Immigration reform sorely needed

By: TINA JILLINGS - Commentary

Immigration means to come into a foreign country and take up residence. One little word changes the entire meaning of this action: illegal.

I am appalled by the current antics of the San Diego Minutemen. The article in the North County Times on Sunday regarding their latest victim, St. Peter's Church in Fallbrook, makes it clear that we are in need of compassionate, fair, humane, dignified immigration reform now. The current tactics of this extremist group once again show the blatant disregard or disrespect for anyone who does not agree with their position. Our elected officials have not done their jobs in this area, and I find this to be a huge disappointment. Unfortunately, because of this, we have presumably good people doing and saying some awful things.

However, I believe that the means never justify the ends. The late and great civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. said, "One of the great debates of history has been over the whole question of ends and means; there have been those that argue that the end justifies the means, and in the long run of history, destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends."

We can't forget that we are talking about human beings, not, as some have stated in this newspaper, "rats," "roaches," "criminals" "anchor babies." I believe the latter is a reference to children born here in the United States. I think a more appropriate phrase is "American citizen," which is what they are according to our U.S. Constitution. They are Americans! I do understand if one can make others believe that a person or persons are less than human it is easier to persecute that person or persons. It makes it more palatable to demean others.

I have read where some wish to compare our immigration policies with other countries. The United States is the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. It is ridiculous to try to compare us with, or suggest that we adopt immigration policy from, countries that we denounce as the Third World. Those countries should be striving to be more like us, not us like them.

The United States is a great nation and it was made that way by immigrants. We are a diverse nation with the flavor and color of many different cultures. I embrace all people and enjoy the diversity and contribution each person adds. I am proud to be an American, but I am afraid that the America I know and love is being destroyed by hate, intolerance and indifference. The America I grew up in allowed for dreams to come true, hard work to equal prosperity and success, the land of Golden Opportunity. That is not true any longer and it is because of the minority among us who, as Voltaire said, if you can make people believe absurdities you can make them commit atrocities. I have witnessed some atrocities!

Please call your legislators and ask them to bring back the American way. Please give me back my country.

Vista resident Tina Jillings is a former City Council candidate and member of the Vista-based Coalition for Justice, Peace and Dignity, an organization that lobbies for fair treatment of Latinos and day laborers.

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