Empathy is not amnesty

I recently asked a Utah politician gung-ho for immigration reform if he had met any illegal immigrants. As if actually crossing paths with an illegal was incomprehensible, he fumbled over his words, giving me a no. I asked if he knew any stories of the hardships illegal immigrants were facing because of the Arizona-style bill he supported. Again, a fumble and a no.

Experiences with undocumented citizens help foster empathy in the debate, experiences our legislators have not been having. These interactions squash misconceptions of immigrant-dominated crime and put a face on what should be a very human issue but has yet to be treated as one.

We can neither make nor support laws that are inconsiderate of the lives they affect. If lawmakers and responsible citizens take the time to walk in an immigrant's shoes before walking them out the door, they will become more educated and empathetic, and they will find that the majority of illegal immigrants need help, not a handcuffed escort to the exit.

As we carefully deliberate over Utah's immigration reform, I would encourage all to remember empathy is not amnesty; it is compassion and consideration.

Carrie Akinaka

Provo