Every time an undocumented immigrant commits a crime, we get a thread. So, I thought it would only be fair to read about an undocumented immigrant with a very promising future. Lizbeth Sanchez Olivera came to the US from Mexico as a 3-year old, and is now likely to get her PhD in Biomedical Studies. Can anyone come up with a reason to deport a person like this today, who will contribute to society with her medical research? Anyone honestly think she's a criminal, or should pay for the crime of entering the country illegally when she was 3-years old, and not responsible for her actions? Now, she is exceptional, and most undocumented immigrants aren't going to PhD candidates. They aren't hardened criminals either. Most are like the parents mentioned in the story. Hard working individuals working multiple jobs to provide a better life for their family. I see no reason to deport these individuals either, as long as they are gainfully employed and not causing trouble. If only there was a way to make these types legal, and allow their kids to flourish in school? Oh, there is. It's called an expanded guest worker program.
I think both things can be true - immigration on balance has been and continues to be a net positive, but at the same time we have an uncontrolled border that also presents some significant problems and potential dangers. More than a decade ago you could argue they were mostly Mexicans coming here to work. Now you have people coming from all over and claiming asylum and we seem to be completely unable to deal with it. They are overwhelming social services in major urban areas. Democrats have drug their feet on this issue for political reasons, and now it has gotten out of control.
