***(I WILL RESPOND TO EVERY POST)***
I wanted to bring up this controversial issue on the topic of Illegal Immigration because its something that effects everyone, if you think you're excluded you are sadly mistaken. At first let me clarify some things; because once I start bringing across my point you will see how strongly I personally feel about this issue and I don’t want anyone to get anything confused.
America is a country made up of immigrants, always has and always will be. I have great respect for legal immigrants, definitely in part due to fact that my mother is one, most my family and my closest friends are as well. The keyword in all of this is: Legal (ok to my point)
Loss of resources, overcrowded public schools, untraceable criminals, billions of dollars loss by families as well as local, state, and federal governments, jobs of valid citizens stripped away; these are just a few of the many serious threats illegal immigrations has on us and our nation. Illegal Immigration is a very serious issue that affects us all, whether you believe so or not. What influenced me to post this blog was, yesterday when I was watching the news I listened to a respected news anchor say that Illegal Immigration is “No Big Deal”. I thought to myself, tell the families that have had relatives killed, raped, and assaulted that we can't bring the criminal to justice because we have no way of tracking him/her, tell them, its "No Big Deal". Tell individuals that have to wait years and years, to wait to get into this country, going through the system and the process the legal way, that its "No Big Deal" that someone gets a easy pass in. Stand in front of someone’s face and tell them its "No Big Deal" that their job was stripped from them because someone could afford a lower wage(because they don’t have to pay taxes). Tell hard working tax paying citizens that illegal immigrants are living off your taxes and your resources that you have pay for their healthcare and living, every time you work, every time you do anything, that it's "No Big Deal". The fact of the matter is that it is a very Big Deal. Having well over 12 million people in this country, without anyway of tracking them should not only be upsetting, but it should also scare you. Not the fact that every illegal immigrant is a criminal or even bad, but the very fact that there are no ways of monitoring them through a way of identification should worry you.
I believe our country’s law makers and government have been lazy, apathetic, slow to react, and lethargic when it comes to enforcing our nations laws on illegal immigrants in our country. We hear a lot about it, however, we see little and weak attempts of action when it comes to the issue. As our schools become over crowded, our healthcare rates sore to sky high prices, as the very laws of our nation are being broken before eyes, and the jobs of our legal hard working citizens are being stripped away by illegal immigrants that can afford less wages they sit there with their hands in their pockets trying to convince us that its "No Big Deal".
The Land of Opportunity, the Melting Pot of the World, the Land of Plenty, around the world you hear many call America these very names. The future of this great nation we call the home of the brave, might seem bright, however, it will not be if we fail to act on keeping our laws on illegal immigration and many other things strictly enforced. Carl Sandburg said it quite vividly himself: “When a nation goes down, or a society perishes, one condition may always be found; they forgot where they came where they came from, they lost sight of what brought them along” Our nation was and has been instilled on our Constitiounal Laws it’s the very two feet that our nation stands on, and some of our government and nation have lost sight of that, by overlooking this very issue of illegal immigration. Nevertheless, in a land where many often risk their life to become citizens of, due to our great laws; we are not actually holding strongly to those laws. As you look around the world, you can see what happens and has happened to countries that have not strictly enforced the laws of there land and each paints an unfortunate picture of unrest, rebellion, war, and famine. We need to stand for the laws that protect us as citizens, our children and those that cannot fight for themselves and hold steadfastly to them. If we don't, Who will?
What's your take?
http://www.immigrationcounters.com/ Some Statistics on Illegal Immigration.
-Nathan A. Guest
33 comments:
You cannot see me but I am applauding you right now!
GREAT POST, NATHAN! I couldn't agree with you more. It is a VERY big deal.
Me again :)
Have you written your congressman about this issue?
If not you should, the more people he hears about the better. Something might actually get done if enough of the Voters voice their concerns!
Actually I have not yet. However, I have been working on a paper to send to him and others. I'm not finished just yet, however when I am done Im going to have it circulated and signed by as many people as possible.
But it's a pretty serious issue that we lose sight of because we are so busy from day to day. But it actually efects us more then we think.
