Reaching a Fever Pitch
I knew the issue of illegal immigration was heating up when in my own northern Virginia community, residents crammed town hall meetings to express concern about the largely Hispanic group of day laborers who gathered each morning at the local 7-Eleven looking for work. Some of the meetings got downright ugly. Among the major points of conflict was whether tax dollars should be used to finance an official day laborer site.
Many residents supported such a site, where workers and potential employers would be monitored. However, a number of residents opposed tax dollars being spent on anything that would benefit illegal immigrants.
I knew the issue was really heating up when local and national news crews started doing their live shots outside that now infamous 7-Eleven.
Although the TV cameras are gone and the workers have moved on to their official site, it seems the issue of illegal immigration will be with us for awhile.
Interestingly, there appears to be a real disconnect between public opinion and public policy on this issue. For example, Congress is working on legislation that would provide lawful employment to undocumented workers, even as some polls indicate that approximately 60 percent of Americans oppose guest-worker programs.
