HOUSTON, Texas–The colossal wave of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border has left federal authorities scrambling to find shelter to house the migrants. So far, housing facilities have been established in numerous states, some not even on the border. But a new proposed shelter in California has been denied.
The Escondido Planning Commission rejected a proposal to create a new housing center for the migrants in a former nursing home, according to ABC10. Had the proposal passed, the facility would have included 96 beds.
The shelter would have been operated by a nonprofit called Southwest Key. “We think we can be a benefit to the city of Escondido. We are offering 150 jobs to the local community. We would be infusing $8.5 million a year every year into the local economy,” Alexis Rodriguez, a spokesperson with Southwest Key, apparently said regarding the new facility.
About 500 people reportedly gathered at the Escondido City Hall on June 24 to discuss the proposal–most individuals in attendance apparently opposed it.
“Rather than shipping these people all across America, send them back to their countries of origin,” one man in attendance said. Another attendee–this one a legal immigrant from Asia–reportedly added, “We did it the right way. We waited in line. We had our lungs X-rayed. If they want to do it the right way, let’s do that, but I feel like this is being forced on us. This is not a temporary situation.”
ABC10 reported that the Escondido mayor also opposed the proposal.
Many have taken issue not only with the facilities where the migrants are being housed, but also the treatment immigrants receive upon arrival. Subsequent to entering the U.S. illegally, the border children are given a myriad of taxpayer subsidized benefits–this includes transportation, housing, food, education, vocational training, and even legal counsel. Additionally, most of the illegal immigrants will ultimately be allowed to stay in the U.S.
The Obama Administration, however, continues to insist that the cause of the crisis is violence and poverty in the migrants’ home countries.
It is easy to imagine that the release–coupled with the benefits while in custody–only further incentivizes minors to enter the country illegally.
Zack Taylor, Chairman of the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers, told Breitbart Texas that foreigners are given incentives to come into the U.S. illegally. He said, “It’s like if someone stood on the side of the pavement and said, ‘Free ice cream, free money!’ Who doesn’t like free ice cream and free money? How about a free ride on a plane or bus?”
He concluded, “Our government is encouraging foreign nationals to come into our country illegally and stay.”
Follow Kristin Tate @KristinBTate.