Staff Reports
In the topsy-turvy world of modern media, it seems like we’re often asked to toss common sense out the window in favor of a feel-good narrative. Take the latest hullabaloo over immigration policies. The media is in a tizzy, painting a picture of poor individuals facing deportation and trying to tug at everyone’s heartstrings. The narrative often goes something like this: someone crossed the border illegally, is sent back to their home country, and for some reason, we’re all supposed to feel sympathetic. But here’s the kicker: they came here illegally.
Now, anyone who’s traveled knows that you can’t just waltz into another country and set up shop without legal documentation. Imagine jetting off to Russia without a visa and expecting to stay and work—chances are, you’d end up in a world of trouble. But when it happens in America, the media presents it as if it’s a grave injustice that people are sent back home.
The commentary often highlighted how generous the United States actually is in handling the situation. Illegal immigrants are sent back on buses or planes, a far cry from the harsh penalties that might be faced elsewhere. It’s funny how anyone can miss this simple point, yet, the media continues to spin tales of woe and hardship. They seem to conveniently forget to mention the illegal part of illegal immigration.
When a youngster from Guatemala is caught as an illegal immigrant, the media typically rushes to humanize the story. They focus on how this individual was in high school or working hard. But why gloss over the crucial detail that the law was broken? While every personal story may be compelling, it doesn’t change the fact that this young person crossed borders illegally. Rules exist for a reason, and knowing them isn’t rocket science.
It would be refreshing if, just for once, sensible voices were more prevalent in the mainstream narrative. When someone logically states the obvious—that illegal immigration can’t be excused simply because a story tugs at a few heartstrings—maybe that person should be making policy. Instead of overlooking unlawfulness for temporary feels, perhaps it’s time to acknowledge that laws are meant to be followed, here and everywhere else.
