While I was pumping the again high-priced gasoline into my car a couple of days ago, a lady (black, presumably American) asked me what I thought of the suddenly-inflammatory illegal immigration issue. Following our accord that the laws of our land should be followed, I got the idea of asking acquaintances what they though of the issue.
One of my barbers--black American--thinks that any stengthening of illegal immigration laws or even a more active execution of the present laws would be an excuse for the police to “harass and round up Mexicans.” However, the owner of the cleaners that I’ve frequented for twelve years—a black Jamaican immigrant—takes a more thoughtful tone. He thinks that some program of limited duration should be set up to allow present illegal immigrants to register for their green cards. After the time has expired, however, he thinks that any illegals should be deported.
I’m a little ambivalent about prospect of asking any Mexican-descended acquaintances, since I don’t want such persons to think that I’m trying to “start something,” but I plan on asking one of my across-the-street neighbors—an American couple of Mexican descent--as soon as I run into one of them.
In the meantime, I’d like to find out what my readers think. Especially valuable would be opinions from those of Mexican-descent--American citizens or not--along with first-/second-generation Americans and immigrants of any heritage.
FULL DISCLOSURE: For those who don’t know, I’m a first-generation American on one side.
