Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s calls to impound the money undocumented workers send home and to jack up fees for Mexicans crossing the border legally each day could prove harmful to the economies of both countries, Mexican experts said Monday.
Source: Trump migrant proposals could be ‘catastrophic’ to both U.S., Mexico | McClatchy DC
First of all, I resent most strongly the implication that everyone in the US of “Mexican heritage” is either a legal worker or an illegal immigrant. Yes, my grandfather might have had a little Mexican flag on a stick in a pot in the decorations of his home with other knick-knacks celebrating his ethnic culture. However, the flag that flew on his house, the flag that he loved and that his sons – including my father – served to defend was the American flag.
Second, the deportation, confiscation and ending anchor baby scam applies to India and China as well as Mexico. If Mexico isn’t a problem, as the former ambassador says, then such policies won’t have much, if any impact.
Third, if Mexico doesn’t like the idea of a fee to cross the border – and this seems the only Mexico targeted policy, IMHO – perhaps they should consider rescinding their own $20 gouge they impose on us if we want to leave their country. Why the double standard?
Finally, this is an excellent example of why language matters. Foreign guests who work here have to business or right to be called immigrants unless they are working to become citizens of this county. While that does not mean they give up their ethnic pride, it does mean they embrace and assimilate into the American philosophy and worldview. That what the Mexican Honorary Commission in my St. Louis suburb did. Just like the Poles. And the Germans. And the Armenians. And the Irish. Do you see a pattern here? Why bother coming here if all you are doing is bringing along what you are escaping?
To be an American citizen is a precious and – considering the world population – rare gift. It shouldn’t be devalued by abdicating the responsibilities that go with it.