Have you contacted your Congressmen yet re: your feelings about immigration? Do you intend to?
361896
Yes, I have. I told them in no uncertain terms that our resources and our security are being threatened by hordes of illegal immigrants.
185061
Have you tried contacting the State Dept?
545924
A group of House Republicans wants to do away with bilingual ballots and translation assistance at the polls, a reflection of how tensions over immigration are pervading other issues. \n\nAs Congress readies to reauthorize the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the lawmakers are lobbying their colleagues to let the act's language assistance provisions expire. \n\nThere are 56 lawmakers who support the act but say the language assistance to voters -- provided throughout much of California -- undermines national unity, increases the risk of election fraud, and puts an undue burden on state and local governments. \n\n"We believe these ballot provisions encourage the linguistic division of our nation and contradict the 'melting pot' ideal that has made us the most successful multiethnic nation on Earth," the members said in a letter earlier this year. \n\nThe group's effort probably won't succeed, in part because of other Republicans' concerns that it could further offend Latino voters upset by the enforcement-only immigration legislation the House passed in December. \n\nPolicy analysts said the focus on bilingual ballots illustrated a hardening of positions within the GOP as the debate on illegal immigration evolved. \n\n"It's reflective of the broader divide in the Republican Party on the immigration issue and related cultural questions," said Marshall Wittmann, a former GOP Senate aide who is a senior fellow at the Democratic Leadership Council. "This division is now being reflected in collateral issues, like the Voting Rights Act." \n\nUnder President Bush, the GOP has emphasized courting Latino voters. But many Republican lawmakers also have spotlighted illegal immigration as a key concern, contending that the continuing flow of illegal immigrants into the United States is transforming the nation culturally and must be stemmed. Such attitudes led to the passage of the House bill that would significantly upgrade border security, make illegal presence in the United States a felony and make aiding illegal immigrants a felony. \n\nBush is urging Congress to pass a bill that, along with beefed-up border security, includes a guest-worker program and some legalization measures for illegal immigrants. He also is encouraging immigrants to learn English. \n\nThe Senate and House are to conduct committee hearings on reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, prime sponsor of allowing the language assistance provision expire, plans to submit his proposal as an amendment in the House Judiciary Committee this week. \n\nThe Voting Rights Act was designed to prevent discrimination from interfering with a citizen's ability to vote. When the act was extended in 1975, Congress added the section that requires some jurisdictions to provide bilingual ballots and translators. \n\nThe proposal's backers say that U.S.-born or naturalized citizens should know enough English to vote, particularly because a command of the language is a requirement for citizenship. \n\nKing said another provision of the Voting Rights Act allows voters who need help, including translation, to bring someone with them. \n\nBut Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., the main author of the enforcement-only House immigration bill, staunchly defended the language assistance provision in the Voting Rights Act. \n\n"If (immigrants) want to achieve the American dream, they better learn how to read and function in English," Sensenbrenner said. "But this deals with the right to vote, and these people are United States citizens; they are not illegal immigrants. It seems to me these people should not be confused because they don't have the proper instruction about how to vote on ballots for the candidates of their choice."
341079
If you're asking me, a legal immigrant who is still waiting to become a citizen, I'll be glad to answer: because those of us who have come here legally have been able to do so because of our privilege and good fortune.  I have gone through the process, and I know how utterly ridiculous it is to suggest that low-wage workers like illegal immigrants could wait in line for their turn and come here legally.  That is preposterous.  I was very fortunate to get an exemplary education (in a country that boasts an illiteracy rate of close to 50%), and to have come to the US to pursue advance graduate work in a highly abstract discipline.  This is the only way I can think of that I would have been able to come to the US as an immigrant, short of marrying an American citizen visiting my home country.  The fact is that American legal immigration policy is nowadays much more exclusive than it used to be when Ellis island was still functioning, or when your ancestors first came here, most likely without much money, without a graduate education, etc.  And because American immigration policy is far tougher now, it is no surprise that these people took the option of coming here illegally.  I know people like them back in my home country, and I cannot blame them.\n\nIf you ask me to support better control of the American southern border, I'll be the first to second your suggestion.  But if you want me to rail and rant against people who don't know any better and who have been dealt much worse cards in life than I have, then you're asking the impossible.  I am fortunate to be here, and in spite of how aggravating the immigration process has been, I stand in solidarity with those who are less fortunate than myself.\n\nHow can I justify amnesty for illegals?  This way: it is the humane thing to do, especially in the case of illegal immigrants that have taken roots in this country, who have not gotten in trouble with the laws of the land (except immigration law), who have family and friends here, and who have nowhere to go back to.
