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Melting Pots & Frying Pans
The great melting pot! For many, many years, that is what this country has been known for. For the most part, this is a moniker that we are very proud of. Even though it was a little before my time, I still enjoy seeing the news reels of the many immigrants coming into Ellis Island with the Statue of Liberty proudly standing tall in the background. I can only imagine the excitement and emotion that must have been felt by the droves of people who came, on the way to a new beginning and in fact a new life. In many respects, the very fabric of our current society was woven by those immigrants who came from all corners of the world and meshed with the generations of Americans who had started the building process of what is the greatest country in the world. As we look back, with a great sense of pride, it is truly remarkable what this country has been able to do while catering to the cultures, the needs and the attention that so many different types of people bring.
As history often does, we are seeing it repeat itself as we experience the second great wave of immigrants coming to our country. But, this time it is a very different reception and attitude toward those who want to call America home. There are no ceremonies or official welcoming committees to the thousands who cross our borders every day. There are no tears shed as they pass by Miss Liberty and I suspect that there are very few quiet moments that are taken to think about the new life that lies ahead. The current exodus from our Latin neighbors would be better analogized as more of a great frying pan than a melting pot. Literally jumping from the fire to the pan in this case. Americans are becoming more and more leery and intolerant of the increasing numbers of immigrants that come into the country each day. What has caused this new attitude, which has changed us from a policy of open arms to one of closed borders? Many things can be attributed to this philosophical change, but for the most part, it is very simple. I have found very few in our country that do not want to see everyone prosper. Whether it is in this country, or in their home countries, most Americans are sympathetic to the needs of others. However, there is a vast difference in the way that the current influx is taking place as opposed to the first.
First of all, those who came here after the world wars came here in a legal fashion and with the intent of doing everything possible to become an American citizen. They began immediately doing the things that would allow them to adapt to the ways and cultures of their new country. This meant operating within the confines of the laws and certainly learning the language. Did this mean that they would abandon everything that was near and dear to them from their own cultures? No. However, they recognize the need to adapt, to fit in, and their work ethic and attitude is what led to their success in a new country. While there are many people in the current wave who share the attitudes of the first wave, it is not shared by all. I have heard from many immigrants who are trying to come into the country via the legal process, that there is little incentive to come in legally when so many come in illegally every day. We must change this lien of thinking and punish those who come in illegally and certainly not reward them for their illegal process by allowing them to stay. Furthermore, those who are here illegally are not required to accept the responsibilities, other than perhaps sales tax requirements, that others feel the pinch of every day. We warn them not to come, but once they are here, we give them free schooling, medical care, and enough work to support their remaining family members back home. Once again, what is the incentive to do it legally?
Americans are concerned that they are being required to adapt to the Spanish language when in fact they feel that those who come in should be required to learn the English language. Many illegal immigrants who are in our country cannot speak a word of English. We respond to this by printing every document, sign, school curriculum, and about anything else that carries words of instruction in Spanish.
I will never believe that Americans are less compassionate than they were 50 or 60 years ago. I will never believe that Americans are opposed to others coming to this country for a better way of life. I cannot believe that this country will ever shut down its borders to those who recognize the many things that this country offers and want to call the United States of America their home. Americans are simply asking that consideration be given to a civil and legal system where the right to due process, something that many people have died for to ensure that it is guaranteed to those who call this country their home, be respected. That is all, nothing more. When this occurs, we will once again see the welcoming arms that have been extended to so many people throughout the years.
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