An Immigrant's Daughter's Views on Undocumented Immigrants, Policies, and Fences
I believe that undocumented immigrants who are already in the United States should have the opportunity to achieve citizenship without being seen as criminals. As part of immigration reform, the path to citizenship should be streamlined and made affordable. Perhaps more undocumented immigrants would be willing and able to pursue citizenship.
As for undocumented immigrants taking jobs from American citizens, I have noticed that the jobs that are "taken" are the jobs that many Americans shun because they are seen as dangerous, menial, or low-paying.
Some people think that immigration reform should apply only to Mexicans and other Latinos. I don't think so. All immigrants should be given an equal path to citizenship, whether they are from Mexico, Africa, Central Asia, or Eastern Europe. If they enter the country illegally, deportation and other consequences should be applied equally to each group. There is something inherently racist about an immigration policy that focuses negatively only on immigrants of color, while ignoring the fact that there are undocumented immigrants of all races in our country.
Finally, I think that the idea of building a wall or fence along the U.S.-Mexico border is misguided, and a waste of resources. It won't do any good - just look at the so-called security wall in Israel/Palestine. People are resourceful and inventive, and will somehow get around such a barrier.
Besides, no one is talking about building a fence along the U.S. - Canada border, now, are they? Talk about subtle racism! Undocumented immigrants enter the United States through Canada, as well.
Why should our country have a fence? Do we, the most open nation on the planet want to present this kind of image to the world? We are a nation of immigrants, and we ought to be proud of that. Look at all of the great and positive things that immigrants have done for the U.S.!
Although I don't agree with everything that my government does, I love my country, and I don't know what my life would be like if a certain Mr. Cameron had not decided to come here to better his life.
Published by Anita Cameron
Anita Cameron hails from Chicago, IL, and is the younger of twins. She holds degrees in Biology, and Computer Information Systems. Drawing on her passion for social justice and change, she became involve... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentMy parents immigrated with so many different bloods that I'm a mutt, lol. I agree about the wall Anita and keep on writing but don't ever try to run for office, the way people are thinking in this country, you would lose by a prejudiced landslide!
I guess if you look closer we are all one, two or more generations removed from being immigrants ourselves! Good job, Anita!
Anita, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I'm an ESL teacher and I come in contact with immigrants on a daily basis, both legal and illegal, and I can tell you that at least my students seem to have a better understanding of the American Dream than many of us do. I only wish I could do something to help them more. As for the fence, totally right on!
Very compassionate piece, Anita. I get sick of the rabid, racist views which surface in the UK when Eastern Europeans come over to Britain - even legally. The world is my country has always been my philosophy.
Very heartfelt article Anita, It must be so hard for those who try to get away from war or poverty stricken countries to make a living in richer countries. I wish living standards were the same everywhere so no one had to take the illegal route, if...if...if
It was my father who became an American citizen. I was born here. :) I have visited Canada many times, but yes, it is hard to get in. Thanks for your comment, and I'm glad that you liked the article.
I am very glad you have become a citizen of the United States. You apparently have gotten an education and done well for yourself. I am always glad to see that. Yes, people do come here from Canada but have you tried to visit Canada? You almost can't get in for a vacation. We as a people do not necessarily give the menial jobs to undocumented immigrants. I know very wealthy people in the area where I live who give jobs to them and pay them well. What they are doing is cheating the workers and thier own government and breaking the law. They do not withhold taxes and social security from their wages because they do not want to pay their fair share of the social security on these workers. I like your article.