Having both parents that were born and raised in Mexico, I can relate to what millions of Mexicans are going through: both here in the U.S. and across the border. Why do many people risk their lives to come illegally to the United States? That my friends is the million dollar question. For years, this country has been arguing with itself on the laws on whether or not to allow amnesty to those who are "undocumented aliens." It is only a fraction of those aliens that are breaking the law and causing resentment for many American citizens. It is not fair to the many millions of other Mexicans that are here undocumented to have to be deported because they have not done anything wrong. The only thing most are doing is helping their families by getting out of poverty and displacement. Their country has pushed them to the limit that they have no choice but to cross the border and seek a better way of living.
It's true, "they have broken the law" says John F. Kavanaugh, but "let us be vigilant and charitable" as well. Why can't we instead take them in and help them with food and water, and other resources that we as Americans take for granted. Even though they have been here for many years and have had children born in the U.S., we are still trying to push them back to their country. A strange place that has forgotten them and will show no mercy. Here in the U.S. both political and church officials have gotten involved so much that it is threatening communities, schools and work places. From unable to hire or unwanting to hire because of their legal status, most Americans are afraid to make a decision based on what they think the law says, not by what is the right thing to do. Yes, the law is the law, but how far are you willing to go to see a poor family starving with no shelter or even clothes on their back. Let's not forget "the Good Samaritan" or of the "least of our brothers and sisters" in Matthew 25.
To me, amnesty is the answer if and only if the person is in good standing with the law and someone who contributes to the community and their family. For many years now, the United States has been securing it's border but with little or no protection. We should not worry about illegal immigration more than other concerns such as the war on drugs. So next time you see or hear about an undocumented person, think twice about how you get your food or you who prepares it for you to eat.
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arugments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2010. Print
I love how much in an uproar people get over "undocumented" aliens. Sure there are a few criminal elements and THEY should be sent back. As a matter of fact can we send away all criminals? Why are some groups so worried about people who will come here and work for almost nothing because that is still better than what they have in their own country. Some say it is because they are a strain on healthcare. My ex-wife who is capable of working and hasn’t worked in years. She is getting assistance from the state via food stamps, medical but I sure am glad she was born in America (sarcasm). What is she doing for society, nothing. What do “undocumented” workers do? Off the top of my head I know that they keep food and construction costs down. They do this by working in fields and performing manual labor for wages most American workers would not accept.
ReplyDeleteOne argument is that they don’t pay taxes but use our resources true. So if we tax them they will make more money (very little more) which they will probably see on their tax return anyway. Now how much do you think a head of lettuce is going to cost? I am not saying that they should be repressed and not be allowed to make a better wage. I just think the argument about them not paying taxes and using our resources anyway is nonsense. We have plenty of citizens that do that and do not contribute in anyway. Yes they are probably sending money back to family but at the same time they are still spending money here.
My favorite argument is that they “take our jobs”. If any of you know an unemployed person please tell them they can go to takeourjobs.org and sign up to be a farm worker. I’ll bet the list of excuses you get is extremely long. If they do decide to do it keep up with that person and see how long it lasts.
I want to be clear I am not saying that undocumented workers are only good for labor. Most of them have such a high work ethic because of the struggles they have faced and what it takes for them to survive. If they maser the language I believe they are capable of anything.
Besides, this country is a melting pot and our nation’s most iconic symbol says it all “Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”. If that is what an immigrant is trying to do shouldn’t we let them?
I find it interesting that whenever there's mention of illegal aliens or undocumented workers or any of the other terms we use in this country, the majority of the people who hear the term immediately associate the term with the Mexican community. I wonder how many of the people who make their way into this country without proper documentation are not Mexican. Another thing we seem to forget is that less than 250 years ago, the ancestors of the people who throw these terms around came here illegally and were aliens to the native people. Incidentally, many of the people who populated this land back then were Mexicans. Some of this is also tied to the movement to force people who come to this "melting pot" to learn to speak English. Where might we be if the natives had taken a similar stance in the 1700's and forced the settlers to speak the native dialects? America was settled to allow freedom, and we still to this day claim that as our mantra. Is that freedom for everyone, or just for those of us with the proper paperwork and speaking ability?
ReplyDeleteI really liked your blog. To me it showed me that you did your research, and I also liked that it was personal to you as well. According to some of my research there are 12 million undocumented workers living in the United States. Why not grant them amnesty? I think the debate from the opposed is that it could raise the cost of health care, or human services. My answer to this is if we grant these immigrants amnesty, they will have to start paying taxes like the rest of us. Most of them are working, with amazing work ethic, I really don't think these costs could rise very much. I don't see them all quiting their jobs and taking food stamps and government welfare. I definetly think we could see them thriving in communities, and continuing their "American Dream" with more vigor. They are already in our communities. I think we could all benefit as communities if we allow them to be a part of them.
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