Why is that most people who are against immigrants, and immigration, and blame immigrants for crime and living of the state, are the ones that are actually causing those problems themselves?
206640
Unfortunately, the history of this country is such that in times of economic depression and population changes, particular segments of the population become targets for the disappointed. \n\nWhile I am all for immigration reform that makes sense, I am NOT for using immigration law as a tool for ethnic cleansing which is where this current agenda is heading. It is a shame that in discussing an issue that is very important, we have targeted Mexican people. Not all Mexicans are in the country without authorization, yet this is a fact that seems to escape many people. In recent weeks, the use of the word "illegal" has become synonymus with Mexican. \n\nI am also unconvinced by the statistics mentioned to suppourt the current reform proposal. Data can be interpreted in any manner to suppourt its researchers claims. We are talking about a group that constitues about 5% of the overall population. Sheer reason tells you that such a small segment cannot have the rampant and overwhelming effect cited. Yet again, this is something that seems to escape many. I wish we could think back to the spirit of the constitution and the intentions of the Founders.
5617
Well.. really it all boils down to control... and money.\n\nPeople don't like not having control of who is in their country, and the government doesn't like losing tax revenues on undocumented workers and their taking advantage of public services that the don't help pay for. This can make some social services unavailable for citizens because of the strain it puts on the system.\n\nSome people argue that they steal valuable american jobs, but most of them are day laborers or farmworkers because they don't have the paperwork to get a decent job. SOME americans do need these jobs... but a lot of unemployed people are not looking for that kind of work.\n\nIt is also hard to control a bunch of people that don't know our language well (some speak great), have different cultural values, and are not familiar with our laws.\n\nIf they are caught and deported, it would seem like a short term problem, but there are always more coming, with no end in sight, so the problem itself is long term, even if the people aren't.
574793
Maybe because many illegals do wrong things and affect the life here in USA,
402738
You are missing the point.\n\nIt's not as simple as "they are all honest hard-working people".  There are indeed a few drug-dealers and smugglers among them.  But those are by far the exception to the rule.\n\nThe vast majority are not here to commit crimes.  Criminal actions attract attention, which is precisely what they *don't* want.  You and I get busted for selling a joint, we get a small fine.  They get caught, and and it's a *much* bigger deal ... not only do they get deported, and probably sent to a jail in their own country, but they lose any chance of ever applying for *legal* status here.\n\nAnd the ones who are not motivated by work, have no incentive to run the gauntlet of getting into the country.\n\nThe *vast* majority of illegal immigrants are motivated by nothing more devious than the sincere desire to find WORK, for bettering their lives and those of their families, to send money back home.  Family loyalty is a *huge* part of the Latin culture.  \n\nNobody is trying to paint a picture that these are "ultra-holy" people.  They're just people.  Human beings.\n\nAnd *that* is why they deserve human rights.  Because they are human beings.  Do you disagree with that?
509481
I agree that immigration is an exaggerated problem, because if it was so bad it would have been brought up years ago.  Honestly, I wish that everyone had the opportunities that Americans have, so I understand why people do cross the borders, but many are being exploited and I think the government should find a better and faster way to make them citizens because, honestly, the only thing that is different between Americans and the people who come to America is the country that they were born in.  I don't feel that immigration is hurting the america people as much as the war is.  I believe this because immigration has not driven up the gas prices and it has given many people the chance to live a decent life.
229587
great point! i think that it is because a lot of illegal aliens are illegally registered to vote in several counties and, because they are voters, our politicians don't want to upset them and lose their precious votes. i am not sure that the polititions can do anything about the problem, i believe that it is up to the citizens.
635161
I've noticed that here, too.  You don't have to mention anything about any particular race of human beings; just say you are against all illegal immigration in the USA, and you are jumped on and called a racist.  I do know that it is because they cannot reasonably and logically justify the presence of illegal immigrants and so they resort to name calling because of their lack of anything to back up their stance.  Usually, too, I have found that most of those who back illegal immigrants are either in a romantic relationship with an illegal, have close friends who are illegals, have family members who are illegal, sometimes are illegal themselves, or own a business in which they prosper by hiring illegals and benefiting from their slave labour by paying cheap wages without having to pay the employers share of taxes, etc. (thereby cheating legal immigrants and American citizens), or like to also pay cheap by hiring illegals to do their housework, yardwork, childcare, etc. (again, benefiting personally from illegals).
556160
I have wondered this same thing many times.  The illegal immigrant supporters always say these things, "Well, there are lots of American citizens on welfare!" and " American citizens break laws, too." and "Lots of American citizens are in jail."  "Sometimes American citizens steal SSNs."  "Sometimes American citizens drive without licenses or insurance."  What these questioners don't seem able to grasp is that, yes, we have bad American citizens, too, but the big difference is that they are AMERICAN citizens, meaning they ARE our problem and so we have to deal with them with our systems and our tax dollars.  However, illegal immigrants are NOT our legal problems - they are legal residents of their own home countries and only those countries should have to deal with them and their problems.  We should not have to pay for illegal immigrants' children attending our tax-paid schools, and we should not have to pay for their medical care when they go to the ERs of our hospitals.  They should not even be here and every time they are discovered via arriving at ERs, applying for social services, registering their children in schools, applying for jobs, etc., they should be immediately arrested and they and their families who are also illegally in the USA should be deported immediately, no questions asked and no consideration, whatsoever.
