Melting Pot Bowling Over

Teenagers took to the streets and freeways of Los Angeles to protest what they believe is unfair treatment of immigrants. On the surface their reaction might seem natural, but really let’s take a look at the facts. The mid-term election cycle is currently turning on what to do with the millions of illegal immigrants that have made their way into our country. The president is talking about a guest worker program, radio talk shows talk about how there are just too many people to realistically be able to handle any large scale deportations, and the American public is let struggling to put together a clear picture of what is really going on. Are people racist for wanting people to immigrate to this country legally? That seems to be the implication of the protestors’ complaints. But let’s consider the legislation that they are reacting against.

First I hear talk about the legislation proposing that being in the U.S. illegally be made a felony. So what is it now a misdemeanor? Is legal entry in to our country nothing more serious than a traffic ticket? That concerns me. Now, the Senate version of the legislation backs off on the point, but still feature tougher sanctions for employers who hire illegal immigrants and a "virtual wall" on the border. Personally I support more that just a virtual solution to the problem.

Yet still there are protests and teens out on the streets and attempting to disrupt traffic on the 405. Have we as a society collectively lost our minds? We are arguing about new legislation for a problem that already has laws to deal with it (inadequate for our current level of border insecurity, but laws none the less) that are not even being attempted to be enforced. Why should anyone worry about a new law? What are we actually going to enforce them? I mean seriously, we are arguing about whether it is fair to make criminals (the words of LA Mayor Villarigosa on Fox 11 tonight) out of people who have already broken the law to be here.

So, practically what can we, and more to the point what should we as a nation do? 1) Stop lying. If we want border enforcement and immigration laws, actually use them. 2) Assuming we do choose to remain a sovereign nation and choose for ourselves who does and does not enter this country, then yes offer a program by which the current illegal population will have a time frame in which to apply for citizenship. Have checks be done to make sure that they are productive members of society and not transplanted criminals, and then yes make them citizens. They only however. 3) Do not, do not, do not extend this privilege beyond those already here. This ought not be a way in for millions more. Finally, 4) close the border with Mexico. No "virtual wall." Put up a real one. The Mexican government will object,
but really why should that matter. They have been a minimal help dealing with the problem anyway.

You might at this point wonder where my heart is on this. Am I this mean or callous that I don't want to help my fellow man? No, I care. I have done much to demonstrate my care for people both locally and internationally. But understand that there is a difference between care and compassion and allowing the laws that protect our country from being disregarded and over run. Imagine a parent who was unwilling to enforce household rules for little Timmy. Do you think that mommy and daddy will get good behavior from Timmy? Right, they won't. Timmy will not do wrong all the time, but without a reason not to indulge in rule breaking his sinful self will just come shining through.

One final reason I will offer to help you understand my passions here is this. I do so to honor my aunt. She and her family are Mexican, but truly Mexican-American in all the best ways possible. They really are Americans first. They have not given up their Mexican identity, but rather thought the years that they have been a part of our nation, they have come to be truly melted into the fabric of our country as so many immigrants have been before. I believe that their legal immigration is insulted and dishonored by the disgraceful displays we see on the news around LA in the last two days. I support immigration, but I support the law first. That is a principle part of citizenship in this country or at least it really ought to be.