Migrants: Not so different from our ancestors

To endure 2,000 miles and months of traveling atop a boxcar, by foot or by bus is no mean feat. It takes determination, courage and stamina. And it reminds me of another group of immigrants.

This other group came by foot, on horseback, or in a Conestoga wagon. They endured foul weather, lack of toilets, hostile natives and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

They had grit, audacity and the will to survive. They were our intrepid ancestors.

I don’t understand the difference. Yes, the former come illegally and quasi-legally (if they present at a port of entry), but shouldn’t we welcome individuals of a certain caliber?

Our nation wasn’t built by weaklings. Tough-minded people were the builders. And people who cared about family and wanted better for themselves.

Why are we so against virtually the same kind of people? Latinos (and many others) are hard workers, family-oriented taxpayers, contribute to social security and are mostly law-abiding (President Trump’s claims notwithstanding).

Maybe we should have a smarter immigration policy — or at least one not fostered by hard-nosed, ruthless intolerance.