Immigration: Is it Wrong to Think About What’s Best for the United States?

In the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ the lead character hears a voice while standing in his cornfield. “If you build it, he will come.” So, the man builds a baseball field, the ghost of his ballplaying father appears and so does a whole group of famous dead baseball players.

Its antithetical to former President Trump’s plan to build something so people wouldn’t come.

As you’ve likely heard, construction of Trump’s “beautiful big wall” was halted by our new president as part of the evolving changes to U.S. immigration policy.

President Biden has made his intentions clear. Among his proposals: give the millions of immigrants already in the U.S. a faster route to citizenship, restore protections for those brought into the U.S. as children, open the southern border and stop holding asylum seekers in Mexico while they await legal entry, shutter many migrant detention centers and somehow fix the enormous immigration court backlog. Oh, and stop deportations for at least 100 days except for those illegal immigrants charged with felony crimes.

White House pool photo
Biden Signs Executive Orders – Lays Out Immigration Reforms

As with any new administration promises and good intentions abound. What ultimately gets done is usually something different.

One thing is clear, however. The moratorium on deportations coupled with all the other Biden immigration proposals have given hope to countless outsiders desperate to flee their poverty-stricken countries and find a new life in the U.S.. Massive human caravans from Honduras are already headed this way. Some predict throngs of Central American migrants will follow.

The governments of Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico have agreed to try to stop the hordes but the sheer number of refugees has been overwhelming. Clashes with troops have turned violent and splinter groups of migrants have pushed through. President Biden’s order to halt deportations energized them with new hope.

“He’s going to help all of us,” one unidentified man in a caravan said on CNN. “He’s giving us 100 days to get to the U.S. and give us legal papers so we can get a better life for our kids and for our families.”

No compassionate human can fail to feel for these desperate people. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see this ragtag group of women, children and men who left everything behind and set out on foot to find a home devoid of rampant crime, poverty and hunger. They are determined to find a better existence through legal or even illegal means. How many of us faced with those conditions would have the courage to do that?

photo credit: Wikimedia commons
This Message Welcomes More Immigrants – Then What?

But at a time when countless refugees have waited months or years for USA entry, while the pandemic rages and vaccines are maddeningly slow to be administered is it wise to think about opening our borders again? There is no guarantee that after 100 days the threat of Covid-19 will be gone. Is it wrong to think about the rule of law? Is it wrong to think about what’s best for the United States of America?

The state of Texas, which has the nation’s longest border with Mexico, filed a lawsuit challenging the 100-day moratorium. The suit claims the action violates an agreement Texas has with Washington that obligates the feds to consult with the state before changing immigration policy. A Trump appointed federal judge promptly issued a temporary restraining order to block the deportation freeze.

Payback politics are at play here and Democrats who filed a spree of lawsuits against President Trump’s immigration policies, specifically his wall, should steel themselves as Republicans now respond in kind.
We have become a people who cannot tolerate neighbors who have differing opinions. How will we ever come to an agreement on how – or if – to help those struggling to become taxpaying U.S. citizens? We are certainly in for a bumpy immigration ride ahead.

photo credit: Wikimedia commons
When Will the US Fix the Immigration System?

Although a Biden official warned migrants that immigration changes would not be enacted overnight and “don’t come now,” it is obvious that news didn’t reach Central America. People hear what they want to hear, and desperate refugees believe they heard an implicit invitation to travel north. Say “stop the deportations” and, like the movie, they will come.

Now the question is, President Biden, what will we do with them when they arrive on our southern border?

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35 Comments

  1. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:32 am

    Patricia Romano writes:

    Covid-19 is one key issue, for sure. Apart from this being a bad idea, our President’s attempt on halting deportations would cause total bedlam on a broader scope, especially to Border states.

  2. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:33 am

    Johnny Appleseed writes:

    IT IS PERFECTLY OKAY TO DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR US!!

  3. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:34 am

    See Stronger writes:

    “We have become a people who cannot tolerate neighbors who have differing opinions. How will we ever come to an agreement on how—or if—to help those struggling to become taxpaying U.S. citizens?”
    Diane, (may I address you by your first name?) It’s no longer, and really never was a matter of differing opinions. It’s a matter of one neighbor thinks her neighbor should be reprogrammed, “de-righted” or eliminated from society altogether.
    The open border policy is primarily to further destabilize the American culture and civil society. The “immigrants” are willing pawns because their own countries have been ruined by the same regressive despots that have seized power in DC.
    As for immigration?
    Check in at the front desk!

  4. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:35 am

    caclegal writes:

    The US should never allow illegal immigration. It is a slap in the face of every US citizen, both those who will be forced to pay the bill for the illegals and those citizens in need of help that won’t be coming because the government is too busy taking care of illegals.

    If people want to come to the US, apply legally and stand in line behind the other hopeful immigrants who went about it the correct and legal way.

    So Ms. Dimond, I guess that I am not a compassionate human or maybe it’s just that my compassion is reserved for my fellow citizens and those who legally immigrate to the US.

