Thread: A former U.S. magistrate's perspective on immigration reform

Local View: A former U.S. magistrate's perspective on immigration reform


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9 hours ago • BY DAVID L. PIESTER(0) Comments


When I was an active U.S. magistrate judge, of all of my duties, I was the most privileged to naturalize, in all, hundreds of new United States citizens.


The fruition of years of work, resilience, persistence, patriotism and hope beamed on those faces. The histories of those new citizens were sometimes wrenching, and they showed deep devotion to this country even as they parted with their counties of origin.


The energy from the din of different accents heard at post-ceremony receptions loudly demonstrated that our diversity is indeed the strength of this nation. This country needs that energy, and we need that strength.


I am convinced that our country needs comprehensive immigration reform. Currently pending before the House of Representatives, a comprehensive approach is being subjected to efforts to keep it off the House agenda and prevent a record vote on the matter. Now is the time to write representatives and urge them to support the comprehensive approach to immigration reform embodied in the Senate bill passed this year.


There are lots of legitimate interests concerning immigration reform. Businesses, farmers, ranchers, nurserymen, restaurateurs and other economic interests need permanent laborers. Union members want to protect jobs. Others do not want undocumented immigrants to get an unfair advantage in the quest for citizenship. Undocumented workers want to put an end to being treated unfairly because they cannot speak out. These and other interests have been brought “to the table” and heard in crafting the currently pending legislative proposal.


Immigrants in Nebraska represent about the only population causing growth in our towns and cities, and population growth converts to economic growth. Recent forums in Norfolk and Crete have showcased the benefits immigrants have brought to rural Nebraska communities. The interest of fairness demands that our nation get these people out of limbo and into proper roles as full and productive members of society. Now is the best opportunity to do so.


“Border security” is a nice phrase, but we all know it is impossible to close the border with Mexico; millions already have been spent demonstrating just that.


The reality is that the border with Mexico will continue to be a sieve so long as there is no economic growth and no rule of law there, regardless of so-called security measures taken by the United States. We must face that reality.


It is popular among some groups to call for “deportation” of the 12 million “illegal” immigrants in this country. Yet no one has suggested any realistic means to do so, even if we had the will. No, they are here, and most will remain here their whole lives. We must face that reality, too. We need a comprehensive process that recognizes these immigrants' existence, recognizes the rule of law by penalizing past unlawful entries and provides hope for future legal participation in our society, even to the point of citizenship. If given legal status, these immigrants would be buying more houses, paying more taxes, starting more businesses and otherwise contributing to this country's great engine of economic growth, cultural diversity and participatory democracy.


Comprehensive immigration reform also is a moral issue. It is simply wrong for this country to orphan children by deporting their parents and caretakers. It is wrong to exploit laborers because they are too afraid of disclosure to stand up for their rights. It is wrong to penalize children and young adults for unlawful acts of their parents. It is wrong to preclude bright, aspiring Americans from fully participating in this country's abundance.


Now is our opportunity to address and rectify these problems with our present immigration laws. Please write Congress now and express support for comprehensive immigration reform.


David L. Piester stepped down as U.S. magistrate in 2009 after 28 years on the bench.

http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/...4811977c9.html

Comprehensive immigration reform also is a moral issue. It is simply wrong for this country to orphan children by deporting their parents and caretakers

Children should be with their parents.