The caravan approaches

Dear editor:

This is a test of law and order pitted against human rights. We are the most generous nation in the world. Yet, we have a massive responsibility to protect the health, safety, and financial well-being of current citizens.

Few of these people have been immunized against diseases that were eradicated here years ago. Outbreaks of polio are troubling and Americans with weak immune systems could be at increased risk. Undesirables might be among the group — perhaps even using the caravan as a “Trojan Horse” for future sex trafficking, drug sales, and even possible gang affiliations. Common sense also dictates that many if not most of these folks will immediately take advantage of our very generous entitlement system.

So, how do we allow people to enter our great and generous United States without posing health issues to those already here? How do we vet them so that criminal elements could be identified and dealt with? How do we address the issue of entitlement abuse?

One hundred years ago, immigrants migrated into a bottleneck called Ellis Island where they were processed and then allowed to enjoy the freedoms offered here. Those with diseases were sent back. These immigrants began to assimilate into the U.S. They brought the character and flair of their various homelands with them but they also embraced their new country and their new home. They considered it an honor and an opportunity to be here.

Each member of this caravan needs to be carefully investigated and vetted before entry is allowed. We simply cannot have open borders without paying a very hefty price in the future.

That hefty price can and will include a strain on our entitlement programs, a strain on the general health of existing citizens, and a strain on our financial system.

We cannot simply give each one of the people free and unfettered entry into our country. Each needs to be vetted in a thorough process to ensure that they are suitable to enjoy the freedoms we offer — freedoms which include the pursuit of peace and happiness. Are they capable of becoming loyal and trustworthy citizens of the U.S. who will pull their own weight, support their own families, and not become another member of our entitlement culture?

It appears that they are intent upon invading the U.S. while disregarding our laws and while proudly carrying the flag of their native country and shouting slogans against our sitting U.S. president. Yes, for the most part, these people are seeking humanitarian refuge from unsavory conditions — but they must accept that their entry into our country will be at our discretion.

Our country is a melting pot of immigrants who have assimilated into the greatest and most powerful civilization on the planet. It is an honor to live here — not a right to be demanded by someone from another culture.

It is time that we enact new legislation creating a better pathway to citizenship, immigration laws, and how entitlement benefits are proffered to noncitizens. John Grillo Hot Springs