http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/or ... xml&coll=7

My first-generation father: Come legally or stay home
Sunday, May 07, 2006
SAL ESQUIVEL
MEDFORD --

The protesters waving signs in Portland, Eugene and Alba Park in Medford might look good to you. But for me, a second-generation Mexican, and my father, who came here legally from Mexico City, the protests aren't only disturbing -- they're insulting.

Papa came here during the 1940s on a work visa, eventually married, had two children and got his permanent visa. He became a U.S. citizen 14 years later.

He worked very hard to understand the English language -- to speak and write it -- and to learn this country's history so he could pass his test. He was so adamant about being an American he allowed only English to be spoken in his home. So my sister and I never learned Spanish, something I've come to regret.

Papa's English was so good he was put in charge of a lay-up crew at a mill here in Medford that manufactured plywood. He later be came a successful restaurant owner in Texas, which he ran until his retirement about 15 years ago.

My father knew he must assimilate into America's culture and society. He loves baseball and still tracks the Chicago Cubs. (I'm a Giants fan and don't know how he learned to support the Cubbies!)

I'm all for the United States being a culture of immigrants -- because we all are. But with the open borders we have I resent that illegal immigrants aren't coming to this country with the proper paperwork and striving to become U.S. citizens.

To me, they don't seem to care about our country -- they're just interested in economic gain. I know how hard my father worked to be an American. If the illegal immigrants really cared, they'd take the time and make the effort to come here legally. They'd want to be part of our culture and society.

Instead they're being disrespectful to legal immigrants -- and to this nation.

I'm very proud of my papa. Sal Esquivel Sr. is a true American. He's loyal. At 87 years old, he still believes America is the greatest country on Earth. Our country takes different ethnic groups, religions, beliefs and cultures and blends them into a society known as America.

We're a country made of laws, and we should abide by them. Our Washington, D.C., leaders must do several things to stop this influx of illegal immigrants. First, we need some sort of penalty for businesses that hire illegal workers. Second, we need to make sure people here illegally don't receive benefits at the expense of our tax paying public.

If we penalized employers for hiring illegal workers, the demand would drop and these workers wouldn't flood into our country.

Third, we must secure our borders, but not only to stop illegal immigrants; we also must reduce drug activity and the threat of terrorist activity. It's high time our leaders took a hard stance on these issues instead of just playing politics.

I'm watching them, and so is Papa.

Sal Esquivel is a state representative from Medford (District 6) and a real estate broker.

E-mail: sal@fognot.com