The Anguillian
Address: PO Box 98
The Valley
Anguilla
Dear Editor-in-Chief,
Immigration Policy
Whether Anguillians recognize it or not, Anguilla has attained an identical position to America, albeit several orders of magnitude lower. It has surpassed its peers, now offering the highest wages in the Caribbean. And just like America, it has become a magnet for immigrants, far and wide, some seeking honest employment, others intent to prey on tourists and residents.
But Anguilla need not face the decline that is rife in America. Decline of individuals is inevitable; of countries and societies, not necessarily. America’s decline is a direct consequence of her failure to act decades ago to remove or imprison or otherwise address unauthorized immigrants crossing its borders. Hence what began a half century ago as a drizzle of illegals entering the country has turned into a torrential downpour. The expense and manpower to rectify the problem today would be enormous to the taxpayer. Moreover, it doesn’t have the same impact as immediate removal of trespassers would have had.
If Anguilla wants to protect its status as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, she must be proactive. Despite the surveillance challenges to any island-nation, instituting a visa requirement would give the government an inexpensive way of maintaining the health and welfare of Anguillans. Just imagine the costs of handling a measles outbreak or capturing and prosecuting even petty criminals, all of which might have been prevented by screening prospective workers and newcomers!
I’m not Robin Williams. And you’re not in Vietnam. Still, I say, “Wake up, Anguilla!”
Sincerely Yours,
Jacqueline C. Hodge
