Opinion | What My Cancer Surgery Taught Me About Immigration

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Introduction

As I lay wheeled into the operating room, staring up at the massive arms of the robot that would remove my cancerous gland, I was hit with an unusual realization. I owe a debt of gratitude to President Lyndon Johnson and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. Without that legislation, the surgeon who operated on me probably wouldn’t be here. Nor might the doctor who pioneered the procedure. Nor the philanthropist who financed the research. Nor many workers at the company that makes these robots or those at a different company that designed the chips that enable the robot.

The Importance of Immigration

Immigration has become critical to our health. Immigrants account for more than a quarter of physicians, surgeons, and personal care aides and about a fifth of nursing assistants. This is not a new phenomenon; a century ago, the United States slammed the door on large sections of the world, and we could be on the verge of doing so again. However, many Americans, including politicians this election year, dwell on stories like the Venezuelan migrant accused of killing a Georgia nursing student, forgetting the critical ways immigration has historically benefited us.

The Unseen Contributions

As my ordeal with cancer shows, immigration plays a significant role in healthcare. For instance, in states hostile to immigration, aging residents have died before getting off the wait list for home health aides. This highlights the dire need for a more open and inclusive immigration policy. It is not just healthcare that relies on immigrants; many sectors of our economy and society would collapse without their contributions.

Personal Experience

My recent cancer surgery was a reminder of the importance of immigration. I teach a class on practical writing at Stanford Business School, and I encountered a surprising coincidence. Frustrated by the cynicism that has pervaded my 3,000 students, many of whom were only teenagers when Donald Trump was elected and are skeptical of the government, I began showing a slide documenting the benefits they enjoy from legislation that originated in the 1960s. For one, many Stanford Business School students — I would guess roughly a quarter — come from families that would not be in this country if not for Mr. Johnson’s Immigration and Nationality Act.

The Cycle of Opportunity

As a baby boomer, I am part of the generation that was fortunate enough to inherit a better world from our parents. However, we seem to have lost sight of the commitment to provide the same opportunities for our children. The cycle of opportunity is disrupted when we fail to adapt and evolve with the times. We must recognize and support the contributions of immigrants, who help us maintain our standard of living and provide crucial services in healthcare, education, and other vital sectors.

The Future of Immigration

A century ago, the United States shut its doors to large sections of the world. We risk repeating this mistake if we do not recognize the value of immigration. The current debate on immigration often focuses on the negative aspects, such as the cost of providing services to newcomers. However, what is lost in this discussion is the immense value that immigrants bring to our society. They are an integral part of our economy and our future.

Conclusion

My cancer surgery was a stark reminder of the critical role that immigration plays in our lives. The coincidences that led me to this realization were profound and humbling. I am grateful for the surgeon, the doctor, the philanthropist, and the workers that made my treatment possible. We must not forget the debt we owe to immigrants and the vital contributions they make to our society. It is time we recognize and support their crucial role in our healthcare, economy, and future.

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References

• What My Cancer Surgery Taught Me About Immigration
• Glenn Kramon - The New York Times