Immigration Reform

Political Stunts.

Ron DeSantis sent a group of immigrants from San Antonio, Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. He used funds from the Florida state budget for this stunt. It highlights that we have a problem in this country. How to deal with immigration? Is there a problem? Yes there is.

We know there is a problem

How could we not. Republicans have been touting border security for years. I disagree that border security is a complete solution. I believe that the solution includes being a good Samaritan. As such an individual or family that arrives at our border is treated dignity. If we do this, law abiding people will not arrive at random points in our border, but at approved points of crossing.

There are other issues which should be included.

• There are illegal immigrants who were brought to this country as young children. They grew up in our schools and in many cases, the only home they know is the United States. These individuals need a path to citizenship.
• There are also illegal immigrants who have been here for years, payed taxes, been productive and peaceful members of society. While they may be here illegally, they are not in the moral sense criminals. Are religions teach us to forgive and as a country we should forgive and grant these individuals a path to citizenship.
• Asylum seekers. Asylum seekers are here legally. Many are escaping oppressive regimes. Returning these individuals to their country of origin is not an option. We need more immigration investigators to learn the validity of their claims quickly. The results or these proceeding will often lead to green cards and a path to citizenship.
• There are individuals who have committed violent crimes. These individuals need to be caught and prosecuted.

The individuals recruited for Ron DeSantis’ stunt were here legally as asylum seekers. Republicans like Ron DeSantis don’t want a solution because the issue highlights a talking point which Republicans use to shed a light on ‘weak’ Democrats. It is time for a real discussion of a comprehensive solution. Republicans are not ready for that discussion.

Florida Farm Workers and Ian Cleanup.

Florida farm industry has used migrant labor long time. Some of these workers are undocumented foreign workers, illegal immigrants. In truth both the federal and state governments have turned a blind eye in order to keep prices in our supermarkets low.

Florida also has more than its share of asylum seekers. DeSantis chose not to move people from Florida, but went to Texas. Why? Because the Florida farm industry wants cheap labor to remain in Florida. DeSantis did not want to ruffle the farm industry in his own state.

The cleanup from Ian will also bring immigrant labor to Florida to help with cleanup and eventual construction jobs as local communities recover from the devastation. Many employers in the construction industry use illegal immigrants. It will take time and effort to complete the restoration of normal life in southwest Florida. I personally welcome any and all assistance and would urge moral compassion and laws that make this legal instead of a talking point for politicians.

Why do people come to the United States?

As a people we are the most prosperous country in the world. We are a country of opportunity. People just want a chance and being here provides it.

In many countries, it is dangerous to speak out and point out weaknesses of leaders and the system. These same countries often create obstacles to an individual’s ability to lead a normal life. At some point it is safer to leave than to stay. Many chose the United States as their destination.

So What is the Solution.

Are stronger borders part of the solution? I would say yes, but I also don’t believe walls are the solution. As examples, neither the Berlin Wall nor the Great Wall of China were totally effective. People have demonstarted that Donald Trump’s wall can be climbed.

Historically, this country has been welcoming to immigrants. Only recently has that changed. I would suggest that the story of the good Samaritan says we should treat everyone with dignity. When a person arrives at our border, we should be welcoming, regardless of race, creed, or circumstances. Fully understanding those circumstances take time to determine their motivations.

Improved Conditions throughout the 3rd World.

Opportunity lessens the need to move. Part of the solution to this problem has to do with providing a helping hand in the countries of origin. Happy people do not move. There is a limit to our ability to impact change in other countries, but our attempts are necessary.

The Example of the Good Samaritan.

When immigrants arrive at the border, our first concern should be to comfort, to provide food, healthcare, and shelter. This is what the story of the Good Samaritan tells us. New immigrants often need assistance with health, food and shelter. Once secure, they need self respect. The best route to self respect is work.