Immigration

Much has been spoken for and against the presence of illegal aliens in the US. Michelle Malkin writes about those American citizens who were killed by an illegal alien. President Bush states "we're talking about human beings, decent human beings that need to be treated with respect."

Obviously, both are right in part. Many have entered the US to find a better way of life. Many have entered the US to disrupt our better way of life as common criminals, to take over all or a portion of our land as reconquest or to kill us all because we do not practice their type of religion.

We are reminded that we are a nation of immigrants and that this has been the basis of our strength--one out of many.

I accept the immigration of persons from varying backgrounds who want to become Americans. I want our borders protected to prevent illegal entry of all, specifically those who do not wish to join our national family but to do harm in some way. I believe that respect for our laws against illegal entry or overstaying a legal and time limited entry permit is a key ingredient for becoming a citizen.

The need for "guest workers" is touted as a true need for our economy. What I have not heard is how these "guests" will be treated as far as compensation. Will they continue to receive substandard wages so they undercut Americans who would willingly work at menial jobs if paid a decent wage? Will the "guests" have protections such as insurance if they are injured on the job or will they continue to be dependent on publicly funded social programs? Will current laws against employing illegal, undocumented persons be enforced or simply forgotten? We hear that fines, back taxes etc will be demanded as a means for illegal aliens to become documented as "guest workers". What will be their status as far as Social Security is concerned? Will they become eligible even though they never attain citizenship?

Is the "guest worker" program truly humane in the ways the guests will be treated?

Is the guest worker program humane as it affects Americans who are undereducated and unskilled?

Issues such as guest worker status and the appropriate level of immigration are controversial, causing dissent within ideological factions. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representative James R. Ryun (R-KS) are advancing a proposal that should unite warring factions and help to strengthen our country.A Possibly Unifying Immigration Proposal: "I take this oath solemnly, freely, and without any mental reservation. I absolutely and entirely renounce all allegiance to any foreign state or power of which I have been a subject or citizen. My fidelity and allegiance from this day forward are to the United States of America. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and will support and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I will bear arms, or perform noncombatant military or civilian service, on behalf of the United States when required by law. This I do solemnly swear, so help me God."