Second, it seems far too easily forgotten that one must be an U.S. citizen in order to warrant the rights afforded to a citizen. That should be the end of discussion.

Third, legal immigrants working alongside native born citizens have made this country what it is. We have thrived on the contributions of immigrants and will usually need them, though to varying degrees, throughout most sectors of our economy. The problem is that we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to those who enter illegally, ignore our laws and seek to subvert our culture and national values. We welcome those who follow the rules, learn the English language, and respect our sovereignty. As illegal immigrants, it is not only offensive but also ridiculous to ask for rights, which they have not earned nor are entitled to.

Let’s secure our borders by building the fence so we have an effective and controlled immigration system at the same time as we enforce our currently existing immigration laws. During this interval we encourage illegals to depart (attrition through enforcement). Once our borders are secured and we have a grip on a functional system of immigration, we move against those illegals that have refused to leave. We should never ever grant amnesty.
We tried ‘comprehensive immigration reform’ in 1986. We gave amnesty to 3 million illegal aliens in exchange for the government promising to secure the borders, conduct workplace enforcement and enforce immigration law. It didn’t work because the government lied and did nothing other than process the amnesty paperwork. Due to that folly, we now have 20 Million or more illegal aliens here demanding amnesty.

Don’t you think it is far beyond time that we engage in Comprehensive Immigration ENFORCEMENT rather than Comprehensive Immigration Reform?

I feel strongly that this country must amend its immigration policy to put a stop to the xenophobia and false information that have long defined the way this place stigmatizes immigrants of color.

You are entitled to your opinions and your history. However, my history has taught me that the immigration policies you refer to privileged white immigrants and polices such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of the late 19th century and the Bracero Program of the 1930’s discriminate on immigrants of color. Until true immigration reform is passed, the backbone of this economy will continue to be what you define as ‘undocumented.;

The laws that are in place do not take into account the historical trajectory that has riveted issues of immigration in the US and across Western Europe. It is now that we are witnessing the effects of imperialism, colonization, and domination, as third world countries are ill-equipped to adequately provide for all of its residents. Now, I maintain this is not inadequacy on the part of these countries and for that fact, three continents, but the disenfranchisement that lingers as the colonial powers that be raped the land of its natural resources and continue to do so with plans of privatization.

Now with this history, I ask you to respect the histories of others and acknowledge that your history is relative to an immigration policy that is delinquent because of its discriminatory and exploitative gaze. Can we agree that this country’s wealth was built on the backs of slave laborers, who were raped and pillaged from their native countries and placed? With that, please acknowledge that today’s economy is built on the invisible labor force, that is drawing new similarities to the Jim Crow south each day, as low-wages, horrid working conditions, and lack of representation leave individuals who fled disparaging conditions with no where to turn but predatory creditors.

I hope that you, as a third generation descendent of immigrants respect those who kill themselves to keep this country working. Those that lost their farms in their native countries because of free trade and neoliberalism, who are now canning your fruit and freezing your vegetables in factories across the U.S. Those that sew your clothes from Los Angeles to Saipan. Those that mow your lawn, gut your home, and tile your floor for money that is less than the total number of fingers on your right hand.

Legalization is for all is something that is not only right, but humane. Millions will continue to come to the U.S., France, England, and Italy. Because billions of people in the third world have limited options and low rates of survival. So let’s just work it out Dorothy Carlson by taking some time out of our privileged lives to learn a little bit about world history and humanity.

It has worked for over 200 years….the system still works. there is no reason why immigration cannot be done according to already established laws.

I’ve heard that families are starving…..so were my Irish immigrant great-great-grandparents’. Political persecution….I have family who escaped Europe in the 1930’s. The difference is that those immigrants RESPECTED this country. That is what angers me……the people who come here with no respect, yet they seem to feel entitled.

All I can say, is that you are welcome…..IF you respect our nation like you would want us to respect yours, and immigrate according to our laws.

We will welcome you, just do it right.

Mike Harmon