The United States of America & Rule of Law

Illegal Immigrants are Law Breakers

By Vinny Martinez, Guest columnist

The United States of America is a nation of laws, and the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

The citizens of the U.S. and its foreign visitors are required to obey our laws. Our government, from the president on down, is also required to obey our laws.

All illegal immigrants are law breakers by their mere illegal presence in this country. Many have no real allegiance to this country; in fact they boastfully show allegiance to their native country, waving their country's flag while protesting for American rights and reaping the benefits of this country. American citizenship is more than just residing in this country.

The United States allows more than 1 million aliens to become Legal Permanent Residents every year, which is more than any other country in the world. Like other countries, the United States has immigration laws to help foreigners to become naturalized as citizens of this country. Those who are just visitors to our country are required to obtain U.S. visas. Currently, there are two different types of U.S. visas: one for people seeking to live in the U.S.; termed Immigrant Visas, and the other for people coming for limited durations, termed Non-Immigrant Visas. The former visa has "per country-caps" and the latter does not. Most non-immigrant visas are for work purposes and usually require an offer of employment from a U.S. business. Other categories include student, family and tourist visas.

In accordance with Section 1, of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, Congress — not the president — has the power "to establish a uniform rule of naturalization." Citizenship may be acquired automatically at birth (natural born citizen) or through the process of naturalization: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Therefore, illegal immigrants are not considered citizens of the United States they are "aliens."

Unfortunately, our government leaders have been complacent about our immigration laws and protecting our borders. This reminds me of the bank that leaves its doors and vault open, and when the robber shows up they are escorted to the vault. Upon the robber leaving the bank, the guard turns his back as though nothing had happen. Both the bank and the robber broke the law.

It seems the Obama administration has a new policy that will allow many illegal immigrants facing deportation the chance to stay in this country and apply for a work permit. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said this policy change will mean a case-by-case review of about 300,000 illegal immigrants facing possible deportation in federal immigration courts.
President Obama and the Department of Justice are not only refusing to uphold federal immigration laws, they are filing suit to block states that are forced to take action against illegal aliens because the feds won't do their job.

The progressive Democrats have no problem supporting Obama with his social issues regardless if they are unconstitutional or not. Obama continues to bypass Congress by implementing policy changes and legislating with executive orders. This new policy from Obama is a way of legislating his DREAM Act, which the Congress turned down. The DREAM Act (acronym for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) would provide conditional permanent residency to certain illegal alien/students.

We have a dilemma with illegal immigrants in this country because the government and now Obama, are allowing it to happen. We are supposed to be a nation of laws and justice, and violating our immigration laws and the U.S. Constitution is undermining what this nation is all about.

What may be politically correct may not be in the best interest for this nation. There should be a line of mutual respect between the government and the citizens it serves.
An immigrant that enters this country illegally has already lost respect for our laws. It seems Obama has no problems with people violating the law. Most illegal aliens tend to disobey more than one law in order to survive in this country illegally. They could be into drugs, using fraudulent documents; they don't pay income taxes and abuse the health care system, just to name a few.

Because they are here illegally, our national security is at stake. Some may have criminal records or could become terrorists. Our government; should not aide or accommodate illegal immigrants. They should be systemically deported back to their own country.

America is a nation of immigrants who became American citizens by complying with U.S. immigration law and willingly assimilated into the American society and learned its language and its heritage. Many have become true American patriots, who have proudly served in our military and our nation.

"Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people."
 — John Adams.