Friends, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is announcing a zero tolerance policy for illegal immigration -- that is, he intends to prosecute 100% of those who cross the border illegally, and they will then face punishment for that crime of border-hopping. In addition, this will mean that parents who illegally cross with their children will be separated from those children. This is "tough love," but it's a big improvement from the old policy, which said that, if a family shows up at the border, we'll release them into the U.S. population, and even bus them wherever they'd like to go, while we consider their "status". What a joke!
This new tack is a breath of fresh air, but does Sessions have the moxie to follow through? Let's keep his feet to the fire, shall we?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-sessions-border-crossers-20180507-story.html
Let's hope he does. I don't necessary agree separating a mother from her child, but, this calls for dire consequences.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that smuggling a child across an international border is a CRIME. Having said that, we could give mother and child a choice: go back where you came from, or be split up. Seems fair.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy: Our Immigration Laws are the product of a democratic process in which compassion for good people who flee hopelessly corrupt and unstable countries, knowing that in the U.S. the rule of law, consequent relative safety and economic prosperity are miraculous realities. We have procedures available to take as many of them as we can (far more than most countries would)but we cannot take them all; we simply cannot. To do so while our laws are as they are compromises an absolutely vital governing principle which helps to guarantee the continued existence of this blessed haven; that of the rule of law. Shall we change that law to admit all from Latin America who seek entrance, out of recognition of our forcible annexation of some of their lands in the 19th century? First, government by the United States, forced or no, is better for all than government by Mexico; that's a fact. Should we prepare for large portions of our country to become Latin America? That means a political and legal regime proven by history to be dysfunctional and from which many understandably fly. Along with the undoubtedly productive who seek a humane living are also many throughly brutalized by hopeless lives in their lands and convinced that law and authority are essentially venal and morally bereft. The most perceptive and cynical among them know that America is a land rich in opportunity for crime. It affords due process and sanctions tempered by a reformed Christian outlook which rejects the frightful punishment which is promised them by their gangsterish governments. For them it is a very acceptable risk to take. In enforcing our laws, be they as they are, we still give sanctuary to many (eg. those who recently marched on the San Diego area crossing) and tell the rest, "we cannot admit you; our laws, to which we must be faithful, forbid it. If you violate them we must do what we must do. Know this to be true and heed it." Perhaps our country can, with its incredible wealth, establish, by law and human compassion , border holding areas where the oppressed may find shelter until such time as we may admit them or aid them in some way. Perhaps also though, a firm determination on our part to enforce our laws and defend our borders may bring about fundamental change in countries south of us, to the betterment of the lot of everyday people.
ReplyDeleteJack, while I would like to think that we can play a productive role in helping some dysfunctional Latin American countries get their houses in order, I suspect the truth is what you admitted earlier on in your analysis: life in the good ole USA will always be better. Therefore, moving to the US will always be a sensible move for large swathes of humanity. They will be more than willing to exploit holes in our immigration system to achieve "the American dream," and who can blame them? Moreover, they must know by now that we really aren't that serious about enforcing many of our laws. Previous Presidents have proven that time and again. I fear now we are backed into a corner, and we need to get very tough, lest the world lose all respect for us, and we for ourselves...
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy: Its a very hard thing. Our country finds itself in a position to practically, materially and consequentially answer moral questions which are age old. Should we use our historically unimaginable power and prosperity to save the wretched of the earth? We are a Christian nation and Christ would have bade us so. But we must not do that which preversely aids their tormentors ,destroys our nation and, among a myriad of tragedies, eventually prevents us from helping the profoundly unfortunate. We should go the limit of our national ability to aid those for whom life is very hell but not beyond. We are not omnipotent.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Jack. I would argue that, ultimately, upholding the principle of national sovereignty is one of the best things we can do to help our own people and the people of the world. We can also do much to help those suffering abroad, WITHOUT welcoming them to our shores.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy: That would be best. By bringing peace to Korea we may be doing that for the North Korean people. We certainly did it for Japan, Western Europe and South Korea after WWII and the Korean War. Gads, look what Japan, Germany and the Soviets did to countries they defeated! Sure, we've acted in our self interest but somehow that motivation has brought much benefit to other peoples in modern times. Sometimes their slave masters or endemic corruption prevents much of our aid from getting to those abroad who most need it - in many cases that may be beyond our ability to prevent. But we cannot allow what amounts to invasion and possible national dissolution. Credible borders are essential, as President trump maintains.
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