Editorial: Immigration is about us
Over the last few weeks, we have run a series of special reports on immigration in print, on television and radio, and on our multiple websites. We have tried hard to fairly represent all points of view. We have also tried to separate fact from fiction, hyperbole from reality.
We are pleased that many have told us they are now thinking more deeply about the complex issues involved. We, too, have found ourselves struggling to know exactly what to do. Lives, jobs, safety and much more are at stake. In fact, the very core of what kind of people we are, and what kind of state we want to have, will be reflected in and strongly influenced by how we deal with immigration.
Common threads
Several common threads have emerged from our reporting on immigration:
People on all sides of the issue have uncommon courage. The debate has become so heated, the rancor so great, that anyone who takes a strong stand has been subject to withering criticism. We greatly admire all those who have added to the public dialogue by sharing their views, no matter the personal cost.
Virtually everyone agrees that current circumstances surrounding immigration must be fixed. While areas of emphasis differ, almost no one is happy with the way things are.
Almost everyone also agrees that illegal immigrants who are felons should be caught, prosecuted and sent out of the country.
There is also consensus that to be effective, there must be a national solution to the challenges of immigration. Utahns of all points of view eagerly seek national leadership to find effective, workable solutions, sooner rather than later.
Finally, there seems to be a broadly held view that Utah, like Arizona, should do something, if only to help speed up federal action.
No easy solutions
The problem, of course, is that complex problems do not lend themselves to easy solutions:
Some argue it is simply a matter of obeying the law. Those who are here "illegally" should be sent "home." Technically, under the law, many living here without proper documents have committed a violation on a par with driving 5 mph over the speed limit. If it is just a matter of law, then where will we send all of those who have broken the speed limit? If that does not make sense for speeders, is there also a more appropriate penalty for those without proper documentation than sending them out of the country?
Often, both legal and undocumented immigrants are part of the same family. Do we deport U.S. citizens because they are related to those who are not documented, or do we break up families? These both seem like unacceptable alternatives.
How do we separate hard-working contributors to our communities from those who steal, sell drugs or commit other felonies?
If we really did send 11 million undocumented residents out of the country, what would happen to our fragile housing market, our economy, our reputation and welcome around the world? What kind of economic, political and social retaliation could we expect, and how would we deal with it? We shudder to think!
Before a new drug can be introduced for general consumption, it must go through a long process of testing. There are almost always "side effects" that must be clearly understood, or people can be badly hurt. Simple legislation often leads to unintended consequences that can be worse than the problem that was supposed to be fixed by the passage of the law. With regard to immigration, how do we make sure we truly understand all the effects of what we decide to do?
Send right message
Even though there is no easy or simple answer, something must be done. If Utah is to send a message to the federal government, let's try to craft a message that deals with all of the complexities of the issue — border control, background checks, workers permits, health insurance coverage and so on. Many creative Utahns are working on such ideas. Rather than passing a simplistic law that does not recognize how complex and challenging the situation is, why not take the time to develop a comprehensive set of proposals that could be a model for what the federal government could do. That way, Utah could help lead the way to real solutions that actually work. It would show we want the thugs and drug dealers who are illegal immigrants sent home, while giving those who want to be contributing members of society a path out of uncertainty and fear.
Conquer our fears!
It is strange that the United States, which has been built by immigrants, has always had a difficult time dealing with immigrants. Whether we came from Europe, Asia, Latin America or Africa, there were always some who thought we were different, disruptive and unwelcome. Yet this constant infusion of brawn and brains has helped turn America into a country envied and copied around the world. This odd phenomenon is doubly true for Utah. Everyone who lives here, whether Mormon or not, shares in the heritage of the pioneers who first entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. They were driven here by people in Missouri and Illinois who had come to fear and hate the Mormons. The Mormons were different. The Mormons were growing in economic and political clout. The Mormons had strange ideas and a different culture. For these and other complex reasons, the pioneers were forced to give up their homes and their possessions, and at great personal sacrifice and cost, came to Utah. They brought with them their hopes, dreams and willingness to work to create a better life for themselves and their families.
Since then, people from other faiths and backgrounds have immigrated to Utah. Some were easily welcomed. For others, the process was more difficult and took longer. But because of the sacrifice and hard work of so many, from so many places, we now live in a state that is unique and wonderful!
Therefore, we, of all people, should be sensitive to the desire of others to provide more opportunities for themselves and their families. We, of all people, should take the time to learn to love our neighbors, rather than allowing the fact that they are different to cause us to want to drive them from our midst. We, of all people, should set a higher standard of concern, compassion and love. Except for Native Americans, we are all here because of immigration. Common decency, and gratitude for what we have, should cause us to embrace those who have a desire to share in and add to what is already here.
Utah — high standard
We don't minimize the very real problems associated with immigration. No one is happy with the current situation. Undocumented residents live with fear, worry and often discrimination. Citizens worry about crime, jobs and political influence. It is precisely at times like this that we find out who we really are. Do we live by core values of love and compassion, or do we take counsel from our fears? Are we willing to provide moral leadership, or do the expedient thing, even when we are not sure what the consequences will be?
We encourage all Utahns to take the time to learn and ponder. We don't need to follow anyone else's lead. We can lead out in thoughtfulness, creativity, comprehensiveness and compassion. Others have left a remarkable legacy for us. Let us leave a legacy for those who follow that will stand the test of time and that will reflect and honor the sacrifices of those who preceded us.
At the end of the day, what we do about immigration will say more about "us" than it will about "them." We need to find a way so that they, and we, are one.
Mark H. Willes, on behalf of Deseret Media Companies: KSL Television, KSL Radio, Deseret News and El Observador de Utah. Mr. Willes is president and CEO of Deseret Media Companies. He is the former publisher of the Los Angeles Times.
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