Is Immigration an Irrational Concern?

One of the major headline issues during the past two years has been the growing realization that the U.S. immigration policies and porous borders have created a shadow population of illegal immigrants. For those on both sides of this issue, the fundamental concerns are frequently related to jobs and economic well-being. It surprised many, therefore, to see a quote from Congressman Roscoe Bartlett that seemed to dismiss the importance of this issue.

The Cumberland Times-News description of Bartlett’s visit to that paper last week included the following segment, “He [Bartlett] called Maryland’s brief foray into the illegal immigration debate “most interesting.” “It was just kind of an irrational concern that people had,” said Bartlett, 81 pitted against Dougherty, 46, a former Frederick mayor. “But I think the people’s concern about it exceeded the personal effect it had on them. That’s all abated now.”

In response Jennifer Dougherty noted, “It’s unfortunate when any politician describes the concerns of his constituents as ‘irrational’. We need to secure our borders, improve the visa program, and provide comprehensive, fair-minded immigration reform at the federal level. And we need people in Washington who listen to their constituents.”