Broken border: Illegal immigration is an affront to those who came here the right way

The great immigration debate.

Donald Trump bumbled it. Others are talking about it but are saying nothing of substance about it. And others are simply pandering to a voting bloc.

But when you look at it closely, what are the real arguments about immigration and why is it an issue Americans should care about?

To understand it, you have to analyze it. And doing so requires understanding the differences between immigrants today and those of yesteryear.

There are two groups of immigrants -- those who arrive here through the legal process of applying to become a citizen, who learn the language and who become contributing members of society. There are subgroups here, those who have work permits to be here and are legitimately employed, legally, but who are not becoming citizens of the United States. They are sometimes called guest workers.

And then there is the other group -- the illegal immigrants.

They sneak across the border or pay to get passage to this country and they stay here, utilizing the social services and staying under the radar. They are working in the fields or in other jobs Americans do not want, but they are not here legally. No paperwork or false paperwork, no licenses, no rules.

And in that group of illegals, there are people trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. But like it or not, there are criminals, just ask some of the law enforcement personnel who deal with the Hispanic gangs or who are fighting the drug war in the U.S.

That is a fact.

The argument over immigration is not about Hispanics vs. whites and it is not a prejudice thing, at least not for most Americans. We cannot speak for the crazies.

It is about following the rules.

America has always been a melting pot. Its history is filled with stories of those who came here in search of a new life.

Those immigrants, many of whom are likely your ancestors, adopted this country as their own, learning the language, finding jobs, building homes and raising families.

And the traditions they brought and the heritage they celebrated made us a better country.

They became Americans.

That is not what is happening now.

Immigration that follows the rules is no draconian obstacle that is required nowhere else. Many countries -- including Mexico, by the way -- are very strict about those who come to live there. There are rules that must be followed to stay.

And that is what we need here.

We should welcome anyone who wants to be an American. We should require them to learn our language and to become accustomed to life here. We can do the latter without requiring them to give up their heritage, by the way, and have done so for decades.

We can also set up a program where if you just want to come to work -- and then return home -- that you can do so safely and legally.

There should be a standard and an expectation of anyone who comes to this country and who wants to stay.

If you have come here illegally, the trust has already been broken. You should not get a free pass. It is not fair to the thousands of others who have come here the legal way and waited their turn and completed the requirements.

Getting back on the right path -- the legal path -- is what should be required. And we should make that path possible, for anyone willing to do the work.

But if you don't do the work or follow our rules, and we catch you, you should be sent home, period.

There will be a lot of grandstanding and promises made over the next months. Immigration is going to be a big topic in the 2016 presidential election.

But as you listen, remember, there is nothing wrong with putting a standard on becoming a U.S. citizen. It should mean something.

And it does -- just ask any one of the thousands who take the test, raise their hands and are sworn in as new Americans.

They will tell you just how much value that title has.

Published in Editorials on July 7, 2015 10:45 AM