The immigration debate has an emotional and by contrast a logical side.
The emotional aspect is rather simple. There are those combatting oppression and even dangers at the hands of their own countries. Escaping from those harrowing life situations are to be supported and escapees searching for a better life welcomed.
The desire to create a better life through opportunity and freedom resonates with virtually all. The beacon for such a life has been and remains the United State of America.
The pragmatic side simply says we are a nation of laws, and our immigration laws state that in order to be a resident or an eventual citizen you must comply with said laws. If you do not, you are not allowed to enter and remain. If you do enter and remain via violation of immigration law, you are subject to enforcement of aforementioned laws and could face arrest or deportation.
That is pretty cut and dry.
That is until certain politicians, organizations, and individuals determine that laws do not apply to them. The rationale is that the laws are unfair, punitive, in violation of the spirit of America and the etchings on the Statue of Liberty.
Really, you're going to bring the Statue of Liberty into this?
Evidently so.
The words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty are invoked as justification for open border immigration policy.
“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-tossed to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
These words originate from the poem, “The New Colossus,” by American Poet Emma Lazarus in 1883. Among the motivations behind this piece was to finance the construction of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands.
This is not a governing policy statement nor a statute or law. It is an expression of poetic idealism. However, these words and these sentiments are often invoked as the definitive and binding position regarding immigration policy.
This exemplifies the emotions surrounding immigration. Paraphrasing, who wouldn’t want to accommodate the tired, poor huddled masses yearning to breathe free? Then again, who wouldn’t want to save every puppy in the Humane Society? Idealism is like eating soup with a fork. You really want the soup, but you need a spoon, and that spoon is the rule of law. It's not perfect, but it works.
The immigration debate resonates here at home in the 50th state. Yes, a reminder. We are part of the United States of America.
There have been protests and condemnations of recent enforcement of immigration laws and executive orders. Many lament the arrests and possible deportations of illegals residing in Hawai‘i.
Very emotional.
Pragmatism dictates if you do not want to incur pain and disruption, then do not break the law. Legal immigration and naturalization are available to virtually all. Like the millions who have in the past become US citizens, one can do the same. Entering and remaining in America illegally already determines you are not fit for citizenship. Your blatant denial of existing laws indicates a disrespect of our country and your drive for self-centered gains at the expense of others.
Just consider the cases here in Hawai‘i.
Recently there were 44 arrests of undocumented suspects by ICE agents on Kaua‘i, a Marshallese citizen arrested for felonies including kidnapping and terroristic threatening and another illegal arrested with a long state criminal history including DWI, domestic abuse and possession of firearms and ammo. Two of these arrestees reportedly had links to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. There is a myriad of other similar or worse stories around the country and here at home.
One additional point.
What of the victims of crimes committed by illegals in our country, our state and our cities? The violations perpetrated against innocent American citizens bringing pain, loss and even more. None of this would have happened if the illegal immigrant criminals were never here. Where is the thoughtful consideration for them and their families?
Finally, the emotional and logical sides meet.
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