Thread: A nation with open borders is danger to itself

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A nation with open borders is danger to itself
By George Sjostrom
July 21, 2006

Nothing illustrates the frustration of U.S. immigration policy more graphically than the "wet foot/dry foot" policy that was negotiated with Cuba's Fidel Castro by the Clinton administration in 1995.

In a revision of the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 that allowed anyone who fled Cuba to pursue residency, the policy drew a line in the sand, or rather in the water. The Clinton administration agreed to stop admitting Cubans intercepted at sea by our coastal patrols.

However, any refugee, who makes it to shore unassisted, gets a chance to remain in the U.S. and qualify for citizenship. This questionable piece of immigration policy turned our enforcement into a game somewhere between water polo and running with the bulls and made a joke of the principle of lawful entry.

But it's not just Cuban immigrants who are afraid to get their feet wet in our immigration policies. Congress seems to have divided itself into an irreconcilable split, with any sort of compromise appearing unlikely for the rest of the year.

The House version calls for tightening border enforcement, and wants to deny amnesty to illegal immigrants who have already made it to dry land. The Senate version would put some 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country on the path to citizenship. And while Congress is polarized into inactivity, pressure continues to grow among U.S. citizens for decisive action.

The problem is no longer isolated to California, Texas and Florida, but now has stirred acrimony against immigrants countrywide. Thus far this year, more than 500 bills have been introduced in state legislatures, and 27 states have already enacted measures aimed at illegal-immigration control.

In the northeastern Pennsylvania town of Hazelton, population 31,000, the City Council has given preliminary approval to an initiative that calls for revocation of business permits for those who employ illegal immigrants, fines on landlords, who rent to them, and a requirement to declare English as the city's official language

The public is becoming increasingly frustrated by the inability or the unwillingness of Congress to deal with the immigration issue. Most of the public recognizes the need for an orderly flow of immigrants, both skilled and unskilled, that is needed to keep our now-robust economy growing.

At the same time we are impatient that our government has done nothing to plug the holes in a system that has allowed 12 million people to flout the rules that govern the rest of us. We realize that uncontrolled borders are an invitation to invasion.

Congress seems conflicted by three things: One, pressure by industry and consumers to continue the flow of cheap labor to keep U.S. industry competitive with the new global economy; Two, pressure by organized labor to control airlines, auto manufacturers and domestic industry, in general, by restricting the availability of labor; and, three, the siren call of the growing power of Hispanic voters. Hispanics account for nearly one-third of the population in California and Texas.

Some political leaders have framed the issue as a trade-off between border security and a grant of amnesty for those illegal immigrants already here. Apparently, they have set up this paradox as an excuse to do nothing at all. It's a false choice.

The concept of amnesty will be nothing but trouble. Allowing people who have already broken the law to qualify for citizenship is a sin against us all. The 12 million illegal immigrants put a heavy load on the cost of public education and this cost can't be withheld from wages, according to a Supreme Court ruling.

Another heavy burden on taxpayers is healthcare. Congress must act, and soon. The solution must contain two basic elements: First, a promise to enforce already existent rules and requirements for citizenship. Second, a proposal to institute a meaningful guest-worker program that will allow as many temporary workers to enter the country as there are jobs for which they are needed.

Our elected officials are flouting their sworn obligation to uphold the Constitution and the laws enacted thereunder by not taking a firm stand on the immigration problem. We can't let them get by with it. We must demand that both houses stop their political sparring and take immediate action on immigration.

They need to listen to the advice of Ronald Reagan: "A nation without borders is not really a nation."

— George Sjostrom is a Simi Valley freelance writer. His column appears biweekly in The Star. His e-mail address is sjoworld@aol.com.

Someone give George Sjostrom a cigar!!

It is a sorry bunch that is willing to destroy this nation for money and votes.

Our elected officials are flouting their sworn obligation to uphold the Constitution and the laws enacted thereunder by not taking a firm stand on the immigration problem. We can't let them get by with it. We must demand that both houses stop their political sparring and take immediate action on immigration.

Exactly! The inaction of our congress is embarrassing to the nation and the world. We look weak, divided, indecisive and ineffective. And in these days that terrorists want to do us harm we look like easy prey. Are there any strong leaders out there willing to speak up for our laws and citizens?
Great article!