August 17, 2010, Middletown Journal Guest Column by Tony Klimek, a resident of West Chester Twp., and a member of the Central Committee of the Butler County Democratic Party.
America is a land of immigrants. Immigrants are part of our country and have contributed to our culture and economy. However, our immigration policy has not kept pace with a rapidly changing world.
Reform is needed to meet the needs of a globalized economy. We must implement reform that respects the dignity of human life, addresses the complexity of the issue, and strengthens our country.
We must move beyond the simplistic refrain of “illegals have no rights and should be sent back.” Human beings cannot be “illegal.” The label dehumanizes and attempts to justify treating immigrants as subhuman objects without rights.
Throughout history, authoritarian societies and politicians have dehumanized minorities to remove their rights, justify their exploitation, and create fear. History is repeating itself in Arizona, Butler County and across the country. We must seek solutions through dialogue and respect; we should not use fear and bigotry to exploit the vulnerable in our society for political gain.
To characterize and label a human being as illegal is contrary to our country’s founding principles, and inconsistent with the religious teaching that man was created in the image of God. Everyone has a right to work to provide for themselves and their family. To deny that right is a betrayal of humanity.
Click here for full column.
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