I have grown tired of those who seek to justify our arcane and dysfunctional immigration policy by citing that "America is a country of immigrants." Our country and the world have changed dramatically in the last 25 years.
It's all well and good to utter this cliched phrase, except for two words that are missing. Those words are legal and naturalized. Those in the past, who came to America legally, fought very hard to become citizens. And once they did so...they were no longer immigrants. They were Americans. The same holds true today.
Those who cross our borders illegally today are criminals. Calling them illegal aliens or undocumented immigrants, or any other smoke-screen status they might be given is bogus. The fact remains, they still are...criminals. They have disrespected and broken our laws, and we foolishly encourage and reward them for doing so.
It's the rule, rather than the exception, that a majority don't come here to take advantage of the many opportunities America offers its citizens. They come here to take advantage of America's citizens. This is because, over the decades, our corrupt and votes-seeking elected officials have paved the way. They have bestowed on them more entitlements, benefits and protections than those accorded to those who came, or are yet to come here legally. And we the citizens are picking up the tab.
Now add to this madness the element of the Islamists for whom our government - and judiciary - are throwing open the gates. They not only pose an economic drain on resources that by every right should go to our citizens, but more frightening an unknown but significant number also represent an increasing clear and present danger to our country.
Rather than a country of immigrants, we are a country of Americans.
Steve Hyle
Lewes
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