On Immigration Reform

Opinion on immigration reform from an immigrant.

Immigration reform like cigarette smoking in where it's prohibited in public places. Everyone agrees that, like illegal immigration, it's a bad thing and politicians want to pass laws banning it through stiff penalties. And, like smoking, there are always a few who believe they should be exempt. I, for one, don't believe that if you break the law because you say you couldn't help it you should be excused from the consequences. You smoke in a illegally in a public place you pay the fine. You sneaked into this country you should be deported. In either case, you know you did wrong so why argue that you are being treated unfairly.

Before you start believing that I'm some right-wing, pro-American bigot, let me say to you that I am an immigrant (from Mexico) who believes that the United States is still a place of opportunity that can benefit through contributions made by people from other lands. I just believe that those contributions should be made by people who enter this country legally. After all, what better way to show your potential for becoming a good citizen by following the rules one must obey in order to achieve that goal? My parents did it, my siblings did it, I became a citizen (been one since I was 18 and I'm 45 now) all by working hard and by obeying the law.

Now some believe that because circumstances have made them break the law (circumstances, like cigarette smoking, that are unjustifiable) they believe they should be exempt from the law. That they should be treated special because they couldn't help themselves. That because society, as they perceive it, treats them like second class citizens (that's a laugh since they aren't even citizens in the first place) they should be forgiven and given amnesty. Well, a thief without a home who breaks into your house and steals from you is still a thief.

We live in a country found on the principles of democracy, equality, and the rule of law. What example do we provide for others when we circumvent the will of the majority by providing special privileges to those who have broken the law? If this were applied to any another group (smokers, for instance, or any other special lobbyist group) it would not be a topic of debate. The law is clear, and if broken, there are consequences.

I do believe that immigration reform is necessary. That certain situations, as in the case of families been split apart or harm could come to those through deportation, should be reviewed. In those circumstances it is only right to give thought to their plight. But for others, well, what kind of a person lights up next to you and thumbs his nose to rules of society. What kind of person believes he is, or can be, a good citizen if he breaks the law?