I’m hesitant to add any words to this story or give one more minute of attention to the painful sentiments expressed. Especially because I’m kind of a prude when it comes to language and I’m easily scandalized. But for a second, I want to walk past the horrifying language that was likely said (although I guess there’s some debate about the actual comment) and just take the question at face value:
“Why are we having all these people from sh*thole countries come here?”
I’ve got some thoughts about that.
As much as I’m scandalized (but not necessarily surprised) by such crude language, I’m not interested in arguing about what does or doesn’t qualify as a “sh*thole country.” What I am interested in addressing is the value and importance of immigrants from those very places.
We are a nation of people whose ancestors left their countries of origin to come here, in hopes of something better (aside from our Native American population and our African American population who had no choice in the matter). Maybe our ancestors left with tears in their eyes and a fondness for their homeland. Maybe they left with joy, glad to be out of that “sh*thole” and on to better things. However they came, their country of origin did not define them. They became Americans and like my immigrant son, they blossomed in a place where they were entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Why should we let these people in? Because we are all more than where we came from. That is such a foundational part of being an American. We treasure and value our ancestry, but we are not limited by it.
When you let in an immigrant from a troubled nation, it is an act of faith that people are more than their circumstances. When you surround those people with a supportive community, give them access to education and work, and treat them with dignity, you allow them to reach their full potential—a potential not determined by the GDP of their country of origin. Continue Reading →
