Will They See It That Way Ever Again?
Of all the things I read in the paper that make me mad as hell, this — “Immigration Law as Anti-Terrorism Tool” (front page ofthe June 13 Washington Post) — was the worst today.
Whereas terrorism charges can be difficult to prosecute, Homeland Security officials say immigration laws can provide a quick, easy way to detain people who could be planning attacks. Authorities have also used routine charges such as overstaying a visa to deport suspected supporters of terrorist groups.
If it’s hard to prosecute them for terrorism, since there’s no evidence, find a minor error on an immigration form and then storm into their homes, bind and gag them, and strip them of their rights, their dignity, and — almost inevitably — their love of their adopted country.
Of course this sort of opportunistic approach to “law enforcement” sits very well with people who see immigrants as a greater evil than terrorism can be. Xenophobia is alive and well in many parts of America.