Proponents of enforcing stricter immigration policies should reconsider their feelings toward those stranded beyond U.S. borders.

Thousands of foreigners attempt to cross into the United States illegally every year, but the problem is not that they’re breaking a law. It’s the law that’s too hard not to break.

Many citizens believe that immigrants should not violate the national borders, and instead attempt to gain legal entry. But those who follow this route often encounter tremendous difficulties.

The nationalization process usually requires living first as a legal resident in the country for three to five years. This goal is hard to meet because the United States only offers a limited number of permanent residencies.

The test also includes questions that challenge the historical knowledge of applicants, but these simple facts are ones even Americans tend to forget after the fifth grade.

As the world’s richest and most powerful nation, the United States contains plentiful resources that often directly benefit only those who live here. By loosening entry requirements and providing easier access to citizenship, immigrants can enter the country as productive members of society, rather than as outlaws.

Background checks can take months to process, much shorter than the years it usually takes to gain citizenship. But, those who contest that immigrants should know English to become a legal member of this country should consider that the world is changing and the dominance of one language means little in a rapidly diversifying global society.

The birthplace of a person should not establish one’s privilege and worth. If we, as Americans, were not born here, we would hope that others would be generous enough to let us in and allow us an opportunity to prove ourselves productive to society as a whole.

Birthright is not an excuse to lock the gates.

The United States must extend a welcome to others less fortunate, those who were not lucky enough to be born here.

Sweatshops, poverty, hunger and warfare await many in other nations who wish to have just a fraction of the luxury Americans enjoy.

Stricter immigration policies merely enforce stereotyped prejudices and keep consciences clear of things we cannot see.

Columnist: Brett Scuiletti - 09/12/07