Immigrants Declare It Is A Great Country

We have all heard the phrase: "America is a nation of immigrants." It certainly is. Some have crossed the Mexican border. Some have crossed the Canadian border. Some arrived on the coasts of Florida, Texas and California. Some arrived via other coasts. Millions arrived through Ellis Island. Some were brought by force. All came for one of two reasons: To improve their quality of life or to improve or maintain the quality of life for someone else. All who stayed assimilated in varying degrees. Their children assimilated to a greater degree. All of those children born in this great country are or were Americans. Some refused and refuse to call themselves by that title. Many served and serve in the armed forces of the United States. Many sacrificed their lives and limbs. The majority of them have served with honor. They wouldn't have it any other way. Many of the immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America are termed "illegal" because they snuck across and did not go through the legal procedures to obtain the legal documents to be in this country. Some have been caught, arrested and sent back. Most of those sent back have returned either to be rearrested or to stay for good. Some have been deported many times. Some have been robbed by their own countrymen. Some have died of starvation or dehydration. Some have been murdered. Some have been maimed. Some of the women and children have been sexually abused. The immigrants keep on coming. Why? Because of the possibilities. Because of the hope. Because of the dream. Because of the freedom. It is a sacrifice. It is a sacrifice whether they leave their families behind or bring them. Many will give their life savings to a smuggler, only to be disappointed. They continue to come. Some commit crimes and go to prison. Some of those in prison have actually told me: "I would rather be in prison in America than go back to my country." Through their actions; the immigrants continue to declare: "AMERICA, IT IS A GREAT COUNTRY."