Immigration is a political issue.
Men and women gathering in a parking lot, hoping and praying for work and the chance for a better life for themselves and their families is a human issue.
Political issues invite polarization and immigration’s invitation is gilt-edged.
On one end of the spectrum are groups such as the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps. The Minutemen band together “to secure United States borders and coastal boundaries against unlawful and unauthorized entry of all individuals, contraband and foreign military,” according the group’s Web site.
On the other hand, the U.S. Senate came close to passing a compromise bill in June that would’ve eased some immigration regulations, a bill supported by President Bush.
Human issues, however, invite compromise and compassion.
Yes, the Latino in the parking lot is an immigrant, perhaps even an illegal immigrant.
His story is not one of policies, it is one of family, here and wherever home is. It is a story of fortitude that drives one to sacrifice the personal comforts of home and family for the chance to make their lives better.
Unfortunately, immigration is a human issue with political implications, a situation that impacts every human, immigrant and citizen.
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