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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

My Crazy Theory on Immigration

When I was growing up the most fascinating thing about life was diversity. I cherished my extended family and welcomed the notion that people came from all walks of life. I knew not everyone was the same, and I understood that there were all sorts of people in this world. I grew up with friends who were from Europe, Latin America and Asia. I valued each and everyone’s uniqueness and individuality. I believed that being diverse gave our friendships something special. It is after all the American way to be accepting of others and to love them for who they are.

Fast forward to 2011 and you begin to see a different version of America. The melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions that we once boasted has suddenly become an immigrant’s nightmare. Being an immigrant in America is not uncommon but in the past few years it has been exploited as a social evil and corrupted by politics. I’ve noticed when someone says the words “immigrant” or “immigration” people tend to jump to negative connotations. Sometimes it is even automatically implied that you are an “illegal alien” just because you are an immigrant. It is an unjust oversimplification and in essence this very act has created a second class of Americans.

Who are these second class of Americans? Well from what I’ve seen they are usually Hispanic immigrants whether illegal or legal. We have a tendency to bundle all Hispanics into an umbrella term, “Mexicans”. It’s not only bad to call a Hispanic person Mexican but it is also narrow-minded and we must also bear in mind that not all Mexicans are illegal immigrants. They may make up the vast majority of illegal immigrants but we shouldn’t profile them in this manner. If we paint the picture of illegal immigrants as Mexicans who cross the border then we will never find a solution or real comprehensive immigration reform. If the problem is not that simple then the solution won’t be either.

Accordingly, we see Jim Crow-esqe laws popping up in Arizona and pretty soon a handful of other states; the attack on immigrants usually start in politics. In a recent article I read, a representative in Kansas described their proposed law to target illegal immigrants. When asked what might one of those look like, she responded a “person with an olive complexion.” Just from reading that I found it hard to believe that these laws weren’t profiling people, nonetheless Hispanics. Not to mention ICE’s recent arrest of a man who turned out to be a U.S. citizen, again, profiling.

There are two things that needs to be addressed pertaining to our immigration system. The first and most obvious one we all know; the immigration system is broken and has since mutated into a 50-state free for all. This allows for 50 different states to enact 50 different laws personalized for political gain. At this point the federal government should step in, however they haven’t and I will get to this point later on. Secondly, we need to have a pragmatic approach to illegal immigration. We have an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in America at this point in time. Although shouting “No Amnesty” and “go back to Mexico” would be the more nativist approach, it isn’t pragmatic. Basically, we can’t deport 12 million people given the harm it will do to our already delicate economy and the nature of finding all 12 million.

I find it hard to believe that no one in congress has tackled the issue of immigration. It has festered so badly that it is one of the top three “hot topic” issues facing America. My theory is the lack of progress on this issue is somehow linked to the economy. Every politician in D.C. knows that unless they deal with the deficit and failing economy, they will be targeted and dealt with at the polls. However I believe that immigration is being held hostage by both sides in an attempt to either appease their constituents or be used later as a scapegoat.

Let’s review some arguments brought up by the GOP first. The more obvious and well flourished one is that “illegal immigrants have taken jobs away from American citizens” thusly impacting the economy. Although this may hold true to a certain extent, I firmly believe that they take jobs that we as Americans hold with low regards. Since I was little my parents have taught me to do well in school so that I can get a degree and get a great job. I have yet to have someone tell me to do well in school, and then work as a bus boy for the next 40 years. The jobs which these illegal immigrants take are usually the ones we are either disgusted by or are beneath us. I can’t speak for everyone, but being in college I know that most of my peers would at least agree with me. As harsh as this may sound, it’s the honest truth and it is why I am being educated in the first place.

Another argument brought up by conservatives is “No Amnesty because they broke the law”. I will not even mention the fact that Regan, the Republican’s worshiping idol, gave amnesty while he was in office. This is one of the more justifiable arguments; however I tend to have a weak spot in my heart for illegal immigrants and immigrants in general because I have seen just how broken our system is. Not only is it hard to get here, it is nearly impossible to understand the underlying steps to become a U.S. citizen. To the majority of Americans they believe it is as easy as filling out an application and waiting for someone at USCIS to read it. However, a more knowledgeable person knows that (a) it’s not that easy, (b) USCIS is backlogged by years, and (c) it’s a money game driven by politics. In the end if you are not broke trying to become an American you will undoubtedly be caught up in some legal debacle which can go on for years and for some, decades.

Democrats are not necessarily better at this game of politics either. The Dream Act passed the House of Representatives back in December of 2010 and would have been the first step in immigration reform. So they would have us believe. However, after watching CSPAN that day and watching the news like a hawk in previous weeks, I noticed that although they say this may not be a symbolic vote it was definitely a symbolic vote intended to boost Hispanic support and alienate the opposing party. There were good intentions behind it, I felt the sincerity in the voice of Senator Durbin but I couldn’t help but demonize on the poor timing. To wait until the lame duck session of congress after two years of having a majority in both houses and then try to shove a vote through was irresponsible. It was almost as though this was a strategized move to squash the hopes of millions of kids who wanted nothing more than to go to college or serve the only country they have ever known. It shouldn’t be put so crudely but it is what happened and everyone knew deep down inside it was another political foray.

So what exactly is congress doing up there with immigration? Nothing of course, but now we get to my point of just how integrated immigration is with the economy. On the federal level it’s a scapegoat and a show of politics. On the state level it is a way for big businesses to keep hard workers at an affordable price. Not to mention the tax revenues they generate but will never see.  You may think I am absurd and out of my mind for saying this because ICE has been cracking down on businesses like Chipotle and a thousand more businesses are being audited this very moment. However, you have to sort of read between the lines. Take Georgia for example, it is currently in the process of passing an Arizona type law. The provisions are quite stringent if not even more unbearable than Arizona’s law. Then the following week it suddenly becomes a little less strict. At first I couldn’t understand the quick change in heart given its conservative atmosphere but again after rummaging through news articles I realized that they were being less lenient to protect the agriculture industry. Of course big business always wins in the end and it always gets the final word. In Wisconsin, Governor Walker may be doing the talking but without a doubt, the Koch brothers are doing the thinking.

Now you may be thinking, what happened in the case of Arizona? Well that’s where my theory gets sketchy. I want to believe that big business is to blame for its ridiculous law because the alternative idea is almost inhumane. To think that a group of people in higher power deemed it fit to segregate, summon hate and alienate a group of individuals is almost unfathomable. However, it is happening and it’s happening in 2011.

Whatever the underlying issue for the slow progress on immigration, I have faith that we will come to our senses. We should be more welcoming to immigrants from every country and find a way to once and for all deal with the 12 million illegal immigrants already here. The solution should be pragmatic, involve a comprehensive reform, and benefit our economy, along with a bipartisan effort. We may sit here and play the blame game, as congress has been doing for the past decade, but it is this very game in which America is losing.  

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