To the Editor:
I expect almost all who are reading this letter are immigrants to the U.S., either willing or unwilling. Most of us are the sons and daughters of immigrants, however many years since that immigration happened. For most of us, our families came to this country seeking opportunity: opportunity to practice religion, opportunity to escape persecution, opportunity to work hard and succeed.
The story of America is the story of immigration, each wave of immigrants brought new energy and labor. In the 19th century, the Irish came, then Germans, Italians, Chinese, Eastern Europeans, Latin Americans. When they came; they did the tough work no one wanted. Sometimes they were accepted, sometimes they faced hostility. The Irish, Catholic Germans, Chinese and Italians faced the harshest criticism. In the end, they integrated and added to what is now the U.S. We are stronger as a country for all their collective energy.
In my own work, I had the opportunity to work with amazing U.S. staff, but also talented people from many different countries: Ireland, England, Sweden, France, Cyprus, Mexico, India, China, Pakistan, Burma, Korea, and the Philippines. Each brought a different perspective to our work together.
They made our team greater than the sum of its parts. My own lived experience tells me we are better working in diverse groups.
Some of those I worked with stayed on in the U.S.—legally—and became productive citizens, but most went home.
Today’s immigration system/process is broken, it needs to be fixed. Fixed not with raids sweeping up working illegal migrants, many of which have been in the country for years doing tough work, paying taxes. We need to define a process of legal immigration that meets the needs of the future.
Because there’s a real need for immigrants in the U.S.
Yes, let’s identify those here who are truly dangerous, who are indeed criminals, and get them out of the country. But raids sweeping up and deporting those who are working long hours cleaning hotel rooms, doing construction, or picking vegetables is not a good solution; it’s just good for making headlines.
Also, these raids are going to affect our economy; who’s going to do that work?
We don’t need hostility toward those who are honestly seeking opportunity, but instead should develop a regulated, stable process that enables them to become citizens. Let them start new businesses, innovate, do the tough work that many citizens don’t want to do. Also, let’s try and attract the best and brightest from around the world: the brightest students, the smartest researchers, brilliant scientists, visionary technologists.
Let them join the American experience and add to our country, just as our ancestors did.
The truth is, we need immigrants. Immigration is part of what made America great.
Instead of creating headlines and holding hearings, the Republicans that control Congress and the Presidency need to provide their plan for real immigration reform that will benefit all of us.
Richard Chamberlain Colchester
