I just feel that the immigrants that dont pay taxes are the ones hurting America. Ok. say for instance I make 12$ an hour..after tax thats taking home 8$ an hour..some illegals who work in my trade pay no taxes..and they make about 10$ an hour..technically making less hourly than me..but taking home more. this is what bothers me. Where 25% of tax payers money goes to taxes..illegals pay none..imagine how much money America would make is they just let them all have visas..and tax them. Thats the only problem I have, I'm not racist towards anyone. I just have a problem with the money issue.
205613
I am amazed by the ignorance in the responses in this thread.\n\nThe only taxes illegals pay is sales tax, assuming they purchase goods here.  Some of them pay an income tax with a fake social security number, but you should research their reasoning behind doing that before giving them a pat on the back.  If it cost them anything by using a fake SSN, they wouldn't do it.  Chew on that. \n\nThe lower price I might pay for strawberries and a trimmed lawn is peanuts compared to the taxes I pay to put illegals' kids through school, provide them meals, pay their hospital bills, and paying to keep a large majority of them in prison.  This is causing my state (California) to go bankrupt.  The burden illegals place on the economy is FAR greater than anything they may provide to aid the economy.\n\nThe government needs to ENFORCE its laws in an effort to alleviate the problem.
268370
Thanks for asking this! You bring up the real issue, the real crisis surrounding millions of illegal aliens living in the USA. Fact is they do NOT contribute to our economy because they don't pay taxes. To make matters worse, they send quite a bit of the tax free money they make back to Mexico. Then to make matters really worse they use our hospitals for medical care because, that's right, in the ER no doctor will (or should) refuse to provide medical care based on the ability to pay. Hospital's are not allowed to ask whether you are legal or illegal. Going to the ER for anything is very expensive but since illegal aliens don't have insurance or a social security card or any form of ID that identifies them as a citizen of this country, they can't go see a regular family physician. Guess who pays the hospital bill?????? You guessed it! All of us taxpaying suckers. Don't even get me started on food stamps. Oh yeah, didn't you hear that some illegal aliens are getting food stamps. Did you also hear that some are getting housing assistance???? Did you know it is now considered taboo to ask about residency status??? How about our prisons? Do you have any idea how many illegal aliens are sitting in our prisons receiving medical care, 3 meals a day, clothing and clean sheets???? Yeah, we also pay for that. Oh and wait!!! don't forget the education of their children in our public schools. Who pays for that???? Oh yeah, that's right, the taxpayers. \n\nYou are absolutely right!!! This is not about race!!!! There is a far greater crisis at hand. There is no way the amount illegal aliens contribute by working (tax free) can even begin to scratch the surface of what they take from our economy. This is criminal! This is illegal! If they are illegal send them home!\n\nPlease teach us a lesson! Go home, we will learn how to pick our own vegetables and do our own laundry!
169186
Americans are willing to do the jobs that illegals do! When I was in high school I picked oranges in the summer and worked in packing houses, and so did a lot of my friends.  The difference is illegals work for next to nothing, something that Americans can't do.  The next time you say that they do the jobs that we are too lazy to do, please think about all the hardworking Americans that won't be able to earn a decent wage, pay taxes, and support our economy because an Illegal is  working for twenty-five cents an hour.  Those same taxes that their employers aren't paying are being paid by the rest of us, and when an illegal gets hurt on the job he or she isn't going to be denied emergency health care.  This ultimately causes the rest of us honest tax payers to cover that burden.  Thinking that illegals are necessary for our economy to function doesn't make any sense, the ONLY people it helps are the law breaking businesses who hire them.  Isn't it funny how liberals who are normally incredibly anti-big business are all for cheap illegal labor?
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
290973
Who do you think did all those jobs before illegals invaded our country?  Maybe those jobs didn't exist, or maybe farmers let their produce rot?  Your argument is illogical and self serving.  The fact of the matter is that employers want these illegals here because they can take advantage of them, and the government who looks out for the interests of the business elite, supports them in this.  They try to play Americans for fools by sending troops to the border and suggesting a guest worker program, which is just a way to ensure a permanent source of cheap labor for these greedy employers.  Illegals will work for wages that no American will work for, and as a result they take jobs from Americans and drive wages down for everybody else.  It's obvious you don't know what you are talking about when you bring up something like doing construction work for $7.50 an hour.  Construction work, just so you know, was a good job that paid a lot more than $7.50 an hour and that employed many Americans, until illegals started swarming our country and doing doing construction for shit wages.  A lot of Americans lost good paying jobs, and contruction companies increased their profits by grotesque proportions.  So don't fool yourself by thinking that illegals are essential.  The only reason they are allowed to come and stay is because they increase the profits of the business elite.  But this can only go on for so long.  At some point, Americans will get so sick of being screwed that these businessmen and their politician buddies who are selling out their counrtry for profits, will have no choice but to stop hiring illegals altogether, and these illegals will have no choice but to go home where they belong.
