Response to Karen´s QuestionHi, Karen.
You wanted to know what I think about efforts by some people in the U.S. to make illegal immigration a crime.
In general, I'm very disturbed. Many people in the U.S. seem to feel that illegal immigrants will steal jobs from U.S. citizens and that illegal immigrants want U.S. citizens to pay for their coverage in such government programs as welfare and educational and medical support services. People with these views seem to be dangerously over-reacting because they feel threatened.
On a personal level, I know that many of my students are worried that these recent political efforts will destroy their chances for a better life. I know that my students are decent, hard-working people who can make wonderful contributions to this country. I cannot understand why some misguided Americans want to deny them the chance to do that.
I also find it ironic that such a political climate could develop in a country that was founded by immigrants!
posted by Dennis @ 5:46 PM
2 Comments:
Hi, Dennis!
Thank you for your reply. I visited San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles on vacation in December and January and I could see how many immigrants work in U.S.A. and how they are important to the american economy. So I hope that the american authorities reflect a lot about it.
Best wishes, Karen.
Hi, Karen.
Yes, immigrants are vitally important to the U.S. economy (particularly in such cities as San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles), whether people realize it or not. I also hope the U.S. authorities reflect a lot about this situation because if the U.S. can recognize the contribution of immigrants, the country will become stronger. If, on the other hand, the U.S. is influenced by the wrong thinking of those who want only legal immigrants here, the country will weaken.
The situation with immigrants is not a simple one: some are here legally and some are not. However, being here illegally isn't necessary a criminal action. Many people come here for the opportunity to have a better life, and if it is too difficult for them to do so legally, they come via illegal means.
If immigrants can have a better life here, the U.S. will benefit. If immigrants (whether legal or illegal) do not have the chance to have a better life, no one benefits.
Best wishes to you, too!
Dennis
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