We’re not Nantucket.
I’ve been reading stories about the immigrants arriving in Colorado from the border. Most are from many Latin American countries. They are like my grandfather who came from Ireland in 1865 and had to start with nothing.
I’m no fan of the open border and favor an efficient legal immigration policy. On June 27, 2013, the Senate passed bipartisan immigration legislation 68-32 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The House of Representatives never followed suit and the legislation ultimately never became law. Congress and our presidents since have failed time and time again to resolve our broken immigration system because of partisan gridlock. About a decade ago, when I was active in The National Newspaper Association, I toured many newspapers in Latin America and met with aspiring journalist students. They all wanted to study in America but were unable to obtain visas.
As a result, they were going to attend European schools. These top-notch students wanted to learn about our democracy and freedom of the press. All we hear, and see now, are thousands of immigrants entering the United States illegally without visas.
Since we won’t protect our borders as prescribed in the Constitution as a duty of our government, we need to make the best of it. These human beings seek safety from dictatorships that have ruined what should be bountiful countries rich in minerals, mining, tourism and agriculture. They didn’t have our Constitution.
Making the best of it means we embrace these new arrivals and adopt them into our homes, schools, and free enterprise system. I admire the grit and determination of these immigrants who have walked hundreds of miles, if not thousands, to reach the land of the free and the brave. It resembles the Mormon Trail, where the Mormons pulled carts and walked across the West led by Brigham Young to a final site that became Salt Lake City.
This is not just a Texas, Arizona or border state problem. There are many homes throughout the United States including those in Colorado that might welcome these newcomers into their homes for a hot shower, some new clothes, bedrooms and toys for the children. The Denver Rescue Mission, United Way and others can supply names and families who need our assistance.
Rather than be like Nantucket, Mass., where immigrants were shipped out of Texas to Nantucket (with the help of the Florida governor), we should welcome them to their new home in the United States of America. There is a lot to say about “grit,” and these folks have plenty of it, walking to America. Forging the Rio Grande River, fighting off drug smugglers, and having nothing but small packs on their backs. That is a genuine desire for freedom from oppression and seeking opportunity … “the huddled masses yearning to be free….”
I hope that some of you readers run with this concept and establish a committee to help relocate these guests and show the kindness and compassion that make our nation great.
Immigrants from around the world settled in America, and we can find room for a few more souls who only seek jobs and freedom.