Immigrants should be allowed to live the Dream
A recent article in the Annapolis Capital newspaper, Tactics questioned in immigrant raids - Top Stories - (HometownAnnapolis.com) highlights the absurdity of our Country's current immigration laws.
But even more disturbing then the accounts of the brutality in how the immigration raids were conducted are the comments of "citizens" attached to the article. The level of vitriol on this topic seems to exceed all others. Why the rage and anger on this issue on the part of American citizens? What happened to "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"?
Too make this even more interesting the Eduardo mentioned in the article (one of those arrested and awaiting deportation) painted our house last year. From our personal experience and interaction we found him and his painting partner to be considerate, responsive, trustworthy and friendly. Why is there no recourse for Eduardo to stay in this country, work at a job no American wants and try to live the American Dream. The whole point of the American Dream is to improve your status in life. Is there a dream shortage? Don't all immigrants have something positive to offer our society? I'd say yes.
However the lack of action by Congress on immigration law leaves law enforcement with little choice other than to arrest and deport. How they conduct the arrest is another matter. Had ICE done a little homework with the Anne Arundel and State Police I'm sure they would have determined that none of those arrested had a criminal record. Therefore their approach could have been much more respectful on the immigrants human dignity and human rights. But frankly it's a lot easier just to smash the door down and point weapons.
And how about the US Citizens who according to the article were handcuffed for no reason? If that happened to any Caucasian US citizen there would be uproar, investigations, and lawsuits so there does seem to be an underlying element of racism at work.
This issue is one of great importance to our culture and country. In the absence of action by the Congress maybe Martin O'Malley and the Democratic Legislature should show some leadership on this issue in the upcoming legislative session.
Labels: immigration, o'malley
posted by peter @ 10:16 AM
4 Comments
4 Comments:
"Why is there no recourse for Eduardo to stay in this country, work at a job no American wants and try to live the American Dream." Being a painter is a job that no American wants? Wow, I know many American painters. If Eduardo wants the American dream so much than it is worth it to Eduardo to pursue it legally by making application and waiting in line like all the other millions of immigrants that come to the US legally.
Unfortunately for Eduardo, the President and Congress of the US have failed to protect its own citizens. Compassion and amnesty was granted in 1996 or prior, and the Administration failed in its "promises" to fix the system. What the US got instead was another 20 million "illegal" immigrants. The people dont trust the administration to "fix the system" and secure the borders. It's a advertizing ploy to say that the illegal immigrants are taking jobs Americans won't do. They are really refugees fleeing a corrupt government, poverty and the violence of brutal drug cartels. This is a nation with all its imperfections that must respect the rule of law.
Carmank thanks for your thoughtful comment. I agree that a the failure of Congress and many administrations on the Federal level to act on this issue have brought about this intolerable and intolerant situation.
Since Gov. O'Malley seems intent to rectify Federal government shortcomings in so many other areas why not immigration law as well?
First off, let it be known that I agree: the United States should be a sanctuary or haven for those huddled masses yearning to break free. It's what we were founded on and it's what we should continue to do.
However, I do have to agree with Tony McCon -- when did being a painter become a job that no American wants? I hate to throw the idea out there, being of the liberal mindset that I am, but I have a feeling that most undocumented immigrants take priority in the interview process simply because they are willing to accept less money for work than Americans would (and also work without the benefits that most Americans would normally receive such as health insurance and pension). Most companies, of course, would prefer to pay less because it means more profit for them, so sure, the undocumented immigrants can live the American Dream...but what about those Americans who were born here and are just looking for a living wage?
I don't agree with a lot of what the country and the county are doing to deal with immigration (whether it's illegal or otherwise) but to get to the base of the problem would involve questioning the idea of capitalism (yeah, it's reaching WAY back, but it's the basis of the whole issue) and I don't think anyone wants to do that.
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