Paul Kusuda’s column
Naturalization denied
(Concluded)
Naturalization denied
(Concluded)
This is the concluding elaboration of my concern that naturalization processes are
denied to many who could very well become U.S. citizens needed to continue the well-bring
of our country . Because of short-sighted racial prejudice , primarily directed toward
Hispanics who have migrated from Cuba, Mexico, and South American countries, the future
loss to our nation is blindly ignored. Such racial biases hurt not only individuals but also our
entire nation.
More thought needs to be taken by administrators responsible to carry out naturalization
policies toward making recommendations for changes in regulations aimed specifically to
loosen requirements while maintaining safeguards. Granted, undocumented aliens are not
guaranteed rights accorded to American citizens; however, fairness and justice are part of
America’s democratic fabric. We have many rules to follow, and we do so because of their
intended benefit. We drive to the right side of the road. We don’t smoke where prohibited.
Most of us wear seatbelts when we drive or are passengers. Early in life, we’re taught to be
careful when we sneeze or cough. We have compassion for others. We help strangers
denied to many who could very well become U.S. citizens needed to continue the well-bring
of our country . Because of short-sighted racial prejudice , primarily directed toward
Hispanics who have migrated from Cuba, Mexico, and South American countries, the future
loss to our nation is blindly ignored. Such racial biases hurt not only individuals but also our
entire nation.
More thought needs to be taken by administrators responsible to carry out naturalization
policies toward making recommendations for changes in regulations aimed specifically to
loosen requirements while maintaining safeguards. Granted, undocumented aliens are not
guaranteed rights accorded to American citizens; however, fairness and justice are part of
America’s democratic fabric. We have many rules to follow, and we do so because of their
intended benefit. We drive to the right side of the road. We don’t smoke where prohibited.
Most of us wear seatbelts when we drive or are passengers. Early in life, we’re taught to be
careful when we sneeze or cough. We have compassion for others. We help strangers
as well as those we may meet and never see again. Deep down, we believe in sharing good fortune, helping those in
need, and in fairness and justice.
When it comes to naturalization, we either do not think about it (unless we happen to know someone who is or might
be involved) or we oppose the entire idea because it’s someone else’s concern. Some, because of racial dislike or
other reason, actively oppose the notion that undocumented aliens should be allowed naturalization rights. In fact,
some espouse denying them public-funded health resources. They fail to realize that such denial not only disregards
individual and family distress and harm, it can lead to spread of communicable diseases.
There are some who oppose providing naturalization access to undocumented aliens on their proposition that they
comprise a drain on our economic well-being, that they depend on public aid for their existence. The fact is, they
contribute to our economy. Their labor is needed, not only in southern and western states, not only as fruit or vegetable
worlers but also in other worksites including technical, special, and professional such as medical and related fields,
teaching, research, etc.
In Wisconsin, for example, undocumented aliens are essential in dairy farms. Dairy and other farms require a great
deal of labor-intensive attention. This is true with respect to many other occupations in Wisconsin as well as in other
states.
Much can be said about the need for farmhands and related laborers.. Suffice to note that a Twentieth Century
problem is the dwindling need for non-skilled manufacturing jobs but continuing need for agricultural hands. Needed for
both large-scale and family farms are workers willing to do heavy and often boring work for long hours and minimum
pay. Such laborers are in great demand, but most Americans dislike such employment. The American Dream is quite
different for most.. Other visions spur us on.
Thus, increasingly, there is wide need for laborers willing to work hard for long and inconvenient hours for minimum
pay. The federal government reacted to the outcry from those responsible for our nation’s agricultural and dairy products
and arranged for short-term immigrant stays—migrant and other workers. The immigrants came to work, found the pay
to be more than they could earn “back home,” and let their families and friends know of the situation. As a result, people
came without necessary documentation—that is, illegally. Soon, the outcry was: “They’re taking away our jobs!” Most
Americans don’t want the labor-intensive, low-paying jobs, but complaints are heard.