96878
Yeah, me too... all of their lavish lifestyles and cushy jobs.  As a white male, I am sickened that these immigrants get all of the power, money, and jobs.  I try really hard to avoid paying taxes just so immigrants can take tax money and use it on... ummm... the occaisional trip to the emergency room and for a seat in a classroom.  Giving a human being the ability to live with some kind of dignity while I'm swimming in my ignorance really makes me mad!
543285
It is against the law when people try to avoid reporting their income and not paying taxes as they should. And don't say as you supposedly do. It is a fact that there are undocumented workers who get paid under the table.
228975
Taxes never solves problems like this... What you have to do is make the EMPLOYERS pay... the companies that hire the illegals... should be not only be fined a stiff penalty up front...but then... they should be given an added penalty of having to pay much higher tax rate on their profits for another 5 years for breaking the law and hiring illegals.  Most illegals are paid CASH... and because of this... the company does not have to account for this cash going out... they do not have to pay withholding taxes on that cash and do not have to carry insurance for the workers... or pay for unemployment compensations coverage... Not only do companies get CHEAP LABORERS... the benefit by not having the overhead of costs for laborers on records... that they don't have to follow the state and federal governments tax and employment rules and regulations ... IT IS THE COMPANIES... that give the laborers jobs... if they were prevented and penalized for hiring illegals... there would be no illegals coming over the border... WE are putting the emphesis on the wrong area... it should be on the COMPANIES... No paychecks... no medical insurance costs for workers... no unemployment compensations payments to the government... no withholding taxes... no social security deductions in the pay... when it is cash... this is the benefit to the companies... CHEAP hourly wage and that is all... SO... who benefits???? And a federal government that is for the corporation will not solve the problem by penalizing corporations' profit making abilities... But I do agree... we DO NEED a STRONG BORDER... and to deport the illegals back to Mexico... If Mexico legalizes drugs... that will be a BIG help as Mexico will get a lot of "illegal immigrants" who come from the US into Mexico... and they will then have the same problem... SO GO MEXICO... legalize drugs!!!
613700
You people just dont get it. \n\nAs I have said before, even though you may not want to admit it, illegal aliens generate millions of dollars for the American economy. And yes, some even pay income taxes. Face it, they do the work no one in America wants to do and do it for dirt cheap.\n\nAs long as that is the case, the American government will do nothing. For generations there has been illegal migration to this country and it will not change because it actually benefits the government and the economy.  No president, congress or senate will ever change it.  Its called progress, as much as you hate it, it wont go your way, its going to happen, it already started with NAFTA.....\n\nSo quit moaning about illegals and point the blame where it belong, the American government. You can sign all the petitons in the world, but the status quo will always rule, unless there is a civil war. And that isnt going to ever happen.\n\nAnd no they don't come here because it is the greatest country in the world, they come here because it the closest to them, if we were Canada they would be coming here. \n\nEngland had the same problem, they would get illegal migration from India, Pakistan, Taiwan because they have jobs opportunities they cant find in there own country....Europe finally 'got it' when they opened their borders, the migration to certain countries like England slowed substantially, why because they went to other places like Romania
516928
It is not difficult for them to find work as there as too many employers who are willing to hire them.  A lot of people believe that the immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans but that really is not true.  They are doing the jobs Americans wont do for the low pay.  Government on the state. local and federal levels needs to start being more harsh on employers who hire illegal immigrants.  A hefty fine for every illegal working would be a good start and closing down their businesses wouldnt hurt either and it is not just small businesses that hire illegals, large companies also hire them.
