I've been hearing a lot about immigration lately. Many Americans are arguing about whether we should allow immigrants into the country as freely as we have in the past, or not. They are suggesting that we close the borders of our country to "undesirables," and allow only those that have assets that we need to cross our borders. I find this hard to believe, in a country that was founded by immigrants, glorified by immigrants, and made successful by immigrants.
I am a first generation American. My father came to this country as a child, because his father was part of a political faction that was being persecuted in his country. It was a long journey, full of hardship. He witnessed the shooting death of his own mother and lost all contact with his father, sister and most of his brothers on the way. At 10 years old, he and two younger brothers were the only ones who made it to America. He came speaking a foreign language, with no home or family to support him, and was sheltered in an orphanage in CT. He learned english, married, and raised 9 children in the suburbs. He taught us that anything is possible, with hard work, determination and faith. The concept of America and the freedoms it held have always been, and still are, a source of joy and inspiration to him.
This man came with nothing to offer, and built a life from dreams of freedom. Under the system being argued now, he would have been turned away. Have we forgotten that all the things that we hold to be most precious in this country were based on the idea that we are all entitled to the chance to succeed? Regardless of our origin, personal beliefs or initial wealth? Isn't that what we've always touted as being the most unique and wonderful thing about America? We brag that we are a "melting pot" of peoples, and I think we have done a fine job making the stew.
I personally don't think we should start rationing the seasoning on such a rare and flavorful mix.