Arizona: A Nation Of One - Will Illegal Immigration Bring Down A Nation?

Slavery divided a young nation causing a civil war between its Northern and Southern states. Will illegal immigration pit a nation or even the world community wholly against a state over a mirror law?

It has long been illegal to be in the United States without the proper documentation, just as it is in almost every nation around the world. The only difference here is that it affects a people that is making a contribution to a nation whose ancestry can be traced to where they come from.

There are individuals, nations, and now the second largest city in the nation, Los Angeles, boycotting Arizona over a law that appears to be bias and discriminatory toward the largest group of illegals in any nation. Hispanics. Racial profiling is nothing new, and never has it gotten so much publicity until now. Why?

With Los Angeles it is simple: it was practically built by Hispanics and has legalized Hispanics, called Mexican-Americans, governing it. True, their ancestors were immigrants, but were they here illegally? Most undoubtedly they were not. They lived and worked here following the laws of this nation.

I have nothing against my Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters, I just want them to follow the same laws that I have to. It is a problem meeting someone that does not speak the national language, drive illegally, were criminals in their country now continuing their practice here, and do not contribute financially to a system that supports them.

Someone has to take the first step, and Arizona is being penalized for doing just that, taking the first step toward controlling illegal immigration. It seems that everyone is willing to fault a state on a racial issue when it has been known to object to such things as celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

To the individual state and federal governments, just because popular belief and foreign pressures are forcing you to take action against one of your own, you need to realize that the step Governor Brewer has taken was much needed at this time of political, financial, and terrorist concerns.

If similar action is not taken at minimum by the states bordering Mexico, follow by neighboring states, we may see times worse than Birmingham, Memphis, and Chicago where our nation encountered racial unrest. The problem is going to escalate spreading into the states that do not have similar legislation in place. Look at the statistics following Oklahoma implementing their immigration law.

Some people (politicians included) are comparing Arizona’s action to Adolph Hitler in his treatment of Jews. I compare checking a suspected illegal alien of their resident status to being in Germany where you had to produce military ID, passport and/or a visa when requested by the German police. It is a necessary measure that everyone will have to get used to.

In closing, think about this, in George Lopez’s HBO show, "George Lopez: Tall, Dark, & Chicano," he jokes about immigration laws. He said something to the effect that in five years when the Hispanic and Latinos are the majority, when police pulls over or stop a white person they will be asked for their license, registration, and proof of citizenship. With the illegal population growing, it just might come to be.

Look around, the Hispanics and Latinos are becoming the new majority.

History Revisited: The Hispanic Emancipation

Doesn't the immigration issue today remind you of the years the Afro-American people had to fight for their rights to be called an American citizen? The biggest difference being that the Afro-Americans were brought here from abroad, but the Hispanics came here willingly, walking across the border. The Afro-American had no rights, no basic citizen benefits. The Hispanic, however, is receiving state benefits, gainful employment, and they have a voice we did not have.

They have the nation divided, and they are screaming loudly. Much like the North and South during the Civil War, somebody wants to be free. In this case some are saying, "deport the illegals", while the other side is saying, "it is cruel and inhuman to single out one race and send them away from a land proud to be a Democracy." A land built on immigrants. Actually, this country was built on the blood of a people that did not choose to be here. Today, however, they are proud of their people's contributions to the society of a great nation that once look down upon them.

Is this where we have come to, revisiting our past, but with different players, but no bloodshed? Yet. Between immigration laws and the health reform, we are a nation torn.

My opinion is to send the illegals back to Mexico, the ones that are not willing to comply with the laws of this land, and become legal. The ones that cross the border day and night putting our border patrol in harm's way. The ones that have violence in their past, or since they have been here.

This is one issue that is going to linger for years, just like the civil rights movement. Since we are unable to avoid it, maybe this one will get resolved to the people's satisfaction.