Editor’s note: This column was originally published in the March 29, 2006 issue of The Countywide.

A rally in Los Angeles with 500,000 people protesting a proposed crackdown on illegal immigration has added fire to an ongoing national debate about immigration.

Elected officials are divided on the issue.

The president, who often paints himself as a "tough on crime" president, apparently has no problem looking the other way when it comes to this crime – crimes committed by those illegally crossing the border or those who illegally hire illegal immigrants.

President Bush said these illegal immigrants are doing jobs that Americans will not do. He said they are contributing to the economic vitality of the country.

You know. If I decided to rob a bank, it would greatly contribute to the economic vitality of my family, but I choose not to do it for two reasons:

1. It’s wrong. 2. It’s illegal, and civilized people obey the law.

The president may wonder why his support has dwindled in this second term.

One reason may be the inconsistency of his message.

Try as he might, he is having a hard time convincing people to go along with something they know in their heart of hearts is wrong.

It is not wrong to want better opportunities for yourself and your family.

It is not wrong to want to immigrate to this great country.

It is wrong to break the law in order to do so.

There are ways to immigrate to the United States legally – it’s just not as easy.

And that is the root of the problem.

People will follow the path of least resistance. Whenever a government looks the other way regarding enforcement of immigration laws or grants amnesty to illegal immigrants, it sends a message that it’s okay to break some laws.

There’s nothing wrong with welcoming immigrants. People who sought better opportunities founded this country – but we need to welcome them to immigrate legally, not illegally.

There is no reason that legal immigration has to be so difficult, complicated or expensive.

True immigration reform should start with reform of a federal agency called the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Formerly known as the INS, this agency needs to make it easier for those seeking better lives to legally immigrate to this country.

Deep down people want to do the right thing – they want to be "above board" and "legal," but the difficulties encountered when trying to navigate the bureaucracy now known as the USCIS have led them to choose another path – a path less noble – a path without dignity.

Instead of debating whether or not to look the other way, or throw the illegal immigrants in jail, our government should instead work together to remove the roadblocks that impede legal immigration to this great nation.