Illegal

Steven Cesare, Ph.D.

A landscaper from Pennsylvania called me the other day to talk about widespread speculation that the Department of Homeland Security is in the area, preparing to raid local employers for violating federal immigration laws. Full of bravado and defiance, bound by a tinge of virtue signaling, the landscaper averred that he would not allow government officials on his property, would resist their search warrant, and openly defend his employees in that such intrepid protection is required of him to preserve the company culture.

Take it easy, John Wayne. Not every confrontation is a war to fight, regardless of one’s self-defined honor.

First, I reminded the landscaper that he can choose his own course of action in any scenario he encounters; as we have all been taught, free will is our essence. His leadership role was not being minimized by me, in that his decisions are his alone to make, I shifted the focus to the 800-pound gorilla in the room: politics.

Within that realm, certain people, policies, and priorities are currently receiving quite a bit of undeniable media attention. As such, I acknowledged his strong political views that openly contradict those of the current administration. I then continued my pattern of thought by telling him that this is not a political battle questioning his fervent belief system. Americans solve political battles at the ballot box. Of course, he can protest all he wants on any issue that suits him; that constitutional right is granted to all Americans at birth. By calmly letting him vent his frustrations, I intermittently interjected that the potential visit from the Department of Homeland Security was not politically inspired; but rather an index of the rule of law.

Indignantly, he disagreed. I told him he was wrong.

At its basic principle, the Department of Homeland Security is charged with ensuring that only authorized individuals can be employed in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security seeks those employees who are working in the United States illegally. He politely agreed and allowed me to continue.

I explained the Department of Homeland Security was not seeking to imprison Democrats, pro-lifers, or those who attend the traditional Latin Mass. Instead, they are responsible for securing individuals who have violated federal law. To be apolitically clear: When an individual breaks a law, that is called an illegal act. Asked inquisitively: Are the person’s coworkers, supervisor, or owner also committing an illegal act if they have “personal knowledge” of the illegal act being committed? Read that sentence again.

He repeated his position that it is his duty to prevent his employees from being rounded up and taken away. In turn, I asked if he would exert that same degree of passionate protection if his employees were known to be pedophiles, Fentanyl dealers, or serial murderers. Predictably, he retorted “Of course not, Steve!”

On point, I said, “Why not? Why are you protecting some illegal acts, but not other illegal actions?” While reaffirming his free will, I told him that if he takes the position of publicly defending any illegal action (e.g., workers compensation fraud, possession of kiddie porn, sexual harassment, forgery, extortion), he would be placing himself, his family, and his company in serious peril. I repeated: He is certainly free to defend any illegal action he desires. If so, I encouraged him to have his lawyer’s phone number set on speed dial.

Beyond his distinction between the “illegal” actions he would publicly defend or not, I told him to consider the antecedents that got him into this situation originally. At the fundamental level, he would actually be defending those individuals who violated federal law by consciously deceiving him by providing false I-9 documents to his company, thereby putting his livelihood at risk. True? Wrap your mind around that one.

I summarized the conversation by stating that this issue should not be interpreted through any lens of politics, company culture, or social justice; but only by the fact that was an illegal act conducted or not.

By the way, what specific illegal actions committed by your employees are you willing to defend publicly?

Later today, specify those illegal actions to your company culture, family, and reflection in the mirror.

Right after you verify your speed dial settings.

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