Immigration

I need to begin with a certain degree of humility. I am the descendant of immigrants. Most of my ancestors came to America in the 18th century. They were probably among those who came into this country and took it over from its original inhabitants, and I must admit that was wrong. Roger Williams was one of the very few who tried to do it the "right way."

I am not against immigrants. I believe our country’s diversity of races has helped make it the strong, robust nation that we have today. I’m not anti-Hispanic, either. One of my sons is married to a Guatemalan woman, and another son has step-daughters who are part Hispanic.

But I do believe that we are a country of law and order. In the current immigration debate, I take a somewhat nuanced stance. First, I believe we must begin enforcing our immigration laws. It isn’t right that people who live near our southern border should be able to enter the country freely, when there are many people around the world, just as needy, who must go through proper channels to emmigrate. In order to remain a strong, healthy “land of opportunity” we cannot allow unlimited immigration. Part of our goal must be to do what we can (in a peaceful way!) to help other countries overcome poverty and raise their living standards.

Second, I am convinced that the very first step we must take is to secure our borders. If we had spent on border security just a fraction of what we have on the Iraq war, we would be much better off. Once our borders are secure, we will be able to enforce our immigration laws properly.

Third, I don’t think the idea of deporting all illegals is practical, nor is it humane. Doing so would break up family groups. Their presence here is partly our fault for failing to enforce our laws. I am in favor of the proposed plan to fine those who want to stay here, make them learn English and “go to the end of the line” to get their citizenship. But illegal criminals, drug and human traffickers, and terrorists should be cleaned out of our country immediately, and the only way that can be done is by allowing our officials free rein to ask people for their citizen status. If that looks like racial profiling, so be it.

On the other hand, I oppose giving immigrants any special advantages that regular citizens do not have. And I have very mixed feelings about the kind of citizens some of these illegal Mexicans, who demand their supposed rights, who refuse to learn English or who fly the Mexican flag, would make.

We need to have a common-sense, middle of the road approach, showing neither softness nor harshness, but simply our traditional respect for law and our willingness to help the "huddled masses" who also respect our country's laws.