it is for a report about illegal immigrants in the u.s.\n\n There are three reasons why I think illegal immigrants should be given an opportunity to become United States citizens. Some illegal immigrants only want to stay in the United States for about one year so that they can raise some money to provide the items that there family needs. Also the immigrants do the jobs Americans don’t want to do. The immigrants will also settle for less pay then the Americans get. If the illegal immigrants settle for less pay that means that the company will get the money. Also that the cost of the item they are producing will make the price stay at low.\nIf the United States sent all of the illegal immigrants back to the country they were from they would split up some families. If the parents had a kid in America then the kid is a legal citizen and if they just sent the illegal immigrants they would split up the families. Also in the poem called “The New Colossus” it says that every one is welcome to the country, and if they send illegal immigrants back to their country it would be like America is just lying to the immigrants. I think in time that a lot of the illegal immigrants will become legal United States citizen.
134013
First of all, I will leave my thoughts of your thought process alone.  I think it is weak in format.  You could rewrite it so that it is much stronger and the reader just wouldn't think in the first sentence: "oh god she is on her soapbox."  I think you need to step into the process a little easier and make it more difficult to debunk your supportive ideas.\n\nSorry it sounds so harsh but I help people in supportive writing of their ideas all day long...and sometimes the hardest to take advice is the best.  \n\nBTW let your friends read it as well, friends will always give good advice....
172409
What immigrants don't realize or think about is when they come here illegally they are robbing themselves of their own rights. If they are illegal, their work is limited because if they are caught, they can be deported. They have a lot of limits because they don't want to get caught and deported, that is something they are bringing onto to themselves. They don't have the right to vote because they are not citizens. \n\nFOr those that came here the legal way, then they should have all the rights that American citizens have ONCE they are here long enough to be considered a citizen, they deserve it because they went through all of the trouble to do things the correct way. \n\nNo matter what we do, we will still have illegal immigration. It can be limited however. I think we should do what other countries do to us. I was in South America last January. I had to carry copies of my passport with me, because if the police or security stopped me or if someone in a museum or store or whatever requested to see it, and I did not have it, then I would've been put in jail. A fine of over $600.00 plus exit taxes would have to be paid before they released me and I would've been escorted out of the country and would've lost the priveledge of coming back. THAT IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE! We are WAY TOO LOOSE WITH LETTING PEOPLE IN. They come, they don't speak English and what happens they get welfare benefits. The come here illegally, the pop several children out and what do they do, they get welfare benefits. NO WAY!! You better darn well have more proof of a social security card and ID to show that you are a citizen, you dang well be able cough up a passport and a visa!!
50170
Legal immigration is moving to this country by filling out the proper paperwork and being given permission to live here. Illegal immigration means entering or staying in the country illegally.\n\nNow, with regards to the economic impact. Illegal immigrants DO do work that Americans refuse to do. And that is because of the wages. Say Americans picked oranges and had to be paid $15 per hour plus medical plus benefits. Americans would be lined up outside the door to get those jobs, right? Are you willing to pay $10 or $15 for a quart of orange juice to cover those wages and benefits? I think I know the answer to that one. So, to keep your quart of orange juice at $3, orange growers have to pay illegals 2 or 3 bucks an hour to do the work.\n\nHaving "fair pay that allows economic participation home,food,clothing,auto,health care,checking and savings accounts etc" sounds all well and good, and I think MOST Americans would be in favor of that if it were feasible. You wanna pay $15 for your McDonald's combo meal? No? Then guess what, people get paid minimum wage. You wanna pay $20 for a pound of meat? No? That's why stockers and tellers get around minimum wage.\n\nMOST of the people in those jobs (tellers, fast food, etc.) tend to be teens and people in their early 20s. Do you know why? Because they don't have any experience doing anything else! Why SHOULD they have everything handed to them on a silver platter? They are unproven as employees. After a couple of years, most move on to a little better jobs with a little better pay. They prove themselves there and move on to something bigger and better.\n\nGuess what? That is the way of the world ... always has and always will. Some people don't make a decent living because they do not prepare themselves to be able to earn a decent living.\n\nWhen I got married in 1989, I worked full time and netted $110 per week. $440 per year. $5280 per year. And I worked my a$$ off for it. I chose not to go to college, but I spent ten years in the military getting skills. I never made more than $25,000 in any year. I got off of active duty and was offered a job making over a hundred grand per year almost immediately. I had sh!tty pay for a decade, but there was a payoff - and that is right now.\n\nDon't be angry at the "cheap bastards trying to play capitolist" (and it is captilalist, not capitolist). Capitalism is all about the law of supply and demand. If the supply (the workers) will work for minimum wage (the demand) why SHOULD they be paid any more? If they don't like it, they should prepare themselves for a better job.
