Immigration solutions--Part 2

So, what should be the major components of any effective, comprehensive immigration reform plan? 

Here's what I think.

1.  Establish a clear, efficient guest worker registration plan that would be administered at the border for those who seek entry into the U. S. for jobs, on the job for those already at work in the U. S. and in labor and/or community centers (including non-profit organizations and churches) in major population centers inside the U. S.  Such a plan would not extend amnesty, unless you consider the "pass" it provides employers who have hired undocumented workers already.  The plan would be a way to register workers and eliminate the need to cross the borders under the cover of night or in unsafe cargo vans and trucks.  In short, this or some variation of such a plan must be developed that allows the 12 million plus undocumented immigrants to receive the documentation they need to remain in the country and on the job.  Any future immigrants would be required to register upon entry to the country. 

2.  Secure the southern border by investing the funds necessary to do so.  With registration being the backbone of this new security system, a new culture of documentation would emerge that eliminates fear and secrecy.  Any workable security plan must involve cooperation with Mexico and other nations south of our borders to share real time criminal records and identity documents.  Any deficiency in technical infrastructure must be addressed as a part of the border security plan.  This approach works on our northern border.  There is no reason to think it would not work on our southern border.

3.  Differentiate basic border security related to the movement of honest labor from drug enforcement and national security concerns.  Declare war on drug cartels and government corruption south of the border rather than on innocent persons who seek only a better life for themselves through hard work.  Upgrade intelligence gathering and apply protocols designed to identify potential terrorists and other extremists, a process that should be made easier by the requirement that all workers register and by the almost certain cooperation of legitimate workers. 

4.  Establish a new working relationship with nations south of the border, especially Mexico, to stimulate those national economies in ways that are mutually beneficial.  Included in any plan should be incentives to U. S. corporations who decide to move jobs outside the U. S. to make those moves south to create more jobs inside those nations closest to the U. S.  Included in any plan for economic development in Mexico should be green collar jobs and industries. 

5.  Place current undocumented immigrants who desire U. S. citizenship to "go to the back of the line" behind those who've been playing by the rules back home in the nation of their origins.  However, there would be no requirement that these workers be forced to leave the U. S. or their current employment.

6.  Include passage of the DREAM Act that would provide documentation to young people who were brought to the U. S. while dependent children and who finish high school, maintain good moral character, and go on to seek a college degree or serve in the U. S. Armed Services.  Allowing these young people to remain in the U. S., to work and to contribute to our economy and to enter a path to citizenship, if they so choose, is best for everyone. 

7.  Reclaim the federal responsibility to enforce border process and security from the states who now feel desperate due to federal inaction. 

Immigration solutions--Part 1

We engage thousands of people every year at Central Dallas Ministries who come to us seeking solutions, answers and hope in the face of the severe, persistent difficulties associated with poverty.  A large percentage of these neighbors are also undocumented immigrants from south of the U. S. border.  As a result, we understand something of the difficulties facing these individuals and families.  We also are very aware of the need for comprehensive immigration reform now. 

Possibly the place to begin is debunking a few myths surrounding immigrants and the debate over immigration policy and reform. 

Myth #1:  Undocumented immigrants don't pay taxes.  Not true. These immigrants pay sales taxes just like the rest of us.  They absorb the cost of property taxes that is included in their monthly rental payments to property owners who receive those tax statements.  Property owners pay property taxes.  Many undocumented immigrants pay into the Social Security system--annually an amount roughly equal to 10% of the program's reserve funds--a payment on which they will never be able to collect any benefit.  In fact, I'll collect on what they pay in as a by-product of their hard work.

Myth #2:  Undocumented immigrants cost the rest of us as we provide health care, public education and law enforcement for people who pay no taxes.  See Myth #1 above.  National studies indicate that the net economic impact of providing undocumented immigrants local, state and federal services is a wash or a little better for the rest of us. 

Myth #3:  Undocumented immigrants take jobs away from American citizens.  Study after study reveal that this is not true and that, in fact, the labor of undocumented immigrants helps create jobs that citizens are eager to fill.  Remove undocumented immigrants from a major city like Dallas, Texas and see how things work in terms of who fills certain job positions.  Consider as well the lost revenue spent by immigrants in local retail and service establishments in a city like Dallas. 

Myth #4:  Most undocumented immigrants involve themselves in criminal activity, especially crimes related to the "drug wars" along portions of our southern borders.  False.  The vast majority of undocumented immigrants are hard-working, law abiding residents who seek a better life for themselves and their families in the great promise of America. 

Myth #5:  Undocumented immigrants present a real national security threat to the U. S. in our post-9/11 world.  In fact, the threat to our national security along our southern borders is not the result of undocumented workers coming to the U. S.  Rather, the threat is due to the fact that there is no systematic, reasonable guest worker registration process in place that would allow national security interests to be addressed and better managed. 

Next:  a platform for comprehensive reform now.

Our Mexican Friends and Neighbors and Cinco de Mayo

Every Sunday I see them.

Scores of families walking across Ross Avenue into a huge Downtown church where thousands gather every weekend for prayer and worship.

Almost all of these families moved to the U. S. from Mexico.

As I watch these beautiful people and their children, I know instinctively that they are here in Dallas working hard to create the best possible life for themselves and their children., just like all of the rest of us. I also know that if they were not here, Dallas would not be he same city. Their departure would be our loss.

At the same time, I know they encounter hatred and opposition as they build their lives.

Word from Washington these days includes reports that immigration reform will move onto the agenda of the U. S. Congress before the end of this year. We know that there is strong movement to bring the D.R.E.A.M. Act forward again with indications that its chances of passage are much greater this time around. I hope both happen. Somehow we've got to find new ways to manage the obvious: the U. S. and Mexico are neighbors and should become much closer working partners, as is the case with Canada.

Here we are at Cinco de Mayo once again. I've decided to publish the post I put up two years ago as a reminder of the holiday's significance. Just to let you know, I plan to use this post every May 5 until we have a D.R.E.A.M. Act. The history that binds us is very important.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This is a special day across the United States and Mexico.

Numerous neighborhoods across Dallas are celebrating the famous Battle of Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862, the day on which Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, outnumbered 2 to 1, routed the French army.

So, why Cinco de Mayo?

Under Emperor Napoleon III, the French invaded Mexico with designs of staying in order to challenge the United States, at the time involved in its own Civil War.

Napoleon's Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion. The French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City about 100 miles to the west. The French believed that if the Mexican Capitol fell, the nation would be theirs.

Under the innovative and daring leadership of Zaragoza, the Mexican army more than prevailed. The outcome of the battle on United States history is often overlooked. The victory prevented the French from supplying the Confederate rebels in the U. S. for another year.

As the American Civil War wound down, following the Union victory at Gettysburg, U. S. General Phillip Sheridan traveled to the Mexican border to bring materials needed to expel the French completely. At this time American soldiers were discharged with their uniforms and rifles if they promised to join the Mexican Army to fight the French. The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City.

Almost 100 years later, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.

Cinco de Mayo is a community party! It is a day to celebrate liberty and freedom. It is a celebration bringing together the United States and Mexico. It is a day for remembering our common heritage and our connection as people. It is a day and an event that I remember almost every morning as I drive by Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School in my neighborhood!

It seems to me that it's a party we all need to join, now as never before.

What do you think?

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