Illegal immigration is always a hot topic in Washington and Oklahoma City, as well as in the cafes and coffee shops across this great nation.

I have a little bit different take on it than most of my colleagues.  It is all about the jobs.  If Americans take the available jobs and get to work, lowering our unemployment, we will remove the incentive for illegal immigrants and the problem will take care of itself.

So what’s the problem?  Too many Americans can work that are not working.  Why? Because our entitlement programs are too rich.  While I believe we have an obligation to help the truly disabled, I see too many folks who are perfectly capable of working but have managed to get on disability.  Psychiatric diagnosis’ is an area of particular abuse.  It is far too easy for these folks to sit at home on their duff and collect a government check than to work at an entry level job.

Let’s look at what they can get at the expense of those of us who do work and pay taxes.  They get a nice disability check from Social Security Insurance to cover their living expenses.  They may qualify for additional subsidies to help them with their rent. And don’t forget the government subsidies you and I pay for to help them with their utility bills.  Their children get free lunches at school.  Their kids also receive free medical care and medications (parents may also qualify for this benefit).

Not only are working taxpayers paying for their medical expenses but we will even pay for their transportation to and from the doctor (through a program called Sooner Ride).  In addition, you are paying for their food through the food stamp program (so they can use their government check to buy cigarettes, pay cell phone bills, and some even use the money to buy beer, marijuana or methamphetamine).  

Oh, don’t forget that if they want to put their kids in daycare, taxpayers will pick up all or part of that expense as well.

   Of course they can get all of these benefits without having to get any testing to see if they are using illegal drugs.

Wow, a lot of incentives not to work.  Other than self-motivation, I can’t think of any incentives to go to work.  Easier to sit at home and let an illegal immigrant fill the job.

I woke up this morning with sore hands and knees. Life is so stressful. I feel a little anxious and depressed.  Come to think of it, I think my time might be more profitable applying for disability today rather than going to work.  Let an illegal immigrant work my job.

Until we eliminate the incentives for Americans not to work we will not fix the illegal immigration problem.

It is an honor and a

privilege to serve in the legislature. I can be reached

at 405-557-7415 or

dougcox@okhouse.gov.