IMMIGRATION TENSIONS – AT 9:14 A.M. ET:  Unless we come from Native American families, we all have immigrant histories.  Immigration into the United States has always had its controversial aspects, and, while some immigrants have been welcomed, others have been greeted with hostility.  We tend to forget that a wave of anti-Catholic sentiment greeted immigrants from Ireland and Italy in the 1800s, leading to anti-Catholic political movements.  It wasn't always a smooth trip.

Today the issue is the legality of immigration.  The earlier immigrants came under specific laws and rules.  Today we have the dilemma of dealing with immigrants coming across our southern border without going through our lawful procedures.  Americans are reacting, according to polls, with anger.  The whole situation is negative for the country.  From The Hill:   

A majority of people in the United States say undocumented immigrants threaten their way of life and even the economy, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Thursday.

Seventy percent said they believe these illegal immigrants threaten U.S. customs and beliefs. Eighty-six percent of Republicans hold that belief.

Nearly two-thirds said illegal immigrants are a burden on the nation’s economy, the poll found.

The survey found 45 percent said the number of immigrants entering the country legally should be reduced while 17 percent said more should be allowed to come. Thirty-eight percent said the current flow of legal immigration should remain the same.

More people in New England oppose illegal immigration compared to the rest of the country, the poll said. Nearly 80 percent of people in that region said undocumented immigrants threaten U.S. beliefs and customs.

The survey comes as the Obama administration mulls what President Obama could do to act unilaterally to change the immigration system since Congress has failed to agree on comprehensive reform.

COMMENT:  Obama is in dangerous territory on this one.  The key issue clearly is illegality, even though the poll also shows high (but not majority) opposition to the current level of legal immigration. 

If Obama, with a stroke of the pen, dismisses our immigration laws, he could face rising and bitter hostility from much of the public.

It's a sad story.  We have to feel for the children involved, many of whom are victims of their native countries.  And many illegals do come to better themselves, and work hard at it.  But the first priority of the president is the protection of this nation and its laws.  I think Obama could more effectively work with his opposition in Congress to come up with some humane compromise.

August 7, 2014