I have no idea how stupid the Spanish title of this post reads to those who actually speak Spanish. Obviously, I do not. I typed the phrase, "the times they are changing" into the translator on this site, and that's what it spat out.
I did this to acknowledge an important event in American affairs: the immigrants are getting pissed off.
Lately, we've all heard about politicians from border states (and beyond), becoming increasingly vocal in their calls for restrictions on immigration...illegal and otherwise. They say immigrants will overwhelm schools, the public health system and put millions of Americans out of work.
Throughout all this, the folks being castigated have behaved like meek interlopers. As if being quiet and obsequious would get us to change out minds and let them stay.
Until something change this past weeked.
Five hundred thousand people marched in Los Angeles on Saturday, protesting legislation that would build a wall along the US-Mexican border. Today, thousands of high school students left their Dallas and Houston classrooms.
A country built of and by aliens is now saying, "no mas." We've gone through this drill repeatedly throughout our history. Established groups, eager to protect the gains they've made by coming here to take advantage of opportunities scorned by previously established groups, try to keep the new arrivals from becoming the next established groups.
We do this at our peril.
Our politicians must figure this out by a) not building walls; b) not removing all entry restrictions; c) helping businesses meet labor requirements for jobs too unattractive for native-born/educated workers. Sure it's hard. Figure it out. And hit not one, not two, but all three requirements.
Tags: Immigration
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