The Fight for Immigration Reform
Presidential candidates claim to have all the answers. But do they?
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Apr 02, 2008
Immigration is one of those controversial issues that
touch on many aspects of American life. It's challenging
because on one hand, there are those who
come to the United States to seek a better life. But in
doing so, they are breaking the law.
Three people believe they have the answers to resolve
this issue, and oddly enough, all three want to be president
of the United States. All have had the power to do
something about immigration reform because all are U.S.
senators. However, this is an issue they should have been
talking about long ago.
In writing about comprehensive immigration reform,
I make no apologies and excuses about my political
leanings. I'm a Republican -- always have been. So my
thoughts tend to lean to the right. With that, I believe
there is a proper way to come into this country to work,
live and prepare for a better future.
I'm also of the opinion that those people who sneak
into this country should remain in their own country and
try to make those surroundings more tolerable. I've
always believed that our borders must be secure, and it is
my opinion that the federal government has failed to
ensure that security. The fact is, Americans have little, if
any, trust that the government will honor its responsibility
to do whatever it takes to make the borders secure. Part
of the problem lies within our own halls of Congress.
Let's look at the views of the senators seeking the
presidency: John McCain (R-Ariz), Barack Obama (DIll.)
and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.).
John McCain. He promises to secure the borders
and restore the trust Americans should have in government
competency. He claims that a secure border is an
essential element of our national security, which
includes tight border security with the entry and exit of
people and the effective screening of cargo at our ports
of entry.
In addres
sing the immigration problem, McCain recognizes
the importance of building strong allies in
Mexico and Latin America who reject the siren call of
leaders like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and who
support freedom and democracy with strong domestic
economies and abundant economic opportunities.
Barack Obama. The Obama campaign claims he
played a leading role in crafting comprehensive immigration
reform. But the part I like best about this candidate
is his opinion that the immigration issue has been
exploited by politicians to divide the nation rather than
find real solutions. Obama is speaking of himself,
because he is a politician, though he believes this has
been a divisive issue that has actually allowed illegal
immigration to worsen.
In fixing the dysfunctional bureaucracy, Obama wants
to balance the needs of American workers and the U.S.
economy. He wants to preserve the integrity of the borders
by adding more staff, infrastructure and technology on the
border and at ports of entry. Obama is in favor of more
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents equipped with
better technology and real-time intelligence.
Hillary Clinton. She argues that the current laws are
inadequate and no longer serve the best interests of the
United States. The immigration laws don't reflect the
compassion, respect and policies needed to help families,
the senator said. Clinton wants greater cross-cooperation
with our neighbors, strict but fair enforcement of the laws
and federal assistance for state and local governments.
In reviewing each of the candidates and their ideas to
strengthen border security, I have a few questions. Who
is going to pay for everything Clinton wants to enact?
Can we charge $5 per airplane passenger to offset costs?
Is it doable to increase the cigarette tax to pay for these
programs, or shall we just raise income taxes?
The answer: Clinton is so far off base in her meanderings
that I'm not sure she's even within the borders of
this country when she speaks. This is the same candidate
who suggested spending $1 million for a museum devoted
to the Woodstock Music Fest. Wouldn't that money be
better spent on border control?
The answer: Obama is essentially on the right track,
but it always bothers me when someone says America
has always been a nation of immigrants. When our forefathers
came to this country, they broke no laws by stepping
onto what is now American soil. Obama wants the
millions of illegals living in the United States to come
out of the shadows and get right with the law. Illegal
immigrants in good standing could pay a fine, learn
English, not violate the law and go to the back of the line
for the opportunity to become citizens. What he doesn't
say is these same people have already violated the law by
coming to the United States.
The answer: McCain understands the needs of a pro-growth
policy, such as keeping government spending in
check, holding down taxes and cutting unnecessary regulatory
burdens. The senator is in favor of providing
skilled Americans and immigrants with opportunity,
such as retraining and assistance programs. He also
wants to assimilate the immigrant population, which
includes learning English, American history and civics,
and respecting the values of a democratic society. Some
would say that it doesn't make sense to have strict border
control but assimilate those who are already here.
My opinion: Border security and the failed immigration
system are more examples of an ailing Washington
culture in need of reform. Politicians talk about America
in regard to that "shining city upon a hill," and I hope
they aren't talking about Washington, D.C. It's a wonderful
American city, but many politicians have tarnished
even the very goal immigrants are seeking—to build a
better life on hard work and optimism.
The solution: Other than running for president
myself, I like what Theodore Roosevelt said in 1907.
Becoming an immigrant should be predicated upon
becoming an American and nothing but an American.
There can be no divided allegiance here.
"Any man who says he is an American, but is something
else also, isn't an American at all," Roosevelt said.
"We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and
this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars
against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes
any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile ... We
have room for but one language here, and that is the
English language ... and we have room for but one sole
loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."