623020
It is called Debating.\nIt is a part of the American process that makes immigrants want to come here.\n\nIt is also the manner in which the people can decide what they want and don't want in America, no matter what our government says.\n\nThat is what makes Americans free.\nNot, our government.\nAnyone can go to another country and work like a slave, it is those that won't that make the difference.\nIf Mexico and other nations are so bad, that their own people will not stand up against what they know is wrong, then American's don't want them either.\nAmericans are rebells, and when we unite we are powerful, give us the right leader, and as we have proved in the past, we are invinsible.\nOur race will take last place, and our joint efforts, will succeed.\nAmerica has not fought and won not one war without the support of the nation.\nHowever, once that support is lost, history dictates that it is never regained, and sometimes it even brought about civil war.\nIf you are not a fighter, you do not belong here.\nIf you want someone else to fight your battles for you, you do not belong here.\nIf you have come to learn how to fight for yourselves, we will teach everything we know.\nThat is the American way that brings illegal immigrants across our borders.\nIt is no easier in America than Mexico, England, Germany, Russia, and all of the Asian nations.\nWe are treated like criminals for being poor, and we are subjected to having our land, and homes taken from us at the will of local industry, and our local Mayors.\nWe go often without food, electric, gas, clothing, and everything else illegal immigrants say they come here for.\nThey come here to have someone else fight their battles, because they don't want to struggle anymore.\nBeing an American is a constant struggle, to attempt to keep control of our government, pay taxes, and pay living expenses, as well as support programs that our local, and federal government has set up for criminals (illegal immigrants).\n\nThe process of Debate is helping Americans decide which is the best way to handle this problem, and since it is such a big problem, and the 12 million illegal immigrants that took to our streets, to ensure we knew it.  \nAnd, believe me we are getting closer to making that decision.\nI have already made mine.\nI am not going to start from the top and work my way down either.  I am going to the root of the problem, the largest population of Illegal Immigrants in America.\nThe rest of the illegal immigrants will get the message, and understand, that on American soil, it is the American people that set how things are really done, not the government.\nIn truth our government is only an international business, that is due for an over haul.\nIf I walk into a business and it is Mexican owned, I am walking out.  It does not matter at this point if the Mexican owned business is operated by a legal Mexican immigrant.\nReason for this, because the mass majority of legal Mexican immigrants support illegal immigration, and financially support the human smugglers brining them across our borders.\nThose legal Mexican immigrants that do not support illegal immigration, are not standing up for America, so as a tenth generation American, I have nothing else that I would like to offer.\nMy wallet is closed.\nIf they think they were poor in Mexico, wait until they are poor in America where the cost of living has tripled the cost of living in Mexico, and is still rising.\nImmigration is vital to America's growth. but we must know who we are allowing in our country, and if you are a criminal by choice, then you are not welcome by the people.  It doesn't matter if our government accepts you, we won't.\nStand for Freedom and the Right to be an American.\nClose your wallets.\nAfter the largest population of illegals get's the message, other nation's immigrants will too.\nWe have no tolerance laws in our schools, at our places of work, and out in our social ar
165763
The big deal about bill HR 4437 is that it is inhumane.  This bill states that an illegal immigrant will be treated as a criminal and that anyone who assists an illegal immigrant will also be charged with the same.  So, let us say that there is a child who is dying of thirst in the middle of the desert, should it be considered a felony/crime to help them?  It it is not so simple to just enter the country legally as you said.  Seeing as how immigrants want to enter the country simply to make better lives for themselves and more importantly their family, they should not be treated as criminals like this bill says.  Now the people who already reside in this country should no longer be considered immigrants, they should be considered and technically are considered residents or citizens based on which part of the citizenship process they are in.  Therefore, these things do not affect people who are legal.  They are not granting 11 million illegal immigrants citizenship, as if it were that easy.  Besides, the government has taken a "recess" and have not formally said anything about this debate.  Just an FYI, illegal immigrants would not just be handed citizenship, they would still have to go through a long tedious process to qualify (background checks, and things of that nature.)
