A 'Kinder and Gentler' Attitude Toward Illegal Aliens
August 18, 2004
I'm somewhat troubled these days over our nation's schizophrenic policy when it comes to illegal and legal immigration. Our intelligence is telling us that the terrorists are planning attacks on or before the November elections. We are worked up into a lather, warned to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Well, I've found some. And it's not coming from the terrorists. It's coming from our own government.
While you and I stand in line with our shoes and belts in a tray awaiting our flights, countless illegal aliens stream across the borders, primarily our southern border. Not only that but people from terrorist-sponsored nations continue to gain entry legally through our nation's airports.
During this age of heightened alerts and tightened security, you'd think we'd be more concerned about those busting the gates at our borders. Instead, Homeland Security is concerned that we're putting too much mental stress on our precious illegal aliens. Homeland Security Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson recently outlined “incentives” offered for the 8 to 12 million illegal aliens to come “out of the shadows.” Those incentives include access to tax-deferred savings accounts and Social Security credits along with unrestricted travel to and from their home countries. All this and more under President Bush's guest-worker program.
“Undocumented aliens will tell you they often have trouble sleeping at night, and leaving for work each day, not knowing if they will make it home at the end of the day,” Hutchinson said. Boo-frickety-hoo. They ought to be scared, but in reality they're not. Why? Because they know our government will turn a blind eye. Notice how Hutchinson has now been instructed to refer to illegals as “undocumented,” further evidence of the politically correct atmosphere under Tom Ridge. Imagine if you substituted “tax evaders” for “undocumented aliens.” Do you think our government would have the same sympathy? What's the difference?
In the meantime, the Bush administration has launched a push to stop illegal entry into our country from Mexico over fear terrorists may be exploiting our southern border. No kidding. Border Patrol agents apprehended 77 Arab men in June trying to sneak into the country. Get this. They were released pending immigration hearings! Released!
No sooner had the administration made the announcement of the border crackdown when the Department of Homeland Security announced that they wanted to restrict the U.S. Border Patrol's arrest of illegal aliens in the nation's interior. This came on the heels of the arrest of 450 illegals in Southern California. Homeland Security said the agents failed to take into consideration the “sensitivities” of those detained! I'm not making this up. What this means is if you make it past the Border Patrol, you're home free. That certainly makes you feel nice and safe, doesn't it?
It's not just the illegals Homeland Security is going soft on. They've also ordered Customs agents to be friendlier to those coming into this country legally. Agents are also forbidden to profile. Under penalty of termination, or worse, agents are told that those entering our country are “our customers” and should be treated accordingly. Look, I don't expect the customs agents of any country to treat me like the Welcome Wagon. They're function is to look upon each and every person entering the country with suspicion. Leave the schmoozing to the local chamber of commerce. Customs agents are supposed to be all business. Those entering this country are not their “customers.” We are and we've hired them to make sure undesirables don't get past them.