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June 7, 2006 My father immigrated to this country from Venezuela and my mom came here from Mexico. With blood, sweat and tears they accomplished the American dream, they bought a house and inspired and encouraged their five children to attend college. My parents worked long hours in a factory to achieve their dreams. With a strong work ethic inherited from my parents, coupled with a college education, it has been much easier for this child of immigrants to achieve success in America. My parents have passed away, and as a way of honoring their legacy of an honest wage for an honest day's work, I am committed to toiling tirelessly for the rights of immigrants. Immigration is a subject that is never far from my thoughts, almost every day I search Google News for the latest on this subject. Recently the Senate approved a new immigration bill by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. Their pragmatic and comprehensive approach to immigration is proof that seemingly intractable problems can be solved by men and women of good will. The Senate bill reflects President George W. Bush's realistic and humane approach to America's millions of undocumented workers. I'm a frequent critic of President Bush's foreign and domestic policies, but I commend him for tackling such a vexing problem with tenacity, compassion and pragmatism. But kudos should also be extended to the millions of immigrants who organized massive peaceful demonstrations this spring, it was their zeal and love for their adopted country that ensured that this issue would not go away. Undocumented workers have demonstrated that they are peaceful and productive individuals who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The Senate bill calls for hiring additional Border Patrol agents and building a partial border fence but also includes a guest worker program and a chance at citizenship for millions of undocumented workers. They would have to meet conditions including paying a fine and back taxes. The House approved its own immigration bill in December, their version attacks the immigration problem in a draconian and xenophobic manner. The House version would make felons of the millions of undocumented workers whose only crime is working hard for slave wages so they can provide for their families. The House bill takes a very narrow approach, it deals only with law enforcement issues. The House bill is an attempt to pander to the Republican conservative base, it is not a serious attempt to solve a complex issue. The stage is now set for an epic confrontation that could make the shootout at the OK Corral look like an "Up With People" rally. Hopefully, constructive dialogue will prevail over partisan bickering. The House-Senate conference committee appointed to work out differences between the two chambers' immigration legislation has their work cut out for them. The future of this country is at stake, they must not fail to achieve a compromise that secures our borders and protects the rights of immigrants. The nations of the world are curious to see how the greatest democracy in the world treats its undocumented workers. Congress needs to come up with a humanitarian immigration bill that speaks of the hospitality and compassion of America. If Congress doesn't send a humane and comprehensive immigration bill for Dubya's signature, how can the people of the Third World believe that we care about them? If we want to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi population, we can start by treating our undocumented workers with respect. America needs an immigration legislation that won't make a lie of the words written on the Statue of Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breath free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me" I lift my lamp beside the golden door. ------------ About the author: Robert Paul Reyes has written over 200 articles for Useless-Knowledge.com. Email: rreyes4966@aol.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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