[Views expressed here are my own, and have not been endorsed by any political party, elected official, candidate for elected office, or any local, state or federal government agency]
Mollie Tibbetts, an American girl, was killed, allegedly by an illegal alien. The news has sparked outrage nationwide, as people demand a secure border that would prevent the flow of illegal aliens into the United States of America. This tragedy is one more violent crime that emphasizes the desperate need to enforce our country’s immigration laws. The White House tweeted:
“The loss of Mollie Tibbetts is a devastating reminder that we must urgently fix our broken immigration laws.” (NOTE 1)
Americans are justified in demanding border security and strong enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws. Having a strong, secure border is a crucial step in enhancing the economic and national security of America.
Unfortunately, some did not waste time and started to put blame on Republicans for asking for border security, following the death of Mollie Tibbetts, and accusing GOP leaders of “politicizing” the tragedy. (NOTE 2)
This is not the first and only tragic death of an American in the hands of an illegal alien. In 2015, Kate Steinle was shot to death by a criminal who was in the United States illegally. While the jury acquitted the accused killer of murder and manslaughter, he was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. (NOTE 3) There are numerous other cases of illegal immigrants committing violent crimes nationwide. Anyone, especially a political figure, who argues that all undocumented immigrants are criminals would be wrong, and would perhaps face severe political backlash. There would be demands for apology, and much more. In fact, there are many undocumented immigrants who come to the United States and work hard, often in low-paying jobs, and lead a life free from crime. Perhaps their only desire is to have a good life, for themselves and their children, and therefore they put their lives at risk and make a dangerous journey across harsh terrain to cross the southern border to come into the United States, where they believe a good life is waiting. But is it also not true that the act of crossing the border and coming into the United States of America without authorization in itself is an outright violation of our country’s immigration laws? Is it unfair to ask: why would you break the law of a country where you believe having a good life is possible? If a nation’s laws are violated, then what guarantee of safety and security would remain?
Millions are entering America legally for education, work, cultural exchange, etc. Furthermore, hundreds of thousands are legally migrating to the United States and working hard and obtaining citizenship through proper procedures. Should all those legal immigrants and Americans not be outraged by the violation of our laws by those who come in without permission? On top of all that, when an illegal alien commits a violent crime of taking a human life in America, should the top political leaders not demand strong border security to keep citizens, legal immigrants, and legal visitors in this country safe?
Our immigration system must be fair. We have to be fair to those who follow the law, wait in line, pay their fees, and come to America legally. We must respect those who crave for a good life in America and patiently follow the law to pursue such.
The killing of Mollie Tibbetts by an illegal alien reignites the call for border security. Demanding that our immigration laws be enforced is not “politicizing” the tragedy, it is a demand to have law and order to protect innocent people.
As a legal immigrant and naturalized United States citizen, I demand strong border and enforcement of our country’s immigration laws, to keep our legal visitors, legal immigrants, and citizens safe.
ENDNOTES
NOTE 1:
White House tweet regarding the tragic death of Mollie Tibbetts
https://t.co/0Kaz0FQw36
NOTE 2:
Why Republicans can be accused of politicizing the Mollie Tibbetts tragedy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/08/22/why-republicans-can-be-accused-politicizing-mollie-tibbetts-tragedy/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.9ea4cf60d753
NOTE 3:
Americans stand with Mollie Tibbetts, Kate Steinle our deadly status quo on immigration must change
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/08/23/americans-stand-with-mollie-tibbetts-kate-steinle-our-deadly-status-quo-on-immigration-must-change.html