Am I the only one who thinks there's too much being made about the illegal immigration issue? The U.S. is a country of immigrants after all. Since when are we unwilling to let people come here to this great land of promise, to give everyone a shot at the "American Dream"? I'm not advocating people being allowed to come here and get government benefits without paying taxes; I'm sure not advocating allowing them to get away with breaking our laws! I am advocating giving those who have come here and who have worked hard and provided for their families and who have broken no other laws other than how they came into this country a chance at becoming American citizens without being punished for wanting what we take for granted. We're all here because our ancestors decided to come here to make a better life for future generations. We should be proud that others still want to do the same.
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
Now, that may be true for some of you, but there are those who were forced over here against their will. While, America is a great place and a land of opportunity that should be open to everyone. There is not going to be any room left. In California, we are already at the ocean. Any more pushing and we will be push into living in house boats with no type of home automation or electricity. Now, they got the idea that since we have run out of land, then it is time to look skyward. So now, they are building apartments on top of everything from book stores to banks. Where are they going to house all of these people? Then, we all know that when the demand goes up, prices go up. We are going to go from a land of plenty to a land of nothing. [Rozie37]
Of course. There are times I do wonder if history has repeated itself. Do not mistake me though. I do not forgive violent criminal behavior which is happening in some cases. However, those that contribute should be recognized. [theprogamer]
There reason there is a lot of issues about illegal immigration is because it is a big problem here in the US. There are too many people here. [rogue13xmen13]
it might very well give rise to terrorism, you never know. [rogue13xmen13]
As usual, Annie, I'm with you on this. While there are concerns and problems, these are very similar to those encountered in relation to many other waves of immigration in the country's history. 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses..'. It's part of what is great about this country. We have to be wary of a mentality that sees all newcomers as taking something instead of bringing something. [bravenewworld]
Well, I can't speak for all of the immagrants are even all of one nationality. But, there are many coming over and all they are bringing is trouble. And they are taking over and they don't even speak the language. I went to apply for a job at the Red Cross in 1995 and they said I had to know Spanish to work there. [Rozie37]
I'm so glad to hear your viewpoint anniepa! Yes, I do think too much is made about illegal immigrants and it seems that unfortunately when one thinks of illegals, they think of those of Hispanic origins, when in fact there are many other ethnic groups that are illegals,even, believe it or not Irish! Many illegals take on the crap jobs that most Americans wouldn't want in a million years, then you have people say that illegals are taking jobs away from Americans..BS. I think all throughout history one group would be targeted who came as immigrants. I do happen to have Irish background among a LOT of other ethnic groups. There was a time when their were blantant signs "Irish need not apply" --for jobs that is. As I said many illegals work long, long hours, get far below minimum pay and they sure as hell can't complain as they are illegals I think many people forget this is a land of immigrants. Since I'm also of Native American blood there's a joke that the first illegal immigrant was Columbus--LOL [pyewacket]
I remember those signs and they were more of a political gambit (plus cruelty). So yes, there should be some scrutiny of the government and other organizations in this matter. As for English, yes it is difficult for plenty of people. Even some homegrown stateside folks have trouble with it. Nevermind adults in the homegrown group that can't even read English. I've heard that joke several times too Pye. But as another joke a group of Paleolithic humans were actually the first illegal immigrants to America sometime 20-25,000 years ago during the Pleistocene times. [theprogamer]
On one hand I do want unlawful entry to stateside stopped. Human trafficking is horrific. There are also those coming independently but still breaking the law. I know I'll get flak for this one, but medical and background checks should be required. And about taking the jobs no one wants, some of these illegal immigrants also do the crimes most Americans wouldn't do in a million years. There are also dead people who might still be here if it wasn't for lax border policies, and of course a criminal justice system that excuses illegal immigrant criminal behavior in several cases along with no criminality checks. In another thread, the question was how to fix it, instead of what's wrong. I did say more border enforcement, but I also want a fair chance at immigration. However, people that did apply legally and did the proper channels should not be ignored in place of those that did not. Take care of the legal first and the illegal with appropriate medical and background checks. Also, criminality in immigrants and citizens will not be tolerated. And I know problems should be debated and discussed but at least consider that the U.S. is somewhat fair (not fully fair) in its immigration. Some other countries have much more harsh policies for illegal immigration (jail, slavery, execution). See Mexico's policy on illegal immigrants crossing their southern border. China, Malyasia, Thailand also have interesting takes on the subject. Just like other issues, I'm sure this one will need a tough well-thought solution. [theprogamer]
on one hand ,you allow people having less qualifications to enter the usa legally.but on the other hand,you allow only those people with higher qualification. Is it fair ? under the green card lottery program ,people can come to the usa easily whereas engineers like me cannot. [tomkite]
Its a wounderful thing called imagination. the sign of knowledge is not intelligence but imagination said by einstien. people should think a lot then you can discover new things.. Regards Harry [miracleworld]
What upsets most people is that there is a procedure and a legal way to become a citizen. We have to knowwho is comming inot this country and makesure they are law abiding and healthy. My feeling is secure the borders and then start rounding up the ones that are criminals and deport them. work on a realistic paracticalmanner for them to become citizens with out cutting ahead of those who came here legally. [bobmnu]
Annie,Most anyone is welcome to come and share in the prosperity and opportunity that the U.S. has to offer.The problem is the illegal immigrants are taking advantage without paying their fair share of the burden(ie Taxes).They also take away jobs that citizens could be doing instead of collecting an unemployment check.What is so wrong with expecting visitors to register a visa or applying for a green card.Legally. [pismeof]
annie ,I do have the same feeling..I don't know why these people make an issue of this..Local people don't work for a lower salary..We are working here and showing benefits to them only..I don't know y they don't think of it... [madhuri567]
Ok, I know some are cringing even as the see my name in this discussion, lol. I have no issue whatsoever with someone comming to this country legaly and making a life and embracing all this country has to offer. I believe the immigration proccess we currently have is a sham. I believe it is far too easy for someone dishonest to come and live here illegaly and it is rediculously difficult for someone honest and live here legaly. I believe, before you move to a country, ANY country, you should be asking yourself some questions. Are you ready to embrace the culture of that country? Are you prepared to learn the language of that country? If I was to move to france, I would expect to have to learn french. You should ask yourself, am I prepared to live by the laws of that country? Am I equipped to make a living for myself in that country? Someone who was brought here against their will is in a sticky position. If they were brought here against their will and wish to return to their home country once free, do so. If you cannot for what ever reason, go to your embasy here of a local office and explain your situation, I'm sure they will be glad to help you return. If they wish to stay, I think if they can demonstrate this than I think some considerations should be taken. If you snuck in here through a fence or a river, then you have no right to be here right now, go home and get in line like the other honest people. If you came here as a child with parents who snuck in under a fence, etc, than again, there should be some consideration now that you are an adult. DO NOT come here IF: you are a criminal, we have enough of our own already. you do not wish to learn the language, how many languages should we be putting on our packaging? you wish to shove our culture down our throats and force us to learn your language, again, how many languages should I now be learning, new york city has 47 languages spoken in it, do I need now to learn them all? and ABOVE ALL, DO NOT sneak in to my country and then stand SCREAMING in my streets in protest, DEMANIND rights. [xfahctor]
Don't worry xfahctor I for one am not cringing at it. In fact you make an excellent case. I do agree that there are too many flaws in not just the illegal side but the legal side of the immigration issue. And there are some dishonest people that are getting in (surprisingly on both ends). I'll have to save the story of Nuevo Laredo for another time/discussion, but that is one problem stemming from poor immigration and border management. Others are of course case by case but they do occur. While I was one to say English should be learned for some it is a hard language (even some homegrown citizens have problems with it). Yes the language should be learned and you are correct other countries do expect people to learn the language and abide by the laws. The last part, I say its a good argument. In fact there are some illegal immigrants and protests that aren't that civil and others that tried to violate existing laws (a couple were against the free speech of a citizen, other demanded "more equal than others" type rights). Yes you are allowed to come legally and integrate. Yes, do not lose cultural identity. But do not force things on others and do not try to take rights from others either. [theprogamer]
Illegal imagrants make me sick. period go home [dbmax41]
Thanks for your comment, but that's rather harsh, isn't it? I'll admit to my ignorance here - I don't really understand why so many come here illegally. Is the "list" to come here legally that long that it takes forever or do they just want to get here now? I'm all for deporting or imprisoning those who break the law, I feel very strongly they should have to learn English and absolutely they should pay taxes! The thing is we have more immigrants here legally that we don't make pay any taxes for several years if they open a business. Why not give that opportunity to those of us who were born here? There's so much more complaining about those that sneak over the borders than what I just mentioned and that's something I've never figured out. Annie [anniepa]
Dude. they come here we go there. i just think that they shouldnt be allowed to not pay taxes, they should have the same rights and laws we do. but most come here to better themselves. who are we to denie them that...we have alot of problems granted here in the uninted states ourselves but alot of them people have chose for thereselves. yes there are some people cant help.. but wich on weighs more? [xXxMikesWifeyxXx]
Some of the hype is because of race, but a few people really are concerned about this nation's soveirnty and security...but..me personally? I think it's alot of hubub over something which really isn't that big a deal..at least on most of the points people talk about. I mean I can understand some's concern, and I dislike rascism, but it's not an issue I really wanna touch or get involved in because a large part of my heritage is Native American..and if the first settlers weren't a case of illegal immigration I don't know what is..and as I said, growing up here among everyone..I can't hate anybody, and can't honestly figure out how I feel one way or another. [xParanoiax]
So if someone was to break into your home and steal from you because you have things that they couldn't afford,you would be ok with that.You wouldn't want to press charges against them.should we let all the people in prison who steal and deal drugs or murder people because they want money because they want things they aren't willing to work for out of prison?After all,they just wanted to improve their lives without having to work for it. Illegals are more than welcome to come into the U.S as long as they do it legally.Illegals broke the law the second they came into our country.As long as they are here,they are breaking laws such as not paying taxes and driving without a license. Anyone who wants to help these illegals are more than welcome to move to their country and help them make a better life for themselves. [oneidmnster]