  5. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:35 am

    Susan Wilkin writes:

    We have to care for our own right now. This is serious. We have too many problems here in USA to take care of another country’s problems. Our people are struggling just to survive.

  6. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:36 am

    USA writes:

    No, it’s not wrong. Thinking about what’s best for American citizens is exactly what all politicians, civil servants and government employees should be focused on. In fact, it’s their sworn duty when they take an oath of office.

    Regarding yet another caravan, Ms. Dimond writes: “what will we do with them when they arrive on our southern border?”

    I would think, and expect, Biden goes full Free-Willy Clinton on them. What’s that? Decades ago, thousands of Haitians tried fleeing after a military coup. They built rafts out of anything that would float hoping to reach the U.S. Pres. George H.W. Bush had the U. S. Coast Guard intercept them and take them to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

    Then Presidential-candidate Bill Clinton excoriated Pres Bush as a racist for not accepting them as asylum seekers. He promised his administration would treat them with respect and let their cases be heard. However, in early 1993 after reconnaissance photos showed Haitians were again building a huge flotilla of rafts, President-elect Bill Clinton, only days before his inauguration, did a full 180 degree turn on the refugees vowing to continue the same policy as Pres. Bush. https://www.nytimes.com/199

    Years later the Obama-Biden team lambasted Pres Bush (II) for keeping detainees at Guantanamo Bay and promised to close the facility on Day 1 of its administration. Guess what? It was still in use when Obama-Biden left office in 2017. https://www.pbs.org/newshou

    However, what can we expect from the JoeKa administration for American interests from a steadily growing threat from China? Expect the Chinese to start repeating the voyages of Zheng He claiming all of the water ways from the Sea of Japan, through the Straits of Taiwan, through the Straits of Johor including Singapore, through the Indian Ocean all way to the Straits of Hormuz as Mare Nostrum, pausing in the Persian Gulf for a little while before picking up again to surround the Arabian peninsula, seizing the Gulf of Aqaba choking off the Red Sea at Sharm Al Sheikh, then venturing southward along the eastern coast of Africa to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Madagascar, all to ostensibly protect their $8 trillion Belt and Road initiative and become the world’s dominant manufacturing, trading, mining & raw material, financial, and military power. For historical comparisons see: the Peloponnesian Wars, the Punic Wars, the Greco-Roman Wars, the Anglo-Hanseatic Wars, the Aztec Conquest of Meso-America, the Incan Conquests, the Imjin Wars, the Anglo-Dutch Wars, and the Tripartite Pact.

  7. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:36 am

    clarkgablefan writes:

    No compassionate human can fail to feel for them? I sure as hell don’t feel for them.

    Breaking into another country, violating its laws and defrauding its citizens is wrong. They’re coming for the handouts, period; they have no love or respect for the United States. If they were courageous, they would fix what’s wrong with their own countries. As it is, they’ll cash in on our illegal-friendly policies, and remit their incomes right back to the country they supposedly wanted to escape.

    And as for the wisdom of Biden opening the border during a pandemic — whoever said he cared about Americans? We’re only here to fund America-last policies.

  8. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:37 am

    shadowsmissus writes:

    $15 an hour sounds like pure gold to these folks. They can live on $5 and send the rest back home. Can you blame them? However, should we pay for the education, WIC, Section 8, medical care and put up with the crime that will happen as well. Wake up folks, other nations do not allow this.

    • Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:39 am

      William Clark replies to shadowmissus:

      $15 a hour sounds great until they realize Uncle Sam is gonna take 20%, then they’ll have to pay another 20% for Heath insurance, then housing will raise because of costs, and a hamburger will cost $20 plus a mandatory 25% “living wage” tip for servers.

  9. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:38 am

    Believer144001 writes:

    The American people don’t deserve what is being foisted on us. We are slowly realizing how wicked Washington leadership has been for decades in both domestic and foreign policy. I’m genuinely sorry for all the harm done to people both abroad and at home. God help us all….repent the kingdom of God is near.

  10. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:38 am

    Hair Disc writes:

    I’m not sure why Biden wants to open the borders, yet ban travel to the US from certain countries during a pandemic!? Oh yes, I forgot…New Democrat voters to keep them in power forever

  11. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:38 am

    dwightg writes:

    Is it just me, or does it seem irresponsible for the media to talk about “immigration” without clarifying whether they are talking about “legal” or “illegal” immigration? It seems like the mainstream media is always trying to construct the conversation to imply people are opposed to immigration in general.

  12. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:41 am

    AncientMariner Jinkerson writes:

    Working with people who have lived illegally in this country for years is an entirely different matter than preventing more illegal immigration, or deporting criminals. By the way, every illegal immigrant in this country is a criminal. Doing something illegal IS criminal

  13. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 10:41 am

    yardkatze writes:

    It is definitely best for the USA citizens to be considered first.

  14. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 11:04 am

    Thomas Mertig writes:

    This Immigration issue has been at the forefront of many Administrations, and surprisingly Trump was able to fix and resolve this horrible nightmare not only for the Immigrants, but the American people as well!