356509
They are criminals. They violated our laws on Imigration. They break the law to gain employment. THEY ARE CRIMINALS. IF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PEOPLE ARRESTED THEM FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE. THEY WOULD GO TO JAIL AND BE RETURNED TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.THIS MAKES THEM ILLEGAL (UN LAWFUL)
168829
You always have to read inbetween the lines when it comes to politics. The Government wants to blame illegal immigration on American citizens and not the Administration who are totally responsible for losing control over this issue. It is all a strategy for coming elections.
440699
They're being babied because big business wants them as cheap labor and they pay off politicians not to uphold the law.  So, politicians look the other way when it comes to illegal aliens.\n\nThe meaning of the term "illegal alien" is a FEDERAL LAW term:\n\nThe law: US Code Title 8, Chapter 12, subchapter I section 1101 &\nsubchapter II section 1325\n\nImmigrant: an individual who has received permission to enter and\npermanently reside in the US. The written permission document issued\nby the US government to the immigrant after successfully completing\nrequired health tests, financial checks, and criminal investigations\nis called a visa.\n\n\nAlien: an individual in the US who is not a US citizen. After\nentering the US, the "immigrant" becomes an alien.\n\nIllegal alien: Anyone in the US in violation of the law. The illegal\nalien has intentionally chosen to violate the law and lacks the\nevidence VISA that they have observed all US laws in entering and\nremaining in the country.\n\nMost illegal aliens enter via the US-Mexico border, either alone or\nwith a smuggler. Other illegal aliens entered the US legally under a\nstudent, tourist or other temporary visa (promising to leave at the\nend of their "visit") and chose to remain after their visa expired.\nWhen the temporary visitor chose to "overstay" their visa, they\nbecame an illegal alien. Their original "legal" entry doesn't give\nthem upgraded status from the more common illegal border-crosser.\n\nBoth are illegal aliens, both are violating US immigration laws, and\nboth are subject to deportation.
211707
You know, that is so funny that you posted this.  I posted a question just like this and people called ME a racist and I am an immigrant from the Ukraine!  I am not even WHITE!!!  I posted the websites for hispanics for legal immigration, Vietnamese for immigration reform, etc.\nHEre's a letter from a retired Border Patrol Agent who had the balls to say it like it is!\nA retired border patrol agent shows some common sense\n\n    This letter sent to Tennessee Senator Bill Frist from a retired border \npatrol agent, and it has more common sense than all the bull being spewed \nfrom the Senate, with the exception of a few sensible representatives.\n\n    Dear Senator Frist:\n\n    There is a huge amount of propaganda and myths circulating about illegal \naliens, particularly illegal Mexican, Salvadorian, Guatemalan and Honduran \naliens.\n\n    #1.\n    Illegal aliens generally do NOT want U.S. citizenship. Americans are \nvery vain thinking that everybody in the world wants to be a U.S. citizen. \nMexicans, and other nationalities want to remain citizens of their home \ncountries while obtaining the benefits offered by the United States such as \nemployment, medical care, in-state tuition, government subsidized housing \nand free education for their offspring. Their main attraction is employment \nand their loyalty usually remains at home. They want benefits earned and \nsubsidized by middle class Americans. What illegal aliens want are benefits \nof American residence without paying the price.\n\n    #2.\n    There are no jobs that Americans won't do. Illegal aliens are doing jobs \nthat Americans can't take and still support their families. Illegal aliens \ntake low wage jobs, live dozens in a single residence home, share expenses \nand send money to their home country. There are no jobs that Americans won't \ndo for a decent wage.\n\n    #3.\n    Every person who illegally entered this nation left a home. They are NOT \nhomeless and they are NOT Americans. Some left jobs in their home countries. \nThey come to send money to their real home as evidenced by the more than 20 \nbillion dollars sent out of the country each year by illegal aliens. These \nillegal aliens knowingly and willfully entered this nation in violation of \nthe law and therefore assumed the risk of detection and deportation. Those \nwho brought their alien children assumed the responsibility and risk on \nbehalf of their children.