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Immigration. Walls at The Borders. Barriers or Buttresses? ©

On occasion, I am fortunate; I find that an essayist heard on National Public Radio has written a commentary and published the text for all to read. Thus far, I have yet to locate the transcript for “'Good Fences': Misreading Poetry,” an essay I heard this evening on All Things Considered. However, I will keep searching. Until then, I am offering a link to the story so you might listen to the author himself.

Jay Keyser, Professor of Linguistics at MIT is baffled and distressed by the use of a Robert Frost verse in defense of building walls between borders. He speaks of how the oft quoted poem, “Mending Wall” is misunderstood, if analyzed at all.

The poem closes with the line we all recall “Good fences make good neighbours.” When people speak of immigration, or more accurately segregation, they use this declaration to justify their stance.

America. Freedom Of Speech, English Only ©

Photograph By Jim Young I am dumbfounded or at least, wish I were. America has once again proved itself xenophobic! I awoke to the news, “Senate Votes to Set English as National Language.” Apparently, on Thursday, May 18, 2006, the Senate agreed to declare English this nation’s official language. The debate, prior to the formal poll was passionate. The word “racism” was tossed about. Nevertheless, the bigoted belied what they know to be correct and voted overwhelmingly to impose English upon all that enter this land. The final vote was 63 in favor, 34 against.

However, 'moments later,' the voice of reason filled the room, Senate members altered their stance slightly. They again voted, and this time passed a less powerful amendment. English would be titled the “unifying language.” I ask how a divisive dictum can unify rather than divide. Sadly, I am certain I will not receive an answer that I can comprehend. According to Democratic Senator Harry Reid “Although the intent may not be there, I really believe this amendment is racist. I believe it is directed at people who speak Spanish.” Mr. Reid, I trust that is true. America has become focused on Mexican immigrants. This nation wants the “Brown” out!

Immigration. Why Wail For A Wall or Agitate About Amnesty? ©

Al Podgorski, Photographer. Sun-Times On Monday, May 01, 2006, another May Day will come and go. However, for those in the United States this international holiday that honors laborers will be different. This one will live in the memories of Americans forever. In this country, citizens, and non, will speak out on the issue of immigration. For, it is the newest immigrants that makeup a large portion of our labor force. These persons are planning not to go to work today; nor will their supporters. They and their allies will stand up for themselves, their beliefs, and their desire for freedom.

Other will also venture out. They will take to the streets, the blogs, the bars, and airwaves. They will wail for walls. Some will agitate over the issue of amnesty. Whether they themselves are residing in this country legally or not, people will demonstrate. They will express their opinions loudly and openly.

The undocumented workers here in the USA are not loved; they are loathed by a vast majority of the populace. Numerous liberals, those that usually support the downtrodden have turned their backs on this population. They see them as law-breakers, union busters, and less than those born in this country.

Immigration. Intertwining Self-Interests and Ignoring Interdependence ©

When discussing immigration it seems that what we in America know is what we ignore. We know we want higher wages. Americans strongly support increasing the income of native-born and naturalized workers. Citizens of this country consider their wages and benefits vital. Those of others in “foreign” lands are not our problem, or possibly, they are a cursory consideration.

Persons residing in the United States want to ensure their quality of life. The general public wants “stuff.” They are proud of their possessions and property. They flaunt these on airwaves and movie screens throughout the world. People in this nation want the others on this Earth to see how good they have it. Americans say, “Look at me. I am so happy and healthy because I have this, that, and the riches that you do not.” People of the USA pose for the cameras and profess, “This is America, the land of the free, home of the brave, and the land of opportunity.” Citizens of this country invite and entice people from afar to come to this great land. Then when immigrants do, [the ugly] Americans says, “Now, go home!”

Americans are offended when those residing in this country without papers crave what citizens have or when they use our services and resources. What happened to hospitality? Hostility replaced it.

