Voter beware: Immigration law debate suggests that we should all be wary

The debate over illegal immigration and this nation's porous borders is far from over. In fact, it will likely become a bit of an issue in the next two national elections.

And while there will be a bunch of nice words about "nation of immigrants" and "a path to citizenship" spewed about over the next couple of months, the bottom line really boils down to one word.

Politics.

Think about it.

Those who are being promised the world right now are considered a voting bloc. The assumption is that if the illegal immigrant Hispanic population is allowed to remain in the U.S. and is given amnesty, that the overwhelming majority will vote Democrat.

And that fact alone, many believe, will change the face of the United States and the distribution of power in Washington.

Perhaps. It will be interesting to see if this gamble pays off. Just as not every American votes the same way, it is likely that fact just might hold true for newly minted Hispanic American citizens as well.

But what is really interesting to think about is if the shoe were on the other foot. What if Hispanics polled decidedly Republican? Would the administration be making the same push for amnesty and would deportations be down 20 percent?

Call us skeptical, but we doubt it.

And that is what should scare anyone who already has his or her doubts about how Washington-types make decisions.

The immigration mess did not just pop up in the last couple of years. It has been a thorn in the side of presidents for decades. And it is primarily because of politics that it has never really been addressed -- and it is not likely to really be addressed until the mid-term elections are over.

It is about getting and keeping power. And it is also another example of the fact that there seems to be a noticeable lack of conviction and courage in Congress and the White House.

No one wants to talk about the truths of the immigration issue because no one -- or at least few people -- want to lose their jobs.

So let's talk -- about the truths concerning immigration.

There are millions of immigrants in this country who have crossed the border illegally. Their presence is putting pressure on a system that is already overburdened and the methods by which many are crossing the border are dangerous and allow innocents to be victimized by unscrupulous people.

There is a legal process for becoming an American citizen. We have a legal path to citizenship in place -- all these people have to do is use it.

Wide open borders and no rules allow criminals and others who are less than honorable a  free pass into this country. We don't need anymore criminals, that's for sure.

One of the most-often quoted arguments is that this country was built by immigrants and we should welcome anyone who wants to come here with open arms.

But we have rights, too, and responsibilities.

We have a right to control our borders and to demand that people who want to become part of this country follow the rules to become citizens.

We should not feel guilty asking that those who want to stay here go through a process to earn that right. And we should also not feel bad about insisting that their children, brought here illegally, be asked to do the same.

There are people waiting in line right now to become citizens of this country. They have done the work and made the commitment.

It is not fair to them to allow others to jump the line.

This is a great and compassionate country. Otherwise, there would be no debate. The borders would be closed. But it is time that we set standards and rules and stick to them.

That is, if we can get anyone in Washington with the courage to do so.

Published in Editorials on September 13, 2014 11:24 PM