Few topics ignite articulate debates among teenagers these days, but recent events in our state have prompted many in our age group to look at the almost unmentionable issue of immigration. Last month, the Minutemen began operating on our border with Mexico, and with their actions, controversies emerged. Organizations such as the ACLU sent observers to monitor the situation; even the media from around the country focused their attention on an increasingly sensitive topic for our nation. Immigrants’ rights activists claimed that the Minutemen would be a threat to the safety of immigrants crossing our border. Although the group of volunteers was armed, no abuse or violations of human rights were reported. The only thing these people were trying to do was protect themselves from what they perceive to be a growing threat. Now, I am not saying I agree or disagree with them, I am just stating what I know.

Our southern border is vulnerable. The many migrants who enter through that border heavily outnumber the Department of Homeland Security’s border patrol and enforcement agents. Does anyone know how easy it is to cross illegally? In a recent special on CNN, two reporters were able to smuggle in a Mexican citizen with forged documents and even drugs into this country. They ultimately returned to the border station and informed the authorities, but this is a clear example of how flawed our border security is. On one occasion, when my family and I were entering through El Paso, Texas, we saw how a group of six men jumped out of a pick-up truck, ran across the bridge, and entered the US. However, they were eventually caught, as I read in the paper the next day.

In my mind there are two main responsible parties: our own hesitant government, and the Mexican government. The federal government and Congress have been reluctant to address immigration. Funding to enforce the protection of our border is limited, and states are not being reimbursed for the services they provide to illegal residents, leaving the hefty bill up to the state governments and people to address. Also, the processes of entering this country legally, through legalization and naturalization, have become extremely long and both time and money consuming. Normal wait periods can range from months to years with little, if any, progress in a case. In Mexico, the promises of the Fox administration have yet to be realized. Almost 40 percent of the people are in poverty and 28.2 percent are underemployed or unemployed (CIA World Factbook). If I was in those dismal situations and my government was not doing anything to fix them, I would also leave in search of a better future. Something that outraged me was when Mexico’s equivalent of our State Department, the SRE, published a booklet entitled “An Immigrant’s Guide to Crossing the American Border.” This booklet gave suggestions on how to evade authorities and how to survive in the desert. If the leaders of the Mexican government would abandon their personal agendas and set an aggressive plan of action that would improve Mexico, I am sure the number of emigrants would decrease.

Now, let’s clarify something. I am an immigrant. Yes, I know, shocking, but I am not the only person with my background that holds similar views. Several of my friends here on campus who are also immigrants, whether from Asia, Europe, or Latin America, also agree with many of my statements. In January, I became a US Citizen. This was the result of ten years of being a lawful permanent resident and a relatively short naturalization process (only seven months). Last week I had several conversations with some friends on the situation here in Arizona. We all basically agreed four things: 1) When your government is not doing its job to protect you, it’s time to act. 2) Immigration is inevitable and not bad. 3) Immigrants must make an effort to legalize and conform to their new home. 4) Everyone needs to work together to reach an appropriate solution.

Everyone knows that America is a nation of immigrants. Look around and it is apparent in our schools, communities, businesses, and even government, i.e. California Governor Schwarzenegger and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez. Immigrants are not bad; they contribute to our dynamic society and economy. To be honest, a vast majority is just seeking better opportunities like the first Europeans that landed on American soil. We should also understand that they are also suffering in their homeland under the cruelty of human traffickers. In the end, I am sure they intend no harm and yearn to become equal American citizens. We must all accept the challenge that lies ahead to end oppression in other countries and serve as a welcoming nation with laws that respect the human need for freedom.