Rep. Hagedorn's hard-line positions on immigration hurt southern Minnesota

The problem of illegal aliens in our country, I agree, is a vexing one. But it is not helpful to take the approach that Congressman Hagedorn seems to support: more money for the immigration authorities, a taller wall separating the U.S. from its neighbors to the South, and the casual vilification of young people who turn out to be in the U.S. illegally through no fault of their own. 

First, it is important to acknowledge that, while we may have had an illegal alien problem before our European allies, they are dealing with a practically identical problem now, with would-be immigrants entering Europe by boat and otherwise from Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. We need to be alert to Europe’s missteps as well as its successes as it struggles with the same phenomenon. 

Second, we must honestly acknowledge our need for workers at all levels from abroad — migrant farmworkers as well as the world-renowned physicians that staff many positions at our own Mayo Clinic. Our population growth is slowing, and if we are to have enough workers to support American retirees, we must actively recruit and support those who wish to come to the U.S. to work. We need laws and regulations that meet our national interest, and allow us to be charitable to those fleeing criminal gangs and corrupt governments. A policy of “no” just isn’t enough. 

Congressman Hagedorn’s recent visit to south Texas, where immigration authorities made their same tired old pitch for more funding and a wall to keep out people entering the U.S. from Mexico, was quite disappointing. But he has a chance to redeem himself. Since he is sufficiently interested in the problem to spend taxpayer funds on a fact-finding boondoggle to Texas, he should join Vice-President Kamala Harris’s effort to find genuine solutions this problem. He might also consider holding several “listening” meetings for constituents who have actually participated in the immigration process themselves to hear their views. If he can’t recognize the complexity of the problem, he can’t be expected to contribute to a solution. 

—Sylvia Royce, Rochester