|
Trump order reminds of split family
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · February 23, 2017
Albeit reluctantly, the owner of Mexico Lindo restaurant, 315 East Main, closed for one day on Feb. 16 to take part in the Day Without Immigrants boycott.
Owner Rocio Correa-Mata said she did not plan to close the restaurant, but her manager had told her that some of the staff — made up of family and friends — wished to participate in the event. The day sprung from social media following President Donald Trump’s executive order meant to tighten security by limiting entry by foreign nationals into the United States.
Correa-Mata said she was born in America, but many of her family members are immigrants, and “it is nice to see their side” of the issue.
“Hopefully something changes,” she said.
She was reluctant to close her small business, she said, because it would hurt revenues. She purchased the company in June 2015.
“It does have an impact on us,” she said.
Correa-Mata, born in Las Vegas and now 25, said her father became a naturalized citizen but, due to complications, her mother did not. Her mother returned to Mexico while Correa-Mata, then in kindergarten, remained in the United States.
Correa-Mata said she cried frequently for the first couple of months, even though her father and godmother said it would be “for her own good” to grow up in America and learn Spanish and English. She did spend one year with her mother, then returned. Her mother and four older siblings remained in Mexico until Correa-Mata was 13 years old, she said.
Trump’s executive order, she said, brought back those memories.
“A lot of families and a lot of kids are going to go through what I did,” she said. “It’s not a good thing. I’m 25 and I still get teary-eyed (remembering).”
She said she understands that many people come to America illegally, but her experience tells her that the financial cost is a big barrier to migrating to the states for “the American Dream.”
Trump outlined some of the reasons for the travel restrictions in the executive order.
“Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism,” reads the executive order. “In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including “honor” killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation.”
Correa-Mata said she understands “where he’s coming from.”
“I agree with him,” she said of Trump. “Why would we let just anybody come into the United States?”
She said vetting those who would do harm is difficult.
“I don’t know how he can exactly pick good and bad,” she said, other than conducting background checks.
She said it is not fair to allow people to remain who came illegally without some punishment. However, she said, perhaps they could be required to pay fines and fees based on how long they have been in the country.
“We’re all human,” she said. “We’re all equal. But some were born here and others in another country.”
Correa-Mata said she is glad her three children will not be separated from their grandparents due to immigration policies, but she believes her experience gives her a good idea of what it would be like for others.
U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley released a statement on Jan. 29, two days after Trump signed the order.
“National security is the No. 1 responsibility of the federal government, and keeping terrorists out of the United States must be a top priority,” read the statement. “The goals of the Executive Order are commendable, and something President Trump promised during the campaign, but implementation will be key to ensuring the bad guys are kept out while (the U.S. remains) a welcoming nation to people of all backgrounds and religions.”
The Des Moines Register in a Jan. 28 article said U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack opposed Trump’s executive order, calling it “a ‘shameful’ step that ‘flies in the face of America’s values of being a welcoming place to those who are fleeing oppression.’”
“His actions fail to anticipate any unintended consequences, which put Americans at risk and gives fodder to our enemies,” Loebsack told the Register. “It also destroys the very bedrock of what our nation has stood for — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This dangerous order must be rescinded.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
