COMMNETARY : Immigration a Problem; Here's A Solution
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Immigration a problem; here's a solution
By: GENE VITAMANTI - Commentary
NORTH COUNTY TIMES
JANUARY 7, 2008
Immigration is the hottest political issue of the day and it is interesting to watch presidential aspirants squirm as they avoid answering questions on the subject. I admit to a little squirming myself; but I have finally made up my mind and because I am not a presidential aspirant I will lay out my theory without fear of suicide bombers hugging me to death.
Immigrants have always been good for the United States. They represent that special breed of people who, discontented with life in their own country, are willing to take a chance on the unknown. Generally, they have been honest and hard-working and fill a great need in our country.
The actual number of "illegals" is reportedly from 20 million-30 million people. Rounding them up to ship them back home would tear families apart and create one of the worst moral disasters since black segregation and the Japanese internment. We Americans like to claim the high moral ground and this would be a blot on our national character.
There is no doubt that they are going to be allowed to stay, so the issue becomes how we make the best of the situation.
First, we absolutely need to secure the borders so that further illegal immigration is stopped. Expensive? Yes, but the alternative is more costly.
Second, is a suggestion made by Bill O'Reilly: Immediately deport any illegal with a criminal record -- and we are not talking about jaywalking or parking tickets.
One of the problems that has evolved over the last few decades is the idea of encouraging cultural diversity over the melting-pot theory. This approach took root in Canada and Belgium and both countries have been fighting movements to split their land into different countries. We shouldn't stifle cultural diversity, but we should stop encouraging it and let it become a minor but fun diversion, such as St. Patrick's Day.
Educating immigrant youngsters is critical. It is expensive in the short term, but will develop big dividends in the end. The better educated they are, the better it will be for them and our country. Also, this is where they should get a heavy dose of Americanism. Instead of emphasizing diversity, emphasize Americanism ---- but don't denigrate their heredity.
Declare English to be the official language. Encourage immigrants to keep their native language, but have free night classes in English. English comes first.
A major project would be to issue tamper-proof identity cards to all noncitizens and to start a process for citizenship. Immigrants without a card would be deported. Any employer who hires noncitizens without a card would face stiff fines.
Lastly, if it is certified that we still need temporary workers, we should set up a tough verification system -- one that includes protection against rapacious employers and the middlemen. Decent pay, living and working conditions should be written into law.
This approach would continue to keep our country stable and strong.
Most of these people are willing to work hard and reveal a sense of responsibility by sending money to families in the old country instead of selfishly keeping it all and to hell with everyone else. This is the kind of people we want to join America.
Gene Vitamanti is a freelance columnist who lives in Murrieta. Email genevit1@verizon.net.
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