I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that most developed countries have been able to achieve their level of growth thanks to the contribution of immigrant labor.
Even “third-world” countries have been able to grow little by little thanks to thousands of immigrants (documented or not) who take on the lowest-paid jobs in order to provide for their families.
If immigrants have always existed everywhere in the world, it’s logical to conclude that immigrants are NOT the problem.
What is the root of the current problem involving many immigrants in issues of violence, crime, and/or lack of adaptation? The source of all these problems lies in the lack of control in everything related to migration.
If there is no control over who enters a country, it’s very likely that hundreds, or thousands, of criminals will take advantage of this situation to enter more developed countries.
It’s simple. It’s very difficult for someone with a criminal record to obtain a tourist visa or permanent residency through legal means.
But if there is already an expedited route through Central America and Mexico that practically guarantees entry into the United States without problems, it’s obvious that many will take that route. I know people who have been in the process of obtaining their “green card” for more than 12 years.
People who are spending a fortune on lawyers, paperwork, medical exams, and have to wait patiently.
Meanwhile, there are people who take the route through El Salvador, then through Guatemala and Mexico, and within a matter of days, they’re already in U.S. territory.
After a few days here, they are properly advised to appear before a judge, obtain some “assistance” from the federal government and/or the city where they are, and even get driver’s licenses.
This disorder at the border is what has allowed some antisocial individuals to enter the United States, and with the political campaign, everything is becoming polarized and taken to extremes. Let’s avoid arguing over political issues.
They are rivals, but not enemies.
From my point of view, we immigrants should be the first to demand that the country’s borders have efficient controls and, at the same time, the flexibility to provide humanitarian aid to those who need it.
People who arrive because they are fleeing civil wars, political instability, or violence caused by drug cartels—it’s obvious that we must lend a hand, give them the opportunity to enter and live with dignity in this great nation that has welcomed us.
.Blessings!
manuel.rosario.gomez@gmail.com
By Manuel Rosario
Industrial Engineer and Speaker
Image: Freepick
