The Watchdog Report

By Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom

 

 

Since the days that immigrants essentially founded our country, we have had a successful pattern for how to deal with immigration matters. We have always historically controlled the flow of immigrants – for their good and for the good of society at large. 

 

Within limits, we have welcomed with open arms those who want to become American citizens.  We should continue to do so, but we must also consider our own interests in establishing the timing, volume, and source of additional immigrants.  After all, one reason we have rules limiting the number of occupants that are permitted in a lifeboat is to protect the interests of all occupants.

 

To do otherwise is to invite the type of disaster we saw in 1980 during the infamous Mariel Boatlift when over 125,000 undocumented Cuban migrants arrived in Southern Florida in violation of US law.  That unchecked flow of refugees resulted in nearly 23,000 violent felons entering our country, courtesy of Fidel Castro.  Many others had serious mental illnesses and other diseases.

 

In the Miami area violence erupted among unskilled immigrants who faced low wages and marginal living conditions.  It was a monumental disaster.  And while many of the original Mariel immigrants ultimately became naturalized citizens, the years of increased crime and tension from the uncontrolled immigration flow created lasting problems for everyone involved. 

 

Even today, over 25-years later, Southern Florida still feels the effects of this mismanaged immigration.  In fact, nearly 900 Cuban criminals are still imprisoned there having been convicted of various felonies under US law.  

 

Many immigrants who come to this country are seeking the “American Dream.”  The US treats immigrants better than any other country in the world, but we simply cannot turn over the keys to all who would come here by illegal means.  We must insist that US law and the current Citizenship and Immigration guidelines be followed.  At a minimum we should expect any prospective citizen to demonstrate:

• Good moral character;
• A favorable attitude toward the United States;
• Belief in the principles of the U.S. Constitution;
• Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• A period of legal residence and physical presence in the United States; and
• The ability to read, write, and speak English as a condition of eventual citizenship.

 

We should never tolerate illegal immigration, and we must resist the dangerous move afoot to offer amnesty to the millions of illegals already here.  Anyone who desires to live and work here must agree to follow our society’s rules. 

 

In years past, those “huddled masses” that entered processing centers like Ellis Island came humbly and with appreciative spirits.  They simply wanted opportunity for themselves and their families.  They got that opportunity after submitting to the citizenship process, and most became productive citizens.

 

But what we are experiencing today is a serious insult to our forefathers.  Lawlessness and attempted extortion on the part of illegals should never be allowed to prevail.  Everyone must follow the rule of law. 

 

We certainly should welcome those who come here lawfully in search of a better life – if we can accommodate them.  But we must not allow the swelling flood of illegal immigrants to devalue the privileges and responsibilities that go along with becoming a law-abiding, patriotic American citizen.