    No solution is ever perfect, but this is an issue for Democratic Leaders and the Billionaires that support them, because they are the ones benefiting from this. They are behind this helping to pay for these people and their long journeys. These immigrants owe them billions and this is why they don’t want it fixed!

  15. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 11:05 am

    Morgan Feldman writes:

    A government that does not serve the citizens that elected them does not deserve to exist. Period!
    It’s called Tyranny.

  16. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 11:06 am

    Michael Hughes writes:

    The only way to help others is to take care of yourself so that you CAN help other Countries..

  17. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    antonlavay11 writes:

    No borders, no country .. We’re never going to get rid of virus and high taxes and crime

    • Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      duno56 writes:

      Get them registered to vote, as per dem plans.

  18. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    Guy Kurt writes:

    I think it obvious what President Biden is going to do. He’s going to do nothing. In fact he’s taking away resources and allowing ICE agents to be vilified with his tacit approach.
    Although he did promise billions to those countries, on a phone call, regarding immigration. That’s an interesting story that faded away quickly. Isn’t that a bribe? Does anyone really think that money would have tricked down to the people? Would that not have caused a hard handed approach to suppressing the flight of their people? Ah, old compassionate Joe.
    Not that long ago illegal immigration was a bipartisan concern. They even called President Obama the “Deporter-In-Chief.’ Now there is no compromise. Congress needs to do their job.
    It’s not in the best interest of the US to incentivize illegal immigration. Broader security is needed.

  19. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    Ann O’Neill writes:

    He will order them quarantined like everyone else who comes here without a negative covid test, but he won’t take away their kids.

    • Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:23 pm

      Julie Machado replies to Ann O’Neill:

      Yup and 1000s of children will be lost forever to child trafficking. 2 sides to everything. I work with sexually exploited children. Unfortunately now I have job security.

    • Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:23 pm

      Diane Dimond replies to Ann O’Neill:

      I’m wondering, Ann, how that will be achieved. I mean we are having a tough time testing and vaccinating all Americans at this point in time. Who will test and quarantine all those who want to enter the US? Exactly where will they be quarantined? After the quarantine period do we then require they get vaccinated before allowing them to enter and go on to their destination? Do we require them to prove that they have a sponsor/place to live? So many questions! I would like to know the answers.

  20. Diane Dimond on February 1, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Georgia Butler McCallister writes:

    It is not a good situation , as we have not been able to get all back to work, vaccinations for all, how will we have resources to help more people? It’s simply wrong when we have so many suffering already !

  21. Diane Dimond on February 3, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    anhkbui writes:

    Joe Biden has made his intentions clear : he wants to buy their votes. When they become legal immigrants and later on, US citizen, and then with another fraud elections , number of people who will vote for him would be up to 100 millions

  22. Diane Dimond on February 3, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    chisaineko1 writes:

    Maybe its time that the border states improve their own border walls? Deploy their own National Guard…

  23. Diane Dimond on February 3, 2021 at 5:23 pm

    Jan writes:

    If you are an American and love our country is this even a question.

  24. Vinney Delaroza on February 4, 2021 at 12:59 pm

    It is so funny that this comes up, every time Trump tried to do anything Democrats challenged his Constitutional power to do it. as far as an act having to fall in line with the laws and Constitution, I can tell you that half of the laws we have in fact violate The U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court actually ruled that the illegalization of prostitution is unconstitutional but no one will believe this because the states made excuses to still keep it on the books. No matter what anyone’s opinion is on it still it does violate The 15th Amendment. Look on the other hand at the use of Marijuana, while it is still a Federal crime a good half of the states have legalized it. The states have long defied the Federal.

  25. Diane Dimond on February 8, 2021 at 10:38 am

    Paul Bates writes:

    I think we can do better than simply reversing everything the previous administration did. One should also remember that some of the individuals who blew up the World Trade Center came through some pretty open borders with Mexico.

  26. Diane Dimond on February 8, 2021 at 10:38 am

    Zach Gardner writes:

    Apparently, America First is not important to him. He wants the Obama open border policies back and working quickly.

  27. Diane Dimond on February 8, 2021 at 10:39 am

    Joey Ortega writes:

    It’s only a good move if a pandemic is the most valuable piece of political capital you got, then you have to do everything in your power to assure that such a pandemic lasts as long as possible.

  28. Diane Dimond on February 8, 2021 at 10:39 am

    Donna R. Gore writes:

    Bad decision for humanity at this point in time!

  29. Diane Dimond on February 16, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    bondud writes:

    No tests or vaccines for any diseases-letting them all in?? While American cities are closed? Why does this make sense to anyone?

  30. Diane Dimond on February 16, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    duno56 writes:

    Get them registered to vote, as per dem plans.

  31. John Toliver on March 23, 2021 at 11:46 am

    There is no easy answer to humanity i.e. being compassionate, sympathetic, and generous when dealing with people who are desperate to live a decent life. Always has been and always will be. The political divide in our country makes it virtually impossible to do what is best because the two parties will not come to an agreement and neither one thinks before it acts.

    Our fore-fathers declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. History implies that we have not adhered to it since the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.

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