| It's getting quite tiresome hearing people accuse "illegal immigrants" of destroying or bankrupting America. Ever since we came to this land, we kept on taking: we destroyed the lives of indigenous Indian tribes - because we needed their land. We enslaved the people of Africa - because we needed a cheap labor. To expand the control over this land, we took advantage of the desperation of migrants who came here from all over the world with a dream, luring them with 'golden opportunities' to the new territories out in the West, - a really cheap way of expansion, if not counting lost lives.
For several decades America has championed the Globalization of Trade, to give our big business an advantage by clearing a path to the rampant spread of cheap labor in the third world countries (NAFTA is one of the outcomes). Or, I apologize - "to bring jobs and prosperity to the needy" for $2 - $5 a day!
As the misery progressed, and despondent families have moved from the South America across the unprotected borders, we looked the other way; for we were happy that our needs for cheap baby-sitters, house cleaners, dishwashers and lawnmowers were being satisfied. And we would continue to be happy, if it wasn't for that insidious desire that is shared by most refugees: of better life and better jobs, of having their families together, of education for their children, of having access to doctors and hospitals. If only they'd be content with what we need them here for (a cheap labor) - we would be happy.
We certainly need American soldiers protecting our borders from human and drug trafficking, NOW! But these refugees, who are people - like us, have the right to build their lives and are not going to disappear; they are here to stay. And we have to create a humane process to help integrate these people into our society, the way this country opened itself to our parents, grandparents and to many of us.
It is high time, America, to start accepting responsibility for the consequences of our actions. And may be, just may be, we can turn this country into a better place together. |