The Gipper, Immigration and Labor

Peter Robinson, has written a noteworthy WSJ editorial on immigration. Before delving into the substance of this editorial let's focus on two quotes.

These quotes offer a clear alternative narrative to the current focus on enforcement and border security. While enforcement and border security are certainly relevant this editorial presents a third issue as equally important: labor.

The quotes are as follows:

XXXX dismissed "the illegal alien fuss," arguing that we need immigrant labor. "One thing is certain in this hungry world," he said. "No regulation or law should be allowed if it results in crops rotting in the fields for lack of harvesters."

The second quote is a bit more uplifting:

[a]nd if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.

The quotes come from President Ronald Reagan, the title of the editorial is "Immigration: What Would Reagan Do."

In the first quote, President Reagan acknowledges that the current draw and advantage of immigrants coming into this country, is and has been, labor. President Reagans quote is important because in it he very clearly acknowledges that Immigrants bring a positive economic impact into the country.

The second quote speaks to the more philosophical aspect of the debate over border security and immigration.

In this second quote President Reagan raises the specter of what makes our country great: the all inclusive, all encompassing acceptance of those who have journeyed from far and wide to make a better life for themselves.

According to the editorial, President Reagan was a man firmly against an America closed off by borders, real or otherwise.

The idea that anyone could come to America, make a better life for themselves and be able to contribute to the country is something President Reagan believed deeply in.

With the current anti-immigrant hysteria sweeping the country I have to wonder if this belief is still something that all Americans, especially those in Arizona,  believe in.

The full Editorial can be read here.