The fickle nature of the government is only too evident as the census is around the corner, well at least in the case of illegal immigrants. Usually illegal immigrants are a burden to the state, represent an increase in crime rates, take away jobs, etc. But with the census coming up all that changes and suddenly, illegal immigrants are a blessing in disguise.

Why? Money is a valid reason. The more they come out and get counted in the census, the more money a state receives for healthcare, education, transport and a number of other services. Federal aid in the form of $400 billion will be dispersed using a formula that takes into account the population of a state. So in the days leading up to the census you can expect to see a lot of cajoling and coaxing to get the illegal immigrants to stand up and be counted.

Unfortunately this will not be an easy task. The population in question lives in constant fear of being separated from their families, being thrown in jail and being deported. Add to this, the sterling work being done by the Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in dealing with illegal immigrants and the point becomes obvious. When a Federal Worker arrives at their doorstep and inquires whether they would answer a few questions, chances are an illegal immigrant would not say “yes of course, why don’t you step in”.
Of course this also raises an ethical question. If a state benefits in gaining financial support due to its illegal immigrant population, should it pursue tougher stances against them in the future or not?