We have to stop fearing the "Other"

First, it was the explorers and colonists from Spain, Portugal, and France seeking to enrich themselves landing on what they originally thought was the Eastern Shores of Asia.

Second, it was merchants and religious groups from the Netherlands and England seeking to establish a new home on the Eastern Seaboard

Third, it was the Irish escaping famine and internal strife,

Then it was the Italians, Jews and other Southern and Eastern Europeans that came looking for the American Dream as an escape from oppression and stagnation in their native lands at the turn of the nineteenth/early twentieth centuries.

On the Pacific coast during the same time period, it was the Chinese and other Asian Groups came to the United States for the same reason as their European brethren.

Today, it is largely Latinos, Russians, and people from the Middle East looking to us as a beacon of hope and renewal.

Throughout history, people from other lands have journeyed to other regions for exploration, colonization, and dreams of a better life.

Has it always been a kum ba yah affair? Absolutely not. Just ask the descendants of the Native Americans whose lands were taken by the more "civilized" (and Christianized) Europeans. Just research the rough road assimilation has taken for these groups and the difficulties endured by interacting with their own group (some of whom formed their own, sometimes, criminal networks to assert dominance) and those that had been assimilated before them.

With all this history, should we as Americans fear the "Other?" No, we should not. Immigration has added vigor and innovativeness to our nation. There would not be the United States if it was not for people wanting to emigrate here. Remember our grandparents and great parents were once the "Other."

Does that mean we should not be on our guard? Absolutely not. My grandfather had to wait several years and was separated from my grandmother and mother for a time while all the immigration paperwork was processed. Vetting is necessary and prudent. Most legal immigrants undertand vetting is necessary and takes time. It does not mean we will be 100 percent right. Most of the 9/11 terrorists were here on visas learning how to fly.

We should also honor the commitments we have made to people who have already completed the paperwork and have received permission to come into our country. Recent Executive Orders should be rewritten to account for these situations and for those and their families who have helped our military.

Does that mean we should let illegal immigration slide? Absolutely not. Illegal means it is against the law and we would not be a nation if we allowed people on all sides of our border (The President always forgets Canada) to come at their own whim. Most legal immigrants resent illegal immigrants because they did not go through the arduous process it entails.  Border Security should be maintained but people coming over illegally should be detained and given a due process hearing to determine the merits of their case. People just looking for a job or criminals escaping justice should be returned to their country. People with a talent for high demand positions usually have the good sense to go the legal route.People escaping great suffering and persecution should get consideration. That does not mean put them at the head of the line for citizenship if the case warrants. That means a process mentioned in recent Immigration Reform proposals where they would be given temporary status on the road to citizenship.

Immigrants should not be universally treated with suspicion. Like our forebears, they are looking for a chance to have a good life for their families and themselves. If the opportunity is there, they should be allowed in after a thorough vetting process. The country will be better for it.