Certain kinds of people think about this all wrongly. They act as if the US is an island when it is not. They act as if being a citizen of the US is all that matters. Whether anyone likes it or not, the European Union is going to force all of us to be citizens of this Hemisphere. As Western Hemisphere citizens due to economics and resource availability, the US will have to move over and accommodate our Central and South American neighbors. There's more involved in being an American than just being a US citizen. The other 'Americans' are every bit as American as you are. You're eating Brazilian orange juice and Chilean grapes and soon you'll get your ethanol from down south, too...but don't let any of them dark ones in HERE! Not with us! Yeah, right. The way the world is and is going, there will be no moaning and groaning and complaining like this in just a few years. The whole issue will be moot. The low white birthrate has made it so. You can't produce non-dark out of thin air, you know. Don't say it is not about that....it always has been. The immigrant quotas are never filled by the Norwegians and Swedes who are preferred...there are just not enough of them who want to come. The quotas for immigration have always been based on skin tone, except when the imports were for sale by the whites. And now that Ireland is suddenly a prosperous place, where o where are you gonna find whites? So sad. NOT. So get all of the bellyaching out of the way now. It is meaningless now and will be nothing but funny down the line. Sooner than many are comfortable with. So sad. Again, NOT. [RosieS57]
Most of us are here because of an ancestor wanting a better life and others had their ancestors kidnapped and shipped here as slaves. And with others, their ancestors were already here. But it doesn't matter , we all are here and we are Americans.And with and foreigner that is here 6 months straight and can order what they want at a fast food restaurant in English should be considered an American. Even if they went back to their homeland, they would be considered an American. I don't care how they got here, if they can get work and housing, and they don't break any laws while they are here, they should stay and they should become citizens.And when they become citizens, then they will have to pay taxes. And when they pay taxes, then they will have the right to get into those government programs.The way we have it now. if they are illegal, they don't pay taxes so the government is losing money. [sarahruthbeth22]
I agree that more powerful measurs should be taken to prohibit illegal immigration. However, for those who has been a illegal immigrant for a long time, e.g., over ten yeas, they actually have contributed greatly to the decelopment of the America. They should have something paid back. Most of them did hard labor, got the lowest pay, lived in bad condition without insurerance. The USA had made great profit from those people, though in a reluctant way. Because many americans enjoyed better service than what they paid due to the existence of those illegal labors. No body can deny the contribution of those people. They deserve to have some reward. [Jasmine78]
What contributions did they make by living here illegally? Not paying taxes WAS their reward. [Benjaminna]
No you are not only one.Here is another one like you.But maybe it is different with me, since I am not american.I agree with you and you are right all american are from immigrants, becuase all that people here have to have come from somewhere.And I believe many people are coming here to usa, becuase they have not other chance and they just want to make a better life for their childern and families and the most of them don't want to ripped off the govermant or not pay the tax. [laurika]
I cannot go along with what you say completely, anniepa, because it is too open-ended. Who would sift through all these people to determine the ones who "have worked hard," "have broken no laws," and "just want to be good citizens?" Of the percentage of illegals, how many would fit into these categories? The crime rate among illegals is astronomical, so we cannot just say "live and let live." Many of them are also availing themselves of the social services that are desperately needed by some American citizens who cannot get them. No, I don't agree that we are making too much of the illegal immigration issue. The rules should not be bent for any ethnic group who wishes to come into our country. We could not do this in any other country. [worldwise1]
Thank you for your input here, Worldwise1; I knew when I started this that there is much I'm not aware of when it comes to this issue. I live in a state where I don't see a big problem with illegal immigration, although I'm only a few minutes from Hazleton, Pa. which has made the national news lately with it's mayor taking a strong stance against illegals. I'm really at a loss as to what the answer is to this problem. And one thing I don't understand is HOW does someone who is here illegally get services from our government? Heck, it's hard enough to get some kind of help for a 90 year old who's never left the country! They want every kind of proof of identity and residency that's known to man. So, how do illegals get all these social services? If they're here illegally and have not been paying taxes they certainly shouldn't be eligible, trust me when I say I believe that quite firmly! Annie [anniepa]
I'm not against anyone coming to this country. I welcome anyone who wants to do it legally. [Benjaminna]
If we turn a blind eye to illegal immigration,then what need would there be for legal immigration? If they want to come here,they need to show good faith in doing it the legal way. By coming here illegaly they are already showing disrespect for the law here. If they cross the border illegaly and at least would march to the next immigration office to apply for papers,that is one thing.But coming here illegaly and staying that way for years and years,knowing it's breaking the law? By the way, I am an immigrant but a LEGAL one and why should I have to battle with paperwork and shell out hundreds of dollars to get a greencard and eventually a citizenship, yet these illegal aliens should have it handed to them on a silver platter? I don't think so. Bottom line,if you want to come here,show some respect for the law and the taxpayers and do it the legal way. [Riptide]