The Promise of America, Stay Alert

by Will Espero

Many Filipinos are in the United States because of the allure for freedom, justice, and opportunity.

We are Filipinos from the motherland who immigrated across the vast ocean. We are Filipino-Americans who were born here. We are military veterans; relatives of Sakadas; entrepreneurs and business owners; family members and dreamers.

Many of us are American citizens, and others hope to become American citizens one day. The hope and promise of the United States is known throughout the world attracting freedom seeking waves of humanity every year.

The connecting history between the Philippines and the United States is our history.

I am proud to be an American citizen of Filipino ancestry, and I cherish the words and meaning of our U.S. Constitution.

It is also a privilege and honor to be alive today at this point in time to witness history unfold every day.

Unfortunately, some things happening in the Trump administration are disturbing, and we must stay alert to what is happening in Washington DC with our federal leadership.

The United States of America is the most powerful country in the world.

Our charity and compassion are undeniable. We dominate the global stage militarily and financially, and we are second to none when it comes to world influence and impact.

What happens in the U.S. has a ripple effect around the world that touches the lives of all. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an action the world-community is watching as the U.S. Constitution is targeted and challenged.

The Trump administration has changed the image and perception of Americans and America, and the optics are not good.

The Kilmar Abrego Garcia case will write a new chapter in U.S. history as the executive branch disrupts the notion of ‘due process’ all people in the United States possess.

With Trump’s round-up of Venezuelans and El Salvadoreans, the administration has acted like an authoritarian dictatorship deporting or trying to deport undocumented immigrants, many with alleged criminal or gang backgrounds, without due process.

Kilmar was grouped with others that the Trump administration targeted as MS-13 gang members. Kilmar and his family claim he is not a gang member, but he was deported with others to El Salvador where he is from.

U.S. courts have stated Garcia must be returned and face due process, but the Trump administration does not want to have Garcia returned to the U.S.

Everyone must be concerned about this case because if Trump has his way, he could do this to anyone in our country.

Due process is available for all citizens and non-citizens in our country, and no president should be able to kidnap a person and send him or her to another country because of differences of opinion or a dislike of one’s existence in the U.S.

The courts or judicial system are a key part of the checks and balances in our nation, and early founding fathers knew government must not be dictated by an all-powerful executive branch doing what pleases it. Court orders must be followed to stop anarchy, chaos, and disorder.

The legislative branch or Congress is also enabled to draft and create laws and rules we must all live by.

Sadly, the Republican-led House and Senate have been timid to confront Trump. If more peaceful protests and civil disobedience occur, this may change.

Kilmar must be returned to the United States to answer the allegations against him. He must have his day in an open public court, and his fate must be determined by the laws of our land.

He must prove he is a law-abiding person who should have a chance to live in the United States. Or the government should show its evidence and witnesses to justify its deportation of Kilmar back to El Salvador. A jury or judge should decide.

This is how it is done in the United States. This is due process.

If Trump does not follow the direction and orders of the U.S. judicial branch, we will be in unprecedented territory. A constitutional crisis may be at our doorstep.

American leadership is under fire. Everyone reading this article can be affected.

We cannot let our representative democracy slide into a strong-armed dictatorship governing with vindictiveness, fear, and revenge.

The will and spirit of the American dream must guide our response and actions in these scary historical times.

Stay alert and don’t be afraid to use your voice.

WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and state Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues.