The article below entitled, Division Of Labor, provides a regional example of how our country’s preoccupation with immigration is negatively affecting those vacationing on Cape Cod, one of the most popular summer tourist destinations in the Northeast. Though it is a typical debate in country’s with imperialist or, if you prefer, expansionist pasts, many Americans are up in arms over illegal immigration; as we all know it is one of the most hotly debated issues in our country.
Although I certainly understand the argument of protecting the rights of citizens, and the desire to have all immigrants to the United States become legal residents, if not citizens themselves, I am baffled by those who so ardently believe that immigrants need not apply and should be forced out. Beyond the fact that the United States was established, and is still viewed, as a haven for global citizens yearning for the chance of prosperity (“give us your tired, your poor, your hungry”), how blind can one possibly be to who is doing the lion’s share of manual labor in this country? It is not the American-born children of all classes that become full time dishwashers, prep cooks, cab drivers, busboys, and custodial workers—many do, but not for more than a summer or temporary stay— it is those who have crossed oceans and borders to take the jobs that no Americans are willing to take. We see these hard workers every day, in every city and state, cleaning floors, washing dishes, and holding doors. So many people too often fail to realize the struggle that so many have gone through for that opportunity.
And it is an opportunity. A position that most Americans would never even consider is an offer of prosperity for someone who can make more money in one hour doing a menial labor job here than they can working as they can in a month working the same job in their homeland. Many of these brave souls have gone through horrid conditions (to say the least) to come here, and live separated from their families and loved ones, to live in a crowded apartment, usually with several other people mired in the same endeavor, to send money back home to build a better life, that they aspire one day to return to. Often times, many people working in these jobs are trained professionals, (lawyers, engineers etc.) that can earn more money working in an American restaurant than they can practicing their trade at home. I maintain the greatest admiration for the endurance displayed by immigrant workers, be they legal or illegal. I count them among my friends and role models. It has been my pleasure and fortune to work alongside them and relax with them. They have helped me learn more and want more from the world, quite simply, my life has been enriched by the experience. The fact that a person was not born here should not preclude him or her from working here and living here. We cannot forget, the United States is a nation of immigrants. The only true natives here are Native Americans, who have been more marginalized than any other race in this country.
That said, the situation displayed on Cape Cod is not a case of illegal immigration but that of legal immigration. Legitimate workers cannot get the necessary visas to come here because our Congress is too preoccupied determining what are essentially quotas on migrant workers. This is an example of how isolationism is hurting our nation. If fewer immigrants are allowed to work, our businesses will close. I understand the desire to see tax dollars benefit only those who are citizens. But there has to be an understand of who is truly providing the back bone of our industries. If migrants are not allowed to work, are we going to do their work?
