Take it where you find it, can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose to carry it on
Mainly, when you find it, your heart will be strong about it
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America, in America, in America
— Van Morrison, “Take It Where You Find It”

AS 2014 GETS UNDER WAY WE CAN EXPECT an increased focus on immigration being used to divide the political spectrum. On this subject that spectrum ranges from the “open borders” of far-left extremists to the fortified fence fans of the far right. The chasm is wide, the solutions not easy.

Those most hurt by an open border remain silent; many of them have found their dreams in America.

There are few people who love America with more strength and fervor than those who have sought to escape oppression.

Morrison gets it right: “Lost dreams and found dreams in America …”

The stories of immigrants, those who followed the rules, be it Ellis Island or San Francisco’s Angel Island or the time-consuming modern visa process, are the ones who have found their dreams. Yes, some have not succeeded, thus dreams were lost; but they had the opportunity.

I often engage in conversations with such immigrants, as they have such interesting stories to tell.

I first met Cesar in 1982 and knew him for several years before I learned of his story. He is from the Philippines, and his wife and children were still there as he worked toward bringing them to America to find their dreams.

They made it and are together today. It has been some time since I spoke to Cesar, but I do recall him mentioning that his brother was waiting for his visa, one that might take 10 years or more to get.

Men saw the stars at the edge of the sea
They thought great thoughts about liberty

Ilya, a colleague, came to America from Belarus 20 years ago at age 18. He told me over lunch that the decision was made after his father was arrested for conducting Bible studies in their home. Upon his father’s release the family worked to send each member to America via various channels.

The process took many years, much tribulation and a dedication to their cause. Today, having found their dream, they attend church each Sunday, freely worshipping the God they know in their hearts.

You will find a purpose to carry it on
Mainly, when you find it, your heart will be strong about it

Mario, from Iran, found it is difficult to leave his homeland, as the process took years. The Shah was still in power then, making the departure far easier than it was about to become. Today he owns a restaurant in Long Beach. America is his home, it is where he wanted to raise his children. His dream has been found, while Iran today is a nightmare.

Many’s the time, many’s the mile
I see it all now through the eyes of a child

Haney is a man I have known for 30 years, first as a client, later as a friend. He is from Egypt and came here through proper channels to be educated as an engineer. I worked with him on several desalination projects before he started his own engineering company, one that he later sold, doing quite well for himself.

Over lunch some time ago I asked him if he would ever return to Egypt to see family. His response: “I can’t go back. I am Coptic, they could kill me.”

Lost dreams and found dreams, In America.

A rule of thumb I learned many years ago about cab drivers: If he wants to talk, let him. If he doesn’t, don’t try.

Saul, from Romania, was such a driver, not of a cab but for Uber, a ride service that is increasing in popularity. He wanted to talk, I let him, but I guided the conversation through questions to learn more about him.

After his wife died several years ago, Saul came to America when his turn came up on the visa list. He brought his young sons with him. Today he has remarried a woman he knew from Romania: “It is better for us to be married, as now she does not have to wait for visa.”

And close your eyes, leave it all for a while
Leave the world And your worries behind

Kuldip is from Pakistan and waited many years before he was allowed to immigrate. He too is an engineer, who worked for the state of California before retiring after 25 years. He worked two jobs most of that time, one for the state, the other for himself. Whatever money he could save he invested in peach orchards. He now has 160 acres of peaches. His dream was found.

You will build on whatever is real
And wake up each day to a new waking dream

These stories cover many years and many people. They are not unique, as they reflect experiences shared by millions of other immigrants, all of whom have striking similarities — they, or their families, recognized the:

• Potential within themselves.

• Despair of remaining in the lands of their birth.

• Risks involved in terms of not only their lives, but in the years of waiting.

• Hope of opportunity that is offered by America.

Today we ponder allowing those who chose not to go through the established process to go to the front of the line.

If we do that we step over — or on — the Haneys and Ilyas and Kuldips and Cesars. We slap all these people in the face. It would be an act showing not acceptance and tolerance, but a lack of faith in our laws and an abandonment of our principles.

What message is sent to those who obey the laws when we reward those who don’t?

Yes, granting amnesty and a pathway to citizenship is one of those “feel-good” policies that are so popular among some elements of the political spectrum. But such policies are in the long run destructive to the nation as a whole.

When one raises a child, it is a huge mistake to give in to or permit misbehavior. Rules need to be set for children, just as laws need to be set for society.

When infractions are tolerated, when misbehavior is rewarded, when one set of rules is applied to one segment but not to another, we have created a damaging situation.

The weak will give in, while the strong will hold their ground and live for the betterment of all, not just of some. And society benefits from strength, not from weakness.

Dennis Lund is a mechanical engineer who lived in Benicia for more than 20 years.