HEIDIOLOGY
I BLAME THE CITIZENS
BY HEIDI HARRIS

One of the hottest topics discussed on talk radio these days is illegal immigration. I'm fully aware of the social, educational, cultural, medical and financial ramifications of illegal immigration. If left to me, I'd seal our borders. 

That being said, those who incessantly talk about illegal immigration are missing something very important.

America is a nation of laws, made by and for, citizens of America. Too many people forget this when they start blaming illegal immigrants for every social ill. Most people are against the idea of illegal immigrants benefiting from welfare. Who do you blame? I blame the citizens who made the laws that illegals take advantage of. 

Why are children in America entitled to an education, regardless of legal status? Because in 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that they should be. Any reasonable person would question the logic in that decision, but the point is Americans, not illegal immigrants, made the decision. Put the blame squarely where it belongs. 

Illegal immigration has always been a huge problem for America, and continues to be for many nations of the world. The scope of the problem today is exacerbated because of the economic impact of packed emergency rooms and uninsured illegal drivers. Who is behind the push to allow illegals to obtain licenses to drive? Americans. Why is a child born in the United States automatically a citizen regardless of its parents' status? Because American laws allow it. 

While there are economic problems linked to illegal immigration, not all are a result of immigration. Likewise, not all of America's social problems result from illegal immigration.

Our nation has turned away from the spiritual and cultural values that made us the great country we are. Our families are disintegrating, and our kids are raised daily by strangers in day cares. You rarely see Hispanic kids in daycare. Hispanic families pitch in to help each other, which is more than most white people can say. Let's not forget the garbage on TV and in movie theaters that's damaging our kids' souls. Illegals aren't producing it. 

Again, I favor sealing the borders. But until our political leaders get serious about it, nothing will change. In the meantime, it would be far more productive to focus on what we can change in our nation. 

For example, I wonder how many of those men who participate in the angry immigration-reform rallies have fathered illegitimate children, or are deadbeat dads? Broken homes have a far worse impact on our nation than illegal immigration will ever have. The No. 1 cause of poverty and crime in our nation is illegitimacy, not illegal immigration. The same people who would spend all day at a rally denouncing illegals wouldn't listen to Dr. Laura for an hour. 

It's always easier to blame everyone else for our problems. Can't get a job? Blame the "illegals," not your lack of education or job skills. Tired of reading signs in Spanish? Dialing "1" for English? Talk to your legislators. Last I heard, only American citizens were officially in charge. LW