Another Perspective on the Immigration Issue

Virtually every American has his or her own opinion about immigration and what should be done about it. Some would like to see things remain as they are. A few believe our borders should be open, with people allowed to come and go as they please. Others think that only immigrants from certain countries or ethnic backgrounds should be allowed entrance into these United States. And, of course, there are those who believe that immigration should be scaled back dramatically, at least for awhile, and extra measures taken to ensure that those who are here illegally are deported.

No matter what your position, I'm sure you have good reason to believe the way you do. It's a difficult issue and, quite frankly, I'm not entirely sure where I stand. I will, however, share some of my thoughts on the subject.

President Bush's "guest-worker" proposal isn't the answer because it rewards those individuals and businesses that continually violate our immigration laws and singles out one particular group of immigrants for special treatment. It is a stop-gap solution to a long-term problem, and until we differentiate between the "jobs Americans just won't do" and the jobs American businesses just aren't willing to pay Americans enough to do, we won't make any progress.

But I am hesitant to jump on board the anti-immigration bandwagon. One reason is that I am concerned about what might happen to the otherwise law-abiding immigrants who are affected by circumstances beyond their control and find themselves lumped in with those who willingly, knowingly, and flagrantly violate our laws.

One such example is a close family friend. He came here from Russia on a student visa in 1991, before the collapse of the Soviet Union. He applied for asylum in the U.S., was denied, and filed an appeal.