Presidents are charged to defend the Constitution. Virtually all of them have stated at one time or another that their prime duty, which comes before all others, is to defend the nation. But defending the nation begins with recognition of threats, and then an acceptance of certain risks. For each president the acceptable level of risk will vary. Accordingly, the security policies of two presidents may vary widely, even though they may see the world in a similar light. Two presidents with substantially different views of the nation and the world, and different views of acceptable levels of risk, will develop substantially different security policies.
Which is another way of saying: President Trump’s immigration policies are going to be different than President Obama’s. To not accept that is to deny reality. We can debate the process, and ask whether specific adjustments are legal, but to suggest that one president is “right” and the other “wrong” solely based on their stated concerns about immigration from a particular country is nonsensical. One sees it one way, one see it another; each will guard the “gate” differently; that shouldn’t surprise us.
That said, the law itself seems pretty clear:
“Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or non-immigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.” (8 USC 1182 para f)
Well, what about the specifics of immigration? What is fair? Are these fair questions to ask of someone wishing to enter the US?
What is your name?
How old are you?
Are you married or single?
What is your occupation?
Are you able to read and write?
What country are you from?
What is your race?
Have you been in a prison, almshouse, or institution for care of the insane?
Are you a polygamist?
Are you an anarchist?
Are you deformed or crippled?
If they can’t answer the questions, or if certain information can’t be confirmed, or if they are clearly ill, is it fair to deny them entry? Perhaps hold them in quarantine, or turn them around and send them back to their country of origin?
Consider what two previous presidents said about immigration:
“[T]here are those in the immigrants’ rights community who have argued passionately that we should simply provide those who are [here] illegally with legal status, or at least ignore the laws on the books and put an end to deportation until we have better laws. … I believe such an indiscriminate approach would be both unwise and unfair. It would suggest to those thinking about coming here illegally that there will be no repercussions for such a decision. And this could lead to a surge in more illegal immigration. And it would also ignore the millions of people around the world who are waiting in line to come here legally. Ultimately, our nation, like all nations, has the right and obligation to control its borders and set laws for residency and citizenship. And no matter how decent they are, no matter their reasons, the 11 million who broke these laws should be held accountable.”
Or this:
“After years of neglect, this administration has taken a strong stand to stiffen the protection of our borders. We are increasing border controls by 50 percent. We are increasing inspections to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants. And tonight, I announce I will sign an executive order to deny federal contracts to businesses that hire illegal immigrants.”
The questions above are from the standard questions asked of the 12 million people who entered the US through Ellis Island. The same questions were also asked of the quarter million who were stopped and sent back.
And the quotes? The first is from President Obama (2010), the second from President Clinton (1996).
Amidst all this seething anger it might be worth remembering that there are millions of people who want to come here, including citizens from the 3 largest Muslim populations: Indonesia, Pakistan, and India (none of whom were included in the 90 day suspension)). If you have a few minutes, do a little research on the internet and find how many people are waiting to move to those countries…
Copyright 2017 Arrias
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