Well, here's one I bet you haven't heard before.
A Missouri House committee has issued a report linking present-day illegal immigration rates with liberal social welfare policy and -- get this -- abortion:
"The lack of a traditional work ethic, combined with the effects of 30 years of abortion and expanding liberal social welfare policies have produced a shortage of workers and a lack of incentive for those who can work," the report said. "Today's growing affinity for government dependency has created a class of potential employees who are not eager to work."
The argument goes, I think, like this: Legalized abortions have reduced this country's lower-class population, and that population has become lazy because of welfare programs. So now we're having trouble filling low-class jobs. And the availability of those jobs is luring more illegal immigrants.
The report is from the Republican-controlled House Special Committee on Immigration Reform. Democrats on the committee have refused to sign the report, calling its claims "silly" and "inappropriate."
Next up, the committee explains why affirmative action programs have caused higher gas prices.
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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