\n\n    #4.\n    Illegal aliens are NOT critical to the economy. Illegal aliens \nconstitute less than 5% of the workforce. However, they reduce wages and \nbenefits for lawful U.S. residents.\n\n    #5.\n    This is NOT an immigrant nation. There are 280 million native born \nAmericans. While it is true that this nation was settled and founded by \nimmigrants (legal immigrants), it is also true that there is not a nation on \nthis planet that was not settled by immigrants at one time or another.\n\n    #6.\n    The United States is welcoming to legal immigrants. Illegal aliens are \nnot immigrants by definition. The U.S. accepts more lawful immigrants every \nyear than the rest of the world combined.\n\n    #7.\n    There is no such thing as the "Hispanic vote". Hispanics are white, \nbrown, black and every shade in between. Hispanics are Republicans, \nDemocrats, Anarchists, Communists, Marxists and Independents. The so-called \n"Hispanic vote" is a myth. Pandering to illegal aliens to get the Hispanic \nvote is a dead end.\n\n    #8.\n    Mexico is NOT a friend of the United States. Since 1848 Mexicans have \nresented the United States. During World War I Mexico allowed German Spies \nto operate freely in Mexico to spy on the U.S. During World War II Mexico \nallowed the Axis powers to spy on the U.S. from Mexico. During the Cold War \nMexico allowed spies hostile to the U.S. to operate freely. The attack on \nthe Twin Towers in 2001 was cheered and applauded all across Mexico. Today \nMexican
645399
Umm it is meant in a derogatory way. \n\n\nI found this from a site " illegal alien parents who have children born in the U.S. are seldom deported . That's why their children are called "anchor babies" - they anchor their families securely in the U.S.A."\n\n\nread more by clicking the link.
649998
On that issue, yes.\n\nWhat it means to be an American after the bill passes:\n\nThat it is our duty as citizens to give up a portion of what we work for to support the immigrant welfare state;\n\nThat it is now the American way to compete for jobs against those that have no chance of working had they not been here;\n\nTo teach our children that since America's border's were legislated open and free, that's why there is so much want and need with no way to address with overpopulation of doubling ourselves every 60 years or less;\n\nThat our leaders are not just out leaders, they are the leaders of the free world;  That it is our American duty to pay for and give everyone else a chance at the American dream before we can attempt it;\n\nThat there future will have no such thing as depression type future, as the more and more people in America, the more jobs there are, look at China;\n\nThat we must respect our heritage above others and not make them feel unwelcome;\n\nThat America isn't for Americans, it is for everyone from every country, there is no such thing as an American Citizen;\n\nThat we may not emulate the laws of our neighbor Mexico nor protect our border there without their express written permission or that would be racist, God made Mexico strong so none of us may even dream about getting jobs there;\n\nThat there is no 'one' America, we are a fracture of groups that are not assimilated toward any common goals, like French Canada;\n\nThat America wanted peace with the world, so she gave the world the only thing she has, America itself;\n\nThat, in a democracy, the majority rules, and if states should want to go their own way, that is their right by populaton of vote;\n\nThat we must rejoice and praise our leaders for making America strong, integrated, and a force to the world an an example that all must throw open her borders, China, Russia, the Middle East, Canada, the UK, all of Europe, we make this happen by setting the examples ourselves;\n\nThat there are many languages that you must learn to speak depending on how far and wide you must have to go to look for a job;\n\nThat to prove the final act of love for the world, America must abandon English to show how serious she is to be anyone else;\n\nAnd, above all to our children, that it is illegal to defend you country to tryanny and the will of other nations, for America does not have any citizens to call her own, we are citizens of the world, and let events take their course in nature without changing them againt social evolution, as America does not set the course of her future, the will of all around her shall.
