I’ve been following the controversy over the proposed immigration reform for the past several months, much like the rest of the country.  I’ve seen the rhetoric pro and con from the halls of Congress and the White House, and I’ve seen the demonstrations and protests in the streets of various places, in all cases dispensed by local and national media in print and electronic form.

Given that our country was founded by immigrants and continues to be shaped and guided by the descendants of said immigrants, I am by no means a protectionist.  I firmly believe that immigration laws can and should be improved to make it less complex and less time-consuming for those who wish to achieve U.S. citizenship.

That said, I also believe that the phrase “illegal immigrant” is an oxymoron.  In most of the world’s countries, those who enter without permission have committed a criminal offense and are treated as such.  Why should the ‘States behave any differently?  And, at what point would such illegality be celebrated in any other country?

Seeing the demonstrations, complete with waving Mexican flags, greatly angers me.  It gives me the impression that the prevailing attitude among illegal aliens is that “We’re here now; treat us as equals!”  Laws to tighten border security are viewed as discrimination and/or racism.  As what point should a citizen of one country who enters another country without permission expect any measure of civil rights/liberties?  It doesn’t happen anywhere else, and it shouldn’t happen in the U.S.A., either.

Again, those who desire to immigrate to this country for the mutual benefit of both should be welcomed with open arms.  Those whose idea of betterment involves sneaking into the country, no matter how noble their intentions, are committing a crime that can neither be rationalized nor mitigated.  It should further be noted that Mexico’s handling of illegal aliens is much harsher than the U.S., and that those caught in such a situation there can even forfeit their lives if officials choose not to follow what laws exist there.

Despite rhetoric to the contrary, this is not a civil rights/civil liberties issue.  There is no point in having borders or laws concerning them if both can be violated with impunity.