Illegal: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source
Main Entry: il·le·galPronunciation: il-'lE-g&lFunction: adjective: contrary to or in violation of a law : ILLICIT, UNLAWFULillegal
Alien: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source
Main Entry: 1alienPronunciation: 'A-lE-&n, 'Al-y&nFunction: adjectiveEtymology: Latin alienus not one's own, foreign: relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government
The State of Oklahoma and it's legislature forwarded a bill to Governor Henry that would make it illegal for an alien to work or receive state benefits, in addition to fining employers who illegally employed them. Governor Henry signed the bill into law this week.
On the surface, this move seems to be one that is lacking compassion or understanding. It also appears to aimed specifically at the ever growing hispanic population. Most would argue that these people are here seeking to improve their situation in life, which I believe to be the case. The problem though is not about intention, but an issue of law. Law that the United States of America has established over two centuries, and should defend in order to maintain order and identity.
Historically, the U.S. is made up mostly of immigrants. I dare not guess how many people made the piligimage across the world to land at Ellis Island, and it is these same people who became the seed that grew into our diverse society such as it is. They were people of poverty, oppression and slavery without any rights at all, yet, they all worked and fought for their rightful place in this culture. You name it, we are made up of it. Be it a destination of hope, or one of slavery, this country has weathered much and overcame even more.
The problem we are facing today is much more than simply one of immigration. It is one in which those looking for a better world are working for less than accepted wages for a less than scrupulous employer. It reminds me of a history in which sweat shops and labor camps were common place. A time that need not be revisited.
On the other side is the issue of the rights of the legal citizens, either native or naturalized. Not looking to the socio-economic scenario presented with state funds, is that of personal accountability or the lack of. As a citizen of this country and state, I am forced by law to maintain a drivers license in addition to liability insurance on my vehicles, both for my own protection in addition to that of anyone whom I might be involved in an auto accident with.
We all know the scenario that takes place in the run of the mill fender bender. Someone is cited as being in the wrong (usually), and their insurance takes care of the situation. But, in the case of an illegal alien without license or insurance, they would normally be sent on their way and the law-biding citizen would be left to carry the full brunt of the accident due to a lack of having any documentation or institution to seek a rightful claim against. The citizen follows the rules and is penalized by those that are using city, state, and national roadways illegally.
In the above situation (in most cases), if both parties need medical attention, they are both transported to the hospital and treated. The citizen is treated and their insurance is billed, and citizen often has to pay a large deductible. The illegal alien is treated and due to a lack of insurance, is billed, but the hospital has almost no option that would secure payment of the bill. The illegal also has no deductible. In an effort to recoup part of the increased cost imposed upon them, they (the medical community) have little option but to raise the price of their services. The result is that insurance companies must raise their costs and most citizens end up having to raise their personal deductible in order to afford their insurance. In this situation, the citizen ends up paying for their own needs in addition to those of the illegal. Simple economics. Somebody MUST pay!
In this light, I agree with the new state laws. But, I don't think rounding up illegals and shipping them out of country will work either.
I believe the best thing that could happen is that the citizen accepts and realizes that we will always have those seeking a better life for themselves and their families. That's why and how most of us gained our American heritage (except me, I'm Native...Cherokee).
I believe that assimilation, while maintaining heritage is the best move. Help these people become what they desire, which evidently would be Americans. While our immigration system appears to be a mess, we the people (yes "WE") need to take a stand and demand repair. We need to devise a system that adequately screens applicants in an appropriate manner so that we can keep the criminal and ill intended person out, yet, welcome and bring in those who have a better dream... hope for life and the future. We can be so much more of a nation if we can only see the opportunity at hand.
I do have much to say about assimilation and citizenship, but not today.
If You Want To Be Right: Do Right
Main Entry: il·le·galPronunciation: il-'lE-g&lFunction: adjective: contrary to or in violation of a law : ILLICIT, UNLAWFUL
Alien: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source
Main Entry: 1alienPronunciation: 'A-lE-&n, 'Al-y&nFunction: adjectiveEtymology: Latin alienus not one's own, foreign: relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government
The State of Oklahoma and it's legislature forwarded a bill to Governor Henry that would make it illegal for an alien to work or receive state benefits, in addition to fining employers who illegally employed them. Governor Henry signed the bill into law this week.
On the surface, this move seems to be one that is lacking compassion or understanding. It also appears to aimed specifically at the ever growing hispanic population. Most would argue that these people are here seeking to improve their situation in life, which I believe to be the case. The problem though is not about intention, but an issue of law. Law that the United States of America has established over two centuries, and should defend in order to maintain order and identity.
Historically, the U.S. is made up mostly of immigrants. I dare not guess how many people made the piligimage across the world to land at Ellis Island, and it is these same people who became the seed that grew into our diverse society such as it is. They were people of poverty, oppression and slavery without any rights at all, yet, they all worked and fought for their rightful place in this culture. You name it, we are made up of it. Be it a destination of hope, or one of slavery, this country has weathered much and overcame even more.
The problem we are facing today is much more than simply one of immigration. It is one in which those looking for a better world are working for less than accepted wages for a less than scrupulous employer. It reminds me of a history in which sweat shops and labor camps were common place. A time that need not be revisited.
On the other side is the issue of the rights of the legal citizens, either native or naturalized. Not looking to the socio-economic scenario presented with state funds, is that of personal accountability or the lack of. As a citizen of this country and state, I am forced by law to maintain a drivers license in addition to liability insurance on my vehicles, both for my own protection in addition to that of anyone whom I might be involved in an auto accident with.
We all know the scenario that takes place in the run of the mill fender bender. Someone is cited as being in the wrong (usually), and their insurance takes care of the situation. But, in the case of an illegal alien without license or insurance, they would normally be sent on their way and the law-biding citizen would be left to carry the full brunt of the accident due to a lack of having any documentation or institution to seek a rightful claim against. The citizen follows the rules and is penalized by those that are using city, state, and national roadways illegally.
In the above situation (in most cases), if both parties need medical attention, they are both transported to the hospital and treated. The citizen is treated and their insurance is billed, and citizen often has to pay a large deductible. The illegal alien is treated and due to a lack of insurance, is billed, but the hospital has almost no option that would secure payment of the bill. The illegal also has no deductible. In an effort to recoup part of the increased cost imposed upon them, they (the medical community) have little option but to raise the price of their services. The result is that insurance companies must raise their costs and most citizens end up having to raise their personal deductible in order to afford their insurance. In this situation, the citizen ends up paying for their own needs in addition to those of the illegal. Simple economics. Somebody MUST pay!
In this light, I agree with the new state laws. But, I don't think rounding up illegals and shipping them out of country will work either.
I believe the best thing that could happen is that the citizen accepts and realizes that we will always have those seeking a better life for themselves and their families. That's why and how most of us gained our American heritage (except me, I'm Native...Cherokee).
I believe that assimilation, while maintaining heritage is the best move. Help these people become what they desire, which evidently would be Americans. While our immigration system appears to be a mess, we the people (yes "WE") need to take a stand and demand repair. We need to devise a system that adequately screens applicants in an appropriate manner so that we can keep the criminal and ill intended person out, yet, welcome and bring in those who have a better dream... hope for life and the future. We can be so much more of a nation if we can only see the opportunity at hand.
I do have much to say about assimilation and citizenship, but not today.
If You Want To Be Right: Do Right
Merriam-Webster's
Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11 May. 2007.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/illegal>.
Merriam-Webster's
Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11 May. 2007.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alien>.
Posts