324550
1) Learn to write in complete sentences and spell. It makes you look more intelligent which, in turn, will make people give a crap about what you have to say. \n\n2) Most Americans do not have a problem with immigrants. We realize that we are descendants of immigrants. In fact, we welcome immigrants for rejuvenating the country. \n\n3) Regardless of the reason, people who come to this country without following the proper channels have committed a CRIME. We do not look kindly upon criminals. There are methods for immigrating legally and thousands and thousands of people have gone through those channels, waiting YEARS, and paying the proper fees. Why are some people better than those who follow the rules? Perhaps the immigration procedures are a bit stringent, but nevertheless, they are the LAW. \n\n4) You are obviously still in school and do not yet pay taxes. Once you do, you'll realize that most of us work until mid-April SOLELY to pay our taxes. Then we see that our hard-earned tax dollars are being spent on jailing illegals (20% of the Cali prison system is made up of illegals), educating their children, providing social services for them since they are not educated, do not speak English, and do not make enough money here, and providing FREE health care (something our own citizens do not enjoy). Between police, fire, health, teachers, and government workers, we spend too much time and money dealing wtih these people who are here ILLEGALLY. We as a country cannot even provide for our own, why should we have to do so for others? Why are these illegals elevated to a higher status than our own? And why do YOU think that these illegals are entitled to get anything from ME?
601913
YES you are correct!. breaking the law doesnt turn you into a criminal. a criminal is someone who commits crimes on purpose and runs away from cops and stuff. immigration, in  opinon, is not a crime, theyre just looking for a better life! is there anything wrong with that?
629624
All people are racist.  Some more than others.  I think the ones that scream "RACIST" the loudest are the ones that want something from you and want to make you give it to them.  I don't have any problem with immigration, as long as it is in accordance with our laws and procedures.  I do have a problem with illegal immigrants sneaking into our country and getting more money from the government than I do!
398096
I speak for myself when I say that illegal is illegal - no matter where they are from.\n\nBut I think you must also understand two things on the Mexican people being "picked on":\n\n1.  The "pro-illegal" people have made them the posterchildren of the "poor illegal immigrants coming to this country for a better life for themselves and their children".  So for that, you can look in your own camp.\n\n2.  The majority of the offenders are from our southern borders.  So they are more of an offender than the other countries (combined - look at the numbers once).  So the Mexican people that are here illegally brought it all on themselves.\n\nSo I think that you really need to stop worrying about the way people think of others.  If they brought it on for themselves, then I have no sympathy for them.  Sorry if that offends you . . .  No wait, I'm not sorry.  Get over it, and realize that it isn't a race issue (Mexican isn't a race), it is a LEGAL issue.  Nothing more.
136409
From what I've heard, a lot of illegal immigrants are law-abiding, tax-paying citizens.  Law-abiding except for the illegal immigration, of course.
519682
American criminals are America's problem.  \n Criminal trespassers from other countries are becoming America's problem, to the detriment of all Americans.
322835
You mention numerous good points. Truth is, illegal immigrants themselves (Mexicans or others) are not the problem. It is the failure of the American Gov. and the American peopele. The gov guys are too busy trying to get reelected and make some $$$$ for themselves and their families. The Messicans are only trying to better their lives ...a human trait.\nAmericans are all skuttling around taking care of paying their bills and making ends meet that they don't participate in the process of creating  security, and standards in gov and their lives to worry about immigration until it maybe is too late.\nHow can any of you, knowing that supposedly voting for what you believe in is going to determine your future, even in the greatest compassion for the poor illegals, condone immigration by only one group in the large, electoral modifying sizes that these people are coming into our country? I love compassion but who will weep for me when there is crime beyond our ability to control it, there is not housing or water or elec. or gasoline or? you name it ..because there are too many people. The maojority (amnystied illegal/not citizens will vote for social welfare programs to feed their families, give them health care etc. For Pete's sake ...these people aren't even citizens and they are demanding things. Wake up and take your country back. Let the gov guys know you're PO and your mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. And then do something about it. Find your own little way to boycott, to not support, to speak of your concerns to your compatriot American brothers and systers. Rise up and DO something. Think about it ...you will figure a way to play your part in protecting our country and way of life from an invasion. Forget the terroists in the Middle East. We have a much bigger problem with this issue here in this country. Just remember ...it's your brother, boyfriend, husband, father that is over in Irag possibly dieing for America and Americans. Think they want to come home to a world of poverty stricken, illegal types who speak a language other than English? By all means be compassionate with others of all races ...but get our nest in oder first ...then we can work on Mexico and other corrupt governments to take care of what is their responsiblity.
646316
You know it's quite interesting that the issue of immigration has gotten the American people all fired up like it's life or death for them, whereas when their own loved ones are sent to a war over questionable arguments, their voice is hardly heard. Yes it's wrong for people to come here illegally, and if they're here for drugs or whatever, then they should be punished. But for us to force out families that have been here for many years and are just trying to live a better life than the one they had is not just unreasonable, but inhumane. It's our duty to control our borders and prevent them from coming; those already here who can prove their worth to our country shouldn't suffer because we failed our own people during the past 20 years. Use your minds and stop spewing hate.
561507
Most of the people complain about why immigrants come here ilegally, so they should all agree.  If it wasn't so hard to do things the right way, all immigrants would be here legally.