Immigration bill deserves support

When I first heard about the proposed federal immigration bill, I was watching Fox News. I can't remember who it was on there, but I heard lots of "amnesty for criminals," and I immediately had a negative view of it.

Then I read what was in the bill: A dramatic increase in border security, a 12-year path to citizenship, and fines for people who came here illegally. The people who want to become citizens have a long road to hoe to get it.

So why the cry of amnesty? Because the Pat Buchanans of the world, whose all-or-nothing social conservatism has as many destructive elements as those on the far left, simply don't want Mexicans coming here en masse, and because they are hung up on the notion that these people came here illegally when they first crossed the border. I have the same concern about their illegal actions. But, we don't just kick out everyone who has committed a crime. Each crime has its appropriate punishment, from fines for speeding to jail time for theft to the death penalty for murder. Coming across a country's border illegally? While I'd love to see a massive fine, the $5,000-plus laid out by the bill seems appropriate and would raise tens of billions of dollars.

 

On the other side, many Hispanics, illegal immigrants, and other apologists for illegal immigrants are angry because the bill makes it too hard to get citizenship, and because the bill makes what an individual can add to America more important than their family. God forbid a nation should look out for its own best interest and try to attract skilled workers.

I think everyone involved with the bill, from Ted Kennedy to President Bush, should be commended for the bill. At a time when America is being torn apart by partisan politics it is encouraging to see people on both sides of the aisle come together, compromise, and make things happen.

Comments

[ousslander]

If they will not secure the border now and enforce current immigration laws now, why should we think they'll magically do it in the future?