Immigration Nation

   So a bill to reform the immigration system in America is working its way through Congress, and may -- if enacted -- make it possible for the estimated 11 million people who are in the country illegally to rectify their status and live without fear of being sent back to a place they may not even remember, since many were brought here as children.
   But those opposed to the measure still want to tighten border security and block what they call the "jobs magnet" that has been attracting workers to the U.S.
   Whatever happened to the chant about America being the "Land of Opportunity," a place with a "Golden Door," as inscribed on a statue in New York Harbor? A place that has been attracting people to America just because it was, and remains, a "jobs magnet"?
   But no, those 11 million people who are here illegally are too much of a problem, and that problem must be dealt with, opponents claim. Consider this perspective: Some 11 million people out of a total population of more than 300 million amounts to 0.04 percent of everyone living here. But those in the 0.04 percent are a major problem, and take jobs away from "good citizens." Jobs like hotel maids, laundry workers, leaf rakers, trash collectors and other such tasks that should go to native-born college graduates.

   As if they'd take them.

   The bottom line is this: People come to America for the same reason they always have. This is where the jobs are. Even in today's near-recessionary economy, there are still some jobs available for those willing to do them. If there were jobs available at home, there would be no need to leave.
   It's easy enough to compile a list of famous personalities whose parents came to America and took the hard-scrabble jobs that others didn't want. And in doing so, they gave their children opportunities that they would not have had in the "old country."
   The irony is that many of those most vociferous in demanding that the Golden Door be shut are themselves children of immigrants. Some first generation, whose own parents came through the Golden Door of Opportunity. Others may have to go back a few generations to track the migration trail from other countries.
   The fact is that we are all children of immigrants. Unless, of course, you are Cherokee, Iroquois, Algonquin, or a member of any of the many other Native American tribes.

   Finally, consider the emphasis put on tightening border security. Yeah, right, all those Canadians flocking across the line ...