OPINION:
Somewhere along the line, everyone seems to have lost focus on the illegal immigration matter. Mass media has turned it into an emotional side show starring the newcomers. The political left has cast all illegals as pitiful, innocent souls living in dread of detection by the barbaric U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The political right responds by characterizing and condemning them as opportunistic idlers at best and felonious predators at worst.
Both portrayals are remiss. In attempting to be fair, I am inclined to credit illegals as a group with the same pluses I’ve noted in the many legals I’ve known over the generations from around the world. Typically, the immigrants I have encountered have proven to be respectable and responsible people, practical, unspoiled, optimistic and resourceful enough to overcome assimilation’s challenges. Then again, if I’ve ever met an illegal alien, I’ve been unaware of it.
Regardless, we need to shelve the subjective and effectively subordinate the question of character. Instead, let’s concentrate on the pivotal point: cost. Is America up to financing this torrent of newer arrivals?
Considering the price of supporting one individual (however righteous) and multiplying by millions, sensible conservatives grasp the obvious answer. Prohibitive expense is a deal-breaker, and we have to proceed in an all-business manner accordingly.
TOM GREGG
Niles, Illinois
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