And so it was when Chinese were invited to help our railroads. Then, the Japanese were invited. Eventually, the
outcry was similar except that the racial aspects were more stringent. People from Asian countries were denied
opportunity to become U.S. citizens whether they were immigrants with legal documentation or not. Documentation was
not the criterion; race was! That barrier was finally lifted during World War II for the Chinese and for other Asians after
WW II.
Now, it is time to drop the barriers for current undocumented aliens. To allay the suspicions of those who vigorously
oppose the idea because of concerns related to security and trust, specific conditions could be established somewhat
like (but more fair and humane) those incorporated in the proposed DREAM ACT.
Church, social, ethnic, advocacy, and other organizations should form a coalition to develop a reasonable plan for
transmittal to elected federal representatives. Perhaps, an existing advocacy organization such as the American Civil
Liberties Union , which has a Wisconsin chapter, might be motivated to put together such a coalition and lead and staff
it. Why not?
need, and in fairness and justice.
When it comes to naturalization, we either do not think about it (unless we happen to know someone who is or might
be involved) or we oppose the entire idea because it’s someone else’s concern. Some, because of racial dislike or
other reason, actively oppose the notion that undocumented aliens should be allowed naturalization rights. In fact,
some espouse denying them public-funded health resources. They fail to realize that such denial not only disregards
individual and family distress and harm, it can lead to spread of communicable diseases.
There are some who oppose providing naturalization access to undocumented aliens on their proposition that they
comprise a drain on our economic well-being, that they depend on public aid for their existence. The fact is, they
contribute to our economy. Their labor is needed, not only in southern and western states, not only as fruit or vegetable
worlers but also in other worksites including technical, special, and professional such as medical and related fields,
teaching, research, etc.
In Wisconsin, for example, undocumented aliens are essential in dairy farms. Dairy and other farms require a great
deal of labor-intensive attention. This is true with respect to many other occupations in Wisconsin as well as in other
states.
Much can be said about the need for farmhands and related laborers.. Suffice to note that a Twentieth Century
problem is the dwindling need for non-skilled manufacturing jobs but continuing need for agricultural hands. Needed for
both large-scale and family farms are workers willing to do heavy and often boring work for long hours and minimum
pay. Such laborers are in great demand, but most Americans dislike such employment. The American Dream is quite
different for most.. Other visions spur us on.
Thus, increasingly, there is wide need for laborers willing to work hard for long and inconvenient hours for minimum
pay. The federal government reacted to the outcry from those responsible for our nation’s agricultural and dairy products
and arranged for short-term immigrant stays—migrant and other workers. The immigrants came to work, found the pay
to be more than they could earn “back home,” and let their families and friends know of the situation. As a result, people
came without necessary documentation—that is, illegally. Soon, the outcry was: “They’re taking away our jobs!” Most
Americans don’t want the labor-intensive, low-paying jobs, but complaints are heard.
And so it was when Chinese were invited to help our railroads. Then, the Japanese were invited. Eventually, the
outcry was similar except that the racial aspects were more stringent. People from Asian countries were denied
opportunity to become U.S. citizens whether they were immigrants with legal documentation or not. Documentation was
not the criterion; race was! That barrier was finally lifted during World War II for the Chinese and for other Asians after
WW II.
Now, it is time to drop the barriers for current undocumented aliens. To allay the suspicions of those who vigorously
oppose the idea because of concerns related to security and trust, specific conditions could be established somewhat
like (but more fair and humane) those incorporated in the proposed DREAM ACT.
Church, social, ethnic, advocacy, and other organizations should form a coalition to develop a reasonable plan for
transmittal to elected federal representatives. Perhaps, an existing advocacy organization such as the American Civil
Liberties Union , which has a Wisconsin chapter, might be motivated to put together such a coalition and lead and staff
it. Why not?