Pathways to Citizenship

“I can name that tune in…” was the opening line by a contestant on the Name that Tune TV game show that first aired in the 1950’s and has reappeared several times over the past few decades.  This game show featured two contestants completing against each other to test their knowledge of songs.  The object of the game was for each contestant to bid on naming a song after hearing the fewest notes as possible.  The contestant that could to do that would win the round.  The player with most points after the third game would go on to play an addition round for a grand prize. 

Similarly, and in so many ways, the ongoing debate over immigration is like playing that game.  At the heart of the debate is the question of how to stop or slow the flow of illegal immigrants into the country.  The new law would provide a way for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants a way to gain US citizenship, tighten border security, pay fines and collect taxes.  In addition, it would bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows, hold unlawful employers accountable on hiring practices, and expand the educational options for their children.    

All across our nation, this is an issue that is clouded by special interests, politicians, advocates, business, and community leaders.  The finger pointing is sure to continue even though there is enough blame to go around, especially from those who have profited tremendously from the entire situation.  The emotions at times are raw, the impact is real, the ongoing debate is contentious and the political fallout is just starting.  A number of special interests who opposed this upcoming legislation are lining up to see how to get around this new law and continue to exploit the situation for personal gain.  To be sure, this is a pretty tough issue to get your hands around. There is no doubt that so much is at stake… the human cost; so much to get right… the laws; and so much has to be done …securing the future.  

This is the second or third time around on this issue in my lifetime and I know that something like this will reappear again.  It may not be called the same, a different slant, another tune or affect another unique ethnic community, but nevertheless it will come again.  Believe it or not, our track record on such related matters is not that good, we still have not fully addressed or created pathways for Native Americans who ancestors were here way before the first immigrants came from Europe, Asia, or Africa and how about those whose ancestors were brought here as slaves.  “Please excuse me, I am hard of hearing… can you play those notes one more time?”