Chicago radio host displays his anti-American bias

By Dave Gorak, 05/31/2012

Illegal aliens are just as deserving of jobs as American citizens, according to Chicago radio host and self-described funny man Ray Hanania.

I learned this following an exchange with Hanania in the wake of his column in which he said the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was "anti-Hispanic." (I reminded him that the INS had ceased to exist in 2003 and was replaced by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement - ICE.)

I continued:

But whatever you choose to call it, I take exception to your labeling it "anti-Hispanic." Our immigration laws were created for the purpose of protecting American jobs from cheap foreign labor, especially the illegal variety, regardless of which country it comes. It makes no difference to us whether you're from Mexico or Malaysia, Poland or Peru. If you are here illegally and taking a job that rightfully belongs to any of the 20 million Americans who can't find full-time work, then you are a candidate for deportation. That's what a credible immigration policy is supposed to do.

So said the late Barbara Jordan, who chaired President Clinton's immigration reform commission.

Hanania replied:

Thanks for your opinions … the Immigration service is anti-Hispanic by virtue of your own words to preserve jobs for “Americans” and not “foreigners” … I believe this country was built with immigrants and you are basically the descendant of an immigrant, but some immigrants are more welcome than others … I have no grievance with ICE and respect what they do but our nation’s immigration policies suck and need to change … this country should be more open, we should welcome more immigrants including Hispanics who are already here …

Hoping that the facts would help Hanania muster some compassion for his unemployed fellow citizens, I said:

You're obviously misinformed about this issue, and I think the primary reason is because you're getting your information from a lazy mainstream media that isn't interested in facts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says 20 million Americans - and legal residents - can't find full-time work while the Pew Hispanic Center says there are 8 million illegals in our workforce, 7 million of them in the construction, manufacturing, transportation and service industries. Are you telling me that illegals are more deserving of a regular paycheck than citizens and legal immigrants? Are you saying Barbara Jordan was out of line with her recommendations for a credible immigration policy? Did you bother to read her testimony that I sent to you?

By the way, the United States admits more legal immigrants each year than the rest of the world combined. Just how many more immigrants do you think we should be bringing in every year before our immigration policy no longer, in your words, sucks?

Finally, is it fair to say that by virtue of your own words you are anti-American worker?

Hanania could not be swayed:

Racism plays a major part in this debate and the far extreme right is among the most racist in the country today … misinformed by your definition means standing up to racism and pushing to keep this country open to immigrants who need shelter and support … no one is “more deserving” of anything … but immigrants DESERVE the RIGHT to live in America and polices that discriminate against certain races in the world – allowing some European White immigrants open access while limiting entry to other African, Latino and Middle Eastern peoples is racist and believe me when I promise you that policy of hate discrimination will end … we’re determined to stop it and recognize everyone to be equal in this country …

Ending joblessness will come when the wealthy are forced to pay their way through higher taxation on their net earnings and insuring that those in need receive social services and support …

Thanks for your opinions … fortunately, you are in the minority and it will continue to become a lonely place.

A "right" to come here? I asked:

You apparently are living with a Constitution that is radically different from the one the rest of us know. There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that says foreigners have "a right" to come here. Entering this country is a privilege, not a right. That's what sovereignty is all about.

To which Hanania replied:

“from the rest of us?” … that’s funny … you’re a small group in this country … although I disagree with your views, I appreciate you expressing them

A word to the wise: Should any of you be thinking about hiring this comedian to liven up your parties or other social events, don't make the mistake of bringing up the immigration issue. What you will get from Hanania is a lecture about a "racist America" whose citizens are no better than those who he says have every "right" to come here illegally and demand respect and dignity.

Tags: