THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 1, 1994 TAG: 9409010013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
I am embarrassed and outraged by Clinton's closed-door rule for Cuban and Haitian refugees!
The greatness of our nation is a direct result of our role as the world's melting pot and primary destination for those seeking a better life. To close the door on the world's poor and those seeking freedom diminishes our progressive future and national character.
Early in our history, Virginia and other colonies received indentured European workers, African slaves, religious and political rebels, debtors, fortune-seekers and a diverse cast of people representing every social and cultural stripe.
Later, floods of Europeans, Asians, Mexicans and others enriched every state. Although new citizens sometimes create challenges to the contemporary social order, the long-term effect of immigration has consistently been to provide a new wave of vitality and variety to the face of America.
Despite all our real and imagined national ills, we continue to offer incredible opportunities for any individual to achieve personal freedom and economic independence. By a huge margin, the numbers seeking our shores have always exceeded those wishing to leave.
In the current situation of Haitian and Cuban refuges, a creative bipartisan political effort is necessary to keep the resources of Florida and other border states from being exhausted. As a nation we certainly have the resources and room for millions of new citizens, and we must all celebrate and welcome the diversity of our newest citizens.
Finally, we must keep the borders open and allow the great American Dream to live.
CHARLES T. JOYNER
Poquoson, Aug. 24, 1994 by CNB