An Alien Idea

I understand that I am hollering after a boat that has already pulled away from the dock. After all, California is one of the most liberal states in the union in its eagerness to embrace the (dare I say it?) illegal aliens who live in the state. Whether it’s offering in-state tuition, driver’s licenses or health care, California bends over backward to reward those who come into our country illegally. Or is that even a consideration any longer?

It is estimated that illegal aliens cost the County of Los Angeles $291 million January-June 2015. Does anyone give a damn that resources are being redirected from its citizens to those who should have no right to be here … yet they do.

And how disrespectful to those millions who immigrated to the United States legally over the decades who waited – often for many years – to be granted legal citizenship.

The recent shooting death of Kathryn Steinle, who authorities say was shot by a “Mexican national” (i.e. illegal alien) in San Francisco, raised the visibility of that city as a “sanctuary city.” The policies of sanctuary cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego limit those cities’ law enforcement cooperation with U.S. immigration officials. It is defined as a city that “shelters illegal immigrants.” Doesn’t that mean that the unlawful are protected?

I read that Republican state senator Jeff Stone of Temecula said he intends to introduce a bill that would require cities and counties to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities. But so far few have rallied to his side.

There is no argument that America is a land founded on immigration and that is just one thing that makes our nation great. From my perspective we all have benefitted from those who came to the United States ready to roll up their sleeves to work and become part of the fabric of America. Make no mistake – legal immigration can only benefit our country. But shouldn’t there be a penalty for those who sneak into our country? After all, we’re taught as children to ask who is knocking at our door before opening it; shouldn’t our country do the same?

I’m not ignorant to the reasons why people immigrate – legally and illegally – into the United States. But at what point do we protect ourselves, our nation, our citizens, above putting out the welcome mat? That seems to be a question few are qualified to answer if it is a question that has been considered at all.  I have no doubt that Kathryn Steinle’s family has an idea or two, though.

And before anyone starts moaning about my use of the term illegal alien don’t worry: Gov. Jerry Brown this week signed into law legislation that deletes the word “alien” from the California Labor Code.

  robin goldsworthy