Re-Thinking Immigration by RoseAnn Salanitri

Since illegal immigration became a problem back in the Reagan years, it has transformed into a political football.  The hyperbole and orchestrated outrages on either side of the political isle has done nothing but exasperate and intensify the sad repercussions of the problem in ways too numerous to list comprehensively,  The Democrats play on the heartstrings of those so inclined to think emotionally, while the Republicans appeal to the logical minds of their constituents. The evidence of which party is in control is obvious in the status of the border fence/wall.  When the Republicans are in control, the wall goes up.  When the Democrats are in control, the wall comes down. Both sides have desperately failed to affect a reasonable, humane, and doable solution.

What is often perceived as a black and white situation is an illusion and has perpetuated the problem.   Republicans only see the harm the waves of immigration are doing to the geographical areas most affected and close their eyes to the suffering of the those who desperately are seeking asylum and a better life. On the other hand, the Democrats only see the desperation of the immigrants and close their eyes to the reality of the problems these mass invasions are causing and costing.  You, personally, can take whatever side you deem appropriate, but I would encourage you to see the whole picture and perhaps influence those in both houses of Congress to do likewise.

Here’s how I see it.  First, do not close your eyes to the plight of the immigrants.  Their reasons for fleeing their countries are not imaginary. It is heart wrenching, to be sure. None of us living in this wonderful and blessed country would willing exchange our citizenship for theirs.  An entire article could easily be written that would tear at the heartstrings of any empathetic person – especially if it focused on the sex trafficking and drug importation problems.

The question is: does that hardship entitle them to break our laws and come here illegally?  The Democrats would answer that question differently than the Republicans.  If the question is to be addressed in a productive manner, the plight of the immigrants and the legalities in question need to be approached in both a logical and empathetic manner. But it would require a sincere opening of the minds replacing the dug in foots of the past.

Let me say that as a Christian, my heart goes out to these people, but as a law-abiding conservative, I detest the way they have sought solutions to their problems.  Nowhere in my biblically-based mind can I condone the mass law breaking and all its repercussions, including the importation of drugs, gangs, sex trafficking, the damage being done to property owners along the border, the financial burden our citizens have had to bear, the unknown diseases and illness we are being exposed to, as well as the advantage the Coyotes have over these people and the suffering they have imposed upon them.  This is a travesty whose scope is nearly unimaginable and incomprehensible.

What can be done?  First and foremost, both sides of the isle must open their minds and stop using this issue to pander for votes.  Republicans must acknowledge that there is a reason for these mass immigrations. Democrats must acknowledge the harm the open borders are doing to our citizens, our country, and to the immigrants as well. Should the miracle of open minds occur, then perhaps the issue can be addressed in a manner that has a chance of effectuating a solution. A plausible solution must acknowledge the root causes and resultant problems and then consist of a strategy and tactics to overcome both.

Given that the need for asylum vastly outweighs our immigration quotas, perhaps an increase in this quota along with reasonable requirements to enter the country legally would facilitate legal immigration and diminish illegal immigration. Aliens that willing submit to a legal and hopeful procedure and the documentation that goes along with it might help alleviate the illegal numbers and out-of-control masses. Not only would this benefit the aliens but it would benefit us in that we would know who is entering our country and have confidence that they are not bringing in any diseases. Additionally, if crafted properly, it could eliminate the separation of families. However, this alone (if plausible) would not be enough if the border isn’t secure. Securing the border as it was during the Trump administration would make it more preferable for aliens to take advantage of hopeful immigration policies rather than risk crossing illegally – should crossing illegally become more difficult. If they want to come in for valid reasons, we should do all within our power to receive them – just as long as they do it legally and with proper oversight. This may be too simplistic and idea; however it trumps (pun intended) the open border travesty that now equates to nothing less than an invasion.

In conclusion, I ask that you pray for open minds for our elected officials, as well as being willing to be an instrument for affective change by doing all you can to strongly encourage your representative to approach this problem with heart-felt wisdom, while reminding them that although government-run educational programs are not constitutional, it is constitutionally required that they secure our borders. Remember, while this problem may seem impossible for us to solve, with God all things are possible.  Therefore, Christian, pray, pray, pray.