Commentary: Illegal Immigration and the Second Amendment :: 10/13/2014

The right of every American to be safe and secure in their homes is part of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment speaks more to the need for a judge to determine if the police or another authority may enter a home. Having this protection then makes entering a home without consent by the homeowner or court order an issue of criminal activity.

American citizens have long looked to the Second Amendment for protecting themselves, their families and their property against anyone wanting to use violence against them.

The Constitution of the United States guarantees citizens the “Right to Bear Arms.” Recent estimates show more than 270 million firearms in the United States. This makes the U.S. the highest armed country in the world with 89 firearms per 100 citizens. Gun ownership is part of the rights and heritage of the United States. Yet, the argument remains that the Second Amendment is a right that has outlived its necessity, especially in light of gun-related tragedies across the country in the last couple of decades. Immigration, specifically illegal immigration, might change that perception.

The borders of any nation define its existence, but the United States remains an open society that is welcoming of all those wanting to come to this country. After all, this nation was built by immigrants and continues to welcome legal immigration. The borders are a metaphor for society in which those who enter must respect and obey the laws of the land. Violence by illegal aliens or U.S. citizens is intolerable and punishment should be meted out equally. Immigrants who choose to break the law also face the risk of deportation and a denial of re-entry into the United States.

Deportation of an illegal alien is not as severe as it sounds since the first act of the individual was to break the law by entering the U.S. illegally. This fact makes the need by the average citizen to protect his or herself even more important. Especially when considering the federal government’s slowness to act and—in some cases—facilitating the flow of immigrants into the country. Uncontrolled immigration will eventually overwhelm police if the level of crime increases. How, other than turning to the Second Amendment, can a citizen protect his personal property, his life and his family?

Illegal immigration is a matter of homeland security, and the possibility of violence directed toward the private citizen on any street in any town in the United States creates a scenario in which citizens can become the direct targets of foreign aggression. Of course, this type of crime is often carried out by violent Americans too, but the rise of illegal (and undocumented) individuals committing violent crimes is no different from agents of a foreign country terrorizing our cities and towns.

There are similarities in a group or gang who want to create a drug cartel and flood a city with illegal drugs and a group who wishes to use murder and violence to cripple a city with fear when both groups are comprised of illegal immigrants. Although the drug trade is an entrenched part of our society, the new threat of terrorism by small cells of individuals is now a very real threat. The intention of these persons to manipulate American society in illegal ways means that they wish to do our society harm in order to profit from our destruction. All this is possible because stopping illegal immigration is not a high priority.

Eliminating the Second Amendment and the rights of Americans to arm themselves is comparable to the tragedies that have taken place in the U.S. in recent history. When the average citizen is prevented from defending his or herself, those that work in illegal ways find a measure in which to complete their immoral task. When a man walks into an elementary school and murders children, the gut response is to ban all ownership of firearms by private citizens. Yet, if a man who is bent on murder walked into the same school and killed children with a knife—the same claims against gun ownership would be mute.

Add to this scenario the possibility of an illegal alien walking into the same school and committing the same crime in the name of his religion. Does the fact the man is in this country illegally ever come into the discussion? Does the negligence of the authorities to prevent this person from entering the country illegally enter the discussion? Or is it easier to point the finger at the firearm and say the gun is the problem?

Illegal means the person, regardless of intent, is here in this great nation without regard for our laws and that recognizing our laws is not important. Allowing our government to ignore those same rules is a travesty and—as citizens—we must demand a greater emphasis on homeland security.

http://inhomelandsecurity.com/commentary-illegal-immigration-and-the-second-amendment/