The shame of the Trump administration’s immigration policy is all too apparent in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s unjustified raids across the nation. As an alternative to a policy of mass deportation, President Trump and the Congress should pursue a policy that grants amnesty to undocumented immigrants. Such a policy would bring millions of hardworking people out of the shadows and into the mainstream of American society.
According to the nonprofit think tank Center for American Progress, citizenship for undocumented immigrants would boost economic growth, raise wages and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. As citizens, these immigrants would be able to assert their rights without fear of deportation.
Throughout our history, millions of people have immigrated to America in search of a better life. For example, my paternal grandparents were immigrants from Italy. When they arrived in New York during the early 20th century, my grandparents encountered discrimination and stereotyping. Italian immigrants were derisively called “wops”–meaning someone without papers. To overcome these obstacles, they worked very hard to become productive members of society. For example, my grandfather worked long hours at a fruit export and import company in New York City. As well, he was a gifted artist.
In conclusion, I am hopeful that our elected leaders will adopt a more humane immigration policy; one in which immigrants are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of how they arrived in America.
David G. Oddo resides in Chula Vista.
