Editorial: Immigration is about us

Over the last few weeks, we have run a series of special reports on immigration in print, on television and radio, and on our multiple websites. We have tried hard to fairly represent all points of view. We have also tried to separate fact from fiction, hyperbole from reality.

We are pleased that many have told us they are now thinking more deeply about the complex issues involved. We, too, have found ourselves struggling to know exactly what to do. Lives, jobs, safety and much more are at stake. In fact, the very core of what kind of people we are, and what kind of state we want to have, will be reflected in and strongly influenced by how we deal with immigration.

Common threads

Several common threads have emerged from our reporting on immigration:

People on all sides of the issue have uncommon courage. The debate has become so heated, the rancor so great, that anyone who takes a strong stand has been subject to withering criticism. We greatly admire all those who have added to the public dialogue by sharing their views, no matter the personal cost.

 Virtually everyone agrees that current circumstances surrounding immigration must be fixed. While areas of emphasis differ, almost no one is happy with the way things are.

 Almost everyone also agrees that illegal immigrants who are felons should be caught, prosecuted and sent out of the country.

 There is also consensus that to be effective, there must be a national solution to the challenges of immigration. Utahns of all points of view eagerly seek national leadership to find effective, workable solutions, sooner rather than later.

 Finally, there seems to be a broadly held view that Utah, like Arizona, should do something, if only to help speed up federal action.

No easy solutions

The problem, of course, is that complex problems do not lend themselves to easy solutions:

 Some argue it is simply a matter of obeying the law. Those who are here "illegally" should be sent "home." Technically, under the law, many living here without proper documents have committed a violation on a par with driving 5 mph over the speed limit. If it is just a matter of law, then where will we send all of those who have broken the speed limit? If that does not make sense for speeders, is there also a more appropriate penalty for those without proper documentation than sending them out of the country?

 Often, both legal and undocumented immigrants are part of the same family. Do we deport U.S. citizens because they are related to those who are not documented, or do we break up families? These both seem like unacceptable alternatives.

 How do we separate hard-working contributors to our communities from those who steal, sell drugs or commit other felonies?