Monday, December 26, 2005

America should welcome Hispanic immigrants

This opinion piece gives several reasons why we should be more compassionate to the immigrants here. Especially since we all enjoy the fruits of their labor in one way or another. DP

By Mark O'Rourke
We need a fair guest worker program and respect for our neighbors' dignity.
The Greenville News: Illegal immigration of Hispanics into the United States has become a hot topic. There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, with 45,000 to 75,000 in South Carolina. Many work in low-wage and hazardous industries, such as agriculture and construction.

This state of affairs is an unfortunate tragedy. Our society should do better and we can do better in caring for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States.

First, we citizens of the United States need to acknowledge that the problem is not merely 11 million people breaking U.S. law who should be treated as criminals. Indeed, it is jobs in our economy and the hope of a better life that draw Hispanics from Mexico, Central and South America to the United States. We allow them to work in our hotels and restaurants, in our agricultural fields and on our construction crews, while we tolerate a pervasive "don't ask, don't tell" status quo and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Second, we citizens of the United States have a practical interest in having these 11 million people registered in guest worker programs that allow them to be healthy, safe and secure and to be productive members of our society.

Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.

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