607220
That is a crock.  I am not white and I think that illegals from every country should go home.  You are committing a crime by being here.  I work everyday and yet I dont have health insurance.  I own my own home in a nice neighborhood and have no children in the public school system and yet I pay school taxes.  I know plenty of people who are willing to work in construction....it used ot be one of the best jobs to get if you didnt go to college or know another trade.. My Dad worked in that industry for years and raised a family of 8 kids and I had a stay at home Mom.  We lived in a great home with an inground pool on 3 acres.  The illegals that are working those jobs today cannot live like that.  That should be a clue that the homebuilders are not paying wages that they used to.  If they were, the jobs would be taken by Americans.  If the companies that are hiring illegal help are arrested and have to pay hefty fines, they will no longer hire illegals and then when they cant get work here, they will go home.\nAs far as Mexican illegals....they need to fix their country and stop looking to America to solve their economic problems.  Another country where the rich have everything and the poor have nothing.  I feel sorry for them but when things get so bad here for the Americans...where the he** do we go?????
172911
I have no problem with legal immigrants, they make America well...America. However, illegal immigrants are clearly breaking the laws and should be treated as such. But, what makes me most upset is that they break the law and are given benefits that citizens are not even given. This is not fair, they are stealing from America.
311151
I don't want them out. They work the hardest and mostly do labourous jobs. Illegal immigrants aren't dumb or lazy. They come here for a better life for thier families and work hard for that. The only reason the come illegally is becasue the government slackers take years to process one application. I used to work for the governement. No one does anything. They're bastards. Okay, I'll admitt they don't pay taxes and that sucks. But they do contribute to our economic growth.
44666
*Noddling for this is an interesting question* I can sum my thoughts up simply using one word from the topic.\n\nILLEGAL!!! Says it all dun ya think?\n\nNow for the more expanded version...\n\n1st I wanna say I have no prob with immigrants, after all most of the people we concider American's ancestors (and some of mine) were immigrants who came here by legal means. There is no problem there.\n\nBut, I do have a problem with the huge amount of money being shelled out by us tax payers to pay for welfare, education, medical ect to someone here illegally.\n\nNot only that, it is evident here in states on the borders that businesses are using low wage/under the table pay Illigals as their workers. And we are not just talking picking fruit in fields. All sectors are now affected by it, from construction, to manufacturing, to high tech trade jobs. It is wrong that Americans who wish to work cannot find work at a reasonable wage and must resort to accepting near minimum for positions that took years of educational expenses and experience to be able to do or to go on unemployment as they cannot find the work that pays a reasonable wage to meet living expenses or to move to areas not as affected by the situation...\n\nIt is past time our government here in the US starts representing the US people and stop accepting big business money to ignore the problem.\n\nJust my 2 cents...
176686
Yep. We have similar problems up in Canada with another ethnic group. We welcome immigrants, if its legal. Otherwise they live for years absorbing money without paying taxes, and sending a good portion of this money back to their home countries, where it is no longer is able to add to the nations economy.\n\nBTW-illsuitedwan... what's your definition of illegal???Illegals do NOT pay taxes, they are paid under the table (illegally) to avoid getting caught.As soon as the IRS recieves tax information on an illegal, the department of immigration is notified and deportation process begins.  Unless unemployment in the US (and Canada for that matter) is at zero percent which it has never been.  then there are 'legal' citizens who need the work, and would pay taxes. Employers get away with hiring illegals and paying them far less than the minimum wage (because they're illegal), automatically putting these people below the poverty line. So how is this helping them?
337546
I'm not sick of hearing about the debate on immigration.  It is needed in America.  I agree with most of what you say.  If the American people were willing to pay more for most goods and services business could then pay their workers more and Americans would most likely do the jobs.  No one but an illegal is willing to work so hard for so little money.  The greedy business people and greedy homeowners that hire the illegal to save a few bucks should be fined heavily and maybe even given some incarceration time.
173928
I owned a construction business, we did all phases of construction, but too many illegals made it to hard to compete. We did better work, did it faster, had better cust service, yet everything we bid we got cutthroated because the businesses we were doing work for found out that hiring illegals that were " self employed" for 40-50% of our cost was better. They are illegal, therefore don't carry the labor burden and other fixed and variable overhead. If they were gone, those jobs no one wants, will be paying more overnight. For example, with a painting service, painting houses, you could make 1600 a week depending on the size, and thats just for labor, then 15% mark-up on materials. With illegals, materials go for cost, and labor is lower cause they don't pay income taxes, and need to pay for that 1 bedroom apartment with 10 of them in it. So, they do it really really cheap. Americans want these jobs. Not everyone wants to waste time and money becoming over educated. Actually, the most stupid people I know are college educated with no common sence. A piece of paper doesn't mean your smart or properly educated!!