The American way is more welcoming

Len Kreisler, Las Vegas

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 | 2:01 a.m.

Reconciliation is probably the cardinal word that best describes the vision and legacy of Nelson Mandela, and it is a synonym for the golden rule of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Isn’t that what this country is all about?

Why have so many illegally crossed our southern borders? An easy answer: to achieve a better life for themselves and their children. They knew that American industry needed and welcomed their labor.

We all know we are not going to deport 10 million to 12 million people. We already have spent too much money and time making life miserable for the majority that have raised families, paid taxes and honorably integrated. Stop quibbling over inflammatory words like amnesty; stop looking for needless delaying tactics such as border strengthening and 10-year end-of-the-line paths.

We have plenty of border protection, and we have e-Verify. All we have to do is enforce the laws we have and apply Mandela’s legacy. It’s to our economic advantage, and it’s the right thing to do with the spirit of the holiday season. For at least once this year, put aside partisan politics and unite into a country of reconciliation.