Immigration- No Easy Answers

You hear a lot these days abut the Immigration Law that has been passed or initiated by the governor of Arizona. I really don't think she is a racist, although I really don't know a lot about this woman to really say. I just think she wants to find a solution.

But as a Latina of Mexican descent, it hits a little too close to home. Also, in my day, I have had experiences of racism and discrimination. That is the ugly side of life.

It's funny, I found that when I had a low self-esteem, I would feel more hurt and insulted, than now that I am a confident woman. If someone were to insult me now about my race, I might get a little annoyed, but I would wonder why they felt the need to be so mean. My conclusion would be that they are very unhappy with their lives that they have to put someone down to elevate themselves.

But, I mostly write this blog because there needs to be a solution that benefits everyone equally. I think I know my people, mi gente, and I feel a strong bond that links us together. So I feel conflicted because I am not a one-dimensional person.

I am Latina, I am a Christian, I am a businesswoman, a mother, etc. So I have to look at this issue with my different personas. OK, as a Christian: Christ wants us to not forget the less fortunate, the hungry, the disadvantaged, etc. So I have a responsibility (we all do) to take care of the needy. Also, God really did not put any lines or borders on the Earth that He created. If I knew an illegal immigrant, I would never turn them in. If they were hungry, I would give them something to eat, or suggest where they could do some odd jobs for pocket money. I could never watch someone starve or go thirsty. I should not call myself by Christ's name if I do not believe what He told us we must do. I also know that God blesses those that help others. I have felt that in my life, and I wholeheartedly believe it.

But I also understand the economics of life. Who should pay for the health care and education of an "illegal" immigrant? I know we pay enough taxes ourselves. We also feel bound to donate to charity. We've been blessed, so why not share some of it. Our national economy seems strained enough already.

Maybe a small part of the answer is to grant work permits to the immigrants, and, of course to keep track of these permits by putting a time limit on the permits. The immigrants would pay taxes, so that would benefit our economy. The Mexican people are hard-working people (they work harder than Americans), and they are not used to "freebies". When they come over, or hear stories from others that have crossed over, then they hear and, of course expect to get a piece of the pie. And to those Americans who get upset about the jobs that are being "taken away" by these immigrants, don't worry, the jobs that a lot of immigrants would want- day laborers, construction, etc. most Americans would turn their noses up at.

OK, I do not claim to have all the answers. But I do appeal for Americans to realize that these immigrants are real people with families, and all they want to do is feed their loved ones back home. Most of them do not really want to become Americans, they might only want to because of all we have here in this country. If Mexico was economically strong, I think people would never want to leave.

OK, it's getting late, but I just wanted to put a few thoughts down.