As a grateful American I respect and appreciate the diverse ethnicities that constitutes the United States of America. I, myself, am a product of a generous immigration policy that gave my family and I the opportunity to immigrate from Germany to the U.S. in the mid 1950's. Back then we waited for four years to obtain a visa, and only after proving we were disease free and not a drain on society were we given the green light. Having said that, it is with much regret that I now view the current onslaught of immigrants from Muslim countries as a threat to our national security and national identidy.

While previous immigration policies were mainly from Europe, we shared a western culture and a Judeo-Christian heritage that was conducive to facilitating American assimilation. Today's immigrants from Islamic countries that neither share our heritage or values pose a danger to our way of life and life itself. We need not look any further than France, Germany, and England to see what the large influx of Muslims have done to European civilization. Riots by young Muslim men, attacks upon Jews and Jewish institutions, demands for implementation of Sharia law, and home grown terrorists are all by products of large Muslim immigration into Europe.

In light of our 9/11 terrorist attack and numerous foiled attacks since then, it is imperitive for Americans to ask themselves if it is time to close the door to immigration from Muslim countries. Are we safer from attack by keeping the door open or would we be safer if we closed the door to those who seek our destruction? Though not all Muslims are terrorists, it is safe to say that at this time in history all terrorists are Muslims, and until Islam undergoes a reformation from within, it would be prudent to close the door on Muslim immigration. Yes, we have been a beacon for the downtrodden and a saviour for many; yet, in light of the rise of Islamofascism, it is time to ask ourselves what is in the best interest for Americans; not what is in the best interest for outsiders. We must shed our past inhibitions that arose from the internment of Japanese Americans and demand a national dialogue that will address today's dilemna. Our leaders will only act if we demand action and government is only as good as our participation in it. Hillel, the ancient Jewish philopher, once asked "if I am only for myself, what am I; if I am not for me, who will be? And if not now, when?" It is time for Americans to ask the same question