Take immigration reform off the shelf
Many of us have the Pledge of Allegiance memorized so well that we recite it without fully appreciating what we are saying.
The powerful statement “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”, commits us to upholding these sacred principles that have come to define “the American way.”
Since September 11th, 2001, fear has threatened our identity far more than terrorist bombs ever could. Here in Livingston County, I see the impact of this misplaced fear on a very vulnerable part of our population. For decades we called them migrant workers. Let me share what I have come to know about them.
They are here to work; period. I have not met one migrant farmer or family member who moved from their warm country to our area for any other reason. Their goal is to earn money and return home someday to build a better life for their families.
They work hard for 40, 50, sometimes 60 hours a week, keeping dairy and cash crop farms operating. The farm owners appreciate them, paying a $9 to $10 per hour wage while providing decent housing and paying utilities. The migrants pay Social Security and income taxes out of their paychecks.
For decades we have had migrants crossing the border illegally, to come to our country and be productive, honorable members of our society: farmers, housekeepers, construction workers, meat packers and landscapers, and we have known it.
However, since September 11th, our reaction to the migrant community resembles the way Americans treated Japanese immigrants after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Immigration reform is a complex problem that will require courageous leadership and good dialogue for our country to resolve. When President Bush recommended comprehensive immigration reform earlier this year, it was rejected and status quo prevailed. However, we need our political leaders to discuss immigration reform, not reject a solution without offering a viable alternative. Let’s accept our responsibility for the immigration issues in our country and pledge to resolve it with liberty and justice for all.
Joseph DiMino, Executive Director
Catholic Charities of Livingston County