Immigration - A Student's View

Fresh Thoughts, a weekly segment in our local newspaper had a very interesting blurb today by a young man named Abhilash Reddy, a student at Purdue University. Here it is in its entirety.

I am the son of two immigrants who came to this country more than 20 years ago
in pursuit of the same dreams as those protesting in the streets of Indy, Los
Angeles and elsewhere this week. I have seen first hand what America can offer
immigrants who seek a better life.
However, unlike many of the protesters,
my parents came to America legally. They filled out applications, waited in line
for visas and came here after those visas had been approved. The immigration
debate is one that resonates strongly for me, yet while I support a guest-worker
program, I have issues with the path to citizenship plan. It is against the law
to enter this nation without proper protocol. For those who came here illegally
to be allowed a path to citizenship is to reward breaking the law.
Furthermore, how far does this plan extend? Is it only Hispanics, or does
every illegal immigrant get this amnesty? America is the land of immigrants,
founded by immigrants and hospitable to them. It is also a land of laws, and we
can’t reward those who break the law.

I haven't read too many opinions on this subject that frame it any more clearly than Abhilash did. Nicely written. Clear and concise.

Many of the marchers say they want a path to citizenship. As Mr. Reddy points out, there is a clear path in place. Millions of legal immigrants have taken advantage of it to date. Maybe some of the illegals in this country should go home and get in line. My guess is they will appreciate it more when their citizenship is earned legally and they will be more apt to respect the laws of their new country.

Just an thought.