RESENTMENTS AND HOSTILITIES

By Bill Barton (Former Utah State Senator & WVC Businessman) January 9, 2012

One of the most concerning things about the illegal immigration issue is the attitude that we have promoted within our society by not enforcing the existing laws on undocumented persons. Feelings of friction and instability continue to brew within our communities. It is unfortunate but it has gotten so anyone who may look like a minority is automatically viewed in a negative way.

We read in newspapers and see on television where our local leaders refuse to enact and enforce laws that were intended to protect citizens against unfair and questionable practices by people who have illegally entered this country and then encroach on programs and rights designed for our citizens.

Our leaders have fed the fires of resentment and hostilities by closing their eyes to these genuine ensuing problems.

How are our citizens expected to react when they go to the market, for instance, and enter the checkout stand behind someone with a cart heaping with food, cannot speak English, and whips out a government sponsored card to pay for the food? The first thing that comes to mind is that this is another illegal person obtaining their food on my tax dollar. It’s interesting to speak to cashiers candidly about this happening and how often.

What kind of attitude do we expect citizens to have when family members, friends or even themselves have been out of work for several months, then find that illegal’s are working daily at the same jobs they formerly had?

How are citizens supposed to feel when they see illegal aliens organizing, protesting and demanding that we give them the same rights as citizens?

We read about two state workers who were fired and prosecuted for blowing the whistle on over 1000 illegal aliens who were receiving aid from tax payer funds that were intended for citizens who had financial difficulties. Was there any outrage about what they uncovered?

We read about large numbers of citizens, especially children, who have had their identities stolen for fraudulent SS numbers. Many will have their credit records ruined or distorted for life. Why are these criminals not prosecuted for their crimes?

We all know someone who has been in an accident with an undocumented person who has caused the accident. There is no way to recover the costs incurred because the other person was not insured, much less, is not held accountable for what they have done.

This negatively affects all Americans regardless of ethnic background. Many Hispanics, for example, are hard working, law abiding citizens and the illegal aliens are making it difficult for them because they are unfairly assumed to be illegal aliens.

After witnessing these unfair and illegal behaviors, citizens begin to question who the government is really trying to protect and if their rights really mean anything.

Frighteningly, the violence and hatred are frequently the results among both groups. Rude comments on the internet, articles in newspapers and magazines, and talking to people who live in areas where ethnics are the majority. This attitude is very disturbing.

The continued procrastination of enforcing immigration laws is indeed destroying our society.  Our elected leaders should recognize that and take immediate steps to correct it.
It is clear that the federal government is not going to do anything about this so it is up to us to take action where the problem is felt.....in our cities and states.