Illegal immigration

[Kacie_bride]

I know this has been a big topic lately and I was just curious as to how everyone feels about it. I know this can be a touchy subject, so let's all respect everyone's opinions and say yours respectfully as well.

[Kacie_bride]

I voted other because I really do not know what the solution could be. I do know it is a huge problem, especially living in a border state. I wish there was an easy way to solve the problem, but I know there is not.

[CindySue]

I dont have a problem with immigrants, but I do think they should take the necessary steps to be here legally.

[MOB Karen]

I think if they are here illegally, they should go back and do what the US requires of them to be here legally.

[LaceyinPgh]

I voted I don't care. If they are willing to show up, work, and not personally cause me any problems, let them in, grant them amnesty, help them with the proper procedures, I don't really care. I don't know of a single American that is going to be willing to scrub dishes, clean toilets, or pick fruit in the Texas and California heat for less that $5 an hour. If they want to do it and it will truly help them and their families let them in to do it. It is by a freak twist of fate that most of us were born in the US, UK, and Canada where the lifestyle is vastly better than in Central/South America, the Middle East, and Africa. They have the same rights as human beings that we do. While I do understand that we have to "protect" ourselves, if this is the only way that their kids stand a decent shot at life, I am NOT standing in their way as long as they mean me no harm.

[ladymelissa]

I voted that anyone here illegally should return to their country and take the necessary steps to be here legally.

[rainbowtreat]

I see alot of people from foreign countries as customers in the bank. Some have not been home to visit in like 8 yrs or more. I dontmind them at all. Most as very nice and friendly and paitent ( sp? ). What drives me crazy is some of us have a hard time getting a job and we have lived her all our lives and these people come in and work for a while and go home again. It has not been an issue untill one of my freinds who just go married, her husbnad lost his job and has been struggling for a month to find soemthing, anything, he is not being picky, he just wants some kind of paycheck coming in. And we open accounts for these people who are working 2 jobs that they have set up before they even get into the counrty because it saves the businesse tax money. I dont get it, dont care to get it. Just lets get the americanns who need jobs jobs firstt hen worry about the others who want to come here and work. Sorry JMO. Not trying to start anything here.

[Kacie_bride]

I see alot of people from foreign countries as customers in the bank. Some have not been home to visit in like 8 yrs or more. I dontmind them at all. Most as very nice and friendly and paitent ( sp? ). What drives me crazy is some of us have a hard time getting a job and we have lived her all our lives and these people come in and work for a while and go home again. It has not been an issue untill one of my freinds who just go married, her husbnad lost his job and has been struggling for a month to find soemthing, anything, he is not being picky, he just wants some kind of paycheck coming in. And we open accounts for these people who are working 2 jobs that they have set up before they even get into the counrty because it saves the businesse tax money. I dont get it, dont care to get it. Just lets get the americanns who need jobs jobs firstt hen worry about the others who want to come here and work. Sorry JMO. Not trying to start anything here.

I understand what you are saying. One thing that gets me is all of the illegal people here driving without car insurance (well anyone who does it for that matter). It happens a lot here. A car hits you with no insurance and then you are stuck paying for it. The cops here can't ask them if they are illegal or not and even if they found out the immigration people can only take them in if they have enough room. What also gets me is the free health care they get without paying taxes. I understand wanting a better life, but how much more can we take? Get a work visa, come on over, work, and pay taxes.

[WebLady]

I am all for people wanting to come here to make a better life for themselves, but I wish they'd make an effort to learn to speak the language. If I was to move to Mexico, I'd learn to speak spanish. And stop trying to change the US, take it for what it is or go back where you came from.

I don't understand how someone can be talking about the pride of their country and such ... if your country is so great and you are so proud of it, then why are you here?

In general, I think they should take the steps to become a citizen and contribute to our society like the rest of us ... get a real job, pay taxes and such.

But as for them 'taking our jobs' most of them will do just about anything for money (often less than minimum wage which doesn't help either) while most Americans will whine and complain about it.

But as for the ones that are already here, I really don't know how to fix all that. And I don't know that closing the boarder would help either.

[mlm063007]

I am all for people wanting to come here to make a better life for themselves, but I wish they'd make an effort to learn to speak the language. If I was to move to Mexico, I'd learn to speak spanish. And stop trying to change the US, take it for what it is or go back where you came from.

I don't understand how someone can be talking about the pride of their country and such ... if your country is so great and you are so proud of it, then why are you here?

In general, I think they should take the steps to become a citizen and contribute to our society like the rest of us ... get a real job, pay taxes and such.

But as for them 'taking our jobs' most of them will do just about anything for money (often less than minimum wage which doesn't help either) while most Americans will whine and complain about it.

But as for the ones that are already here, I really don't know how to fix all that. And I don't know that closing the boarder would help either.

What she said:D

[SoontobeMrsClark07]

I voted for anyone illegal to go back to their country and come here legally.

[cowboysbride]

I voted I don't care. If they are willing to show up, work, and not personally cause me any problems, let them in, grant them amnesty, help them with the proper procedures, I don't really care. I don't know of a single American that is going to be willing to scrub dishes, clean toilets, or pick fruit in the Texas and California heat for less that $5 an hour. If they want to do it and it will truly help them and their families let them in to do it. It is by a freak twist of fate that most of us were born in the US, UK, and Canada where the lifestyle is vastly better than in Central/South America, the Middle East, and Africa. They have the same rights as human beings that we do. While I do understand that we have to "protect" ourselves, if this is the only way that their kids stand a decent shot at life, I am NOT standing in their way as long as they mean me no harm.

I agree with Lacey.

Now IMO, I have seen all walks of life and there are people everywhere from every nationality who will work and try hard to be decent citizens then you have the ones who won't (Americans included). I don't think it should be immigrants we "screen" I think it should be the lazy, undeserving, baby makers (so they can get more checks) bums who live off the system (the ones who truly need it can't get it because they have a record of TRYING to better themselves)~! American is putting out the message that if you try to help yourself we won't help you but if sit back on your arse and expect it handed to you HERE IT COMES. DISGUSTING!

I'm done now!

[LaceyinPgh]

I agree with Lacey.

Now IMO, I have seen all walks of life and there are people everywhere from every nationality who will work and try hard to be decent citizens then you have the ones who won't (Americans included). I don't think it should be immigrants we "screen" I think it should be the lazy, undeserving, baby makers (so they can get more checks) bums who live off the system (the ones who truly need it can't get it because they have a record of TRYING to better themselves)~! American is putting out the message that if you try to help yourself we won't help you but if sit back on your arse and expect it handed to you HERE IT COMES. DISGUSTING!

I'm done now!
I forgot to mention, I have had several freinds come to the US legally. It is incredibly hard to do. It is time consuming and expensive. There are also no guarantees in it. The average Mexican farmer would NEVER in a million years be able to afford the attorneys, fees, and tutors. Nor, would most of them be able to find sponsors to vouche for them and put up the money needed to act as bond for them until they get their green card. It isn't an easy process.

[cowboysbride]

I forgot to mention, I have had several freinds come to the US legally. It is incredibly hard to do. It is time consuming and expensive. There are also no guarantees in it. The average Mexican farmer would NEVER in a million years be able to afford the attorneys, fees, and tutors. Nor, would most of them be able to find sponsors to vouche for them and put up the money needed to act as bond for them until they get their green card. It isn't an easy process.

YES! That's what I mean, the average hard working person can't get around the red tape. Our system is so screwed up.... they need to concentrate on straightening it out before they start restricting people!

[SerendipityCrafts]

I am not sure if canadianbride would agree with me or not but, I say that if you americans want to become canadians that badly .... well we should just tear down the border & welcome you with open arms! LOL

We will welcome you with a decent beer for you to drink and a box of smarties, a poutine and beaver tail for you to eat!

This poll was about how great it is to be a Canadian immigrant - isn't it? LOL

[Kacie_bride]

I am not sure if canadianbride would agree with me or not but, I say that if you americans want to become canadians that badly .... well we should just tear down the border & welcome you with open arms! LOL

We will welcome you with a decent beer for you to drink and a box of smarties, a poutine and beaver tail for you to eat!

This poll was about how great it is to be a Canadian immigrant - isn't it? LOL

I planning on sneaking across the border soon-got any tips for me?

[SerendipityCrafts]

I planning on sneaking across the border soon-got any tips for me?

Yep -

Drink Canadian beer through a straw - it makes it taste so much better! :)
Get rid of the "huh & the the uh huh" and practice saying "eh" before you go
Eat lots and lots of pancakes with real maple syrup while you are here
Kiss a Canadian man when DH isn't looking!

If you are going to be in Montreal - PM me and I will show you around, try Mtl. smoke meat, and you should also have a "steamie" (hot dog pronounced ot-dog), a poutine (pronounced pooo-teen) & a pepsi!

Where are you going?

[sherrybaby]

I am all up for people bettering their lives yay to them if you do it legally! the one problem I have is certain groups dont spread out enough over the map.

[countrygirl]

Here is my personal opinion, and Idon't know if its been stated by anyone else, because I haven't read thru all of the posts, but I thought I would blab anyway.

Here it goes. I don't believe in illegal immigration, and I don't beleive they should be awarded amnesty or any other benny's. I struggled for a long time to make ends meet, and fell thru some very difficult times. I have been denied medical insurance, childcare, and several other state assisted funding because I am not a minority and because I do not make min wage. I do not feel that it is right, as a tax paying citizen that I, or any other tax paying citizen for that matter, should be forced to pay for those ammenities to be provided to persons who came to our country illegally and begin/contiue to have children here so that they are not deported. If I were to go to another country, would I recieve the assistance? NO, I would be sent home as soon as my visa expired.

Now, I do believe that everyone has a right to live a resourceful, happy, safe life, but not at the expense of others.

I live in an area where the 'minority' population is in fact the majority of the population, yet I am not allowed the help that is (was) needed, and my son did w out from time to time so that others who did not even speak the language of our country could do better than him.

Ok, sorry if this offends anyone, but I feel very strongly on this issue.

[WebLady]

I voted I don't care. If they are willing to show up, work, and not personally cause me any problems, let them in, grant them amnesty, help them with the proper procedures, I don't really care. I don't know of a single American that is going to be willing to scrub dishes, clean toilets, or pick fruit in the Texas and California heat for less that $5 an hour. If they want to do it and it will truly help them and their families let them in to do it. It is by a freak twist of fate that most of us were born in the US, UK, and Canada where the lifestyle is vastly better than in Central/South America, the Middle East, and Africa. They have the same rights as human beings that we do. While I do understand that we have to "protect" ourselves, if this is the only way that their kids stand a decent shot at life, I am NOT standing in their way as long as they mean me no harm.

While I partly agree with this too, it isn't fair to us ... illegal immigration in general does hurts our society.

I agree with Lacey.

Now IMO, I have seen all walks of life and there are people everywhere from every nationality who will work and try hard to be decent citizens then you have the ones who won't (Americans included). I don't think it should be immigrants we "screen" I think it should be the lazy, undeserving, baby makers (so they can get more checks) bums who live off the system (the ones who truly need it can't get it because they have a record of TRYING to better themselves)~! American is putting out the message that if you try to help yourself we won't help you but if sit back on your arse and expect it handed to you HERE IT COMES. DISGUSTING!

I'm done now!

Yeah I agree there too, I don't need to get started on the welfare system ;)

I forgot to mention, I have had several freinds come to the US legally. It is incredibly hard to do. It is time consuming and expensive. There are also no guarantees in it. The average Mexican farmer would NEVER in a million years be able to afford the attorneys, fees, and tutors. Nor, would most of them be able to find sponsors to vouche for them and put up the money needed to act as bond for them until they get their green card. It isn't an easy process.

Now see, I had no idea what it even took to become a citizen. So maybe that is where part of the problem lies. But even if it was easier, were does it end? Are we just suppose to let anyone that wants to come here to come on over? What about overpopulation and related issues?

[Kacie_bride]

Yep -

Drink Canadian beer through a straw - it makes it taste so much better! :)
Get rid of the "huh & the the uh huh" and practice saying "eh" before you go
Eat lots and lots of pancakes with real maple syrup while you are here
Kiss a Canadian man when DH isn't looking!

If you are going to be in Montreal - PM me and I will show you around, try Mtl. smoke meat, and you should also have a "steamie" (hot dog pronounced ot-dog), a poutine (pronounced pooo-teen) & a pepsi!

Where are you going?

Well see I was thinking of just packing my bags and just seeing where I end up.

[Kacie_bride]

I just thought of something my mother complains about all the time. She works for the gas company and when someone cannot speak English they have a translation line she can call. This line cost some insane amount like 75 cents a minute. They have people that speak anything from Spanish to Swaheli. The customer does not get billed for it, the gas company does. That means all the customers end up paying for it. Gas bills are already going up enough without the extra help of this.

I know of two places of business around here that will not hire anyone period anymore who is not bilingual. So because of the influx of immigrants I think it is making it harder for some people to get jobs.

And another thing...allowing illegal immirgants to sue the state of Arizona because there were not watering stations set up for them is crazy. Why don't we all just start leaving cookies and punch out for anyone who robs our homes if they can do that. It is also crazy that they can go through people's properties and leave trash and the people who own the land have no rights to protect what is theirs. That is a big issue.

[ikkin510]

Ok, I understand people wanting to make a better life for themselves and a lot of the immigrants are nice people and really hard workers. But, I still think they should come into the country the correct way. When I saw on the news that they wanted to make it so that if they can stay in the country for 5 years without being caught, they are legally allowed to stay, I was ticked. Ok, sure, and if you murder someone and no one finds out for 5 years then your off the hook! JMHO

I agree with Brandi too. They want to come to America because of all the great things here. But yet they get here and want to turn it into Mexico. Speak there language, do things there way. Why not just say in Mexico and work hard to make that more like the US?

I could go on and on. I get really fumed over this topic. I'm trying to be good right now...lol

[LaceyinPgh]

Now see, I had no idea what it even took to become a citizen. So maybe that is where part of the problem lies. But even if it was easier, were does it end? Are we just suppose to let anyone that wants to come here to come on over? What about overpopulation and related issues?

Just make sure you remember one thing. Ever person in the Western Hemisphere who is of European heritage got here illegally. No one filled out visa forms from the Incas, Aztecs, Cherokees, or Hopi. Nor did any of our ancestors go through "proper chanels" to stay. Now, I know that this happened hundreds of years ago and none of us are directly responsible for it. But, none of us would be sitting here if it weren't for what could be describe as "illegal immigration." Actually illegal immigration is one of the nicest things you could call it. But, that is a debate that I will make my students write about this fall. I don't care to discuss it here too.

With that said, we are going to conduct a little activity. I want everyone who reads this to stop and think of what an illegal immigrant looks like in your mind. Picture what the person looks like. Imagine what they sound like. What language do they speak? What foods do you think that they eat? What kind of clothing are they wearing? (Don't read any further until you actually do this.)





How many of you pictured someone who is from Central or South America? They speak Spanish. They are pictured as a migrant worker. They probably have on worn dirty clothes. If I were a betting woman (and I am), I would but all my chips on the fact that NO ONE pcitured a Caucasian European person who had their visa expire or their work permit revoked or who didn't fully pass all of their citizenship requirements. We pictured the stereotype. We fear the sterotype because in our minds they have the ability to change our way of life.

If you don't like the fact that illegal immigrants are getting rights and freedoms, you have the power to change that. You get to vote. Don't vote for the candidate who supports the reform. If you don't want illegal immigrants to get welfare, health coverage, ect. than research your governemnt officials. Find the ones that meet YOUR needs. Work your butt off to get them in office. How many of you have done that? The times however are changing. Why do illegal immigrants get access to healthcare? Because it keeps YOU and YOUR children healthy. Why do they get drivers lisences? Because it keeps YOU and YOUR children safe? Why do they get help in all other ways, because even though it is YOUR tax dollars, you are still reaping the rewards from them.

Trust me, illegal immigrants have been coming to this part of the world since 1492. The governement's new fangled fence idea won't keep them out. The fact of the matter is that you benefit from them being here. Do you know how expensive your groceries would be if you had to pay an American citizen to pick them? Let's just say that none of us could afford fresh produce because no farmer would be able to pay some guy $10 an hour to labor away in the sun all day. I don't see any of you volunteering to quit your job to take that one. These people do the jobs that NO ONE else wants. They do them and they send most of their money back to their native country to support their family there.

