Today I received an email from my Republican congressman, Mark Kirk. My district, the Illinois 10th, voted for John Kerry.
Congressman Kirk wanted to know regarding the immigration laws of the United States, what is my topmost priority?
Stronger enforcement of our borders.
Granting of amnesty to undocumented aliens.
Deportation of illegal aliens already in the United States.
Punishment of employers who willingly hire illegal immigrants.
I didn't like any of the choices so I sent him a letter. If you'd like to read it follow me to the flip side...
I received your email poll regarding immigration today. The choices offered did not reflect my opinion about this controversy so I am writing to elaborate.
During World War I my grandmother's family farm in Lithuania was the scene of heavy fighting and was burned to the ground. She and her family hid in a cave for months and ate their pets to survive. Grandma had two stories from her youth she would like to tell--the farm story and the war story. Needless to say, I always asked to hear the farm story.
My grandmother arrived at Ellis Island when American politicians were taking a hard line on immigration, much as politicians are today. America was apparently full then too, at least for Lithuanians. Grandma was sent to Canada, far away from the rest of her family who had made a new home in Chicago.
My grandfather's first wife died, leaving him with two sons. He needed a mother for his children and my grandmother needed a way into the U.S. Through friends in the Lithuanian community, their marriage was arranged. In their wedding photo, which includes the two boys, no one looks very happy. My grandfather brought my grandmother back to Canada, and then helped her enter the country legally. My grandmother became a citizen but for a time, she was an illegal alien.
My grandparents worked hard and bought 40 acres of land in Libertyville Township during the Depression. My grandmother cleaned hotel rooms at the Pagoda Motel on Rte. 137 for many years.
All of their sons served our country in the Navy. The oldest son became a Commander. The middle son drowned in Lake Michigan working for the Navy as a civilian after his discharge. My dad was in the Critical Skills program and was in the inactive reserves for much of my childhood.
My family epitomizes the American Dream. My grandparents didn't have much but they had a strong work ethic and they valued education. My grandparents arrived here with nothing but provided their children and grandchildren with the tools they needed to live a more than comfortable life. I've been lucky enough to be able to afford to raise my children in a wonderful community with excellent schools. We are blessed because of my grandmother's courage.
We need a realistic and humane immigration policy. America isn't full. Our economy provides jobs which people, desperate to support their families, are willing to do. The government turns a blind eye to employers who are hiring undocumented workers while demonizing their employees.
In this age of threats of terrorism, I can support securing our borders. But in my grandmother's memory, I can't stand by and watch the government I pay for tear families apart.