July-August 2005

The Next Move

Immigrants are part of America’s promise
By Emira Palacios
 
Throughout its history, America has been seen as a land of opportunity and has proudly called itself “a nation of Immigrants.

Though the country has sometimes failed to live up to its ideals, the allure of a chance to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains a powerful draw for people around the world.

Like those who came through Ellis Island, today’s immigrants just want a chance to build a better life for themselves – whether fleeing political, or religious persecution or desperate poverty.

That so many still see hope in America is a tribute to this country and the many that have been able to fulfill their dreams, or at least, those who have been able to simply purse those dreams.

America has also benefited from the contributions of willing and unwilling  emigrants to these shores.

Her cultures reflect the diverse nations that have found a home here and their influences are found in food, language, music, art and culture. The hard work of those who hailed from distant shores have helped build this country. Their strong backs and their great intellect have produced a standard of living that has produced wealth and a standard of living that is the envy of many.

But the final chapter in the great book of the stories and the contribution of immigrants has not been written. Though U.S. immigration policy remains tired to lumbering, broken bureaucracy and immigrants are often scapegoated, immigrants continue to make contributions every day.

Whether tending to our lawns or our children; whether picking our fruit or cooking our meals; whether building our churches and temples or cleaning our hotel rooms; whether saving lives as doctors or losing their lives as soldiers, the hand of immigrants can be seen throughout our society.

Business leaders advertise for immigrants to come to America and admit our economy could not function without them. Immigrants work and pay taxes and thanks to greater understanding of the IRS-issued Individual Tax Identification Number, greater numbers of immigrants are able to access financial services as they seek the promise of America.

Many, however, still live in the shadows. Many still work in the most dangerous occupations for little pay. Many still face mistreatment and mistrust. We must  fix an immigration system that separates loved ones for years, that steadily raises the costs of fees and loses contact with thousands of people. We need an immigration policy that rewards work, reunites families and fixes a broken bureaucracy.

(Emira Palacios recently completed requirements to become a U.S. citizen.)