The national conversation about immigrants frequently emphasizes fear over factual contributions, according to immigration attorney Maribel A. Pizá. She notes that immigrants play essential roles across American society, from agricultural work that sustains the food supply to construction projects that build communities and innovative efforts that drive economic growth. These individuals represent vital threads in the nation's fabric, with many parents sacrificing for their children's futures and young people pursuing education against significant odds.
Pizá argues that a deeper issue involves America's global leadership and moral authority. While positioning itself as a beacon of liberty and human rights, the country undermines this standing when it denies due process to immigrants in legal proceedings and detention facilities. The U.S. Constitution's Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee protections to "persons," not exclusively "citizens," reflecting the Founders' vision of universal justice. Selectively applying these principles betrays both the spirit and letter of America's legal framework.
If the United States condemns human rights violations internationally while excusing similar domestic practices, it risks becoming indistinguishable from the regimes it criticizes. This approach mirrors worst instincts rather than embodying the compassion and empathy that have historically been national strengths. The world observes as America chooses between inspiring progress through principled action or justifying abuses by retreating into fear-based policies.
At this crossroads, the nation must decide whether to honor its constitutional commitments or diminish them. Leading by example requires treating immigrants as human beings deserving dignity and due process, rather than as statistics or scapegoats. Recognizing their contributions while upholding legal protections aligns with both America's founding principles and its contemporary moral obligations.
