Commentary by Rick Rodriguez
On April 17, 2008, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), published a commentary I wrote in the Letters to the Editor section of their paper regarding illegal immigration. The subject has been long debated and like a can kicked down the road there never seems to be a solution to appease the various political groups, voting blocs, the right or left in this country. In fact, since President Obama has been in office (2008), increasingly aggressive deportation laws have been enforced consistent with the actions of former President Bush. The present administration is deporting illegal immigrants in record numbers somewhat in contrast to the political campaign rhetoric. Of course, there are numerous opinions on Illegal Immigration and it is still a very divisive issue that will require extensive debate in the upcoming elections.
My comments to WSJ were in response to a story I read in the WSJ about an illegal immigrant (Mr. Derezinski) that had successfully engaged in a pursuit of the American dream. He worked; paid taxes; purchased real estate; had children, and achieved all of this while being pursued by the government for over staying his initial visa issued 12 years prior. Despite numerous attempts to capture Mr. Derezinski, he was able to delay his deportation through the courts and other subterfuge. He contended since he was a contributing honorable citizen he should be afforded a circumvention of our immigrations laws! The government refused this reasoning.
While his achievements are to be admired; his circumvention of the law shouldn't--nor was it. The story ends as the protagonist is finally apprehended and deported. Certainly, the conclusion is no cause for celebration, and that is besides the point; nonetheless, the plight of Mr. Derezinski brings to light the real costs, both financial and emotional, of this ongoing struggle.
What Kind of Immigrants Do We Want?
Notwithstanding Mr. Derezinski's honorable efforts in achieving the American dream, his results are at the expense of violating a most basic law. While he should be applauded, I guess, for paying his taxes and keeping a job, nothing is mentioned of the cost of pursuing a fugitive of the law for more than a decade. In the end, it appears that Mr. Derezinski gets it, as all of us should: There are consequences to our decisions despite our most honorable intentions.
Published April 17, 2008 The Wall Street Journal Letters To The Editor by Rick Rodriguez
Watch Rhetoric vs Reality on Illegal Immigration for a balanced view of the issue and its current state (12/2011)
Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.
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