A few years ago, I attended a guest lecture at my community college where a young woman named Lilian Velasquez who migrated here from Guatemala.

Ms. Velasquez came to the United States at 15, her personal reason was because she had been pulled out of school by her mother to work and one day an older boy "tried to make her his girlfriend" (you can tell what I mean). Realizing she was going to die or become a slave, she decided it was best that she come to the United States. So she walked (keyword walked) from Guatemala, through Mexico, to the United States. Praying to God and asking for help on her journey. Promising to come to the United States and be a productive citizen. Eventually she did and was able to attend school as a nurse where she was determined to help people. If ever I was in a hospital, I would want her as my nurse, because her story shows a grit and determination that I would look for in someone making sure I stay alive.

I tell you all this story because I believe that the solution to our immigration issue is to simply open the border. We need more immigrants in this country. Every generation of migrants has made this country stronger and they come to this country with an even stronger belief in the Constitution and Democracy than we who were born here do. Ms. Velasquez's story is one of grit and determination, a woman who does not ask for a handout but demands to be a part of society and contribute to the American dream. We need more of that in this country, not less.