We must enforce the laws we have on the books, secure our

Hear, O children of law and order, the words of Ron DeSantis: “We must enforce the laws we have on the books, secure our borders, and deny special benefits to illegal immigrants such as in-state tuition rates. This approach is best for American citizens and is fair to those who have taken the time and effort to go through the legal immigration process.” These words resound with the voice of a governor calling for discipline, fairness, and fidelity to the established law. They echo an ancient principle: that justice falters when the rules that bind a people are not upheld, and that chaos arises when the gates of a nation are not guarded.

The ancients themselves honored boundaries. The walls of Babylon, the fortifications of Athens, and the limes of Rome were not merely stones piled against invasion—they were symbols of sovereignty, order, and the protection of those within. To enforce the laws on the books was to preserve the covenant between rulers and the ruled, between citizens and their commonwealth. DeSantis’ call is born from this same spirit: a conviction that a nation’s laws must be applied consistently, or else trust erodes, and the very structure of citizenship is weakened.

Consider the tale of Rome’s citizenship laws. Rome offered the honor of citizenship sparingly, and those who obtained it were bound by duty as well as privilege. To circumvent this order, to grant equal rights to those who had not undergone the lawful process, was seen as dishonoring those who bore its burdens. Thus, Rome insisted that the prize of citizenship be respected, for it was earned, not merely claimed. Here we see reflected DeSantis’ belief: that fairness demands loyalty to process, and that those who strive lawfully should not be placed on equal footing with those who bypass the law.

The origin of these words lies in the fiery debates over immigration in America, where passion and politics collide. The nation, forged by immigrants, now struggles with questions of law, borders, and belonging. DeSantis’ statement reflects one side of this struggle: that compassion must not replace order, and that generosity, if unchecked by law, risks injustice toward those who followed the path rightly. It is not a rejection of immigration, but a defense of legal immigration, which demands patience, sacrifice, and adherence to the nation’s rules.

Yet his words also summon the deeper conflict between mercy and law. For throughout history, people have crossed borders out of desperation—fleeing famine, war, or oppression. The question arises: how should a nation balance compassion for the stranger with justice for the citizen? The Hebrews of old were commanded to “remember the stranger, for you were strangers in Egypt.” At the same time, they guarded their covenant and laws to preserve their identity. In this tension, we find the eternal struggle of nations: how to be just without being cruel, and how to be merciful without abandoning order.

The meaning of DeSantis’ counsel is this: a nation’s strength lies not only in its compassion but in its fairness. To reward those who followed the lawful path preserves respect for the system; to grant equal benefits to those who bypassed it risks cheapening the sacrifices of the lawful. Justice must be consistent, lest it transform into favoritism or chaos. Thus, his call to enforce laws, secure borders, and deny special benefits reflects a vision of order that places citizens and lawful immigrants at the center.

The lesson for future generations is this: cherish the law, for it binds the people together. Respect the efforts of those who endured long processes to earn their place within the community. Yet do not harden your heart entirely; remember always that law without mercy becomes tyranny, just as mercy without law becomes anarchy. True wisdom lies in balancing both, in crafting a system that is firm yet just, protective yet humane.

Practical action lies before us: demand leaders who uphold the law with consistency and fairness. Encourage reforms that make legal immigration more efficient and transparent, so that those who desire to join may do so lawfully without undue suffering. Support strong borders and clear rules, but also advocate for policies that recognize the dignity of all people, even those outside the law. For a nation’s greatness is measured not only by its strength but also by its justice.

So let it be remembered: laws on the books are the foundation of trust, borders secured are the walls of sovereignty, and fairness to the lawful is the mark of honor. But let compassion temper firmness, so that the nation may endure not only in strength but in righteousness. In this balance lies the path to lasting peace and order.