September 12, 2006
There are many illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a very young age. They were unaware of their status of breaking any laws. The infraction doesn't inspire me to declare their presence here welcome, nor can I justify comparing it to the kind of offense that would lead to incarceration.
These young individuals go through our school system, and many are excellent students and consider themselves part of this country. Many want to serve in the military but are unable to do so because they do not have a green card or Social Security card. We need these young men and women in our armed forces, especially in the Oregon Army National Guard. I say give them their green cards within 90 to 120 days if they want to serve in our armed forces.
Let us seal our borders to stop terrorists, but let us reserve the word "criminal" for their parents who committed the infractions, breaking our laws, not these young individuals. I believe they can become productive U.S. citizens.
If they live in the United States, let them serve our country. If they desire not to serve, then send them back to Mexico with their parents. Either way we win.
