Why does it seem so easy for illegal immigrants to abuse the system and yet for people who try to migrate via proper legal channels it's so long and difficult?
204095
Because the Republicans and the Corporations WANT them to come over here, so they can treat them like crap and pay them slave wages.  Otherwise it would have been stopped years ago.  Of course, the republicans are only crapping on themselves when the whole damn government collapses over everybody having to spend all their tax money on people who pay no taxes (aka illegals).
469466
You know what sucks as well.Legal immigrants like my mom,dad\nand little sister and me from India have to go through 9 years of\nhell to get a citizenship.And my dad is a computer programmer\nwho wants to help this great country and yet we are treated like dust and have to go through so much to get a citizenship\nwhile the illegals get all the respect and even get to stay here.\nITS JUST NOT FAIR!!
487297
Because there are laws and regulations and background checks that need to be done. I think you need to show that you are an asset to the community, that you are NOT a felon or wanted criminal in your own country.\n\nMoney and influence have nothing to do with it. That's one reason everyone wants to come here...we treat them like humans.
358243
Guys...the way this is being described (even in this forum) reminds me of Nazi Germany. Language like "round 'em up". We have to find a safe way for people to extend their visas, get visas and travel between the border if they want to. As someone mentioned, border jumping is scary. And it is not like these are bad or immoral people. They just want to work--build a life for themselves and their familiy at any cost. That is very American if you ask me. Very nobel. Lets do this the right way. If an employer hires an illegal worker we need to really hit them hard. People wouldn't come and stay if they couldn't support themselves. Lets target the places of employment.
306855
First of all, immigrant come here illegally because there is no EASY way to come here. If there was an easier way to come here without immpossible expectations many would do so.The laws are more like how lucky you are as opposed to how deserving you are.I like your viewpoint!
170875
Well there are quotas so if the quota for your country is full TOO BAD.And it also takes forever.And it costs money.And why would they do it legally if it is so simple to come illegally.
158640
It's never been convenient, and since 9/11 it's been really bad. One reason, is that of course people who want to immigrate can't vote yet, so there's no pressure on the INS to be nicer to them.
148846
Its not quite so simple... they cant just pay to become a citizen. They would have to live here for a LONG time (at least 20 years) and then go through a very lengthy application process.. Its very hard for an illegal immigrant to get a green card let alone citizenship
112735
People have done that and stayed  illegal almost their whole life in a country, you could stay illegal for years and years. You could stay all the time you want, unless the people who sent illegal people to their country find out.
594163
My nephew went to Mexico City in January to visit his g-ma(he is a US citizen).He liked it so much he stayed.He only has a tourist visa.They offered him a job at a car delearship with incentives because he's bilingual.He took it.I can guarantee you he wasn't "looking".He's a lazy little booger.So I guess yes,it is easy.\nHe is now an illegal immigrant,his visa expired.*hilarious*
553066
First, immigrants know that America offers many freedoms not available elsewhere, and they are aware of the fact that it is easy to "slip through the cracks." They can find labor easily because employers want to hire cheap laborers. It works out for both parties. In addition, the crime market is easily accessible to them and they know that heavy profit lies in drug trafficking. Drugs are available and very profitable to them.
388393
This might be an unpopular answer, and personally, I don't like the amount of illegal immigration going on.... but.....\n\nThe court system has two puropses. The first is to determine guilt or innocense when a crime is comitted. The second is to interpret law to determine if it is in fact constitutional. If a law preventing immigration is unconstitutional, then it cannot legalle be enforced. If we wish to enforce our immigration laws, we first must insure that they are in fact constitutional.
328340
It is a difficult question, but many of them could probably qualify for resident alien status, if not outright citizenship.  The fact is that their parents put them in this unfair situation by bringing them here illegally.  Perhaps there should be an easier way to enter the country legally, but if you enter as a criminal, you should be treated as a criminal.
175670
I read your rants and I cannot debate you because I agree.  However, it still is not fixing the problem now is it?  We really need to look at the practicalities of this.... It will take a process of time, but first, any illegal migrant who is in our prisons or jails, should be shipped out immediately!  No regards on this one.  Next, any illegal migrants who are already employed here should be back taxed on prove able income for the duration of their employ and the employer should be HEAVILY fined.  Then, they should be allowed the opportunity to remain and work as taxable aliens until that time they choose to gain legalized status.  They also should be required to learn the English language, since they are in an English speaking country.  There is so much more but that would at least be a start.  Agree?\n\n\nAs for those who call these illegals-immigrants- they are not.....they broke the LAW.  When you defend them because`they came here wanting to better themselves and help their families' you are propitiating that breaking laws is okay if it helps you achieve your golas, or it makes your life better.....think about it!!!  If it will make my neighbors life better to steal my refund check out of my mailbax, is that alright?  If it makes someones life better to come into your place of business and kill you to take your money, is that alright?  We cannot go around and disregard the law because it is inconvenient people!
666233
Good question.  I'd like to hear some good reasons why they think it is acceptable too. Personally I don't think there is ANY valid argument that will fly for coming here illegally.  I'll check back.  Thanks for asking.
75002
It is very difficult. The main ways one can immigrate to the US are 1) marriage 2) family (parents, brothers/sisters) 3) work ( must have a bachelor's degree minimum, some experience) 4) Green Card Lottery (50,000 residence visas are given at random from 3 million applicants)\n\nAll of the above ways are quite difficult and involve lots of paperwork, money and very long wait time. Don't listen to people who tell you that it's as simple as going and applying for a visa (they don't know what they are talking about)...\n\nOnce you have your permanent residency you can apply for citizenship after a 5 year wait ( 3 years if you marry a US citizen. Marriage to a US citizen remains the easiest way to immigrate to the US. The green card lottery is also quite easy but you must be very lucky !\n\nUS is certanly a good country to be in but don't be fooled there are many countries in the world that provide a much higher standard of living...
439032
I have no problem with immigrants from Latin America who come to this country legally.  At the same time, I also believe that the process of legal immigration is a royal pain in the @$$ that is mired in government red tape, so the process of legal immigration needs to be simplified.  There's nothing wrong with anyone from any country wanting to come to the U.S. to have a better life, but there is something very wrong with a person who sneaks into the U.S. and expects the same rights and privileges that American citizens enjoy.  So yes, we should take measures to keep illegal immigrants out but we should also take measures to make legal immigration easier and faster.