NATION OF IMMIGRANTS

President Bush laid out a realistic middle ground approach on immigration Monday. The president called for better control of the U.S.-Mexican border, a guest worker program and the continued assimilation of immigrants into American society. While many questions about his plans to improve border security by assigning National Guard troops to this duty remain unanswered, his approach was pragmatic and reasonable.

The president’s speech, although aired on prime-time television, was aimed at bridging the large gap between the House, which wants an enforcement-only approach, and the Senate, which favors a guest-worker program. The Senate’s bill is more realistic.

The president’s speech, one of his best since being elected, were colored by his time as the governor of Texas and his familiarity and comfort with Hispanics, seeing them as a vital part of a community, not a threat. “… we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard, support their families, practice their faith, and lead responsible lives. They are part of American life. …”

He went on to say: “We are a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We’re also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time.”

He’s right as is his dual-track ap-proach of improved border security and providing means for immigrants to become citizens.

As for border security, investing more in technology such as infrared cameras and motion sensors is helpful. On the human side, however, it is unclear how stationing 6,000 National Guard troops on the U.S.-Mexican border will work.

Because they would be rotated every two weeks, it is unclear whether the guard members will be properly trained or experienced to adequately support the border patrol. It is also unclear whether the guard, which is already stretched thin, personnel and equipment wise, because of the war in Iraq.

Dealing with the 11 million illegal immigrants already in the country is also tricky. The president proposed that illegal immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for many years without breaking any other laws should pay taxes and learn English and then be eligible for citizenship.

Although he said citizenship would not be automatic, he did not elaborate on what criteria would have to be met. Also, these illegal immigrants would have their applications processed after those who are in the United State legally.

As the president noted, immigrants have long contributed to America’s success and prosperity. There is no reason for that to change.