YETMO

“Could This Week’s Column Be About Anything Other Than Immigration?” (March 27 – 31, 2006)

Now we know another political issue that will stay with us until the November elections: immigration policy.

We at Understanding Government are concerned because this issue directly affects many federal, state, and local executive branch employees who must administer and enforce these laws.

Already we can see the political pandering being put into overdrive. The catchy sound bites fail to foster debate and analysis about a very vexing, yet important, topic. When I hear “they’re doing jobs Americans won’t do” or “we’re rewarding illegal behavior” I want to gab the nearest metal coat hanger and make it look like a bowl of spaghetti so I can vent my frustration in a relatively sane and civilized manner. Would that the issue were as simple and facile as these platitudinous pronouncements.

Government employees must enforce whatever laws are passed and citizens expect them to do so fairly, professionally, and effectively. Therefore, the type of law and policy that will come out of Washington, DC, will be very important – for all of us. Some state governments have faced such problems already (New Mexico and Arizona) and have passed emergency measures that their executive branch employees will have to implement.

This is big, big stuff. Not only is this task similar to putting toothpaste back into its tube, it also defines who we are and what we stand for as a nation, and what we hope to be as a country, both culturally and politically. Some believe that the lack of a sensible immigration policy will be the death knell to the unique ethos of the United States of America.

For good or ill, most would agree that this country has a “culture,” an American culture. With increasing immigration and greater use of foreign languages in schools and government operations, some question the very nature and fabric of our society. So, at one level, we have a highly emotional issue. On another level, we have the very real matter of how to treat people from other lands who wish to or have come to this country for their own reasons, good or ill.

I would like federal, state or local border enforcement or homeland security managers or staff to share their insights with our readers. Please tell us what are your biggest challenges, what you believe they will to be in the near future, and how citizens can help in this enterprise.

This is clearly a political hot potato, but I’m confident that Understanding Government visitors and participants can keep the dialogue on the up-and-up. We can add to the constructive and thoughtful debate that is needed to properly address a matter of this magnitude.