On Immigration...
by Susan Skrabanek (Trcalek): Native Caldwellian married to Gary Skrabanek for 44 years with one son, Kyle and wife, Mikaela, with two grandchildren, Lydia and Truett. Susan taught 25+ years in Dime Box and Caldwell ISD, is now retired, and continues her 30+ years as a SPJST and RVOS independent insurance agent. She is a Member of the New Tabor Brethren Church.
It is true that our nation is a nation of immigrants and as a conservative Christian I totally believe in immigration, LEGAL immigration. The liberal media likes to paint the picture of conservative Christians being ANTI-IMMIGRATION but that is truly not the case for me and my family and most of the citizens of this great community. There is clearly a difference between being anti-immigration and being anti-illegal immigration. Being anti-illegal immigration means that you do not want foreign nationals entering your country through illegal means. You must understand the distinction between these two because they are completely different positions with very different implications. Anti-immigration equals opposing immigration altogether, regardless of whether people arrive legally or not. Anti-illegal immigration equals opposing only unlawful entry or residence, while accepting that legal immigration is legitimate.
Growing up in the Caldwell area, I have been around immigrants my entire life. My maternal grandfather immigrated to Texas from Moravia in 1910 and arrived in Galveston, along with his younger brother at the tender age of 17. In 1915 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War I. He was able to join the Army prior to becoming a citizen but in 1917, while serving our great nation, he became a citizen. Like so many Czechs that came here in the late 1800's and early 1900's, he came to seek freedom and build a better life in our great country. The little bit of the Czech language I recall came from growing up around my Grandpa Masar.
When I was a teenager, my father managed the coat hanger factory and employed many immigrants. I remember a young, single father of three boys coming into our lives not knowing a word of English. My parents provided them a place to stay in exchange for doing work around the farm. This family is still living in our community and it brings me great pride to see the productive citizens they have become. In the late 1990's I was working at Dime Box ISD and my husband and I were asked to sponsor a family of six from Mexico for citizenship. This was a huge financial commitment but we made the decision to give this family the opportunity to be in the United States legally. After several years, the entire family became citizens. I can still see the smile on the oldest boy's face when he appeared at my front door, holding an American flag the day he passed his citizenship exam. My family remains close to this special family to this day and all the children are now successful Americans.
As I continued my education career, I encountered numerous students and parents that were in the United States as Lawful Permanent Residents. I am very proud of those that took the legal path to citizenship and are now proud Americans.
Over the years I have had many close friendships with immigrants. Most came here as lawful permanent residents as they were married to US citizens but eventually took the legal steps to become citizens. Although the path to citizenship can often be long and expensive, I am honored to call these immigrants my friends.
These personal relationships I have had with immigrants clearly show that I am not against immigration. I have treated them with the respect they deserve. Our county should allow healthy immigration into our lands. But, we should also maintain some semblance of borders and ensure the people that do get here, do so in a fair, organized and legal manner.
From the Editors...
Susan, you are a light to so many in our community. Thank you for sharing your love of others (especially our cherrished immigrant population) through your article.
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