A historic decision was handed down by the Supreme Court on March 28,1898, a decision that decreed any child born inside the United States to foreign parents who were NOT American citizens was indeed a U.S. citizen by virtue of birth.While it might have seemed like a good idea at the time,over a century later it is an economic,societal and diplomatic disaster.
School systems,social services and other community resources are overburdened by the very large families of illegal immigrants who are taking advantage of Americas benevolence.They know that any children born inside American borders is an "instant citizen" and therefore qualifies them for food stamps,cash assistance,Medicaid and a host of other programs.Their children are also entitled to a public education and since many of them do not speak English,all of these taxpayer funded agencies have to hire extra people who can translate.
A friend of mine who lives in a distant state reported that in her school district,public Pre-K is strictly limited to a)children in a home under the poverty level or b) children who do NOT speak English!Her tax dollars are good enough to support Pre-K instruction but her child is not welcome!The only alternative is expensive private school Pre-K or pre-school.Similar tales come in from those who have worked in a welfare office or hospital or clinic.Since Medicaid picks up the tab for prenatal care and childbirth,there is no incentive NOT to keep breeding more "citizens".
As a country,when do we stand up and say we have had enough?
Considering the horrific treatment that Chinese and other Asian immigrants received in the 1800's I can understand why it happened.(the decision)Although they worked long hours building railroads and working in mines among other things,they were severely discriminated against.Like the immigrants of 2008,they did jobs that were deemed too dangerous or difficult for anyone else.Unlike 2008 immigrants,these were proud immigrants who wanted to adapt to their new country,rather than force it to adapt to them.They were anxious and grateful for the opportunity they perceived to be here and they struggled to learn the language and understand the American culture.They did not demand to have Chinese or Cantonese translators-or run through the streets waving Peoples Republic of China flags and flaunting their illegal status.They paid their own way because there was no welfare back then.Older,more established immigrants networked to help new arrivals from their homeland to assimilate and survive.So the Supreme court could not possibly foresee the impact the decision would have decades later.
As a Mother,the reality of this decision hits my heart-The Baltimore Sun did a story not too long ago about the American-born children of illegal immigrants who have had one or both parents deported.What happens to these young Americans when their father is picked up by INS?Unfortunately this issue never came into play when the historic decision was made in 1898.
What do we do about it now?Do we give immunity to the parents,even though they are illegal,in an attempt to preserve families?Do we deport the minor children with the parents,although they are Americans just like you or I?
