On Immigration: The hidden costs of cruelty

N. Peter Antone

By N. Peter Antone

The treatment of immigrants in the United States, whether legal or illegal, has become increasingly harsh. Policies have shifted from being pragmatic to punitive. There is an effort to dehumanize the undocumented. This cruelty carries negative consequences not only for immigrants, but also for their children, spouses, our society and ultimately, the moral and economic fabric of our nation.

When an immigrant parent who has been here for decades is detained, deported, or vilified, the pain extends beyond the individual. A child who grows up watching their parents treated as disposable by the government might question their own belonging in this country. They might suffer psychological trauma, and their remaining families might need to resort to government assistance whereas previously their parents were gainfully employed.

It is easy to stereotype the undocumented as lawbreakers.  In reality, most fled desperate conditions in their home countries. They did not intend to break U.S. laws but acted out of need for survival for themselves and their kids and hope for a better future. And while illegal immigration is not favorable, it has become for many the only practical option when legal pathways are delayed or unavailable.  Recognizing the humanity of these individuals acknowledges that they came not to harm, but to build a better life. They should have done it the right way, but for most, there was no right way available.

The above is not in support of illegal immigration. The open border policies during the Biden administration were a mistake. Instead, we should find ways where would be illegal immigrants could be checked, made to apply, and be provided with reasonable options if they wish to contribute to this country. The U.S. is facing declining birth rates and an aging population that threatens our long-term strength as the world greatest economy. The Biden administration should have made the effort to convince Congress and the American people that we need more permissive immigration system to counter the unfavorable demographic changes we are experiencing.  Farmers need seasonal laborers, small businesses need workers, our aging population needs healthcare workers, and our advanced companies need foreign talent. Many industries like construction, agriculture, landscaping, hospitality, and the like need more temporary workers filling temporary jobs, not all of whom need necessarily to become permanent residents or citizens.

But the current administration policies, while the extreme on the opposite side of the Biden methods, is not a solution either. Current policies present a threat to our future innovation. For example, America has long attracted bright students from all over the world who enroll in U.S. universities and often stay to become scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Harsh treatment of immigrants sends a chilling message that they are not welcome here. When foreign students are discouraged from applying to U.S. schools, we lose not only tuition dollars but also the chance to nurture future inventors, doctors, and business leaders who could have continued to fuel America’s competitiveness on the global stage.

I also feel the above cruelty reflects a kind of inconsistency that, in my opinion, can be found even within our own Chaldean community. During Saddam Hussein’s regime, many Chaldeans took great risks, leaving Iraq on foot and crossing into neighboring countries without visas or official permission, often continuing on to Europe or even entering the U.S. through Mexico. At the time, we admired those Chaldeans as heroes for risking everything to secure a better future for their children. Yet today, some in our community view Latino migrants from South America with disapproval, overlooking the fact that many of us once faced very similar situation.

At times, harsh policies toward immigrants are supported by some Americans who worry about job security or the changing makeup of the nation their ancestors helped build. For them, strict measures can feel like reassurance that the government is protecting their interests. These attitudes often stem from economic anxiety, feeling of insecurity, or uncertainty about the future, which can lead to immigrants being unfairly singled out or becoming a scapegoat covering broader challenges.

Cruelty in immigration policy does not exist in vacuum. When we get comfortable with harshness toward one vulnerable group, that mindset can spread, making it easier to justify similar attitudes toward other communities. This erosion of compassion threatens the foundation of democracy, which depends on respect for worth of all individuals.

Immigration debate is not only about laws and borders but also about values. A nation that prides itself on freedom and opportunity should not normalize cruelty. Harsh enforcement may seem politically expedient, but the long-term damage to families, communities, and national character is immeasurable. We must resist becoming accustomed to cruelty as standard practice. Instead, the U.S. should lead by example: treating all individuals, regardless of their legal status, with fairness and dignity.

Immigration is a complex issue, and illegal immigration is a problem, but cruelty is not the solution. We must never abandon the principle that every human being is entitled to dignity. How we treat the most vulnerable among us is a reflection of who we are.