
Ken Bertrand - President, T.E.A.M.

Joe writes:

Statistics show manufacturing output rose by 47% during the
past decade, compared with a rise in the WHOLE economy of only
34%.
Have you called a contractor lately, an electrician or a
plumber? If so, did they call you back? Probably not, They’re
usually too busy. They’re the ones in the driver’s seats when
it comes to job negotiation! Last Sunday alone there were 14
advertisements in the Boston Globe for carpenters.  Blue
Collar positions are rewarding, profitable and usually the
best opportunity for more people than you think. College isn’t
for everyone! If you’re blue collar material, be proud of
it!!!!!! And benefit from the opportunities available!!!

Just curious about the statistics.