Nathan,
I so agree with you that illegal immigration is a problem and congress and all the other legislative members need to creat a better plan to secure all boaders. It's amazing that a country so rich cannot secure the boaders. These doors that are open leaves American citzens wide open to all kinds of danger. I agree with you Nathan. Great topic and facts.
That is awesome. Make sure I am on your circulation list!
This is a super controversial subject and to be honest I have had conflicting opinions about it. During the past two years I have become very close to a girl named Stephanie. She is by far the best friend I have ever had. Its not one of those BFF things. By best friend I mean that she has always been there for me and has always supported me no matter what. While we got closer I found out that her mom is illegal and her dad is not. She is of Mexican origin. Her father owns his own carpet business and her mother takes care of her aunt who is in a coma. These people are the most generous and loving people I have ever met. Every Sunday I am invited over for dinner and a movie. They are a great family and without them I think that this country would lose something. Yes her mom is illegal so she doesnt work and she doesnt drive. But she raises her family with pride. I understand that all illegal immigrants arent like this but I couldnt imagine her mother being deported. This is where my conflicting opinion comes from. How can you be againt illegals (the ones who suck the country of money and what not) yet be in love with a family that has an illegal?
This is a very big issue that has been going on in this country for many years.It's really hard to take a side because ask yourself who is going to cut the grass?build our roads,houses work in the fast food restaurants?If all those people got deported I think country would be in trouble.In my opinion they should secure the boarders so more people wont come and they should deport the ones that do crime in this country.
i completely agree with you. There should be a way to make them all pay taxes or contribute instead of mooching off hardworking taxpayers.
to: kelly layman...
That is a very good point, because i personally know some illegal immigrants myself, and have seen how hard working and determined they are. To the point of having them deported won't happen in this country, my emphasis here is not on deprting all illegals. But, more so for border security as well as a way that illegals can have someway of working there debt they owe for breaking the laws of the country to become legal. I would ablsolutely hate to see anyone be seperated from their family and deported or anything of that nature. However, I believe that we should make a stand on border securitiy, deport illegal immigrants that commit crimes and are convicted, set up a better system for guest worker programs, and make a way that illegal immigrants can be tracked by some kind of identification. The truth of the matter is that a lot of illegal immigrants are hard working and some are doing the right things, however, theres still should be a way to track them and a way that we can secure our nation from more infiltrating our country illegally. Most of this due to the reason that our laws are being broken and we're paying taxes everyday for others that are illegal to use our resources and etc without paying. But, yes, I do see exactly waht your saying.
to sam:
As much as some people want to believe, deporting millions and millions of illegal immigrants out of this country will never happen. Its just not plausible and would hurt more then help. However, like you said the point is that we upgrade our border security right away and move from there. The things that we need to do also as you were talking abut is deal with the current guest worker program, its flawed. Yes, we need individuals to work on roads and work on other things that some citizens do not choose to work on. However, we need a way that they will have stric guidelines to what they can and cannot do once in the country, a way to track them, and way to enforce the law. Personally, I believe under the guest worker program you should have to pay to get in, then pay taxes as everyone else, have some form way of identification process, and a strict enforcement of leaving when your guest working permit is done. Thats the only way we stop illegal immigrants from coming into the country under a guest worker permit and staying, not being able to find ever again.
to shawndelb:
Yes, your right and literally every danger you can think of. You name the danger, it can happen, due to this reason that even as we type on this blog more illegal immigrants are crossing the border. Some with good intentions some with not so good intentions, but what do we know if we don't set up border security or track them some how. We're just waiting for something bad to happen, waiting for another attack on our nation. The misconception is that only hispanic immigrants cross our borders illegally, however, the fact is that terroristic organization know how open our borders are as well and cross them; reports show that that as true. So, yes, we need a much better plan then no plan at all for border security.
I don't think our borders will ever be totally secure. That is why I feel the retail tax is a great idea. This will force everyone to contribute to the economy.
