by B. Franklin

Created on: March 08, 2007   Last Updated: May 18, 2007

Before I can comment on the pro's and con's of Illegal Immigration I would like to set "The Rules of Engagement" for this subject.

1) When we speak of Illegal Immigrants we are referring mostly to Hispanics from Mexico and South America.
2) Most are hard working and truly want to become productive citizens of the United States of America.
3) Most come from very impoverished backgrounds and would just like to see a better life for themselves and their family.

4) There is an element that comes with this influx of humanity that is not so good (with the good comes the bad).

Immigration has been a contentious subject in this country since the very beginning moments of our existence, it is not something new that each generation forgets the previous. There was public outcries when the Germans started emigrating enmasse in the late 1790's, the Irish during the Civil War, the Italians at the turn of the century, and now it is the Hispanics. There is a difference, we share a border and the entry level jobs that they are taking are not jobs that our citizens are flocking to fill. So where does that leave us?

Problems that beset us:

1) The system to admit guest workers is broken and needs to be fixed.
2) The system to prosecute Illegal Aliens is not broken but law enforcement refuses to enforce the laws of the nation.
3) Politicians cave in to the special interest groups because they are afraid to lose votes.
4) We, as tax payers, end up paying for all the government services that Illegal Immigrants generate.

The question I have is are we to share our rights as citizens with those that are not citizens? I believe that the majority of Illegals are hard working and industrious people who will be a great addition to our country. But, if we turn our backs on the existing laws and ignore them than as a nation we are nothing. We are a country that is defined by our laws that protect us and our rights as citizens and if this is ignored we will foster chaos.

Steps for action:

1) Fix the guest worker program so it is functional. Just a thought but maybe take a look at the Bracero program of the 60's in California. It worked than, why not now?
2) Scrap the idea of a fence. Determined people will find a way in especially if their backs are to the wall and it involves feeding their family.
3) Either enforce the laws we have on the books or get rid of them.
4) Let the politician's know how you feel by writing to them, calling them, and most of all by voting!
5) Boycott. It worked in the 60's for Caesar Chavez, why can't it work now? If you know of a business that hires Illegals don't patronize them. In fact spread the word through petitions, call centers or just plain word of mouth.

This is a problem for the 21st century that keeps getting swept back, we need to keep it in the fore front of action items to get it resolved. But whatever we do let's keep in mind that what we do today will effect the next generation and the next so let's think through a solution that will not have to be re-visited in the near future.

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