Being the child of immigrants, how can I possibly endorse ICE? That’s a question someone posed to me recently. This person also believed I should back the No Kings protests. It demonstrates how effectively Democrats have reshaped these debates to suit their narrative.
It’s somewhat naive to assume that individuals willing to bypass legal pathways to enter the country will suddenly start adhering to the law once here.
I often say with a chuckle that my mother is like an immigrant who “just arrived off the boat.” She met my father during the Vietnam War while in the Philippines. Their love story ended with their marriage in America.
She was raised in severe poverty, holding an idealized view of America. The Philippines had been freed by the United States twice—once from Spanish rule in the late 1800s and then from Japanese occupation during World War II.
In fact, she takes more pride in being American than many people I know.
She recognizes what the U.S. offers that no other country does. It’s a perspective that often gets overlooked by the children and grandchildren of immigrants, but thankfully, it didn’t escape her children. She backs ICE and President Trump, and I think I can articulate why.
The rule of law is indispensable for legal immigration. Many migrants come here because their home countries have failed to enforce any law. Factors like mismanaged funds, widespread bribery by officials, and government oppression are all compelling reasons for immigrants to seek a better life here.
My mother traveled with family members who followed the legal procedures to immigrate. Some even waited years to enter the country. They feel insulted seeing others disregard the established steps and requirements when they themselves had to wait patiently.
ICE focuses on removing convicted criminals, gang members, and repeat offenders. This is straightforward protection for our communities. It’s unrealistic to think that those who skip the legal process won’t continue to break other laws once they’re here.
Not everyone in the world holds us in high regard. Some openly wish for our downfall. Motivations vary—some stem from religious hatred, while others are rooted in rigid socio-economic ideologies.
Many immigrants understand the necessity of vetting those who wish to settle here, as it’s about preventing the very evils they’ve tried to escape.
Additionally, illegal immigration drives wages down. Numerous legal immigrants find work in construction, hospitality, and healthcare. Upholding immigration laws helps ensure that honest individuals can earn respectable wages.
Consider housing and healthcare costs. If you’re familiar with basic economics, the adverse impacts of illegal immigration start to make sense.
Legal immigrants also recognize that unlawful immigration introduces individuals who may exploit the system, ultimately undermining the efforts of those who have followed the legal process.
It’s important to note that failing to enforce immigration laws creates a stereotype that unfairly groups all immigrants as undocumented. Recently arrived immigrants often prioritize the long-term viability of the American Dream, feeling a sense of responsibility to uphold the laws that have facilitated their success. For them, backing ICE feels like a natural stance.
Supporting the No Kings protests seems misguided for similar reasons. For one, we don’t live under a monarchy, and Trump was elected through a democratic process. The executive branch operates within constitutional boundaries, ensuring checks and balances are in place. Even if some immigrant voices disagree with the protests, the ability to protest is essential, and nobody has silenced them in any significant way.
I think there is room for discontent regarding the president’s foreign policy decisions, perhaps aligning with the perspectives of many Venezuelans and Iranians residing here. And it’s vital to remember the troubled, sometimes violent history of a government that openly calls for America’s demise.
With elections approaching, many protesters might be in for a surprise regarding the results. Their demonstrations could serve as a reminder of the importance of voting for many immigrants.
