Duty vs. empathy: Seeking a way to protect, share the American dream
As a soon-to-beretired member of the Department of Homeland Security, and a conservative Puerto Rican-American, I find myself struggling with some feelings of empathy for some fellow human beings trying to make a better life for themselves versus my duty to serve and protect our nation from any threats.
As the caravan of migrants heading toward our southwest border moves closer, I'd like to think that most Americans feel some measure of compassion for these people. But mostly it seems Americans are disturbed by the sense of entitlement they feel illegal immigrants have in this country. Seeking guidance from Washington offers no relief. Liberals and progressives see the president's rhetoric regarding immigration as “hate speech.” Conservatives can't understand why these same liberals and progressives are offering up our country with no regard to laws or national security.
Even with all their marches and rallies in protest of the current administration's decisions, earlier leaders — including President Bill Clinton in 1995, then-Sen. Barack Obama in 2005 and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2014 — all spoke of the dangers of allowing undocumented, unchecked migrants into the United States.
If I weren't confused enough, there's a crazy movement to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This agency, along with the U.S. Border Patrol, are the very guardians at the gate that keep our borders safe from outside threats. Trust me when I suggest that removing security levels is not the best course of action.
Still, there's a sense of humanity that stays with me as the caravan of thousands continues toward the U.S. border. I can't help but think how we are essentially a nation of immigrants. Of Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. I believe strongly that one our greatest strengths is our capacity to be of many cultures and still be one nation.
The challenge here is to not allow actions of our enemies to compromise what we stand for. We must insist that elected officials make fair and strong decisions that can keep borders safe, and still allow for those who wish to add to the greatness of our country the best way to do so. I need to know that having spent half my life protecting our country included all those who are American, and those who dream of being American. I refuse to accept that our post-Sept. 11 world is forcing us to be less than what we represent. Can we find a way to safeguard our way of life and still share the American Dream? I will now and always be at my post to protect and serve our nation. Even beyond retirement. But I remain hopeful. Carlos D. Cuevas of Groveland is a U.S. Air Force veteran who also has worked in law enforcement and currently is with the Department of Homeland Security.