Reactionary News: 60% Say Border Control Should Be Top Immigration Priority
I had a friend ask me once “Gina, what do you think needs to be done to curb undocumented immigration coming from Mexico?” I replied by stating that I felt that we needed to work with Mexico to help them improve their economy. She replied by asking why that was our responsibility. I explained that I do know that it really is our responsibility, but that she wanted to know what we could do and I feel that is the answer. All of this talk of “securing the border” frustrates me because as many of you know and also feel, people will do anything for their family. Fences, military, guns, violence etc. are not going to prevent people from crossing into this country to make a better life for their family. There is a joke that my husband tells that states essentially, “you can build a double wall with a moat that has alligators in it and not only will the Mexican get across it, but they will be selling alligator skin boots and purses on the other side.” While that is somewhat racially charged (which is why my husband tells it and not me), it makes a valid point of demonstrating the determination that people have to come into this country and make a better life for themselves. Fences and guns and military are not going to “secure” our borders. Comprehensive immigration reform that makes it actually possible to legally come to this country and working with Mexico and other countries to improve their economies so that they do not feel they have to leave to improve the life of their family; those two actions would “secure” our borders. I talk mainly of Mexico, because that is where my experience with my husband lies, but this is a valid point for all countries that are struggling and whose people want better lives for themselves and their families. The entire world is not going to immigrate to the United States legally or undocumented. By creating a more open immigration system we are not going to create a giant influx of immigrants but rather a way for people to live freely in the country of their choice, pay taxes, contribute to society and make a better life for their family. This will not happen by putting more “boots on the border.” This will happen through open dialogue, education and working together. I genuinely hope that this blog helps contribute to that dialogue.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Most voters continue to favor a welcoming immigration policy that focuses on gaining control of the border.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely Voters agree that the goal of immigration policy should be to keep out only national…
