by Christine Beech
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=12&a=452763
Are we concerned about the right things?
The Arizona immigration law appears to have raised concerns. But ironically, the concerns are not for our fellow U.S. citizens in Arizona. Instead, the concerns are focused on how the law will impact the individuals who have crossed into the United States illegally, as well as the impact it might have on illegal labor, and the impact it might have on the Mexican economy should those same workers fail to send back their earnings to their relatives in Mexico.
Along the same lines, many concerns have been raised regarding how this law might be enforced. But surprisingly little discussion is focused on addressing how to best resolve the illegal immigration issue.
Now Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa has introduced immigration enforcement legislation here in Minnesota, prompting us to have the conversation on a local level. Because this measure was introduced so late in the session, it will most likely be shelved until next year. That gives us time to examine the issue and tell our representatives how we would like to see the legislation shaped to enact effective, moral, and reasonable immigration enforcement methods. Ideally, it should be in a manner that considers the human rights of all people, and places the rights of the U.S. citizens at the heart of the dialogue.
Thankfully, this debate is also helping to force federal engagement on the issue, which is ultimately necessary to resolve the national-level equities at stake. Disappointingly, initial comments from our president and from many of our elected representatives on both sides of the aisle have more to do with acknowledging Mexico’s concern regarding enforcement, than how to protect U.S. equities and U.S. citizens.
In any real debate, everyone must have an advocate; however, it would appear as if both the U.S. and Mexican leaders are planning to advocate for Mexican migration plans. These plans, if put in place, will help to manage the flow of illegal workers by legalizing their ability to work in the U.S.
So far, it appears they will do nothing to address the cost of educating, policing, or reducing the large numbers of illegal immigrants living in the United States, or ease the burden of the taxpayer in Arizona or any other border state. If politicians or their constituents oppose this Arizona legislation that enforces existing law, then they must design viable new immigration legislation that fixes the illegal immigration issue, addresses the associated fiscal impacts, and meets the needs of our citizens. Simply disagreeing with proposed methods of enforcement does not address the issue or resolve the challenge, and that is what we must do as a country.
Before we here in Minnesota leap in on one side or another of the issue, perhaps it would be good to remember the following:
• It is natural to have empathy for the people who are crossing into the country illegally because they live in a desperate situation. Many are hard-working people who clearly believe it is the best option for them and for their families. That empathy, however, does not require condoning any illegal actions that accompany their decisions.
• Illegal immigration is not just a Mexican issue, but given the number of illegal immigrants who are Mexican, it is a logical place to start the dialogue. Clearly any good legislation will address all illegal immigration originating from any country.
• There is a moral imperative to deal justly and humanly with all people, so we must find ways to enforce our laws in such a manner. Ignoring the law or not enforcing it because it “makes us look heartless” is dodging our responsibilities to uphold the law and find solutions to the problem.
• Saying we need illegal immigrants to work here because “Americans won’t take those jobs anyway” is neither accurate, nor just. Americans have a long history of rolling up their sleeves and taking the work that is available. In actuality, it is the employer who benefits from exploiting the undocumented worker. Why would we support or promote that practice?
• There is indeed a legal border and a legal means to enter this country. Many people have worked hard to enter the country legally and many, many more still hope to do so in the future. Whatever we do regarding this issue, we should remember them and their dreams of U.S. citizenship are part of what makes up the diversity we enjoy in this country.
Perhaps if we can remember these things as we discuss the challenges we face regarding this issue, we can then talk about how we can help the citizens of the United States as well as Mexican citizens in a manner that is legal, moral, and economically viable.
About the author: others
Authors listed as "others" are any contributor who is not Cominus. Their name, and sometimes a web link, are available within the article.
My Prayer Closet (2011)
Immigration reform should be legal, moral, and viable
by Christine Beech
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=12&a=452763
Are we concerned about the right things?
The Arizona immigration law appears to have raised concerns. But ironically, the concerns are not for our fellow U.S. citizens in Arizona. Instead, the concerns are focused on how the law will impact the individuals who have crossed into the United States illegally, as well as the impact it might have on illegal labor, and the impact it might have on the Mexican economy should those same workers fail to send back their earnings to their relatives in Mexico.
Along the same lines, many concerns have been raised regarding how this law might be enforced. But surprisingly little discussion is focused on addressing how to best resolve the illegal immigration issue.
Now Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa has introduced immigration enforcement legislation here in Minnesota, prompting us to have the conversation on a local level. Because this measure was introduced so late in the session, it will most likely be shelved until next year. That gives us time to examine the issue and tell our representatives how we would like to see the legislation shaped to enact effective, moral, and reasonable immigration enforcement methods. Ideally, it should be in a manner that considers the human rights of all people, and places the rights of the U.S. citizens at the heart of the dialogue.
Thankfully, this debate is also helping to force federal engagement on the issue, which is ultimately necessary to resolve the national-level equities at stake. Disappointingly, initial comments from our president and from many of our elected representatives on both sides of the aisle have more to do with acknowledging Mexico’s concern regarding enforcement, than how to protect U.S. equities and U.S. citizens.
In any real debate, everyone must have an advocate; however, it would appear as if both the U.S. and Mexican leaders are planning to advocate for Mexican migration plans. These plans, if put in place, will help to manage the flow of illegal workers by legalizing their ability to work in the U.S.
So far, it appears they will do nothing to address the cost of educating, policing, or reducing the large numbers of illegal immigrants living in the United States, or ease the burden of the taxpayer in Arizona or any other border state. If politicians or their constituents oppose this Arizona legislation that enforces existing law, then they must design viable new immigration legislation that fixes the illegal immigration issue, addresses the associated fiscal impacts, and meets the needs of our citizens. Simply disagreeing with proposed methods of enforcement does not address the issue or resolve the challenge, and that is what we must do as a country.
Before we here in Minnesota leap in on one side or another of the issue, perhaps it would be good to remember the following:
• It is natural to have empathy for the people who are crossing into the country illegally because they live in a desperate situation. Many are hard-working people who clearly believe it is the best option for them and for their families. That empathy, however, does not require condoning any illegal actions that accompany their decisions.
• Illegal immigration is not just a Mexican issue, but given the number of illegal immigrants who are Mexican, it is a logical place to start the dialogue. Clearly any good legislation will address all illegal immigration originating from any country.
• There is a moral imperative to deal justly and humanly with all people, so we must find ways to enforce our laws in such a manner. Ignoring the law or not enforcing it because it “makes us look heartless” is dodging our responsibilities to uphold the law and find solutions to the problem.
• Saying we need illegal immigrants to work here because “Americans won’t take those jobs anyway” is neither accurate, nor just. Americans have a long history of rolling up their sleeves and taking the work that is available. In actuality, it is the employer who benefits from exploiting the undocumented worker. Why would we support or promote that practice?
• There is indeed a legal border and a legal means to enter this country. Many people have worked hard to enter the country legally and many, many more still hope to do so in the future. Whatever we do regarding this issue, we should remember them and their dreams of U.S. citizenship are part of what makes up the diversity we enjoy in this country.
Perhaps if we can remember these things as we discuss the challenges we face regarding this issue, we can then talk about how we can help the citizens of the United States as well as Mexican citizens in a manner that is legal, moral, and economically viable.
About the author: others