I agree that it would be great if all immigrants here were legally.. But they make it almost impossible now. The average poor immigrant trying to make a life for themselves cannot afford the money required to obtain a visa. Not to mention after 9/11 they have made the process of becoming legal so much more strict that it's practically impossible to get in.
I have a friend in Australia that would love to come to the States to work. He's a college educated white male looking for an airline job after he gets his pilot's license and he's unable to get a visa right now because of how strict the laws are.
So it's nice to say that everyone should be legal and in a perfect world that's true--but it's just impossible with the way laws are.
And also, I feel that the sentiment about building a wall between here and Mexico is purely based on prejudice feelings. Would we build a wall between the U.S. and Canada? No, because they're white and speak English. So people can say the laws are for all illegal immigrants, not just Mexicans but I don't buy it.
Bottom line--I think if they want everyone to be legal then the laws should be made so that the people are actually able to do so. Yes, they should be paying taxes and all that. But I think most of it is rooted in prejudice by people who think Mexicans are second class citizens and just don't want them here.
Wow. Very Eloquently said. I'm curious of what News Anchor was actually ignorant enough to say something like that. Unfortunately, I believe it.
I'm sad to hear the sarcasm about that being a "perfect world." I guess a "perfect world would ideally be one with an overwhelming harmony where we wouldn't need laws. It's too bad that this has been an issue for decades. We need to learn from what's happened and the cyclical reality we have here. The IRCA (Immigration Reform and Control Act) of 1986 essentially amnesty obviously wasn't a solution but our government being afraid of facing the reality and enforcing our laws. The world is only laughing and waiting for our fall when they see how afraid our over sized government is and how it refuses to represent the people.
This is a very serious issue of our nation's sovereignty. I do support Immigration. I also pay my taxes, question my integrity, and obey the law.
Thank you Nathan.
to: latanyaf
If you are referring to the Fair Tax(a form of retail tax), I believe that it is a great thing too. I hate the fact that we have to abide by a 57,000 page tax code that you have to pay taxes for everything.(literally) You have to pay taxes when you die, when you give someone a gift, you have to pay taxes for everything under the sun. I do believe we need a tax reform and Fair Tax is a great idea I've read the book, it had some kinks in it, however, its a MUCH better system then what we have now. The thing though, in reference to illegal immigration a retail tax does not solve the problem as a whole. Untraceable crime, loss of resources, and etc. cannot be changed just by tax reform. Having well over 12 million people(illegals) in this country that aren't suppose to be here, cause over crowds public schools, roads, and consumption of many resources that would not have been consumed as fast as they would have been if just half of that 12 million wasn't here. Though Fair Tax is a AMAZING tax reform plan, it will not stop the source of the problem. By the way, have read that book, I think most people need to its really good.
I'm not being sarcastic at all. I'm being quite sincere and honest.
If the laws make it impossible for someone to become legal--Then you can't complain that they ARE illegal. What other choice do these people have? If you were living in squalor and it was impossible to provide for your family because there was no work, you'd do whatever you had to too. So if the government really wants all immigrants to be legal citizens who pay taxes.. Then change the laws so they can do so.
For the most part these are people who are just looking for work. They work hard and send every penny home to their families. They do hard labor jobs in construction, landscaping, etc. for less money than others. There are losers in every race and culture. So saying they're criminals who don't have to answer to any authority is a cop out.
Our government's inability to put into place immigration policies that actually work are not the immigrants' fault. I'm not saying it doesn't matter that they're illegal. I'm saying give them a chance to be legal if that's what the actual gripe is about. I happen to think it's more than that. It's just not as easy for me to condemn people who are only trying to make a living.
to: liz m
Wow, I like some of the points you brought up, it gives another look at the illegal immigration topic.
But, the thing we always have to remind ourselves of is there are reasons why it is so hard now to get into this country and there reasons that laws are the way they are now. Terrorism, illegal immigration and a host of other reasons are why it its truly so hard. The fact is that it is harder now for others that are hard working and honest to get is not fair. However, it is directly as well as indirectly due to people breaking the laws of our country making it harder for others with good intentions to get in. When I go to the airport, I rather not have to take off my shoes my belt and have a man go through all my personal belongings, but its the price we pay for individuals that are not doing things right and breaking our laws and hurting others. I personally believe its a really serious problem and its selfish, for others to break the laws and make it harder for good honest individuals.
