Rep. Ryan Gonzalez | Commentary, Complete Colorado
There’s no denying we have a broken immigration system.
For decades, meaningful reform to solve this very complex issue has failed to take root. The people have wanted a fair and more streamlined immigration process that protects national security, but also is just and humane.
Given the very heated climate we find ourselves in today, with riots and anarchy playing out in the streets, I have to speak up. I will not let the media speak for me. I won’t let anyone speak for me. As a Colorado state legislator and a son of immigrants, I know this issue on a personal level.
My parents are immigrants. My mom is a resident and my dad is a citizen. They told me we all need a hand up sometimes but never handouts. I know many undocumented migrants who are good people, and they just want to work.
State’s hands are tied
While the 10th Amendment grants states power over that which the federal government has no authority, we must understand this is one case where federal laws are supreme. But much of the problem is a lack of consistency on enforcement of federal laws. Some administrations enforce some federal laws and other administrations enforce others. Biden didn’t enforce immigration laws much, while the Trump administration is using its executive authority to aggressively enforce our laws.
At the state level, we do not have authority over immigration. Our hands are tied. But if we had meaningful immigration reform, states should still be able to grant worker permits to those who are undocumented. Some states have taken it upon themselves to challenge federal laws, while jeopardizing federal funding.
I have gone on record, and will continue to do so, saying that there is nothing wrong with deporting dangerous and violent undocumented migrants. But I want to be clear: I also believe those who are here undocumented and have been law abiding, should be granted a path to legality.
Cutting the line
In my district in Greeley and Evans, I’ve been to thousands of doors and talked to my constituents about this issue, most of whom, are Hispanic/Latino. They agree that we should remove the dangerous and violent undocumented migrants. But they are also disappointed in footing the bill for social programs for undocumented migrants. They feel as though the undocumented are being prioritized over taxpaying citizens and legal residents.
They feel as though politicians they do more for undocumented migrants than those who elected them. They think it’s unfair that people cut the line and get handouts. Did you know the state of Colorado spends over $550 million per year on undocumented migrants?
This is seen as a slap in the face to those who came here legally. Those who had to pay their fees, go through the process, and in many cases wait years to finally arrive on US soil, believe now that they could’ve just cut the line and crossed over illegally, and it would’ve been much faster and easier.
Mind you, these are not simply people who “clean” or “pick crops” — a very derogatory concept perpetuated by the left. We are more than cleaners and field workers. We are artists, we are entrepreneurs, we are athletes, we are professionals, we are musicians, and much, much more. They are angry for being put in a category, and they are tired of being treated as monolithic.
There is also a notion of separating families, but what about the families of the victims? When someone commits a violent crime like assault or murder, shouldn’t there be consequences? I’ve spoken to local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will inform them when they’re coming to our area, and they have made it clear they are not going to churches, schools, or hospitals. The amount of misinformation being spread by the left and the mainstream media is astounding.
Congress must act
Here is the reality. Those cages that were so heavily criticized as inhumane were built under the Obama administration, which deported millions of undocumented migrants. Fact check it. I am also going to condemn the mainstream media for fanning the flames and spreading misinformation and divisive rhetoric which is leading to the riots we see today. I will say the media is very bias and they certainly are propagandists.
To the people of Colorado, don’t play into their hands. This is what they want.
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