Immigration . . . Get Back on Track!

It is this writer's belief that the whole immigration issue has long gone off track. Perhaps it's political naivete or simplemindedness, but suffering illegal activity seems dissonant with our constitutional republic. Yet, massive protests have erupted in the name of illegal immigrants, and now a national boycott by these immigrants is being planned for May 1st.

Many activists are promoting this boycott in the name of amnesty. When one considers the number of people waiting to immigrate to our fine land legally, it seems that amnesty would violate the qualities of fairness and justice.

Some would argue that the "illegals" are merely trying to improve their standard of living or provide a better life for their families. While this is certainly noble, breaking the immigration law of our nation to do so invalidates their honorable cause. Someone wisely said, "It is never right to do wrong in order to get the chance to do right."

It is time for our lawmakers to exercise justice, tempered with mercy.

• Enforcing existing immigration laws is Step One. Rather than photo op enforcement, apply the law equitably and justly.
• Nail the businesses that employ illegal immigrants. Provide them with the tools necessary for enforcement and make them accountable for compliance.
• Provide an opportunity for illegal immigrants to leave and make request for legal entry. Those who chose not to leave must be held to account for their unwillingness to comply with our laws. If there is a legitimate reason for their inability to return to their homeland, provide a process for evaluating their mitigating circumstances.
• Secure the borders! Use our military to enforce the borders. Build the necessary structures to prevent illegal penetration. Install the latest technology to assist our military in the process of detecting and apprehending illegal perpetrators.
• Establish a guest worker program that will enable those with economic needs to fulfill their responsibility to provide for their families and loved ones. Make the enforcement simple by issuing a tamper-proof card that MUST be presented to any United State employer before being placed on the payroll.

There is no doubt that we are indeed a nation of immigrants. Ours is a respected tradition of welcoming many from other lands. Emma Lazarus best stated the goodness of our nation when she penned, "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore; Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door" (The New Colossus, November 2, 1883).

Any of the above listed categories are welcome in these United States. We merely ask that they honor our laws and traditions. Let's bring common sense to the table! Stop the political squabbling and, above all, stop worrying about who is going to control the next Congress. Let's do the business of the people because it is right, not merely expedient.

Thanks for reading. Always make a difference!