Is America a Nation of Laws?

The ongoing debate over what to do about illegal aliens in the United States got me thinking about what it means to be a "nation of law, not of man."

I've heard and read the opinions of many who think that border laws should not be enforced and that those who illegally enter the United States in violation of its laws should suffer no consequenses for that illegal act.

Setting aside the question of what is compassionate, if we choose to ignore certain laws because they are uncompassionate, does that not send a message that other laws as well can be ignored if enough people think they are not acceptable for whatever reason? I don't think we can pick and choose what laws must be obeyed and enforced; rather, all laws must be enforced if we are to remain a nation of law.

If a law is onerous, the majority can force a change or repeal through the appropriate legislative bodies. Meanwhile, it must be enforced. To do otherwise is to invite people to violate other laws. Those who advocate ignoring or violating laws, or not punishing those who break laws, should consider this: The result ultimately will be a legal system in which lawbreakers can rightfully argue that if some laws can be ignored, then all could be ignored.

Certainly it is true that many who enter this country illegally want only to find a better life, and it is unfortunate that they must be deported. But there are those, citizens or not, who rob and steal only because they want a better life. What if they are allowed to break laws with impunity?

When that happens, I want to be among those who decide which laws will be enforced and on what grounds, because then the United States will be ruled not by law, but by man.