Victims of Circumstances

I will start by saying, this is a subject that has brought on extreme controversy. Both here locally and nationally while I may offend some of you that is not my intentions. As an open forum I hope to reach out to those less aware of our current situation. This article is something I feel very passionate about, as my father was an illegal immigrant. But first I must give credit where it's due to Raul A. Reyes

Reyes, an attorney and a member of USA Today board. The writer behind Opinion CNN : A nation of immigrants enters a dark chapter.
Immigrants Link

Reyes, starts by stating what most of us already know that anyone with out documentation is now deplorable. Memos signed by DHS Secretary John Kelly on Tuesday made this possible. The first deals with interior immigration enforcement and the other border security. These will soon be the reality for "estimated 11 million undocumented men,women, and children who live among us".

Some may argue that they are just seeking "criminals", but that's not all Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents are seeking. ICE, for short is now able to seek any undocumented person who is, has been, or could be convicted of a crime. In society today we all know time is money and acting on the "what if possibility" is essentially wasting money.  The time spent chasing down the undocumented allows time for the rest of society to behave itself. I think not..

Reyes brings up a very valid question, such as the DACA recipients. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, these entered this country illegally and granted temporary deportation relief,  back in 2012 by our former president. Trump has been quoted stating it must be dealt "with heart" and "very difficult thing for me as I love these kids, I love these kids." The question of for how long, since the memo states it will be later addressed. These aren't convicted felons but our children's classmates, who are left anticipating a future they had no choice in.

Another concern, was something we have all seen first hand, that has divided us all. Reyes brings up the memos plan to incorporate local law enforcement.  Can our officers and local citizens handle the pressure of racially profiling? Federal issues that become local issues, allow funding from where?

As Americans we pride ourselves on being Great. Freedom and justice being pillars of our foundation. The concern for due process rights of those undocumented guaranteed by the Constitution.  While, it just an opinion from CNN's R. Reyes, the facts are overwhelming and the concerns of those affected are justified.  I will admit policies must change to ensure safety, just not at the cost of dividing a nation already in turmoil.

Raul A. Reyes, CNN Opinion  A nation of immigrants enters a dark chapter. Wednesday, February 22, 2017.
Immigrants Link

America First

                             

While, I must admit that my political knowledge is limited at best recent events have made me look further into seek whats really going on. Sorting thru various articles on CNN's website I came across this article about Der Spiegel's. Unknown to me, it is a weekly German magazine. I found the cover very graphic and symbolic. It spoke so many words to me personally, I thought it was share worthy.
America First  By: James Masters, CNN, Mon. February 6, 2017 

The illustration came from Edel Rodriguez said to be a political refugee from Cuba in 1980. "Rodriguez's image shows a cartoon Trump holding a bloodied knife in his left hand with the statue's head in his right, while blood drips on the floor." The infamous campaign slogan "America First" captions the illustration.

I have to agree with critics, the image is definitely graphic. Even if you try to not stay informed I'm sure most are aware of the current ban recently put in place. Since, America was founded by immigrants and the statue of Liberty represents Freedom, we have to pause. I had to ask myself how far is to far to keep "America First"?

Source: CNN - German magazine Der Spiegels has sparked fierce debate after beheading the Statue of Liberty, By: James Masters, Mon. February 6, 2017, America First