Immigrants Rally on May Day

Although May 1 is the international workers’ day, in the US, it has become immigrant day. Yesterday, in several cities people not born in America (and their supporters) held rallies to demand a path to citizenship for those without the appropriate papers. Larger rallies had been held last year, but organizers say that the turn out still reflects a growing need for reform. Those opposed got their say in the media as well. As usual, both sides were talking at cross-purposes on an issue with no solution.

No one in America seems to have a problem with people entering the US with their documentation in order. The trouble stems from the debate over “illegal immigration.” Yesterday’s demonstrators focus on the second word. Their opponents consider only the first. Since there are 10-12 million people in the US without valid visas, this is not a small problem. By the same token, a bent principle can solve a great deal without destroying the nation, but principles are all some of the folks involved care for.

Immigration is a necessary part of American life. Without newcomers, the US faces the same demographic time bomb that is beginning to bite in other developed nations. There won’t be enough workers to pay the taxes needed to take care of a rapidly aging population. America’s schools don’t crank out enough engineers, research scientists or medical professionals, so importing them keeps the country afloat. Immigrants do bring different cultural influences to the US, but what could be more American than pizza (Italian), beer and pretzels (German) at the ballpark? Well, sushi (Japanese) and nachos (pretend Mexican) have carved out a niche.

“Illegal,” however, creates an underclass by its very existence. People who are in the US illegally are regularly cheated out of wages, and are denied the full protection of the law for fear of going back home by force. At the same time, those in the US legally rightly resent others who didn’t jump through all the hoops and follow Uncle Sam’s rules. Waiting one’s turn in line is a very American value.

In the end, nothing has changed since last year, and nothing will change in the coming months either. The two sides are speaking about different issues. Politicians, wary of offending, will play both ends against the middle. This is the abortion issue of the 21st century, in which much yelling and screaming will result in absolutely nothing being done.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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