domestic dreams and fantasies

The uproar here in Hong Kong over the possibility of granting the right of abode to foreign domestic workers should be hitting close to home with my fellow Americans.  Funny how we can sympathize for hard working domestic workers in someone else's country and simultaneously stuff our heads in the sand when the issues land upon our own shores.  When did our fears become more meaningful than life, liberty and happiness?

The Dream Act, to allow permanent residency to undocumented students who grew up in the United States and are of "good moral character," caused mass hysteria as politicians spread tales of anchor babies and destruction of our country's core values.  Because our country was not founded by immigrants looking for a better life. 

Politicians will continue to filibuster the proposal to death in order to preserve the status quo of the country. This status quo is one that looks the other way to allow illegal immigrants into the country to work jobs that pay well below the minimum wage because they are desperately needed in order for industries such as farming to survive.  Farmers would be bankrupted if they had to pay the minimum wage and most of us acknowledge this. 

Frankly I don't see why we are so up in arms (literally) about this.  The Dream Act has requirements that would seem a no brainer.  Along with needing to show proof of education the male Dream Act beneficiaries will need to register with Selective Service and we will need as many personnel as possible if we continue with all of our wars.

My paternal ancestors have been in the United States since 1636.  After 375 years I think my family can claim legitimacy as "real" Americans in the eyes of the most virulent nationalists unless you are talking to the people who we displaced to form this country.  My mother and her family came to the States in 1974, having earned their citizenship through service to the country.  When she is asked where she is from she always is clear that she is an American.  Then, depending on how irritated she is at the questioner, she might share the country that she was originally from.  Like my mother, my ancestor from 15 generations ago was an immigrant.  He and his brother arrived in Massachusetts on the Jonah carrying little more than their dreams.  Luckily for them the American Dream was within reach.

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