Anger in the Big “D” toward illegal immigration

In case you have not heard, Farmers Branch, Texas has become the first Texas city to pass tough anti-immigration measures. One of the ordinances passed would force untrained business owners and landlords to evaluate a wide array of immigration documents to determine if the person caring them is legally in the country.  In addition, council members voted unanimously to approve fines for landlords to rent to illegal immigrants.  They also made English the city’s official language, and allowed local authorities to screen suspects in police custody to check their immigration status.

I truly believe that we will see many more of these ordinances around the country as the illegal immigration problem continues to spiral out of control.  And, unfortunately, ineffective management of this problem will, likely, breed more and more unjustified and unwarranted racism toward legal immigrants – unless we deal with it.  It will be interesting to see how the new Democratic Congress deals with this issue.

I have a very personal and real connection to this particular situation.  My wife is from Irving, Texas.  Whenever we go visit her family, I am able to see the true impact that the demographic changes are having on that area.  Of course, illegal immigration is great for the United States.  On the other hand, when you speak with individuals in and around the city of Dallas, it is clear that they are concerned about the economic impact of the illegal immigration on the city in the state.

The demographic changes in that area have been dramatic over the last few years.  As a microcosm of what is going on in the city in general, last year, my wife and I went to her local high school in the Irving, Texas area.  I looked at the composites of the senior classes.  When my wife graduated in 1989, the school was predominately white.  Now, in just 17 years, the same school is predominately Hispanic.  Of course, our country was built by immigrants.  There is nothing wrong with the demographic changes that are going on in this country-of course.  But, at the same time, we have to keep in mind that illegal immigration is, indeed, a huge economic problem that this country must combat.  Congress and the states cannot continue to ignore this problem.  But, unfortunately, from the President on down, I am seeing a HUGE lack of leadership on this issue.  Band-aid fixes will not work.  We need real solutions.  And, tough decisions will have to be made.  I fear that President Bush will not make those tough decisions, nor will Asa Hutchison.