Throughout America’s history, there has always been a bipartisan consensus that newly admitted immigrants should not become a public charge.  With dependency soaring among native-born Americans and current immigrants, it makes no sense to allow in new people who will only swell the ranks of the welfare state.  This objective rings true even from a liberal standpoint.  After all, liberals desire to preserve the welfare state for Americans, and expanding the system to the entire western Hemisphere will facilitate the collapse of the system.

Take a look at Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and this sentiment is clearly reflected in our immigration laws.

(A) In general.-Any alien who, in the opinion of the consular officer at the time of application for a visa, or in the opinion of the Attorney General at the time of application for admission or adjustment of status, is likely at any time to become a public charge is inadmissible.

(B) Factors to be taken into account.- (i) In determining whether an alien is excludable under this paragraph, the consular officer or the Attorney General shall at a minimum consider the alien’s-

(I) age;

(II) health;

(III) family status;

(IV) assets, resources, and financial status; and

(V) education and skills

Now, consider the estimated 200,000 young illegals pouring over the border, and ask yourself if any of them meet these qualifications.  Just the initial cost of processing them will top $2.3 billion.  We are already using taxpayer-funding earmarked for natural disasters to deal with the invasion instead of repelling it.  Imagine a lifetime of health care, welfare, education, and public services.  It is the perpetuation of the entitlement class and mindset, creating what is surely a permanent voting bloc for liberal democrats.

Yet, most Republican officials are completely silent on the most consequential news story of the month.  Worse, a number of members who claim to be fiscally conservative, such as Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) are doubling down on inviting in a new wave of illegal immigration and are whipping votes – not for enforcement legislation – but for an amnesty bill.  Somehow, they are not concerned about the fiscal burden of inviting in the world’s poor to what is currently a socialist-leaning entitlement state.

The Obama administration has just renewed their “DACA” amnesty granting benefits to “young” illegal immigrants.  Little or no documentation is required, so naturally many of the newly-arrived illegals will take advantage of the application process and obtain a path to permanent legal status.  Yet, there is nothing but crickets from most Republican leaders.

Amazingly, Republicans are scared to challenge Obama at a time when he is unpopular on almost every issue, including immigration.  According to the latest CNN poll, the public disapproves of the President’s handling of immigration by 61-35%.  He is underwater with every demographic, including Independents (28-67%).

Sadly, for many Republicans, the power and money they will accrue from joining the open borders crowd outweighs their concern for American taxpayers.  After all, accommodating Mexico’s malfeasance will not come out of their pockets but serve to line them instead.