The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Opinions

RUBEN JACOBO-RUBIO

What would you think if I told you the U.S. and Mexico finally will merge to become one country?

Would you be happy because marijuana might have a shot at becoming legal?

Would you be sad about the waste of money that building a fence represents?

Or would you be mad about having to share the same country?

So far, the most appealing argument to a merge is the concern raised by Al Gore that global warming might make possible the scenes presented in the film "The Day After Tomorrow." In this movie, the whole Northern part of the U.S. freezes and most of the population is forced to migrate to Mexico.

However, in the current political contest, it is not Al Gore who has the answers, but the presidential candidates who will be faced with the challenge of presenting alternatives to handling immigration.

Heated debates about taxes and their use to deal with immigration issues are likely to spark a wildfire of accusations and counterarguments that could generate enough friction to melt both poles. More often than not, these debates often remain unresolved.

At first sight, it seems most of the issue is about taxation and monetary preoccupations. Well, if this were the case, the problem should be resolved if some estimation were made about immigrants' economic contributions and whatever benefits they receive, and then just liquidate the difference.

However, I think the problem is deeper than that. In the end, it is has to do with the inability to deal with our differences.

When I reflect on many of the episodes in world history, all wars have one theme in common: the inability to deal with change when confronted with our differences.

I am not suggesting there will be a war. I am suggesting those who learn to deal with challenges of integration will make the best out of their communities and lives.

One example of a successful episode has taken place here in Georgia, Dalton to be specific. Known as the "Carpet Capital of the World," this town has enjoyed a reliable workforce, which has allowed the industry to stay afoot during demanding times.

Moreover, the spillovers of a harmonious community have made the real state market of the town reach its peak during this inflow of human resources. These are just a few economic features of a story of community success that should be transmitted throughout both nations.

As we know, the immigrant community in Georgia is composed of Hispanic, Asian and many other ethnic groups.

Hence, it is no surprise that among your friends there are some who belong to any of these groups. Perhaps you already are enjoying some of the fruits of having a diverse group of pals (i.e., learning a romance language to impress your lady friends, or practicing some fancy salsa steps to show off).

Yet, with all this enjoyment, the issue of legal status and immigration remains.

This delicate theme will bring many arguments on both sides of the spectrum, and so it should.

Not caring about the issue would be "idiotic" (the Greeks called idiots those who cared the least about politics), especially now that the presidential candidates are bombarding us with their arsenal of proposals.

So now that I have had my say, it is time for me to hear yours. I invite you, or better yet, I challenge you to become engaged in the immigration debate of your country.

In the mean time, I also challenge you to get involved in the political process of this beautiful nation - founded under the principles of opportunity; that is, the opportunity to pay taxes and to decide what must be done with them.

Liberty and freedom for all.

- Ruben Jacobo-Rubio is a senior majoring in economics. He is a Mexican national and a member of the Roosevelt Institution.