There exist too many “factors,” which more likely than not, could possibly lead people to do the unthinkable – lessen human dignity to prove a point.I think the people who have been encouraged or coerced to stand on opposite sides of immigration debates must always remember that no matter how diametric their view may be, each and every person in this country – no matter his or her immigration status – is due respect and courtesy for being a human being.
It is no secret that there have been incidents in this country whereby foreign laborers – be they of legal status or here illegally – have fallen victims of circumstances and ideological practices.Some have had to endure despicable acts of maltreatment from the hands of the people who hired them and from the hands of many who have taken advantage of the laborers’ desperations to find work and their lack of understanding of the workings of systems that have been set up to ensure their dignity.
There may be people who are wondering why the “hired hands” do not just pack up and leave when things go bad.For the record, most of them have nothing to go back to – not even hope.They are here because someone hired them.Some have remained here because someone chose to abandon them – some can’t even afford to buy food let alone purchase a plane ticket home.They are here for the long haul – as long as they are needed and as long as their presence is tolerated by the majority of law-abiding citizens of this country.
As far I am concerned, I am Palauan – a citizen of the world.When I travel beyond the borders of Palau, I carry a Palauan passport, which tells the rest of the world where I am coming from and where I should be returning.I do not intend on going elsewhere in the world to find work.I am content with what Palau has to offer.When I do travel, it is mostly worked related – though I dream of a day where I would be able to travel as a tourist.
I feel for those people who have come to Palau in hope of finding a better life.There is very little of that here (unless you have friends who have friends who are somehow associated with people who are related to people who have access to and have the privileges to pull the interwoven“strings” that bound one Palauan to another.)Life in Palau, according to Palauans, has never been easy.I can attest to that.
However, having heard of the life in the countries that the foreign laborers come from, I can understand why they think life in Palau is so much better.I probably would probably not be able to last a week had I gone to work in their countries.As a matter of fact, I am too proud to work for peanuts and probably would be fired even before I am hired.Heck, I would aim to start a revolution – being Palauan and all.I cannot rescind all of my beliefs and values.
I think then that the beliefs and values – culturally based and Christian oriented, which ultimately differentiates a Palauan from others – should proclaim human dignity regardless of anyone’s immigration status in this country.Live peacefully.
