The issue of immigration has been in the background of George W. Bush's presidency for several years, always overshadowed by Social Security and homeland security. Though several national policy suggestions and potential laws have come and gone without much fanfare, the state of Minnesota is now taking up the matter, coming up with some valid modifications to the way we deal with our ever-changing cornucopia of skin tones.
Democrats in the state Senate introduced a set of bills last week focusing on immigrants and citizenship. At the core of the plan were ideas to increase education for those who don't speak fluent English, including: tax credits for businesses offering literacy and citizenship courses; more funding for Adult Basic Education, which offers English classes; and in-state college tuition for students from immigrant families.
Though Minnesota is far removed from the US-Mexico border, we are definitely not immune from the influence of Latinos. Foreign-born people made up 5 percent of Minnesota's population in 2000 (2.9 percent were Hispanic or Latino), and 8.5 percent of the state speaks a language other than English while at home. But don't think these people are a huge drain on our society: Census figures show that immigrants are more likely to work and less likely to receive public assistance than native-born Americans. If immigrants are here and willing to work, why not let them?
While we certainly don't support illegal immigration, the time has long passed to sit back and simply cluck our tongues. People are crossing the border whether we like it or not, and we have to find a way to handle them. You can either prepare for the worst or stick your head in the sand. Until Congress finds a way to strengthen our borders, we must simply accept the fact that immigrants are here to stay.
Ironically, another bill came to the floor last week dealing with immigrants. State Rep. Bud Heidgerken (R-Freeport) introduced legislation to mandate all college professors use "clear English pronunciation." Apparently, Heidgerken, a former teacher, heard complaints from undergraduates about professors' thick foreign accents, especially in the areas of math and science. (North Dakota currently has a similar law on the books.)
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While students should be given the most lucid instruction possible, who defines "clear English pronunciation?" That's a slippery slope. Would Southern professors be given the heave-ho? What about teachers from New York? Or Britain? Besides, isn't part of the college experience learning to deal with people from different backgrounds?
Regardless of one's personal stance, it's a good thing these topics are being discussed. Kudos to Minnesota for dealing head-on with such a touchy topic as race relations. Illegal immigration has exploded in the past decade and it's about time our national government comes up with a solid plan to deal with it. Until then, we can't wait around for a solution. By better educating immigrants - no matter what their legal status - we are improving the quality of life for everyone in the state.
