Comment: Immigration to America?

Washington, Apr. 30 2006 (INS News) -- So this issue has become now the hot topic once again. This time though with much stronger responses from all sides. And the big question of what to do about it has increased to a new level for all involved.

I myself am only second generation born in the U.S. with my grandparents coming from Poland. So my grandparents were some of these immigrants seeking a new life in America. Yes, they were escaping a war torn area, but is that really different? It was actually before World War 2. And my father as well as his three brothers all felt patriotic enough to join the military in the war. So they fought for the U.S. as if they were from there originally. Not the first time that someone not born there would fight and die for this country.

This issue currently is focused on Mexicans more than any others. They seek to come to America. Why? That is simple and clear, seeking a better life. The pursuit of happiness, wealth, dreams. The same as most humans anywhere. A situation that has been going on since long before 9/11. But the government is now using this terrorist threat situation to fuel this issue. Yes, America should and must protect it's borders from such possible events. But in what way is this really fixing the problem at hand? For those who are already in America, even though illegally, this does not solve things. Many of those who have been there for many years already. So five, ten twenty years later, we want to punish them? Somewhat pointless it seems as well as possibly cruel and unusual.

America and for what things it is supposed to represent does not seem to be so much the case in hand. If this were the case for my grandparents, I would feel even more so like the Mexicans do now. This is supposed to be the melting pot of the world, as so it has been and is. It was made on those from other countries. The most diverse culture anywhere in the world. So now we wish to specifically wish to attack those who have come here only seeking to improve their life because their border touches ours? The government wishes to punish those who are already there. And this is an answer? This is fair or just? I think not.

So the questions are there yes. It still remains what to do. And yes there must be some resolution that is just and fair to all. And although I am by no means the smartest person or an expert for that matter on this particular subject, I would think that there must be a better way to solve this issue.

For those that are already there, the President's choice is to punish them. To fine them some large amount of money, possible jail sentencing, possible deportation and years more of waiting to qualify to be here. Some of which will not even live long enough to be able to do as they are already too old and or too ill. And how do they fine them? For how long they have been in America? If they have been there for a long time, then they have most likely contributed in some or even many ways to the country already. Does this not mean anything? Yes, there is a problem with taxes not paid etc. But is that really an important issue? Is this about the immigrants and solving the problem, or about money.

The situation for those already there must be handled in one way, while the new laws for those wanting to come must be in another.

For those already there, we must be just and fair. They are there and have been for a long time. So to start them from the very beginning is a waste of time, energy and money for the people. And should they use the same exact process for those who have been there for twenty, thirty years as opposed to someone who has been there for one month? And how many of these people will lose everything that they have worked there whole life for. Those who have contributed so much for so long to be discarded and cast out?

Many who wish to come here are not perfect, but then again who is? America is supposed to be about fairness, equality, a chance or even second chance. Some in life need that second chance. And we all can be better off for the attempt at letting someone get that chance. We cannot rule or run on prejudices or misperceptions. There has been enough of that in the history of things already.

The government is supposed to be based on all those things we started out with in the constitution. Those rights and things which should be available to all who are here. As so many have come to America to form the nation of people there that exists today and of whom many are not born into, they to should have this same chance. Why should America turn away those who come form afar. But the government I wouldn't say has been in the best interest of all the people born there or not for quite some time. There are many problems that have been there that are not resolved properly in the interest of the people for a long time. We have lost much of what was started from the beginning. The laws and more have become so complex that life for so many seems impossible. This creates more problems than we can really imagine and will continue to do so until it changes. America preaches so many things, but what does it do when it comes to it's own self? America needs to fix more of it's own system rather than spending so much into what other countries are doing. Yes, there are international issues that must be dealt with due to reasons of betterment of the world and the future and safety of us all. But America is not focusing enough of on it's own problems. The government is supposed to be for the people, yet it doesn't appear that they really listen to the people. And in fact, they do not really ask the people what they want. When they do ask, it is very little and many times they do not do what the majority of the people want. There should be more of this as "we the people", are to point. Aren't we?

I see people here in China who would like to go to America for various different reasons. And I see who very difficult it is for them to be accepted. When applications are made, it seems as if many are treated very badly and many are turned away without good cause. They have even been making it much more difficult for those who marry here to bring there spouses back to America and discussion has been in the works for making it more difficult for any child or children that they have to gain citizenship. To what end is this?

While I agree that America has many good benefits and points, there are unjust things that exist in this society and structure which are not conducive to life of these residents that need to be, should be and for all real purposes must be changed for the betterment of everyone. Problems such as unemployment, homeless and starving people is something that is unacceptable but yet still is present in this wonderful land. The problems are increasing not decreasing to any number of real significance.

We as humans all together on this planet must find it in ourselves to do better, to be better, and to do what things are right. Sometimes, many times we tend to make things too complicated. And sometimes common sense makes better sense. We can do better if we can see things with the right mind and not from a point of cloudiness from facts that are based on incorrect or wrong personal issues. We can, but in the end, the question is, will we.

-- Dr. Matt Marko in China