The immigration issue
In 1620, 108 pilgrims set out from port Plymouth to the new
world awaiting them. Many of the 108 passengers were separatists, fleeing
persistent religious persecution. They survived harsh new England winter
environment and their voyage has become an iconic story in the American
history. The culmination of the voyage in singing of the Mayflower compact was
an event that established a rudimentary form democracy that emanated into what
would become a mainstay political form in America.
Fast forward to 1800s, immigration to the budding country had
significantly increased starting from the 1820s. From 1820 to 1860,
millions of Irish arrived escaping the blight of Great Irish Famine back
home. Needless to say, the Irish weren’t required to have visas.
The country was in need of labor in canal building, lumbering, and civil
constructions. Most of the Irish settled in the big cities along the
coast. During the Civil war, the newly arrived Irish immigrants would be
granted citizenship right off the ship only to be drafted in the US army.
Of course, the Irish has had a huge impact on America as whole.
From the very beginning when the first settlers arriving in
Mayflower to the Irish, Italian, and other Europeans’ immigration, America has
always represented a hope and a way of living a new life escaping harsh
environment of the home country. THIS IS WHAT THIS COUNTRY is
about. This country was founded by immigrants on the backs of the
immigrants. It provided safe haven with
opportunities to the newcomers. Everyone in this country finds an
immigration story in their family. Morally, it is wrong for us to exclude
the so called “illegal immigrants” when in fact the only difference between the
way how they arrived and how your ancestors arrived is timing.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating to get rid of
INS. After all, there has been a nation building in this land. Just like any other nations, a sensible
immigration policy is necessary for this country. But, the issue at hand
is not whether we get rid of borders altogether and let everyone in. The
issue is rather, after so many years of material establishment by all of these
so called “illegal immigrants” in this country, how could we turn our backs and
tell them to leave, ignoring the human costs they will have to endure?
Even letting them stay still means a very difficult path to legal immigration
status. They will still need to be able support themselves financially
and the slightest infraction against law would jeopardize their legal
“entrance” to this country. By no means, this is a sweet offer.
But, this is the least we should do.
Fei Shen
June 2016
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