Lindsey Knight
Honors Government
Mr. Comer
11/29/14
Summary 5: “Suffer Little Children”
Obama’s newly announced policy concerning immigration laws has sparked debate across the country. Paul Krugman, a columnist for the New York Times’ Op-Ed section, believes that the president’s new recognition of humane practices towards illegal immigrants and their children is a step toward progression. First, the author recalls his times in the Tenement Museum in New York where he visited the living places of early 20th century immigrants. He denotes the inspiring effect of these apartments where his own parents grew up as children of immigrants. After visiting these historical sites, Krugman declares that he “enthusiastically support[s] President Obama’s new immigration initiative” (Krugman). However, he clarifies that he does not necessarily “support open borders” but believes that America should be taking care of those who are already in America by supporting their education and basic health needs. Krugman remembers how FDR’s New Deal opened the gates for repaired foreign relations that “wouldn’t have been possible without the immigration reforms that went into effect after World War I” (ibid).
Although Krugman acknowledges that there are many issues regarding illegal immigration, there is one basic reason why people should be less hostile towards immigrants—humanity. He believes that America isn’t cruel enough to completely turn from the faces of those starving children who have no choice but to live in a society where they are seen as alien. He states that “today’s immigrant children are tomorrow’s workers, taxpayers, and neighbors” (Krugman). Viewing them as lesser or neglecting to take care of these children would fail them the opportunity of an education and improving their lifestyle to benefit future America. Krugman ends by thanking the president for his efforts to improve the immigration policies and turn a kind eye towards those who are in need.
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