For example Venezuela who is providing a lot of our oil, has an ever growing poverty rate. Could it be that the poorest people of that country are trying to escape the impossible situations that they are living in? And why would a country so rich in oil have so many poor and starving people? Many of these people have no choice but to flee. However, this is not the only time that we experienced such an influx of people. Back at the beginning of the 20th century many people came here from Europe to escape poverty, disease and oppression. Sound familiar?

My first thought, when I saw all the illegal aliens in the streets protesting, was, “Hey, where’s the paddy wagons? Quick, round them up. They are all in one place!!”. Then I began to think about all the nuances of this issue and my heart went out to these people.

I am the granddaughter of two very hardworking Sicilians who came over from the only home they ever knew to seek freedom. In fact, on July 20th, my family will be celebrating 100 years in this country. I owe them so much for the risk they took.

Sure there are differences here from before. But, they are running to us for a better life. The problems that are of immediate concern are the drain on our economy with respect to medical care and education that illegal immigrants are causing. These problems need to be solved. These people need to be legalized in some way so that they can contribute the infrastructure that they are currently benefiting from. But, as an Italian-American I cannot forget the words of the great lady: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

I totally agree. I can't stand the knee-jerk "get-em-out-of-here" reaction that most people go with on this issue. It's barely short of racism. Are people afraid they'll be forced to speak Spanish one day or something? It's not like these immigrants are going to "steal" our jobs. More citizens will only create more commerce. Get over it. None of us would be here if our ancestors had not immigrated.

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