- Mar 16, 2004
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"I appeal to you to constantly bear in mind that not with politicians not with presidents not with office seekers but with you is the question: Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generations?" (Abraham Lincoln Feb 11 1861)
Let me start by saying I'm not a Trump supporter and have no problem with legal immigration. That said the growing crises with illegal immigrants is getting worse and Congress appears to be doing nothing. I don't like Trump but the one thing I like about him is his stand on illegal immigration and he is failing to stop this, the culprit isn't the White House as much as the Laws:
A few resources you might find informative:
To truly keep the American people safe, we must end legal loopholes that have left us with policies that serve as tremendous magnets for illegal immigration.
(DHS Actions to End Legal Loopholes and Secure Our Border. DHS)
WHAT: Our immigration system continues to encourage and allow an influx of aliens to illegally cross our borders and resettle in American communities.
(What You Need to Know About Catch and Release. Whitehouse Briefings-Statements)
Between 2005 and 2016, the United States permanently resettled 9.3 million immigrants based on family relations—a population larger than the size of Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Cleveland combined.
(We Need to End Unchecked Chain Migration and Eliminate the Reckless Visa Lottery to Secure the Nation and Protect the American Worker)
I'm all into the partisan wrangling and have no problem blaming Trump, Democrats and Republicans with equal vigor. You wonder how we got the likes of Trump in the White House, take a good look, this is the main reason, our lawmakers will do nothing about this. Kirstjen Nielsen stated clearly, the nature of the problem, the policy and the only viable solution. Then for some inexplicable reason she is gone and this kind of clarity along with her:(DHS Actions to End Legal Loopholes and Secure Our Border. DHS)
WHAT: Our immigration system continues to encourage and allow an influx of aliens to illegally cross our borders and resettle in American communities.
(What You Need to Know About Catch and Release. Whitehouse Briefings-Statements)
Between 2005 and 2016, the United States permanently resettled 9.3 million immigrants based on family relations—a population larger than the size of Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Cleveland combined.
(We Need to End Unchecked Chain Migration and Eliminate the Reckless Visa Lottery to Secure the Nation and Protect the American Worker)
So let’s just start with a few numbers and facts. So, in the last three months we’ve seen illegal immigration on our southern border exceed 50,000 people each month, multiples over each month last year. Since this time last year, there has been a 325 percent increase in unaccompanied alien children and a 435 percent increase in family units entering the country illegally. (Kirstjen Nielsen Addresses Families Separation at Border: Full Transcript)
She specifically identifies the laws that are hindering her efforts and the efforts of DHS to secure our boarders. I listened in rapt fascination as she explained all of this and detailed the what could be a viable solution. The 2020 election cycle is coming up and if this turns into another circus like 2016 interference from Russia will be the least of our problems. Congress as far as I can tell, is doing absolutely nothing. When Trump blows it I'm happy to hold him accountable, I sometimes do a little Irish jig, it's so much fun watching him flounder. I know shame on me, but I do so enjoy it. But it is our lawmakers and frankly, the media for not holding the Congress accountable for this. Ultimately the responsibility lies with us, the people.
My favorite quote from Abraham Lincoln is on a small memorial commemorating one of his whistle stop speeches in Indianapolis. He said, in effect, 'the future belongs to you, the people'. I won't go into why this little memorial is so important to me personally but here it is:
This isn't about legal immigration, this is about Americans who care enough to at least be informed as to the nature of serious problems facing us. I realize the wall is controversial and unlikely to create the solution we all need, but fixing the laws is doable. Why isn't the Congress being held accountable for this? We can beat up Trump over this or sing his praises but that will do little to fix what is so badly broken. Congress needs to act decisively and purposely and I see no effort on their part to do anything.
Your thoughts...
Grace and peace,
Mark