I am deeply concerned with some of the rhetoric I’ve seen on social media and heard firsthand regarding immigrants in our community. From a conservative perspective, this should alarm all of us. When I hear statements like, “Who will do our jobs if they are all deported?” it echoes a troubling past — one that suggests we see people only as laborers rather than as individuals with dreams, families, and the same right to opportunity that we enjoy. The Hispanic community are my friends, my neighbors, and my colleagues, and they deserve to have the same shot at the American Dream. It is not fair to keep them in a place of limbo, living in fear of deportation, while benefiting from their hard work. The system is broken, and it needs a complete overhaul.

So what can we do? First, we must treat every new immigrant as an individual — no blanket policy will fix the problem. Second, we must check our hearts: Are we being motivated by greed? Are we assuming that if we deport all the immigrants, there will be more housing available for ourselves? That mindset is not only wrong but deeply un-American. Third, we must put ourselves in their shoes and ask: What would I do if I were in their position? There is no place in our society for bullying or taking advantage of the weak among us. We need to allow ICE to do its job while also advocating for a complete transformation of our immigration system — one that gives good people the opportunity to call America home while keeping those who seek to exploit our country out.

We have worked hard to build a nation that is a desirable place to live, and I understand the frustration of seeing newcomers who may not fully grasp the sacrifices it took to get here. However, we must remember that immigration has always been part of America’s story. Many of our ancestors arrived on these shores with nothing but the hope of building a better life. Some were escaping persecution, others were seeking economic opportunity, and yet all had to work hard to build their place in this country. Today’s immigrants, in many ways, are no different. They seek the same opportunities and contribute in ways that are often overlooked. The solution is not to demonize them but to ensure our immigration system is strong, fair, and rooted in both justice and compassion.

We need to recognize that every immigrant’s story is unique. There are people who have lived here for many years, contributing to our economy and community, while still working through the complex process of becoming legal citizens. These individuals deserve compassion and understanding. If you’ve lived here for years and have been a contributing member of society, there should be an expedited path to citizenship. We cannot treat everyone the same with a one-size-fits-all solution; that’s not how we address such complex issues.

The difference between contributing members and those who burden the system is critical to understanding this debate. Those who work, pay taxes, and contribute to our communities are a vital part of our nation’s fabric. On the other hand, illegal immigration, especially from those who come without the intention of contributing or integrating, drains our local resources — taking taxpayer dollars away from essential programs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure for our legal residents. Illegal immigration also leads to human trafficking, drug smuggling, and child separation — issues we cannot ignore. Traffickers exploit vulnerable people, while drugs like fentanyl flow into our communities, putting families at risk. Children are separated from their families at the hands of traffickers. If we want to stop the demand for traffickers and prevent these tragedies, we must enforce the rule of law.

We also need to acknowledge that the legal immigration process itself is broken. People who try to do things the right way often find themselves waiting for years, stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Some families are separated indefinitely, while others live in constant uncertainty, unsure of their future in the only country they know as home. If we truly want to fix our immigration system, we need a policy that rewards those who follow the law while ensuring those who seek to exploit our country are kept out. Reform must come from the top down, addressing outdated laws, inefficient processing, and the lack of clear pathways for legal immigration.

Caring for people means creating an immigration system that is secure, fair, and lawful. The rule of law ensures that America remains a land of opportunity, not exploitation. But we must also remember what has made America the greatest nation in the world — our love and compassion toward the least among us. The words on the Statue of Liberty remind us of this:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

These words symbolize the hope and opportunity America has always represented. But opportunity must be built on a foundation of law and order. We must ensure that those who want to come to the U.S. have the chance to do so legally and safely. A broken system invites chaos, suffering and lawlessness. A strong but compassionate system welcomes those willing to work hard, respect our values, and contribute to our nation’s success.

At the same time, we must confront the reality that many people are being misled by bad policies, reckless leadership, and criminal networks that take advantage of vulnerable migrants. We need cooperation with our neighboring countries to prevent illegal crossings, stronger vetting processes to keep criminals out, and support systems that help legal immigrants integrate into society. A real solution requires both enforcement and reform, not just rhetoric and reactionary measures.

By enforcing the rule of law while preserving the spirit of compassion, we honor both our heritage and our future, keeping America the land of freedom, prosperity, and hope. Our strength as a nation has always been our ability to stand by our principles while adapting to new challenges. If we take bold steps to fix our immigration system, we can create a future where opportunity is abundant, families are secure, and our communities grow stronger together. America’s best days are ahead of us—but only if we commit to policies that uphold justice, reward hard work, and embrace those who seek to contribute to this great nation. If we lead with both wisdom and heart, we can build a system that works for everyone, ensuring that America remains the beacon of hope for generations to come.

Caleb Waller owns River Nest Resort, offering guests a unique hospitality experience. He also works in the financial industry, helping people manage their money. With past experience in politics, Caleb has been involved in advocating for policies that strengthen local communities and businesses. He lives in Silt with his wife, Kendra, and their seven children.