LEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE BACKBONE OF THIS NATION - THE SUNDAY COMMENTARY

They came from every corner of the world. Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East and all points in between. Each had their own reasons for coming here, some not by their own choice, but most because they sought a better way of life. A life filled with the opportunities that only this nation of liberty and freedom could provide. Their names are familiar to our history, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush and those whose names would never grace the history books but just as important to the fabric of this land. All descendants from families that immigrated to this land looking for the opportunity to find their full potential and let that potential flourish into prosperity for they and their future generations. Many of their names can be found or involved with our most precious documents of freedom, The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In fact every President elected leader of this nation can trace his ancestry to immigrant beginnings. Yet whether effecting the course of our history directly or adding to it by performing the daily task of living in this country immigrants have shaped this nation from its very beginnings. When it was discovered that there were territories west of the Eastern Coast, immigrants led the way of discovery and settlement all the way to the Pacific. Each claiming the words inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty, many even before it was constructed but still believing in words that would be inscribed for future immigrants. " Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" This light of liberty has shown her freedom to countless masses who sought what only this country could offer, "the unalienable rights," of, " Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

When our ancestors stepped foot on Ellis Island and before they came with only their families a handful of possessions if any at all and a dream: to become an American and all that citizenship in this land entails. They created their own communities, know by many names, "Little Italy, Chinatown, " and many others that reminded them of their heritage and their culture but they all wanted to be Americans. Ellis Island during the height of the immigration boom became a clearing sight for those yearning to be free. There they received the first introduction to this country and there they were checked for eligibility to become an American. If there was a criminal past found they were denied entry. If they suffered from sickness or disease they were denied entry until it was past. Ellis Island also offered instruction about what it meant to be an American and direction on how to make that dream possible and identification to start the process of citizenship.

Today's debate over immigration has none of the aspects of our immigration past. A past that has made us a strong and diverse nation and the envy of the world. Immigrants who have entered this country through proper channels in obedience to our laws have always had the same opportunities of prosperity as those who have had the fortune of being born in this land of freedom though descendant from immigrants. Yet in the United States Congress this immigration past is being scoffed at as legislation is being formed which allows illegal entry to this country the reward of living in this land without obeying her laws. Every family who finds their ancestry from immigrants is being insulted by elected officials who are pandering for votes rather than honoring our immigrant heritage and following the letter of the very laws that this branch of government enacted. All who wish to enter this nation are welcome as long as they follow the example of our history and those who immigrated to this land for its opportunities. Many of those who now find themselves here illegally are here for only an income and not to become an American, so how can giving them amnesty change their heart and mind ? Our immigrant ancestors honored their native heritage yet embraced America and held fast to being an American. Never did they protest or insist that America change to adopt their native culture or traditions, yet today those who have broken our laws to enter this country are demanding just that. To follow the line of political correctness many are pandering to this line of thinking by printing signs in two languages and adapting schools, local governments and communities to the heritage and language of those who are illegal. This is not America nor what our ancestors wished or what our Founding Fathers meant when they welcomed people from other lands. If you want to live in this land then you live as an American. Honor your native heritage just as our ancestors did but do not demand that American change to meet your standards. Getting tough on the border and the issue of how to handle illegal aliens/immigrants will not cause a voter back lash with Latino's as many who are in Washington fear. Latino's are just as angered by this nonsense as every other citizen for they have honored our immigrant past and are Americans. It is time to stand up for our immigrant heritage and honor the history that has made us who we are. The failure of the weak legislation in the Senate should be taken as a sign that we the people are demanding strong and real solutions to illegal immigration. Answers that obey the existing laws, close the borders and adhere to our heritage immigrant past. If one wishes to live in America then they must become and American legally without amnesty as our history portrays through our ancestors. If not then those in Congress will see a back lash from voters that will shake up the very core of the Capitol. We will deport them from Washington by our vote in favor of someone who will finally get tough on illegal immigration!

Ken Taylor