Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Mon, Dec 19 2005
Immigration (and Migrant) Policies
Washington, D.C. area pastor Parrish Jones makes sense in his recent remarks on distinguishing between migrants and immigrants. We can certainly find ways to treat legal workers with respect and dignity while reserving certain privileges only for those who maintain long-term residency and the most privileges for those who seek permanent citizenship in our country. We could document legitimate migrant workers and encourage their participation in a working America while still maintaining a consistent border policy that screens out criminals and obvious terrorists.
Once in place, however, any such policies should also be consistently enforced. Migrant workers who choose to violate our laws should not be given free rein to profit by that choice. We should also encourage Mexico and Canada to mirror such policies. And we should support border countries' efforts to provide a wealth of higher-paying jobs within their own boundaries so that we don't continue to act like some uppity rich uncle who feels sorry for the poor people who live across the tracks. That whole posture ends up demeaning everyone in the long run.
posted at: 06:04 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
Washington, D.C. area pastor Parrish Jones makes sense in his recent remarks on distinguishing between migrants and immigrants. We can certainly find ways to treat legal workers with respect and dignity while reserving certain privileges only for those who maintain long-term residency and the most privileges for those who seek permanent citizenship in our country. We could document legitimate migrant workers and encourage their participation in a working America while still maintaining a consistent border policy that screens out criminals and obvious terrorists.
Once in place, however, any such policies should also be consistently enforced. Migrant workers who choose to violate our laws should not be given free rein to profit by that choice. We should also encourage Mexico and Canada to mirror such policies. And we should support border countries' efforts to provide a wealth of higher-paying jobs within their own boundaries so that we don't continue to act like some uppity rich uncle who feels sorry for the poor people who live across the tracks. That whole posture ends up demeaning everyone in the long run.
posted at: 06:04 | category: /Politics | link to this entry