IMMIGRATION

By Michael Babich

Immigrants have unquestionably contributed to the historic growth and productivity of the United States over the past century. This is an issue that affects many areas-- jobs, healthcare, inventiveness, cultural development, and the list continues.

Unfortunately, there have also been increasing abuses to the welcoming and pioneering spirit of America. Reform is now past due. Legislation to facilitate immigrant assimilation is critical.

For example, what is the incentive to learn the English language if everything is in the native language? Facilitation Legislation would include: 1) Language and culture support at immigration facilities to assist transition but, outside of this, governmental agencies and companies that do business across state lines is to be conducted in English only. This will also save millions of dollars in paperwork reduction. 2) In addition, employers should be required to check for immigration status. 3) A constitutional amendment is required to change that nnow allows for simple birth in the US menas instant citizenship.

In an 1894 article on immigration, Theodore Roosevelt said, "We must Americanize in every way, in speech, in political ideas and principles, and in their way of looking at relations between church and state. We welcome the German and the Irishman who becomes an American. We have no use for the German or Irishman who remains such... He must revere only our flag, not only must it come first, but no other flag should even come second."

We are fortunate to live in the most diverse country in the world. Let us not homogenize ourselves, but rather relish in our wonderful cultures. But let's first get things on an even field.