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Poor INS
By Ibrahim Bah/Guest Column
 Ibrahim Bah
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Many blame the INS for the Sept. 11 acts. The fight to discipline the INS initiated new reforms, including funds nearing $1 billion in computer upgrades. This new fight means that illegal immigrants, visa-overstays, and student visas will be "victims." Wackos or rather anti-immigrants who had long preached about "getting rid" of immigrants now have a new "license" surely getting close to their goals.
Another blow is the requirement to show state identification cards or passports to pass airports and other travel agencies. Meaning that airlines and others could suffer financially, since many immigrants fear being spotted as illegals. This move by the U.S government seems only to be the beginning for upcoming similar moves such as national ID cards. Visa overstayers and their illegal buddies will have less room to move around if any. The blame on INS resulted from FBI/CIA failures. For instance, the FBI had most of the Sept. 11 terrorists on their watch-lists but their negligence left these potentials wandering and even using their real names to purchase tickets. Perhaps the U.S doesn't want to acknowledge that its intelligence agencies are poorly run.
Terrorism now serves as a vehicle for anti-immigrants to push their agendas with solid arguments backed by Sept. 11. A significant point is being missed since terrorist acts are practiced mainly by particular countries. It should be treated from its origin rather than a collective punishment inflicted on all immigrants. Why should crimes committed by a minor group, probably not even one percent of immigrants, cause the extinction of immigrant-friendly policies that have existed numerous years.
America should give illegals and some visa holders with no criminal records the option of becoming permanent residents. Meaning they will have to pay taxes and be easily tracked by the justice system. This idea would be better than the current billions being donated or loaned to poor nations whose governments are sponsored by the U.S government and World Bank.
How much tougher will the INS get on innocent immigrants? The INS is becoming more like a boot camp to penalize all immigrants. America has been known for its generosity for countless years, its open doors to newcomers, but will now be shutting its doors and possibly ending the embracement of millions of hapless victims.
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