Americans Violate the Law and Call “Them” Illegal? ©

Recently, an article appeared in my world. The title, “Center seeks justice for Katrina's migrant workers.” This informative essay was published in a periodical I regularly receive, The Southern Poverty Law Center news. This piece stimulated much thought. Citizens of this country want to eliminate illegal immigration. They are boisterous and belligerent when discussing this topic. The blame-game is rampant; “it is anyone but me that is responsible for this problem.” However, this paper reveals it is not.

We talk of “illegal aliens”; however, I wonder. Might we instead discuss “illegal Americans?”

Immigration Issue . . . Problem and Plan ©

Prologue
The essence of this prologue, while subtlety mentioned in the content, needs to be specified in the foreword. I was reminded of this by a glorious woman from China, A, who commented below. She helped me to acknowledge what I truly believe and deeply know. Anyone that feels forced to think, say, do, feel, or be as another deems best, may follow the lead; however, ultimately, they will resent, rebel, and reject their own choices. This preface may be an example of this.

May I clarify and expand this expose´ by saying . . .We all, worldwide, must be free to choose. We may willingly oblige by some standards, those that bring us a sense of safety or stability. We are likely to abide by regulations that we think “sensible.” For instance, we will “choose” to pause at a stop sign, or at least I thought so until I moved to Florida. We may wear seatbelts. Yet, even these actions are often not executed. Those that consider them beneficial will practice these conventions.

Nevertheless, all people, everywhere, do want the freedom to choose. Humans want to move freely, to be “who” they truly are within, and to better their lives. Governments can suggest. Nevertheless, people decide.

Immigration Issues, “When is Enough, Enough?” ©

Earlier today, I was writing another treatise on immigration, specifically, I was speaking of those that arrived in America without papers. I could not restrain myself. The evening before, after reading comments on “liberal” blogs, I felt frustrated. I was astonished to realize the “Left” could be so loathsome when discussing human beings, those that fled their countries, and came to the United States, in hopes of bettering their lives. I could not stop thinking of the hypocrisy.

THE ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION, MEXICAN MIGRANTS ©

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me
Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus, 1883.

When we think of America, of what we fondly call the melting pot, when we reflect upon the masses that entered our country, this poem often comes to mind. It is inscribed on the pedestal of "Lady Liberty," this statue is forever linked to our concept of immigration. However, immigration is often not as sweet as this poem implies. Migrants to the United States were never fully welcome; few were greeted with open arms. Those that were here first often felt threatened and immigration laws throughout our history reflect this.

In 1790, Congress ratified the first immigration bill, the Naturalization Act. This measure stated, “Any alien, being a free, white person, may be admitted to become a citizen of the United States." Borders were open; yet, only to whites. In 1875, “idiots," "lunatics," convicts, and those that were likely to become a financial burden on society were excluded. In essence, people needed to be pure in blood, of sound mind, and somewhat affluent. People came, yet there were questions and qualms. What passed for white was not exactly what the founders and their progeny expected. Racial tension became a reality.

In 1882, The Chinese Exclusion Act was endorsed and enacted. The first quota systems came into being in 1917. The foreign born were required to prove literacy before entering the United States. By 1921, restrictions were refined. The United States Congress ratified a “National Origin Quota System.” Then, in 1954, “special” racial quotas were enacted. Ironically, in this same year, the Supreme Court ruled on Brown versus Board of Education. Separate was no longer equal.

However, in America, there was, and is, much separation. There were Italian ghettos, China towns, German villages, and the Irish section of the city, Jews lived here and Blacks there. Indians were placed on reservations; some question whether they are Native Americans, or also immigrants. Native Americans and Mexicans have long lived on this North American continent. Yet, each group is considered “alien” in America. Each is being mistreated in a manner similar to that of other immigrants.

Every “group” goes through this, discrimination, and recrimination. Now, the Mexicans are the focus; it seems to be their turn. Their travel will be as all those before them, different, and yet, similar. Their travel will be as all those before them, different, and yet, similar.