I do believe that people hire immigrants, legal and illegal

In the vast chronicles of human societies, the question of labor, belonging, and justice has always been a source of both conflict and reflection. Jan Brewer’s words, “I do believe that people hire immigrants, legal and illegal immigrants, to do certain jobs that maybe possibly could go to American citizens, and that's unfortunate. If they're here legally, I think it's OK. If they're here illegally, then they ought not be taking jobs from American citizens,” illuminate the delicate balance between opportunity, legality, and fairness. The wisdom here lies not in casting blame, but in recognizing the tension between the needs of society and the rights of those who labor within it. Work is not merely a transaction; it is the heartbeat of community, the measure of dignity, and the foundation of trust between citizens and the state.

From the ancient fields of Mesopotamia to the bustling ports of medieval Europe, societies have wrestled with the question of who may labor and under what conditions. When labor is performed without regard for law or social order, resentment grows among those who abide by societal rules. Brewer’s reflection captures this enduring truth: to respect legality is to honor the social covenant, and to bypass it risks fraying the fabric of communal trust. Those who follow the law ensure stability, while those who circumvent it, even unintentionally, introduce tension and inequity.

History offers vivid examples. In the early 20th century United States, waves of European immigrants filled factories and fields, often in positions that could have gone to native-born workers. While many entered legally, some did not, and communities debated fiercely over the fairness of such labor dynamics. Legislators responded with immigration quotas and labor protections to safeguard employment for citizens, reflecting the same principle Brewer articulates: legality matters, and fairness in opportunity sustains the cohesion of society. The lesson is clear: the balance between compassion and lawfulness is essential for enduring social harmony.

Brewer’s words also speak to the practicalities of governance. A state or nation must navigate the intersection of human need and legal boundaries. Jobs are not merely economic units; they are symbols of stability, hope, and personal dignity. When positions are filled by those legally entitled to work, society flourishes. When legality is disregarded, it breeds frustration and undermines both morale and faith in institutions. This is not merely politics—it is the moral stewardship of labor, an ancient concern echoing the wisdom of philosophers who held that justice in daily life is the bedrock of a flourishing society.

Consider a modern example from Arizona itself, where Brewer served as governor. Industries such as agriculture and construction relied heavily on immigrant labor. Employers sometimes hired workers without verifying legal status, seeking lower costs or convenience. This practice created tension with local citizens who were unemployed or underemployed, illuminating Brewer’s point: work cannot merely be a means to an end for some, while others are deprived of opportunity due to disregard for law and fairness. Legal immigration, properly managed, harmonizes the needs of employers with the rights of citizens; illegal employment disrupts this balance.

The eternal teaching here is one of integrity, fairness, and adherence to law. Citizens must advocate for policies that ensure employment opportunities are distributed justly. Employers must respect legal boundaries, understanding that short-term gains achieved by bypassing laws come at the cost of societal trust. And individuals, whether citizens or immigrants, must recognize that the stability of a community depends upon respecting the social and legal frameworks that bind it together.

Practically, this wisdom calls for vigilance and engagement. Support transparent hiring practices. Encourage pathways for legal immigration and fair labor practices. Understand that protecting the rights of citizens and those who labor legally is not an act of exclusion, but of justice. By honoring the law, society affirms the dignity of every worker and preserves the trust that binds communities together.

Thus, Brewer’s words echo through time as a reminder: labor is sacred, lawfulness is vital, and fairness is the soil in which society flourishes. To protect the integrity of opportunity is to honor both the citizen and the immigrant who follows the law. In this balance, communities find strength, cohesion, and justice—a truth as old as civilization and as necessary as the air that sustains it.