Consider the consequences

We hired the first Mexican to work in our nursery 45 years ago. No one paid much attention back then. Now he is a U.S. citizen; he runs his own nursery plus another business and he employs a number of people. We buy plants from him. This is the American Way and we are proud to have played a small part in this American journey.

Immigrants are not only good for America — they are America. To be anti-immigration is to be anti-American.

There are 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S., roughly the population of Ohio. Half of the 11 million are from Mexico. They should not have come here illegally, we all agree on that. But do we want to divert law enforcement resources to deport a population roughly the size of Ohio?

Some say we must deport them because we are a nation of laws. But our laws change over time. Ultimately, we aspire to be a nation of good laws. Slavery changed. Segregation changed. Women were eventually allowed to vote.

Our laws consider the intent of a criminal. The intent of the illegal immigrants was a better life through values they share with Americans.

Our laws consider the passage of time, yet we have parents in Painesville wearing ankle-bracelets as they await deportation after remaining in this country with clean records for 15 years or longer. Our sentencing in America is based on the extent of the crime, the intent, the passage of time.

Certainly there should be consequences for illegal immigration. But is deportation in every instance the appropriate response?

Mark Gilson President, Gilson Gardens Inc. North Perry