Categorized | Letters to the Editor

THE COMMUNITY VOICE: Letter to the Editor

Immigration Policy

Theodore Roosevelt

There was a newspaper letter that quoted Presidents Adams and Theodore Roosevelt about immigrants. There was no identification of the time and circumstances of those quotes. Did either ever change their opinions? Those who are native born speakers find it easy to criticize foreigners who speak their native language. Did Adams and Teddy Roosevelt really have the wisdom and judgment to make decisions for everyone for all time?

Adams was followed by Jefferson who purchased Louisiana which had a different language and legal system. Was this a mistake? McKinley’s War with Spain acquired new lands with people who had a different language and legal system. Teddy’s Corps of “Rough Riders” gave him the publicity to win political office. Teddy did not win the war by himself but his publicity machine boosted his fame.

It takes money to raise and educate a child to adulthood. When adult immigrants come to another country or state they reduce these costs to their new home. The massive immigration in the late 19th century enriched America by their work in developing the country. The problem today is when immigrants are used to replace Americans with lower paid workers.

Trump was elected in part because of his promise to abolish NAFTA, which made the top 5% more wealthy and impoverished most Americans. Ross Perot, a candidate in 1992, also attacked NAFTA. Immigration and assimilation have been going on since American independence. People don’t instantly change when they cross a border, so it is unreasonable to expect this. Most people prefer family and friends who share the same background; it’s human nature.

Ronald A. Sobieraj

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