I believe your point dealing with why not build a wall on the border of America and Canada as well, is another way of looking at the issue. However, we have to remember that from the Mexican side of the border it is a lot more prevalent and for many reasons. The fact is that from both borders individuals are coming in illegally. But, to say the fact that the only reason we are building it on the Mexican side because of prejudice is not really a valid reason; just because the facts show other wise. The facts show that over 90% of illegal immigrants in the country come from Latin America and over 70% come just from Mexico alone. I do agree with you on the fact that we have to be careful on the topic dealing with prejudice and looking at others as second class citizens. It is wrong to look at others of Hispanic descent and prejudge them based upon , the fact that just because some are illegal and choose to break the law, does not mean all do. Most Hispanics are honest and hard working(Great Point). However, I do believe we agree on the fact that having no kind of border up whatsoever at all whether it be on the Canadian side or the Mexican side is not a good thing for our country or us citizens.
I enjoy your look at it.
Thanks, Nathan. You're a good debater. ;)
I don't think the ONLY reason people want to build the wall is prejudice. But I think it definitely plays a part.
Of course I am totally in support of protecting our country against terror attacks. So I know there are more reasons for strict immigration laws than just to keep Mexicans/Hispanics out. I just feel that the laws we have in place now don't work very well... For people from any country. I think people legitimately looking for work should be able to enter the country legally. That's basically all. :)
But I'm glad to see you're so objective and not argumentative about it!
to: liz m
*Well thank you, I just love to hear peoples views, it helps get a better understanding of what people truly think and ultimately that is important. To know how the next person sitting next to you thinks or feels is something that effects each and everyone of us. Hearing others views on issues should be important to each and everyone too; just due to the point that we share this world together and we interact we each other in many ways(my view).
It is difficult(thats a understatement), to become a legal citizen. I watched what my mother and many family members and friends have had to go through to come into this country the legal way. The years and years that some have had to wait and wait just to become a citizen, in our great country. We have to remind ourselves it is a privilege to be able to come into the United Sates and become a citizen. I see how hard many of my family members work and I see how hard my friends work and how they instill in their children great work ethic and the appreciation to live in a land of great opportunity. What many Americans need to do, is realize how much they truly have just by being born a citizen. Many people are not born in a country like ours at all, and do more then we do with less. I do believe, yes, a part of the reason the fence is going up and there has been so much heat on it has been because of the reason you stated. But, just a part of it. I believe people are in raged and upset and emoitonal about this issue more so part to laws being broken(circumstantial justice), part because we are losing resources they would not be consumed as fast if we had some restrictions, and the list goes on and on and on. I could fill up a nother page of substaintial resons citizens and potential legal citizens are so upset. A better guest worker program should be set up, to help honest hard working individuals that need better pay and etc. Yes, we need individuals to work on roads and work on other things that some citizens do not choose to work on. However, we need a way that they will have strict guidelines to what they can and cannot do once in the country, a way to track them, and way to enforce the law. Personally, I believe under the guest worker program you should have to pay to get in, then pay taxes as everyone else, have some form way of identification process, and a strict enforcement of leaving when your guest working permit is done. It is hard for immigrants that are honest to get in to America(again a understatement), however, its due to the reasons that others have abused their privileges. If there was a possible way to truly tell individuals intentions upon entering this country that would be truly amazing. The sad thing there is not, and because of that it will continue to very difficult for others. I do agree with you that they should make a way that illegals can be able to "work" their way to become legal or something of that nature. However, I strongly disagree with anything that deals with amnesty or granting that illegals pay a one time fee as some propose then become legal. I believe some said to pay $5,000 dollars and then you would be able to get some form of legalized visa. I personally believe that $5,000 dollars is not even a drop in the bucket, compared to the price these legal immigrants, that are in and that are waiting have payed in time(years and years), blood, sweat and tears; waiting to do get into our country the right way(the legal way).
But, then again I also believe that this whole issue of illegal immigration is a very complex issue to solve in a democracy like ours. It takes more then just one simple way to help this problem. That is why it gives the opportunity for citizens and lawmakers to work up a GREAT plan that will help our country short term as well as long term; that can benefit ultimately those that are trying to do right. Yet, the whole the process should start by securing our borders.
There is a very thin line, though that we have to be careful of though when it comes to that prejudice issue. Because it is easy to prejudge others, and down grade them to a lower class citizen, when we do not emphasize the line between legal and illegal immigrants. I think that is a good point that people need to consider and think about when thinking about the topic of illegal immigration in correlation with a prejudice mindset.
I get what you're saying... :), you should check out the movie: Crash(it deals with the topic of prejudice) Great movie one of my favs.
(Lots of typos)*
I haven't seen Crash yet but it's in my Netflix queue. :) Along with 495 other movies. lol
OMG Crash is sooooooo good!
Good job, Nathan!
Who will cut our grass, pick up trash, and work at McDonalds? That would be our teens who are having a difficult time in many communities finding their first job.
Nathan,
You didn't respond to my post!
to: dc
Lol, Well thats another good point. Although, that direct topic was not necessarily what I was pointing to. However, in reference to that point. It is sad to see that individuals think that they are too prideful or too " good" to work a certain job; to me seems crazy. Having the qualification or degree to work in a field that you might like or enjoy is a different matter. But, for someone(anyone) that might need money, need to support a family, or have a need in general(keyword:need); the fact that those individuals feel they are too good to work a certain job that is civilized that pays much needed money is just foolish and astonishing(and that goes for: teenagers all the way up to adults). Many things would change if we changed that mindset; such as the unemployment rate of American citizens, which is always a serious issue. It boils down to the fact that we need to empower citizens, oppose illegality and injustice, and equip younger generations with the knowledge and most importantly the wisdom to make sound decisions on all these many issues that this blog post has brought up. Because, though the future is in our hands, its in the hands of future generation as well. To make sure that those generations make sound decisions ultimately effects us in the long term, just as much as our decisions effect them now.
(I kind of went off on a tangent there; sorry, but once I start going I just keep on typing, until I stop myself.) lol
Honestly, I don't have a problem with someone coming to the US to make a better life for their family. However, my concern is the strain on our resources and the criminal activity that follows.
In my oppinion, America needs to get their priorities together and get the illegals out of here. There is no sense in having people here that do not contribute anything to our society except a cheap set of hands to do some hard work. There should be something out there that would keep them out of here. They're not helping our society, which needs major help right now, nor are they helping our tax paying citizens. They should be shipped out of here and if they want to re-enter LEGALLY, then fine by me!! May be selfish, but I don't care!! :o)
Very good, I agree completely. I love the LEGAL immagrants because my Grandparents are immagrants and if they never came here then I would not be typing this. But I despise all the people who cannot take the time to learn the language and come here legally. They want all the benefits of being American without actually doing the work it takes to become an American. And I really hate when they come here and badmouth America and how bad they think it is, for the ones that speak english, well if you feel that way then go back. They would rather put there own flags all over there vehicles and show pride in another country when they are the ones that left because America is the best country in the world and we pay people better than other countries. I believe they come here under the wrong conditions and have the wrong attitude. Unless something happens soon then America may cease to be the superpower that we are today.
I absolutly agree with you that the illegal immigrants has to stop. I have seen many people lose jobs because these immigrants will work harder and longer for less money and on the other side these illegals won't report their crooked employers. I do however wish that there was some way to simplify the legalization process. I have many friends who are here legally, and the waiting process along with the paperwork they have to go through is horrible. I have friends from Jamacia, England and Mexico, all of which have been deported at one time or another for glitches in the system, they had to stay out of the country for a short period of time and then they could return...this disrupted their family and jobs and they followed all the rules and regulations. America is a melting pot, but it is very hard for those honest hard working foreigners to get in the pot with so many illegals messing things up. I am not sure of a solution, but cracking down on illegals and streamlining leagalization are the first steps to a more peaceful America...the way America was intended to be.
Cynthia
Wow, what a passionate subject! First of all let me say that I am not Hispanic. I absolutely love the Hispanic work ethic! Love it! I truly wish more Americans would learn from them. As I have mentioned in prior posts, I loath laziness and I don't think Mexicans have a lazy bone in their bodies. I do think we need tighter boarders and a better immigration system but ultimately the best solution would be for Mexico to reform its corrupt government and get a handle on the drug lords so that their people can stay in their own country, where we all know they'd rather be anyway - with their families and their own heritage. On the flip side, it has occurred to me how horrible it must be for illegals that are living here to be terrified, on a daily basis, of who is knocking on their door; it's an awful way to live. With that being said, being here illegally is just simply wrong.
to: Everyone*
I'm really glad everyone took the time to stop by and drop a comment or two on this post. This topic is a very emotional topic for many reasons, that I could go on and list forever. My point though in bringing up this particular subject, was to let everyone get out how they feel about the topic, and let everyone look at fellow citizens/classmates opinions and inputs as well. Another thing I wanted everyone to see, was that there are serious subjects that affect us as citizens that we need to deal with and talk about. I'm tired of seeing American's just laying back and taking it, not standing up for their rights. I'm tired of seeing politicians deceiving the public and then not even getting a slap on the wrist. I'm tired of the things we citizens need and want being overlooked by the very people we put in office. I'm tired of seeing a country divided; not working together to accomplish important issues that face us and the futures of the younger generations. I believe, and I know that if there is something that a small amount of devoted citizens want to accomplish they could. Never think a small amount of devoted individuals, cant change the world, because in fact thats the only thing that ever has. As MLK jr. said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter".
If you have something that you believe in that is just, right, beneficial, and etc. Stand Up for It.
-Nathan A. Guest
(lots of typos...lol)
I have enjoyed reading all of these posts on this topic. This alone, is significant, because it means it has hit an important nerve with everyone who read it. I am not confused on the issue, but rather have conflicting viewpoints on it. All of my ancestors came from different countries, although they came legally through Ellis Island. It isn't fair that the illegal immigrants who have come to this country have come in without going through the proper channels. Now that they're here, the issue needs to be dealt with. There is no way this country can feasibly round up 20 million illegals and try to deport them. There are too many people, but also too many children and extended families here of the original illegals living here. The logical step would be to charge them a significant fine for coming here illegally, and make certain they follow the guidelines set forth by Congress: proper taxation, speak/learn English (a must), and live by our laws. This country should have done something a long time ago to curtail the number of immigrants, but now it's too late. We need to strengthen our borders and take care of the issue of illegals that are already here. Many people and companies don't want to see these people deported. Let's face it: they do many of the jobs Americans don't want to do, like manual labor. I believe many of them are hard-working and just want to make a living for their families. They just need to do it legally. One last point: my main concern is of the number of people coming into this country unaccounted for that don't have immunizations and health records up to date that may be bringing diseases and other medical illnesses into this country. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the illnesses we've been able to suppress, like TB, is on the rise.
I would like to comment on the wall between Mexico and the U.S. I don't believe this is a prejudicial issue. The reason we aren't building a wall between the U.S. and Canada, is most of the Canadians aren't clamoring to get into the U.S. like the Mexicans are. Granted, most of the Canadians are white, but a fair share of them speak French and English. Lastly, several years ago, you wouldn't see directions listed in Spanish everywhere in the U.S., or Spanish voicemails on phone messages. Nor would you see petitions written to have the National Anthem sung in Spanish. If people want to live here, we speak English and they need to learn it. I think it's good to be multi-lingual, but this country was founded on English.
I fully agree with Lauren. I don't think it is all that fair to mandate that everyone learn Spanish. Poeple from other countries travel here and learn English so they can get by. If it is a requirement to have Spanish taught in schools now, why not teach other languages like Chinese--for example.
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