The "one—time" amnesty of 1986 legalized two million aliens.  However, it inspired six times that number to enter the United States illegally and emboldened them remain until their numbers reached a critical mass big enough to demand a logically absurd "second one—time" amnesty.  As that critical mass begins to mobilize it is helpful to view the illegal immigration issue through the paradigm of Irish illegals, avoiding the hyper—emotional rhetoric of race politics, which can make honest debate impossible.

At a recent speech by Senator John McCain (R, AZ) in an Irish section of the Bronx, the truth about so—called "earned citizenship" legislation like the McCain—Kennedy bill was exposed.  McCain bristles when the bill that bears his name is said to grant amnesty.  Yet the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) which hosted Senator McCain and views him as the "champion of the undocumented immigrant" bluntly condemns in its mission statement all legislation that would

"enforce new laws without any amnesty provision for those here illegally."

McCain beamed while the Master of Ceremonies at the ILIR event
got a standing ovation when, in his frank introduction of the presidential aspirant, he said,

"If he was the man in charge we'd all have green cards in the morning."

Speakers at the rally openly admitted that illegals disrespect for American
law goes far beyond simple immigration violations.   The standing room only
audience at the Irish event chuckled and then sprang to their feet in thunderous applause when a speaker complimented them for fraudulently obtaining driver's licenses.  

This cavalier attitude toward the procurement of fraudulent documents prevails in the midst our war on terror despite the fact that this war for our country's survival was started by brutal, murderous men in the country illegally using forged paperwork.  It is jarring just how little regard illegal immigration advocates have for the security of America. 

Several speakers at the ILIR rally claimed that illegals contribute their fair share by paying sales tax, and in some cases payroll and property taxes.  This misleading and simplistic assertion conveniently omits the fact that some illegals don't pay one dime of federal and state income tax.

Moneyed legal immigrant business owners are one driving force behind the call for amnesty.  The ILIR's chairman Niall O'Dowd owns a newspaper and a magazine that cater to the Irish in America.  O'Dowd as well as wealthy contractors, shopkeepers and publicans profit handsomely from a steady stream of illegal immigrant customers.  Making the wealthy wealthier is hardly the humanitarian mandate behind which amnesty advocates hide.  

The Executive Director of ILIR Kelly Fincham thanked by name six illegals who were helpful in starting and growing the political organization to the point where it was able to get an audience with Senators McCain and Hillary Clinton (D, NY).  It is unfathomable that a group of people whose very presence in the country is a breach of U.S. law have the ear of two ranking presidential contenders.

Like other illegal immigration agitators, the ILIR has stooped to playing on ethnic pride by emblazoning on T—shirts the battle cry "Legalize the Irish."
This slogan epitomizes the attitude of the illegal immigration movement and explains why so many Americans have dug in their heels against amnesty.
Perhaps if their motto reflected a desire to become Americans and turned their give—us—what—we—want—now mantra into something like "Let us be American" there would be less resistance.

In one respect the slogan "Legalize the Irish" is a dishonest attempt to make themselves victims by conjuring up memories of legal immigrants who endured discrimination.  In another regard it is brutally honest and reveals their goal: to stay in America without becoming Americans. 

The American prosperity that illegal immigrants break the law to enjoy is derived from our long history of political stability which above all requires a respect for the rule of law.  By their presence in the United States illegal immigrants are emphatically stating their belief that the ends justify the means, the antithesis of the rule of law.
 
Why should America make lawful those who don't desire to be American nor respect American law?
 
Kieran Michael Lalor is the Founder of the Eternal Vigilance Society