300525
Saul i would say to you that this issue is Americas decision ,not the illegals. i think you are referring to illegal immigration reform not immigration reform and the cost of illegals to the American tax payers out weighs the benefits. also we don't want a overpopulation crisis. if your so beneficial why wouldnt your talents be better served in your own country were it lacks people to fight for the people ?  but take heart there is always coming legal.\n\n\n\nWhile the workers are supposed to be temporary, they stick around. They get married, have kids and put down roots
227908
Here it is:\n\n Good evening. I have asked for a few minutes of your time to discuss a matter of national importance: the reform of America's immigration system.\n\nThe issue of immigration stirs intense emotions and in recent weeks, Americans have seen those emotions on display. On the streets of major cities, crowds have rallied in support of those in our country illegally. At our southern border, others have organized to stop illegal immigrants from coming in. Across the country, Americans are trying to reconcile these contrasting images.\n\nAnd in Washington, the debate over immigration reform has reached a time of decision. Tonight, I will make it clear where I stand, and where I want to lead our country on this vital issue.\n\nWe must begin by recognizing the problems with our immigration system. For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. As a result, many who want to work in our economy have been able to sneak across our border and millions have stayed.\n\nOnce here, illegal immigrants live in the shadows of our society. Many use forged documents to get jobs, and that makes it difficult for employers to verify that the workers they hire are legal. Illegal immigration puts pressure on public schools and hospitals, strains state and local budgets, and brings crime to our communities. These are real problems, yet we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard, support their families, practice their faith, and lead responsible lives. They are a part of American life but they are beyond the reach and protection of American law.\n\nWe are a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We are also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly and fair. So I support comprehensive immigration reform that will accomplish five clear objectives.\n\nFirst, the United States must secure its borders. This is a basic responsibility of a sovereign nation. It is also an urgent requirement of our national security. Our objective is straightforward: The border should be open to trade and lawful immigration and shut to illegal immigrants, as well as criminals, drug dealers and terrorists.\n\nI was the governor of a state that has a 1,200-mile border with Mexico. So I know how difficult it is to enforce the border, and how important it is. Since I became president, we have increased funding for border security by 66 percent, and expanded the Border Patrol from about 9,000 to 12,000 agents. The men and women of our Border Patrol are doing a fine job in difficult circumstances, and over the past five years, we have apprehended and sent home about 6 million people entering America illegally.\n\nDespite this progress, we do not yet have full control of the border, and I am determined to change that. Tonight I am calling on Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border. By the end of 2008, we will increase the number of Border Patrol officers by an additional 6,000. When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the size of the Border Patrol during my presidency.\n\nAt the same time, we are launching the most technologically advanced border security initiative in American history. We will construct high-tech fences in urban corridors, and build new patrol roads and barriers in rural areas. We will employ motion sensors infrared cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles to prevent illegal crossings. America has the best technology in the world and we will ensure that the Border Patrol has the technology they need to do their job and secure our border.\n\nTraining thousands of new Border Patrol agents and bringing the m
163235
This whole issue makes no sense to me.\n\nNow my info is based on my dealings with the construction world, which as you know employs alot of immigrants from south of the border. Now I'm not naive and I know a good many of these so called *legal* immigrants use fake socials and names to get jobs and are in actuality illegal immigrants. Our government is not stupid either but you don't see anybody going to major construction sites and doing immigration status checks now do you? Shutting down major construction projects is not going to win anybody in government very many votes now is it?\n\nIts all politics people. If its currently popular to harass immigrants the government will do so, if its not they turn a blind eye to the issue. Whatever it takes to get themselves re-elected.\n\nNow as to why this is viewed as a huge problem, I just don't see it. \n\nFirst of all the *undermining the economy* statements I see.