The "gold gate" of 21st century America

The majority of Americans, even those on the right, do not have the courage to expel en masse people who have crossed the border illegally but who now have deep roots in America. However, the Conservatives are not stupid enough to think that a final part of the amnesty will be the last part of the amnesty. The next time Democrats control security at the Washington border, security will be reduced. If the far left has its way, US immigration and customs control services will be removed. In the meantime, illegal border agents will be even more encouraged to enter the United States before the next "last" amnesty is granted.

A large immigration market that leaves the left and right partially satisfied and partially disrupted will have to deal humanely with those of our unauthorized immigrant population. Without securing US borders and limiting the abuse of refugee status, an amnesty solution is an invitation to a future amnesty intervention. The conditions of amnesty and border security can not be so porous and subject to changes in the political winds that US borders have experienced in the past.

Adam Clark

Alexandria, Va.

From 1860 to 1920, 13% to 15% of the American population was born abroad. In recent years it has been from 12% to 13%. The country needed workers and we are facing a shortage of labor.

But there is a difference between now and now. Those who came here before worked until they were self-reliant and then sent for their families. There was no safety net, and the offspring of these immigrants was generally integrated into the American melting pot in one or two generations.

Today, opponents of immigration focus primarily on those who lack education and skills. Instead of trying to dismiss them, why not reformulate the conversation to ask what resources would be needed to accommodate these families in the crucible and how they could be provided by non-governmental resources?

Em. Richard N. Cardozo

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis