The US government often seems to make these conflicts worse by propping up one side or another, as we saw in Central America in the 1980s and in Colombia now. If we take serious steps to support peace with justice around the world, fewer people will be forced to emigrate. They can't organize to join a union, and they can't even leave their job to find another, since their work visas bind them to a particular employer. Immigrants, whether they are documented or undocumented, contribute a great deal to our society. Politicians who blame immigrants for taking jobs seem to forget that these immigrants also contribute to our economy as consumers of goods and services, in turn creating more jobs.
Immigrants also bring a wealth of cultural diversity to our society.
Amnesty will allow undocumented immigrants to legalize their status so they can demand fair treatment on the job. It will allow them to seek US citizenship, so they can vote and participate in the political system. It will enable them to join in fighting racism and the other forms of discrimination that keep many people in this country from fulfilling their dreams. It will also allow them to visit their home countries to reunite with family members and help the communities they left behind. Now is the moment to push for amnesty, while the economy is strong.