\n\nEven the truly illegal immigrants pay taxes on the food they eat, they purchase items and pay sales tax, they pay rent, buy gasoline and cigs with high taxes on them, pay utilities, pay tolls, pay insurance, buy automobiles and in cases where they use fake IDs and socials, pay all the applicable payroll related taxes. (and in most cases overpay, you don't think they file returns at the end of the year do you?)\n\nSecondly *they work for extra low wages* The people I know in construction pay industry standard or better wages for their immigrant workers. If anything I hear complaints about how much they have to shell out, usually followed by statements praising the quality of work they get in return.\n\nThirdly *they are taking jobs from hardworking Americans* Honestly, no they aren't. The work they do in construction, while requiring some skill, is mostly back-breaking hard labor. This type of job is considered *beneath* the majority of Americans and lets face it, selling drugs is much easier and while you might be risking a stint of 3 hots and a cot atleast you won't be breaking a sweat! \n\nFourthly, they work, that's more then I can say for some Americans I know. They don't get food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, medicare, social security, or unemployment, they can't, in most cases, afford to have the government look that closely at their status so they get up every morning and go to work!\n\nFifthly, have any of you looked at what it takes to get a green card? Its not a matter of filling out a few forms. There are 3 ways to become a legal immigrant. Sponsorship by an employer, who must prove he/she can't hire anybody else for the job (and even if its true, most employers can't be bothered by all the paperwork) this method also requires the immigrant to hire a lawyer, takes about a year and reams of paperwork (hence the need for a lawyer). Secondly the lottery....yes our government holds a lottery for immigrants who have the equivalent of a HS education to *win* legal status. They give away 50,000 green cards a year to around 8 million lottery applicants. If you don't believe me look up Green Card Lottery. Funny position for a government who currently wants to crack down on illegal immigrants to take don't you think? Enter our lottery and win a chance to live in America! I'm sorry but that seems just alittle cheesy to me. And thirdly marriage to a US citizen. Its just not as simple as people seem to think.\n\nNow I know that there are probally sweat shops employing immigrants at below minimum wage but again which one of you would want that job anyway? Heck, most of the people that I know would rather starve then work at a McDonalds, much less a sweat shop. Besides, if companies want to produce items at  sweat shop wages all they have to do is relocate their factories outside the US...no wait, umm, they are already doing that so again what is the problem?\n\nI'd much rather keep the money here wouldn't you? And as far as the premise that they send money hom
305827
The only people that benefit are the companies that pay low wages,but the real harm is to the unskilled workers in our country,because they will never be able to get a descent wage to live,so some US citizens that are hurt by the low wages that illegal workers cause have to have a second job to make ends meet,also taxpayers are now footing the bills that children of illegal immigrants are piling up in welfare,schooling,healthcare and also statistics have found that children of illegal immigrants are 19 times more likely to join street gangs than children of US citizens.As for the comment of the prior person that it's racist to only name the mexicans,the reason only mexicans are in the news is that illegal immigrants from mexico have been parading with the mexican flag and  are claiming they will take the southern states and eventually become a part of mexico
608473
Because companies want to cater to the disgusting influx of Mexican immigrants.  They are only interested in the bottom dollar, it matters not to them if they are illegal or not.  It seems that the very least that they could do since they have invaded this country is to learn our language.
375327
I think everyone who is already over here with children who are US born should have an opportunity to get their citizenship.  Why illegals want to continue to be second class is beyond me.  Get your citizenship and learn English,  then you'll have the grounds to demand things like better jobs and fair pay.  You are only being taken advantage of as you are.  You are shooting yourselves in the foot with the amnesty BS.  I also think if you are here illegally and have committed a crime, you forfeit the chance to be a citizen and should be deported immediately.  Not all anti-illegals are out to get you. We are hoping to find a better, legal system  for you to immigrate so you can truly grasp what America has to offer.  Something besides a broom handle or a shovel so we can stop paying for everything and have more respect for you.