Where Knowledge Rules

Politics, News & Issues:

US Politics

Get a Widget for this title

Views on illegal immigration in the US

by A. Best

The first time I stepped into a South Florida tomato field, it's safe to say I was nervous. It reminded me of an excerpt from James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans," the scene where Duncan Heyward enters the wilderness fortress of Montcalm. While speaking with the French general, Duncan notices they are surrounded by rustic savages silently watching the exchange. These "savages" were Huron braves in war paint, the likes of which caused European soldiers to tremble.

The tomato pickers were filthy, slimy with sweat, and their searching eyes were filled with what I thought was contempt. They were hefting large baskets on their shoulders and leaping over ditches to dump the produce into wide fiberglass gondolas strapped to flatbed trailers. I stood among white managers in my pressed slacks and a bright, festive polo. It never occurred to me to say hello to the migrants, but I certainly gawked at them for awhile until one caught my eyes at which point I quickly looked away. My mother always told me it's not polite to stare.

Why would these people make me nervous? I think I felt guilty- shocked by what looked like some kind of ancient feudal system. I believe I also had some preconceived notions about people from Mexico.

The United States has always had a tenuous relationship with their southern neighbor.

Col. Stephen Austin once said this about Mexicans: "They want nothing but tails to be more brutes than the apes."

In the early 19th century, it was the United States' intention to purchase Texas from Mexico. Col. Anthony Butler was sent to the Mexican capital to work out a deal. President Jackson ordered Butler to be careful not to engage in any form of bribery.

The Colonel wrote back: "What you advise of being cautious proves how little you know of Mexican character. I can assure you sir, that bribery is not only common and familiar in all ranks and classes but familiarly and freely spoken of."

The attempt to buy Texas failed, but manifest destiny ensured that it would be ours one way or another. The violence that followed was described this way by Ulysses S. Grant: "We were sent to provoke a fight, one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation."

Remember the tomato picker who caught me staring at him? We have a lot in common and maybe could have been friends. But it doesn't matter, considering the different classes we represent. Or, perhaps, you could blame God for scattering Babylon.

His name is Pablo Montoya; he's sixteen


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Views on illegal immigration in the US

  • 1 of 212

    by A. Best

    The first time I stepped into a South Florida tomato field, it's safe to say I was nervous. It reminded me of an excerpt

    read more

  • 2 of 212

    by Earl Mcgill

    Before tackling the subject of "illegal" immigration in the United States, I should point out certain specific border issues

    read more

  • 3 of 212

    by Will Goodwell

    I wish I had a nickel for every time I've gotten into a debate with someone who supports illegal immigration. They always

    read more

  • 4 of 212

    by Wesley James

    During the recent Immigration Marches I've seen signs like, "We Are Workers, Not Criminals", "Nation of No Justice, and

    read more

  • 5 of 212

    by Paul Young

    The immigration issue in this country will not be solved until we take a closer look at the root of the problem and not

    read more

View All Articles on:
Views on illegal immigration in the US

Add your voice

Know something about Views on illegal immigration in the US?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Can deregulation and free markets lower the cost of health care in the US?

Click for your side.

87008

Featured Partner

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a ca...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA