Fix it or trash it?

With the recent controversy in Arizona surrounding immigration, undocumented people in the U.S. are subject to more current threats.

Undocumented meaning, people from Mexico and Central America.
Not only are the civil rights of Hispanic communities being compromised, but so are the legal citizens who may or may not be contributing to some of the issues with illegal immigration.

One reason for illegals to leave their homeland for America?
Better wages.

An industry well suited for such a hope?-restaurant

Its become almost a standard that most restaurant kitchens are filled with people of a Latin descent. This is the norm.

Some restaurants get away with it, some do not.

One well-to-do establishment is more concerned with staying open than they are with staying swank.

The French Gourmet Restaurant is being federally indicted for its conscience role in the hiring of undocumented workers.
The government basically wants to seize the land occupied by the restaurant where elegant high-end cuisine has been served for over 30 years.

If convicted, the restaurant would be forced to forfeit their two land parcels which estimate to be worth over 1.3 million.

The case began in May of 2008 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 18 undocumented workers.



Being employed by the service industry for over 3 years, I have come in contact with this issue first hand.

Given this restaurant's history, the discipline seems fair.
The consequence however; ill-suited.

Increased fines, temporary suspension of buisness, stern hiring practices; sure.
Forefieture of land; yikes!

I understand this case being an example for other buisnesses, but what I do not understand is how this action is productive in the prevention of illegal immigration?
Even though I'm glad to see the beneficiaries and contributors of illegal immigration punished, this act will just give more insight and create more loopholes for hopeful new American citizens.

*notice I used "new American citizens" and not "illegals".
*can't remeber the last time I was referred to as a "legal?"

This consequence seems counterproductive. It will give more technique and method to workers and send a red flag for this area which will in turn cause concentrated illegal work somewhere nearby.

Shutting down a buisness that serves its community and provides economic stimulation does not seem logical.
A better approach to immigration reform could be easier and more attainable ways for workers to become legal.

The problem originates here, not in Mexico.
We need a way to make immigration work for America.


Besides... While on the subject, Americans are the real immigrants. The southwest area of our nation was never ours. Does manifest destiny ring a bell?