Ada M. Fisher: It’s not about just the children

Published 12:00 am Sunday, June 24, 2018

From the first lady on down, few are want to justify separating children from parents as families seem hell bent on illegally crossing the border. That is not the overriding issue. For the millions likely legally in line to gain entry into the USA, this is a slap in the face as well as an affront to the ”rule of law.”

Immigration must be orderly and through a recognized process rather than the chaos that presently exists. Children’s issues must not become a shield to hide behind our unwillingness to enforce our laws and make a way out of what at times seems no way.

I have long believed that those who easily cross a land border should be sent back as long as Haitians aren’t allow unfettered entry. It is imperative that some standards for screening be in place to avoid such diseases as tuberculosis and other highly transmittable contagions, which if entered unchecked could adversely affect our endemic populations.

Screening for those with terrorist ties or gang affiliations should also not take a back seat.

This nation must get serious about the impact of illegal immigration for the low-skilled and high-skilled. The ruse is that they take jobs that others don’t want, which might be true temporarily; however, once in they want to advance to something better, which knocks up against our struggling blue-collar workers.

The high-tech immigrants sought by Silicon Valley, the Research Triangle and other technology havens of Google, Amazon, etc., diminish opportunities for those U.S. graduates from engineering schools and institutions fighting for those very same jobs. A viable e-verify system should be a priority for immigration entry to confirm that entering people are eligible to work in this country.

Early in our foundation, we noted that immigrants must speak English, have a sponsor and have a job. That still sounds good to me, for we are rushing to take in people who are looking for economic advancement while much of our urban blight reflects those who have had no such luck.

Immigration divides Democrats and Republicans where elections are concerned but not where jobs are considered, for many on both sides of the aisle employ illegal workers for below minimum wage to support farming and other businesses.

Those outspoken against amnesty are the rank and file of Trump’s Army. They aren’t deplorables, just increasingly concerned that they are being shut out of the opportunity society and displaced by those whose cultures are so different. If unmitigated chain migration continues to this country, many will rush the borders to get in while there is still time. Such an embrace will not be what is the best interest of the USA but more like socialism 101 where we continue to promise much to many without looking at its cost.

Former Prime Minister of England Margaret Thatcher noted that socialism is only good as long as you don’t run out of other people’s money to support it. Such breeds the idea of why should we work when everyone is getting so much for free?

The embracing of sanctuary cities sets an unprecedented standard for injustice and disunity in a nation in such disarray. That status means immigrants possibly could not be forced to comply with federal laws or could shelter criminals without due process. That is not acceptable.

Not forgetting those needing political asylum from genocidal governments or those seeking refuge from natural disasters, children at the borders with their parents should be sent home with them until they get their turn in our long line.

Ada M. Fisher is a licensed teacher, retired physician, former county school board member, and the N.C. Republican national committeewoman.