rekkidblogga

Mis vecinos

The immigration debate. It's a tough one. We've got to secure our borders, no doubt about it in this age of global terrorism. Realistically, that should include the Canadian border as well. Don't give me that "Oh, but we've got a secure, peaceful border alliance happening with Canada" argument; like terrorists wouldn't seize the opportunity to enter the U.S. through the lovely Great White North as opposed to Mexico. Give me a break.

I regret that we've ignored the issue of border control and people from other countries entering the U.S. looking for work to such a degree, both politically and socially, that we're now seeing mass protests against legislation that would make it a felony to be in America illegally. It's so sad that the many people who were so desperate for a better life, who were willing to work at whatever job (or jobs) they could get here may be categorized as criminals for believing in the American dream of hard work, sacrifice and earning your way to success because we now have to worry about terrorists who are just waiting until the time is right to strike us again inside our borders. It's not unlike when the 19 good kids in class have to stay in for recess because the one class clown wouldn't stop talking. Everyone suffers when one bad apple rots the crate.

And in my own neighborhood, I see the result of legal immigration. Our stuffy old neighbors who never spoke to anyone moved out and in their place (and former homes) we now have Melissa and Rene and their kids, Alejandro and Lena and their kids and... they're the best. The street has never been more alive than when I first moved here in the early '80s as a nine-year-old and found that I had a ton of kids to hang out with. Mexican parties go on regularly here and I'm always not only invited but am made to feel like a guest of honor because my neighbors know that I'm good with kids, their kids like me and anytime their kids need a safe house to spend time in until Mom or Dad can get home from work, I'm here for them and they're more than welcome to drop in. Never a problem. I look out for their kids like I look out for my nieces (who are best buds with my neighborkids and their parents). Finally, there's a sense of real community here again and I think it's great. Rene, my neighbor two doors down, puts in natural wood flooring for a living. He put ours in last summer and the house never looked so good. Excellent work. He's a perfectionist.

But the thing is, my neighbors are all legal. And I'm glad because they, like me, work hard for everything they have and they deserve their lovely homes and nice cars, etc. Yes, I'm conservative but I want people to come here, work and live out the American dream. I don't want them to be criminalized for that. But I think it's important for them to follow the rules like my neighbors did. In the long run, it makes things so much easier for them and for those of us who are lucky enough to be born American citizens. My neighbors, the legals who have turned our once-boring street into a vibrant community, are proof that the system works if you work within it. I'm so glad I live in their neighborhood.

posted by rekkidbraka @ 2:18 PM