Answer to Immigration Problem Should Transcend Party Lines

USA Today (OPINION): The immigration debate touches everyone differently. When the subject comes up, I'm surprised at the range of stances taken by people I know and love. I also know that I probably shouldn't be so shocked, because this issue has roots that far outreach those of simple political partisanship. To get in touch with my own true feelings on the subject, all I have to do is spend an afternoon with my 92-year-old mother, Vickie, and listen to stories of her experiences. She was born in Italy and came to our shores with the type of enthusiasm befitting the storybook view we cling to when we think of the traditional immigrant experience. Mom learned English with a fervor fueled by her desire to "fit in" with a citizenry she admired and dreamed to be a part of. She, and others just like her, joined the Army to serve this same nation without hesitation because of her love of America. I write all this not to glorify my mom — many other immigrants of that time did what she did. And many people are currently working through the complex maze that is our present immigration policy with the same fervor Mom had then.