OPINION:
As a legal immigrant proudly working for the U.S. government, I was disappointed to read David Keene’s Dec. 1 op-ed, “Hell on the border.” It incorrectly faults President Obama for the current immigration crisis. The president is not the problem. For years, members of Congress are the ones who have neglected to make progress on the issue of immigration because they’re more concerned with their own reelection.
The Unitd States’ persistent lack of immigration reform is a problem that has been thrown from one administration to the other, not just the departing one. Since taking office, Mr. Obama has actually submitted immigration plans to Congress only to be shut down by those focused on their own agenda rather than on addressing the broken immigration system.
Immigration reform is about much more than building a wall or deporting millions of people. We need a comprehensive plan that includes a citizenship process, upholds the law in a humane manner and keeps our borders safe.
Mr. Keene’s piece incorrectly states that the majority of immigrants are Hispanic, and he calls them “miserables.” Such language is suggesting the writer is not only disrespectful, but also racist. This type of narrative is what keeps our great nation divided and threatens our American principles. Many immigrants add value to the GDP, and according to the Heritage Foundation “it is folly to blame [immigrants] for hurting the economy.”
Don’t blame the president. Instead, hold Congress accountable for its lack of action in providing real solutions, such as stricter screenings to prevent fabricated asylum requests or false visas. That’s how terrorists infiltrate our country, and that is a far greater threat than people coming to pursue the American dream.
ILEANA ALAMO
Arlington
Please read our comment policy before commenting.