LETTER: Time to grow some spine on immigration

Posted

Regarding the immigration issues facing us, I think that nations have the right and responsibility to define who their citizens are and are not, and who will receive the benefits of citizenship or residence and who will not.

Following this principle, illegal/undocumented persons/residents/workers should not be granted any special protected status, and communities should not be declaring themselves to be sanctuary/welcoming communities for illegal immigrants.

So why do I support the sanctuary community concept and generally acting up in support of illegal immigrants?

While my country has the right to make citizen/resident regulations, they have not had the spine to accept the responsibility to do so. That lack of spine has put my country in the shameful position of not being responsive to the needs of modern realities regarding immigration, or many other national/global issues.

Congressmen and women have repeatedly put party politics and personal political advancement above the needs of my nation to take on adult responsibilities in this modern world.

Remember the guest-worker card legislation that would have provided a legal means for immigrants to work, pay taxes and return home? No spine.

Remember the NAFTA legislation that totally failed to provide relief for the many workers (both Mexican and American) who, it was well known, would be losing their jobs as a consequence of the trade agreement? No spine.

Can you imagine the desperation of families leaving their homes and relatives and friends and culture and language area, risking their lives to get somewhere where they might survive? Again, a spineless response.

This lack of spine does more than legitimize citizens acting up; it requires it. When national leadership fails to do its job, it becomes necessary for us to remind them of their job description and require them to grow up, get some spine.

LESLIE AICKIN

Port Townsend