Nation of Immigrants and Laws by David Bancroft

The USA is a nation of immigrants with each of us being able to trace our heritage beyond the border of this great country at some point in history. It is also a country of laws that every American holds dear . . . and none more so when it is about our individual rights and security.

So, I can understand how most Americans want secure borders along Mexico where illegal crossings are exceptions instead of the rule. Nor should anyone forget or "politically dismiss" the nation's collective mindset change that occurred on September 11, 2001.

And pointing fingers at anyone Presidential administration doesn't change the fact that nothing really was being done about it before September 11, 2001. Even President Reagan's well-intended amnesty program failed relative to the number of illegal immigrants now in America. Where were our leaders at all levels starting the day after Reagan signed the amnesty bill?

Sadly, this national problem stains even us who vote in our respective leaders, as we have been complacent for our own reasons with most probably out of ignorance or indifference.

Well, the time is now to act for our country's sake with strong, effective border enforcement . . . which should be done as a national security priority and in association with a fair approach to handling the illegal immigrants in the USA.

However, I doubt the majority of Americans will ever accept a policy that allows non-felon illegal immigrants the ability to achieve citizenship before any legal immigrant who has done everything by American law. I even have good friends who are German citizens waiting to join their two children as American citizens.

Now for those foreign leaders who should know better… Keep your advice for your own country's immigration policy with the reminder about throwing rocks from a glass house.

One last thought… President Bush might want to consider calling for a national referendum on permanent approaches to border security and handling illegal immigrants already in the USA, if the House and Senate are unable to reach a compromise. Let the majority decide, if Congress is unable to do so.

Side note… Read about the decimation of CIA intelligence assets that occurred in the mid-1970s due to efforts by the oversight committee chaired by Senator Frank Church's . . . and visualize September 11, 2001, the bad ones still crossing our borders today, and the bad ones who have already crossed.

David Bancroft
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