Calling illegal aliens “immigrants” is an insult to those who come here legally

By Dave Gibson Immigration Examiner

The issue of “immigration” played a prominent role during the presidential debate. However, it was not “immigration” that was being discussed, but rather “illegal immigration.”
While most people now refer to illegal aliens as “immigrants” and often use the blanket term of “immigration,” even when referring to those who enter this country illegally en masse, it is doubtful they realize the effort that has been gone into convincing them to ignore the definite distinctions between the terms.
Referring to illegal aliens as “immigrants” is not only dishonest, it is incredibly insulting to the millions of folks who have come to this country legally, and belittles their contributions.
During a July 2010 webcam interview with NBCLA, Arianna Afsar, a UCLA sophomore, and recently crowned Miss California came out strongly against amnesty, saying: “I think that people who want to be a United States citizen need to come over here legally in order to get the privileges that every American receives.”
Afsar’s father is an immigrant, from Bangladesh. He also helped three family members come here. All arrived through legal means.
Afsar told the reporter: “It ended up taking him 10 years, but he did it legally. I don't think that if you are close to the border that you have the right to be given the rights of a United States citizen.”
Not surprisingly, on their website (nbclosangelescom), NBC described Afsar’s belief that the rule of law should apply to everyone as “controversial.”
Unfortunately, just as they have with so many issues, the left has co-opted the language in this case. For instance, the act of aborting a baby is no longer “abortion,” but has transformed into “a woman’s right to choose.”
Politicians and advocacy groups who continue to push for a so-called “path to citizenship” for illegal aliens conveniently ignore the fact that such a “path” already exists and it has been successfully taken by millions of people. Of course, it is not quick, and it does not reward criminals. Changing the language to soften or gain acceptance for an unpopular, or even immoral or illegal activity is simply a propaganda tactic.
We are constantly subjected to such propaganda from the likes of President Obama and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich when they speak about the difficulties one faces as an immigrant to this country. Of course, they are not referring to legitimate immigrants, but to the millions of illegal aliens, now placing a huge burden upon this nation.
While our success may be as a “nation of immigrants,” we are also a nation of laws and turning our backs on either will undoubtedly spell our demise.