What Part of "Illegal" Don't I Understand?

Now I've really done it--gone off the deep end into boiling, scalding political water!

My heart breaks for those who seek better economic opportunities in other countries. Should they be allowed to break US law and stay here illegally? My heart aches even more for US legal citizens who are also struggling and worse, legal applicants wanting to come to this country, who suffer even more waiting--legally--in their native country riddled with economic strife. Waiting for years.  My Blog Sister, Christine is one example. Her family has never been united, because they wait, 12, 15, 20 years to come here legally. A family torn apart for following the legal process. While illegal immigrants in US demand they should be allowed to stay, so they are not separated from family. Who's right? Who's wrong? What is the solution?  Please share your comments.

What Part of Illegal Don't I Understand

By Joe Klock, Sr.  http://www.joeklock.com/


FOREWORD: Following is a verbatim reprint of my 11/4/07 column, still a timely response to the "backdoor amnesty" currently being used as an end run around the democratic process. JPK

Coupla years back, I headed my column with a question about what part of the word illegal "they" don't understand, aimed at the millions in our midst who have no right to be here, sometimes euphemized as "undocumented immigrants," (a bit like calling burglars unexpected guests).

At that time, I strove to make a few points which seemed to be no less obvious than large facial carbuncles, to wit:

- Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part VIII, Section 1325 of the U.S. Code states in no uncertain terms that it's a crime to cross our borders without proper authorization or to remain here without validly acquired and unexpired permission to do so.

- Those failing to meet these bedrock criteria are criminals, however justifiable may be their motives in terms of a desire for self-betterment and/or escape from unpleasant economic circumstances.

- Those who serve as enablers, whether by employing them, sheltering them or condoning their renegade behavior are complicit in the crime.

- Their model behavior ex post facto, while commendable, does not expunge the guilt of their underlying misdoing.

- There is no legal justification for granting them - or allowing them to demand - rights reserved for bona fide citizens and legitimate visitors to our shores.

- "Illegal" is an uncomplicated word which simply means against the law, and I wondered then just what it was about the word that "they" didn't understand.
Since then, the "theys" and their supporters have become bolder and more openly strident, leading me to wonder if there is something about the word that I don't comprehend.


Mind you, I conceded then, and readily concede now, that understanding of their behavior and sympathy for their plight are easy to come by, unless one's mind is closed like a sprung bear trap and/or one's heart is cold as the proverbial well-digger's butt.

Valid arguments are made that many of "them" contribute positively to our economy and fill certain of our low-level labor demands, but temporary (and renewable) work permits would serve the same purpose, while restoring both law and order to the process.

It is widely suggested that many such jobs pay so poorly that Americans will not take them, further suggesting that the present (non)system fosters slave labor - one crime seeking to justify another.

In my further judgment (or lack of understanding), all workers are worthy of their hire at fair wages, and if it means a hike in the price of potatoes and tomatoes, we should either pony up the price or do without.

What I least understand and most deplore is the inaction of our legitimate citizens and the gutlessness of our elected reprehensibles.

While a thumping majority of "us" regard an uncontrolled horde of illegals as a major problem, we tolerate the hands-off policies of our leaders, only a minuscule few of whom are willing to take remedial steps before the situation gets totally out of hand.


Instead, we have pandering politicians and militant marchers sounding a drumbeat for the surrender of our rights as citizens under banners ranging from family unity to human rights and bogus references to our historical identity as a nation of immigrants.

In that regard, seldom is heard an explanatory word about the fact that our ancestors, mine included, came here under rigid regulation, accepted the law of the land and threw themselves into the melting pot of American society.

Their current counterparts demand automatic accommodation of their wants and needs and even their native languages, regardless of the reality that they are - euphemisms and political correctness aside - outlaws.

What to do? The easiest and most obvious strategy is to root out and identify those who are in our midst illegitimately, license those who contribute positively to our common weal, open a path toward eventual citizenship for those who qualify and deport the rest.

If that means we'll all have to carry ID cards, it's a small price to pay for restoration of order to a situation bordering on chaos.

The tougher chore is finding politicians in either of the major parties who are willing to belly up to the pressure groups and voting blocs supporting a vast and growing subculture of lawlessness.


The clock is ticking, the cost is growing and this Klock is ticked off about a paralysis of governance, combined with an apathy among the electorate, which is allowing the problem to fester.

Anyway, I do know what "illegal" means, and so do "they" - and you!

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