The right to due process of the law is
something that we take for granted as Americans. Although at times we may not
feel that due process is achieved or that the criminal justice system is
perfect, it is generally accepted and expected that due process is a right and
is the goal. Except for a few limited rights specified in the Constitution,
the rights this country is founded upon are not granted only to American
citizens. They are extended to all within our borders. They are meant to give
people peace, security, hope, and the structure they need to be happy,
productive members of society. Because of these guiding principles and beliefs
the United States has welcomed many waves of immigrants—people who made
sacrifices to leave behind past circumstances, full of hope for a better life
in a new home. This has occurred for centuries. Why then, is there a question about
whether we will welcome and protect those fleeing from the direst of
circumstances?
