Blog Entry #1

What is your position on the current state of immigration?

Immigration, especially illegal immigration, is a topic that stirs strong feelings among Americans. Many see it as a threat to our economic and political stability. I think the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants, especially from Mexico, does put an extraordinary strain on our society. The problems we are experiencing with immigration need to be addressed. It will be interesting to see how the president and congress handles immigration reform. Unfortunately, reform needs to happen on both sides of the border. The political corruption that plagues Mexico and drives people north is a huge problem that must be addressed by the Mexican government. I think Quinones is right when he says that immigration is not just an American problem. Mexico’s economic and political instability fosters an efflux of people that has left many communities abandoned to the old and very young. Since 9/11, I think I have grown more uneasy about security along our border with Mexico. The more recent bloodbath among the drug cartels in northern Mexico has heightened my concern. At times, I feel like we really have lost control of our borders. I find it disturbing.

Do you have any suggestions about immigration reform?

I know some people advocate amnesty. My sister-in-law, who entered the United States legally and waded through the long process of becoming a citizen, deeply resents the idea of granting amnesty to those who are here illegally. I can empathize with her completely. I’m not sure if amnesty is the answer, but I do know there are millions of illegal aliens living in the shadows often suffering long separations from family, earning lower wages, and in constant fear of being found. In “The Saga of South Gate,” Quinones talks about the awaking of the Hispanic community to their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Many of these people became citizens after being granted amnesty.
Perhaps U.S. law enforcement agencies helping to train and professionalize their Mexican counterparts could help stem corruption. This could make life more acceptable in Mexico and reduce the need to cross the border. Congress could also reconsider our quota system by allowing more legal immigrants per year and creating a temporary work visa program.