Watching the United States from the outside is much more fascinating – and disturbing – than living in it. Especially as the “debate” rages about the “issue” of immigration. I use quotes because these are words being used in the media to frame the topic.
From an outside perspective, I was shocked to read a small article in the Bangkok Post today talking about the protesters taking to the street for a day of action in cities across the US. The little bits I pick up here and there – online on NPR or the New York Times, mostly – are filled with hyperbolic statements from both politicians and the media.
What’s even more disturbing is the questions I receive from students from other countries. They can’t fathom how a nation made up of 99+% immigrants could be facing such strife over the topic.
I’m quite disappointed that among the US politicians, especially the statesmen and women in the Senate, there has been no apparent leadership. What I’m really waiting for is someone who will give the following speech:
“My fellow Americans. We are a land of immigrants; our country’s history and past successes and wealth have been achieved through the efforts of immigrants and the sons and daughters of immigrants. Our future successes and wealth will be similarly tied to immigration. The question of the costs of immigration cannot be considered without also considering the significant benefits of immigration.
At the same time, there are legitimate concerns around questions of border security, national sovereignty, and legal and lawful entry into this country. These are serious concerns and they must be addressed.
There is a vast area of common ground that all sides in this discussion can come to agreement upon. So let us begin a national discussion about immigration, setting aside hyperbole, hatred, and finger-pointing and instead embracing the values inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
I tell you, between Bush’s warmongering and threatening Iran, his inability to form a comprehensive energy conservation policy, and his inept leadership on the immigration debate (and he’s from a border state that is chock full of immigrants!), I don’t know how the US keeps from just falling apart.
christao408 
I am pretty neutral on this thing because on one hand, I don’t really believe there should be boarder between nations and I believe we should dissolve what we would call boarders. The idea of separate nations is keeping the people apart. On the otherhand, the immigrants who are the main concern in this case have crossed border illegally…I am not too sure about it being right to give them citizenship
Yeah, I’ve been inclined toward the idea that borders are artifical constructions. At the same time, I think there are some real concerns about security and if you’re going to have a border, it needs good enforcement. The balance to that is to create a clear, achievable process through which anyone who wants it can legally immigrate. The steps in the process may be lengthy: background check, get a job, learn to speak English (there’s debate over this one), pay your taxes, etc. But if the steps can be achieved, I think many people who currently immigrate illegally would be willing to go the legal route.
My thoughts exactly. That’s why I’m putting aside all those low-carb/no-carb diets. I say, EAT A LOT and EXERCISE A LOT! Thanks for the comment.
Hi thanks for subscribing. The point is most Americans don’t have many chances to look at the America from the outsiders’ perspective because some may think there is no need to. While they still think they are the super power, we think they are ignorant on some of the issues! And we would need more space to describe Bush’s inabilities. I would spend a few pages on his handling of Hurricane Katrina.