By the way, you will note that until the Republican party was down in the polls for this midterm election, this wasn't an issue. The numbers on illegal immigrants haven't gone up by some skyrocketing force. Poll numbers for conservative politicians have gone down. I have worked in politics. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. When your numbers are down, rally your troops behind an issue. Gay marriage in 2004. Gun control in 2000. Working class economy 1992. See the pattern?

[WebLady]

Just make sure you remember one thing. Ever person in the Western Hemisphere who is of European heritage got here illegally. No one filled out visa forms from the Incas, Aztecs, Cherokees, or Hopi. Nor did any of our ancestors go through "proper chanels" to stay. Now, I know that this happened hundreds of years ago and none of us are directly responsible for it. But, none of us would be sitting here if it weren't for what could be describe as "illegal immigration."
Granted, but as you said that was a long time ago and IMO isn't really relevant to the argument.

... Trust me, illegal immigrants have been coming to this part of the world since 1492. The governement's new fangled fence idea won't keep them out. The fact of the matter is that you benefit from them being here. Do you know how expensive your groceries would be if you had to pay an American citizen to pick them? Let's just say that none of us could afford fresh produce because no farmer would be able to pay some guy $10 an hour to labor away in the sun all day. I don't see any of you volunteering to quit your job to take that one. These people do the jobs that NO ONE else wants. They do them and they send most of their money back to their native country to support their family there.
I've never doubted that immigrants will do the work that many ppl won't and will do it for less and smile about it. I've never supported the "they're taking our jobs" argument because it is the jobs that most Americans don't want that they are 'taking'

... By the way, you will note that until the Republican party was down in the polls for this midterm election, this wasn't an issue. The numbers on illegal immigrants haven't gone up by some skyrocketing force. Poll numbers for conservative politicians have gone down. I have worked in politics. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. When your numbers are down, rally your troops behind an issue. Gay marriage in 2004. Gun control in 2000. Working class economy 1992. See the pattern?

I know that politicians use this kind of thing to gain support (and I do vote) but that doesn't change the fact that this is an issue. Now what we are to do about it, I don't know. I don't think closing the boarders and what not is really gonna help.

While most ppl think of Mexicans when talking about this, I've known other immigrants as well. I know of a girl that is here from South Africa and her work Visa ran out many moths ago, so she is now here illegally, until she and her American finance get married that is. While I still don't think it is right, but she isn't the one you see on the news holding up her country flag and doesn't speak the language and wants us to cater to her needs.

I have mixed feelings on this issue, I agree that many immigrants help us by taking jobs that others won't and hence we pay less for certain things. But at the same time I can't help but ask what makes them so special that they can get assistance that our own ppl have a hard time getting. And I still have the same questions about overpopulation and depleting our resources and other related issues.

But when it comes down to it, this is one of those things that I can't do a whole lot to change either way. So I try not to waste too much of my life worrying about it KWIM ;)

This is a topic that all of us are going to have different opinions on and that is fine, we are all entitled to our opinions and for what ever reasons we have them. Debate is fun, but I hope we can all remain adult and courteous to each other in expressing our views. I hope I have not offended anyone by sharing mine :)

[Kacie_bride]

I think everyone on this topic has been really respectful of everyone. I don't think anyone has gotten out of line. I started this because I like hearing all sides of the story as long as everyone is respectful.

[AllyM1]

I voted close the borders. It really isn't the best of answers for me but the closest that fit. We need to deal with the border first, then deal with the people here.

I feel that if you really desire to come here to America, you need to do it legally and take the right steps. It's like waiting in line for that new roller coaster at your favorite amusment park. You've been waiting for a very long time just to get there and when you are almost there, someone steps right in front of you.

That's how I see it.. it's unfair to the people who actually wait their turn and do it right.

[WebLady]

I think everyone on this topic has been really respectful of everyone. I don't think anyone has gotten out of line. I started this because I like hearing all sides of the story as long as everyone is respectful.
I agree, just putting it out there to hopefully calm anyone that might get to fuming over this topic ;)

[MOB Karen]

I can't believe anyone would be fuming over what has been discussed so far. I think everyone had some really valid points.

[Kacie_bride]

I agree, just putting it out there to hopefully calm anyone that might get to fuming over this topic ;)

Good idea!