Our
View: Immigration reforms in right direction
The
dicey, and often emotional, debate of
illegal immigration re-emerged from its
proverbial slumber this past Saturday,
drawing nearly 500,000 protesters to
the streets of downtown Los Angeles denouncing
the proposed legislation currently in
the Senate Judiciary Committee that threatens
the presence of illegal aliens in America.
Among the proposed legislative changes the divided committee has suggested
is strengthening the U.S. southern border by constructing a wall to divide
Mexico and the United States. Also proposed are more stringent punishments
for those who employ illegal immigrants. These proposals are not only inhumane
ways of dealing with the increasing number of people here illegally, but they
also fail to provide a permanent solution to this dilemma.
Regardless of the restrictions put in place to deter potential immigrants,
countries that have a low standard of living and lack viable employment will
have people seeking to free themselves of their plight. This is a commendable
act. Where would our country be today without the spirit of liberation and
equal opportunity?
These immigrants embody the very principles that made the United States the
thriving nation it is today. To deny them a place in our country would be to
deny the very ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Some claim illegal immigration is putting a tremendous burden on “John
Q. Public,” obligating taxpayers to compensate for the services claimed
by illegal aliens who otherwise do not pay taxes. This is only a testament
to the importance of creating lasting and humane legislation that addresses
this issue.
Immigrants have a made significant contributions to our society, often fulfilling
jobs considered undesirable for many Americans, and their presence in our country
should be acknowledged and legally recognized.
While stricter border controls and cracking down on people who employ illegal
aliens may mean doom for many struggling families, there is hope within the
committee that may provide a permanent and ethical solution to this hotly debated
issue. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., have
suggested a guest worker program and a way to legalize our nation’s undocumented
immigrants.
These proposed changes create the necessary middle ground needed to both provide
a haven for people seeking to better their lives and relieve the burden current
citizens are bearing. Surprisingly, our commander in chief agrees with this
proposal.
In his weekly address to the nation broadcasted Saturday morning, President
George W. Bush said legislators need to “create a legal way to match
willing foreign workers with willing American employers to fill jobs Americans
will not do,” disagreeing with the harsher immigration reforms suggested
by the Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
The president also called for moderation between both sides of the issue and
urged people to act “in a way that brings dignity to the process.”
The decision of how to resolve the problem of the increasing number of illegal
immigrants is something that has become very personal for many people, but
one thing has become extremely clear — the people of Southern California
do not want to deny immigrants a place in this nation.
So dear legislators, take into consideration the power and indignation these
citizens have toward the issue of limiting immigration into the United States.
Your jobs may depend on it.
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