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Tougher immigration penalties needed
Oct. 1, 2011
Ramsey Fowler
I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond to my articles. I am thankful that my opinions are being read, and are sparking debates. This is really getting interesting. So get comfortable and read this fairy tale.
Once upon a time in a land far, far away a boy named Johnny was born. Johnny was a nice child that was raised in a broken home. Johnny’s parents had divorced when he was in elementary school. Like in many divorces, financial concerns played a major part in his parent’s separation.
Johnny met Mary in elementary school and they became best friends. As they grew older, they fell in love. They wanted to get married out of high school, but they both decided to go to college. Johnny had saved enough money to buy Mary a promise ring. Through hard work and determination, they graduated in four years and got married. They had saved enough for a down payment on a wonderful two bedroom house with an unfinished basement. Johnny worked the numbers and budget several times to make sure that the strain of a mortgage would not be a concern for them in their marriage. Everything was going well, and he was meeting his financial obligations – paying the mortgage, the utility bill, his school loans, the family’s insurance and making charitable contributions. He was even able to save a little money for their retirement.
About a year later, Mary informed Johnny that she was pregnant. He was excited but a little nervous about the additional responsibility and cost. He started reworking the numbers and figured he could potentially get a second job to make ends meet. Nine months later, baby Lilly was born and the happy family was complete. Money was tight and the budget had to be adjusted, but Johnny was proud that he figured out how to start saving for Lilly’s college. Time went by and Lilly grew into a happy toddler. One night Lilly started crying in her bedroom. Johnny ran in to see what was wrong. Lilly had pulled the covers over her head. She said she had a bad dream and that she heard strange voices. Johnny comforted her and she finally fell asleep. Johnny was creeping out of her room when he heard a muffled voice coming from the floor vent. He grabbed his baseball bat and phone, terrified that someone was in the house. He called 911 and waited for the police. The officers arrived, and Johnny followed them to his unfinished basement.
To his surprise, a man and woman from a neighboring country had broken into his home and were living in his basement. The police officers arrested the intruders and explained that this happens from time to time. He told Johnny that they would be shipped back to X. Johnny went back into his house and heard crying from the basement. He went down the stairs and saw a baby lying in the corner. He called the police immediately and informed them of the situation. The Sergeant got on the phone and told Johnny “Not my problem. Since the baby was born in your house, it is your responsibility now!” Johnny was dumbfounded. How could this be? He could barely make ends meet with his own family.
Unbelievable! Right? Wrong.
The fact is this story is not based on fiction. The same principle is happening in the United States. Illegal aliens break the law when they enter this country. I don’t understand why “we the people” should inherit the financial burden that is associated with their unlawful entry.
In 1892, Ellis Island opened as a federal immigration station.
Almost 40 percent of today’s American citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors back to Ellis Island. During the peak years between 1900 and 1914, 5,000 to 10,000 immigrants were processed daily. These people left their native countries in hope of prosperity.They dreamed of coming to America, the land of opportunity. I am proud that our country is known as the “melting pot.”
The word “illegal” is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as “forbidden by law.” By breaking U.S. federal law you would rightfully assume that a person would and should be punished. For instance, if you cross the border illegally in Saudi Arabia, you are jailed; in North Korea, you are sentenced to 12 years hard labor; in Venezuela, you are branded as a spy; and in Afghanistan, you could be executed.
If one enters the United States illegally, they can find ways to beat the system and can receive a job, driver’s license, welfare, education, health care, child care, credit cards and child assistance.
It’s not surprising that we have 8 to 12 million illegal aliens in our country. The United States of America does not enforce strict laws in this area, and with this crime come no significant consequences. Instead, we actually encourage illegal migration by providing luxuries and incentives.
Apparently, this is not concerning to our lawmakers. I am alarmed that $113 billion is spent annually on illegals. Securing the border would decrease criminal activity and that $113 billion could go a long way to stimulate jobs, the economy and decrease our deficit. The Dream Act keeps me awake at night. If passed, it would give illegal immigrants more incentive to enter our country. If they enter this country before the age of 16, graduate from a United States high school (or earn a GED) and have strong moral character, they can acquire help entering the military, going to college and in obtaining citizenship. I would want to sneak into this country. It does, however, seem difficult to prove strong, moral character when you or your parents are obviously criminals.
Many liberals and conservatives like to spin this issue and make it one of kindness or generosity. This isn’t a sweet fairy tale with a happy ending. Unfortunately, it is a case where people engage in criminal activity and are rewarded. One more time ... they break our laws. These laws are in place to maintain a sovereign government.
The main purpose of a sovereign government is citizen protection. What about our civil liberties? Do you know that illegal immigrants cannot be turned down from a hospital emergency room? No wonder our health care costs are out of control.
This is basic logic. No one in their right mind would take on the responsibility to feed, clothe, provide health insurance and shelter a family that has broken into their home. If any reader feels differently then please send me your full name, address and phone number. I will personally place a classified ad in the Lee’s Summit Tribune and let’s see how many people show up at your home for that sweet deal.
This isn’t an issue of compassion. This is an issue of legality.
It just seems so obvious to me. You can take an example of any criminal activity, be it murder, drunk driving or drug use. Who would expect these criminals to benefit from their crimes?
I’m troubled that the border of the United States can be breached without significant repercussions. This exposure could lead to another terrorist attack on our soil. This is no time to make America an open border nation. It is confusing that we are fighting wars in other countries and protecting their borders when we apparently have trouble securing our own.
I know that many readers will call me heartless for supporting strict immigration regulations. But how can you call me inhumane when I’m a law-abiding citizen who is concerned about our economy and security risks? It worries me that the Republican Texas Governor Rick Perry supports in-state tuition for illegal immigrants when 81 percent of Americans disapprove of these subsidies.
I understand that most of these immigrants are upstanding people and that their intentions are to better their lives. However, it is imperative that all immigrants to the United States come legally and obtain citizenship in strict accordance to the laws of our land.
Johnny, Mary and Lilly had to sell their home. They moved into a one bedroom apartment in order to meet the additional responsibilities of the new baby. When asked about the situation, Johnny, being an optimistic kind of guy, jokingly stated that he is thankful – thankful, that the illegal aliens didn’t have triplets.
Ramsey Fowler is a senior at Lee’s Summit West High School. Write to him at government@lstribune.net.
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Sincerely,
Robert Weeks