Immigration reform

Desperate folks are fleeing strife-torn countries in Central America. They are running from poverty, corruption, gangs, violence and the attendant hardship. They flee the unbearable for the unknown.

These folks are not the information technology technicians, medical and legal professionals that the executive branch would prefer to encourage to migrate to the U.S. They are, though, the people who are willing to do the grunt work to better themselves and improve conditions for the families.

Will there be some who won’t do their part?

Of course, there will be those who don’t fit in.

But if we know anything from the history of our nation of immigrants, it is that those who don’t work, strive, obey the laws, and otherwise become part of the fabric of society will be few; a very small minority.

The workers, strivers, desirables are coming — through our border checkpoints or around them — for a better life, improved conditions, a chance.

Secure borders are mandatory.

However, a closed and insular society is neither desirable nor healthy.

We need to be open: to possible asylum for these new arrivals who deserve it and a path to legal immigration for those who qualify.

Congress — the House and the Senate — must craft meaningful and useful immigration policy.

Secure the border but open the process and the possibilities.

Chuck Smith Williamsburg