Reader's View: An influx of immigrants would help us all

While all of us have been seeing the negative realities facing the USA, I would like you, the reader, to put on your rose-colored glasses and look at my perception of reality.

The average U.S. resident lives in a larger home while paying out less of his or her salary than residents of other countries. Cost per square foot in most U.S. cities is lower than most civilized countries.

My home-spun, prize-winning economic thesis is that if we increased the population of America, we would boost both the gross domestic product and the gross national product. Case studies in California will confirm that the loose immigration control into California from its southern neighbors, combined with other factors, have helped propel the Golden State into one of the largest economies in the world. Likewise, the qualified people desiring to move to America from countries around the globe are numerous enough to alleviate many of our short-term economic problems - if we would only allow them to come.

America is built by immigrants. These people of initiative are the movers and shakers we need. They can provide synergy and intellectual capital that will exceed the California case study. The world is a huge resource that we can tap into anytime we want. Study after study demonstrates that better-educated citizens contribute to better economies; all we have to do is help these educated immigrants become citizens.

Statistics show that immigrants generally rent for the first 10 years before buying their first home. If we have a more sensible immigration policy, a larger percentage of immigrants would purchase homes sooner, but their presence will strengthen the rental market, as well as the whole economy. No other country in the world has the potential that we do.

No country has real estate laws as safe as those in the United States. It is the easiest place in the world to do business. Life is complicated here, but it's a walk in the park compared to many other countries where red tape and cronyism prevail. Pension funds investing in Third World countries often make less than 1 percent additional profit than they are making in the United States. While they may need to diversify, most of us can capitalize on the opportunities here at home.

I believe an influx of immigrants would be a great benefit to all of us, and Congress may act if enough people speak up. I encourage all of you to communicate in a friendly way with your congressman and legislators, as they may be receptive to solutions in the current environment.

Barry Bakke is a broker at Marcus & Millichap-Boise and lives in Caldwell.