Immigration and the “I” word

20 comments April 7th, 2008

I’m having some problems with the “frenzy” about illegal immigration.  I also have a couple of ideas…

Concerns:   First and foremost…I think that what’s being left out of the immigration discussion is that we’re talking about People  - human beings, God’s children.  We dehumanize them by calling them “illegals” or worse.  Kind of reminds me of the tactics taken during the Vietnam War…If we give them a label that’s less than human it’s easier to be less than humane.

The argument that we’re protecting against terrorists ……I’m pretty sure many of the terrorists that have been identified in this country have included professors, students and professionals….not the folks who are crossing the Mexican / US border.

Bad ideas:  A fence is a bad idea!  If we start building fences our border is going to look like the old soviet era borders between eastern and Western Europe.  The fence poses major environmental issues and concerns as well.

I’m really suspicious of the “minutemen” and other volunteer citizen groups who claim to be protecting our border by patrolling in their pickups..  They say their cause isn’t based on prejudice…but they sure remind me of KKK or white supremist, separatist, paramilitary types.

Solutions:  There can and must be a reasonable response toward solving the issue.  A guest worker program should be created – sooner than later.    It doesn’t have to be complicated and it should be attainable (although my guess is if we allow bureaucrats or politicians or lawyers to write the rules it will be complicated and unattainable).  We’ve spent years discussing a solution and still no results.  Kind of makes me crazy. 

Actually I’m pleased that John McCain, Mike Huckabee and “W” have taken a more humane perspective on illegal immigration than a lot of those in the mix.  I may not agree with all their points but, at least they’re seeing this issue in shades of gray rather than the black and white that others see.  As I meet the candidates this year I’m going to share that I want and expect a humane and reasonable response to the immigration issue.

Jon Murray