As a journalist, I try to be open-minded on the various issues facing society today. But when it comes to illegal immigration I just don’t get it.

Oh, I fully understand the scope of undocumented aliens and its implications. What I don’t get is people ignorantly advocating amnesty for those who have blatantly broken our laws and are straining our educational, medical, social services, law enforcement and other resources.

The issue of what to do about illegal immigration has surfaced from time to time in recent years, only to drift back into obscurity with nothing meaningful ever getting done. It has reappeared once more with the recent re-election of President Barack Obama.

Supporters say this will provide momentum for what they call “immigration reform” — but which is amnesty plain and simple, defined as the “forgetting or overlooking of any past offense.”

Now when someone breaks into our homes or cars, do we want them to receive amnesty? If a thief takes your car, are you going to say, “well, you’ve already got my vehicle, so why shouldn’t I just go ahead and give you the title?” Certainly not. So then why should there be a push to reward people who’ve broken into our country?

It once meant something to be an American and the last time I checked, we were a nation of laws. People learn early on to wait their turn in line, pay taxes and play by the rules.

Somehow, though, illegal immigrants get a pass and not only are they to blame, but also amnesty supporters — most of whom have done no research. They’ve simply adopted what they think is the politically correct, flavor-of-the month position and rely on the usual tired responses to defend it:

“Immigrants Built America”

Yes, the ancestors of virtually everyone in this country came from somewhere else, but those were LEGAL immigrants who were part of orderly growth.

Entering the processing center at Ellis Island was legal and orderly. So is going to the back of the line and waiting your turn, along with learning the English language and other skills to be a good citizen.

Thirty Mexicans jumping a fence in the middle of the night is neither orderly nor legal.

“They’re Good People”

Supposedly, those taking advantage of a lax enforcement system by coming and staying here illegally are simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families. We are constantly told that their presence benefits society.

Which begs the question, if these are such good hardworking folks, why don’t they remain in their home countries and make those better places? If Mexico is as corrupt as it’s purported to be, they can start a revolution and return the government to the people.

After all, that’s what Americans have done. I can think of no situation in which our citizens would head in droves to Canada or somewhere else instead of staying here and fighting for a better life.

“These Folks Pay Taxes”

A check with someone who works in human resources at a manufacturing company revealed that illegal immigrants often will claim exorbitant numbers of dependents for withholding purposes.

This ensures that no taxes come out of their paychecks.

And since there is a required Social Security deduction from checks, for all workers, the illegals basically consider this a trade-off that allows them to circumvent taxation. At the same time, they benefit from our schools and social services.

“Records Don’t Matter”

Might I remind people that several unsolved murders are on the books in Surry County involving suspects who have simply vanished back to their homeland or somewhere else with a new identity?

Most recently, that includes Fernando Quiroz Perivan, who is wanted in connection with the brutal slaying of another man near the Rockford bridge over the Yadkin River last Jan. 12.

Then there is what’s considered the deadliest crime in Mount Airy history — the murder of four people near Wood’s TV in November 2009. The shooter was an illegal Mexican immigrant who already had been deported once.

The problem with such suspects? Yes, you guessed it, no documentation. Without it, how do you know if someone is “good folks,” or part of a drug cartel?

“Amnesty Is Sensible”

Past amnesty proposals, including one during the George W. Bush administration, have included provisions to require all illegals to come forward and register. They then would be assessed some kind of penalty and maybe required to pay back taxes.

But if those who are undocumented aren’t playing by the rules already — making it crystal-clear that they’d rather take than give — why would they comply with such amnesty provisions?

“You’re Just Racist!”

When all else fails, use the race card.

However, there is nothing racist about wanting everyone to obey the law, especially the most basic one of all: the right to be here in the first place.

As with other great societies of the past, such as the Roman Empire, America seems to be crumbling from within because of the direction it’s headed with failed policies.

And in the end, there will be the sad realization that we weren’t done in by enemy bombs or invading armies — but did it to ourselves.

Tom Joyce is a staff reporter for The Mount Airy News. He can be reached at 719-1924 or tjoyce@heartlandpublications.com.