In most cases, we shouldn’t look to the United Kingdom or the rest of Europe as an example of how to do, well, anything. In the case of the U.K., that’s kind of sad; this is a nation that was once America, Original Recipe, from whence our language and a lot of our culture originally sprang. But that was a long time ago now.
Sometimes, though, the Brits find an acorn, and a new proposal from the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, would slap a 10-year moratorium on the dole for illegal immigrants who flooded into Britain during Boris Johnson’s “Boriswave” of migrants.
“Indefinite leave to remain” in effect legitimizes illegal aliens in Britain, allowing them to claim public benefits– welfare, in simple terms. Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, among others, is pushing for more far-reaching reforms.
Now, let’s think about this in terms of our own immigration policy.
First, legal immigration. Our immigration policy should limit legal immigration to those who can come here and immediately contribute to the prosperity of the United States: People who come here to work, to start businesses, to become a part of the American economy, and not a drain on it. To ensure this happens, something similar to the above proposal should work: Any legal immigrant who comes to the United States shall face a ten-year moratorium on any and all government benefits, save emergency medicine and, in extremis, food benefits to stave off actual starvation. We’re not savages, after all.
Second, illegal immigration. This has been a hot bone of contention in recent months – let’s face it, since President Trump resumed office – but people in the country illegally should never receive any government benefits, at any level, ever, no matter how long they manage to remain in the country. Oh, yes, emergency medicine, in the case of accident or serious illness; again, we’re not savages. But that should be followed immediately they are out of danger, with repatriation to their country of origin.
Now, let’s think about this in terms of our own immigration policy.
First, legal immigration. Our immigration policy should limit legal immigration to those who can come here and immediately contribute to the prosperity of the United States: People who come here to work, to start businesses, to become a part of the American economy, and not a drain on it. To ensure this happens, something similar to the above proposal should work: Any legal immigrant who comes to the United States shall face a ten-year moratorium on any and all government benefits, save emergency medicine and, in extremis, food benefits to stave off actual starvation. We’re not savages, after all.
Second, illegal immigration. This has been a hot bone of contention in recent months – let’s face it, since President Trump resumed office – but people in the country illegally should never receive any government benefits, at any level, ever, no matter how long they manage to remain in the country. Oh, yes, emergency medicine, in the case of accident or serious illness; again, we’re not savages. But that should be followed immediately they are out of danger, with repatriation to their country of origin.
This is a nation, not a flophouse. There’s no moral or practical reason to extend government benefits to people who have entered the country illegally and who remain in the country illegally. Legal immigration should – must – be tailored to only bring in people with something to contribute.
Britain’s Home Secretary has taken one step towards some semblance of sanity in immigration policy, but they’ve got a long, long way yet to go. Fortunately, we’re closer to sanity – but we could use a little work here, too.
By RedState – https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/11/15/new-british-plan-would-slap-immigrants-with-10-year-benefits-blackout-n2196238
