Immigration reform

The RAISE Act is the latest GOP proposal to reform immigration policy. I went through the questions and only got 20 points, 10 short of the minimum to apply for a visa. Fortunately, I am native-born, so this doesn’t matter to me. You can take the test yourself at tinyurl.com/raisetime.

If you are undecided about this act, consider the following:

(1) If you like to eat poultry, pork or beef, you can thank an immigrant. The majority of employees at the local Tyson, George’s and Cargill plants are very likely immigrants. I work with these people every day and observe them performing jobs that “Americans” don’t want. I have yet to see any “Americans” lining up to apply for jobs at any of these plants.

(2) If you enjoy eating ethnic foods, such as Mexican or Chinese, you can thank an immigrant. If not for them, these restaurants wouldn’t be here.

(3) If you enjoy not having to get out on hot summer days and maintain your yards or your subdivisions’ common areas, you can very likely thank an immigrant. I know the lawn-service companies that service my neighborhood use employees that appear to be Hispanic.

(4) If you enjoy the fresh fruit that is produced in states like California, you can definitely thank an immigrant. These crops will rot in the fields without the only people willing to work long hours to bring the harvest in.

One final thought: Unless you are Native American, you are descended from an immigrant as well.

JUD HANSON

Fayetteville