391491
I know I have spoken out against illegal aliens in response to other questions, and I'm ashamed to admit I never thought about how it would affect the Hispanic folks who have every legal right to be here, same as my ancestors.  I apologize for that.\n\nPersonally, I think we're in a situation similar to that of pre-Nazi Germany.  We have our own Brown Shirts (Homeland Security) and people spying on each other (truck drivers, delivery people and taxi drivers have been asked to keep their eyes open for suspicious activity) and I think we're in for a very bad time in this country.  I think we will all be required to carry papers before too long.  There will no longer be freedom of movement, etc.  God help us all!
661493
Really the only thing we can do is pressure our elected officials to enforce the laws already on the books. The immigration bill that they are looking at now is just a farce and is loaded with things to enhance the political stature of the various sponsors. Of course, we all know that the government isn't about to listen to us, the little people, so, what can we do. If I thought I could get paid to go help build the fence, or if i were younger, join the border patrol. A moat? Thats funny, Florida gators? THats even funnier. You folks on here crack me up. Call your congressman, email your congressman thats the only thing you can do to make yourself feel better. there is nothing else you can do.
588591
Chris Simcox, president of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, issued the following statement on the passage today of an illegal alien amnesty bill by the U.S. Senate: \n\n"The vote to give amnesty to millions of illegal aliens by the United States Senate today, should it pass into law, would ensure that the status quo is maintained: the borders would remain wide open and the attractive nuisance of endless welfare and social programs at the expense of the American taxpayer would remain. Those climbing over the backs of those waiting patiently to abide by our laws; and instead breaking the law, illegally entering this country, and committing document fraud; those not paying taxes; and those hiring illegally would be granted full amnesty. American citizens would, of course, still be subject to prosecution for document fraud and tax evasion. This sends the message that if you play by the rules, you suffer; if you enter the United States illegally, you are not subject to the rule of law.\n"The American people do not trust the government to grant amnesty now and secure the borders later. We already went down that road in 1986, and the borders remain wide open still today. \n\n"Their constituents are watching, and these Senators will pay the price come election time. We are now focusing our attention on the House of Representatives where we do not expect amnesty to pass. The House is more respectful of their voters, as they stand for re-election every two years. The arrogance and cavalier disregard of the will of the American people by this Senate will not be forgotten-there will be an accounting. The American people are still sovereign in this country, not a gaggle of politicians pandering to their special interest donors. \n\n"The existing border crisis is a dereliction of duty by those entrusted with this nation's security, sovereignty and prosperity. The U.S. Senate just left America vulnerable to a tsunami of migrants at the border, to terrorist infiltration and to an unprecedented crime wave by drug smugglers, thieves, rapists, human traffickers and murderers who cross our frontier at will-and whose bravado and aggression will now increase with the Senate's message of our apparent national weakness. \n\n"But the Minutemen will remain on patrol, at our posts-and continue to build border fencing and barriers on private land with private donations until the U.S. government performs its most basic constitutional duty to these United States, and safeguards the people and protects the territorial integrity of America."
650859
Absolutely not.  However, I am considered an unsympathetic party so maybe I shouldn't have an opinion. To take this question a step further should they be able to really have the opportunity to go to our schools?  Our healthcare?  Our tax payers dollars when they are here illegally?  Not to say I hate them or anything of the sort especially since I am related by marriage to some.  Seriously though since when should my dollars go to them in any form.
484851
The Senate Bill is a really bad bill on so many levels. I could get behind a legalization provision of qualified illegals here if it were joined with real border security and were framed sensibly.  However, there are so many truly awful provisions I wouldn't know where to start to discuss them at this point. I am still absorbing it. Also, there were so many last minute amendments some of the section links still come up as blanks.\n\nI still am hopeful of the House. \n\nHowever, definitely I will vote against the Senators who voted for this.
1002614
I agree completely.  I'm often torn because of certain issues i feel strongly about and i have no choice.  recently in this borders/immigration debate i felt like we were sold down the river by both parties, and i don't think either of the two parties owns the exclusive rights on corruption.  we need more choice...and more control over our govt.\n\nP.S.  If nothing else at least one or more other viable parties would keep the other two on their toes and more responsive to their constituents.  Too many of these congressmen are growing old and comfortable getting reelected over and over and getting more and more out of touch with Americans everyday.
577250
ME TOO!\n\nGET ON THE HORN, PEOPLE!\n\nAlso, there is an organization working on a petition that they are going to give to congress before the vote:\n\nhttp://www.grassfire.org/\n\nSign it. But don't stop there. At the link above, you can find your the phone numbers for the 2 Senators from your state. Call/Email/Fax/Mail your Senators TODAY, TOMORROW and EVERY DAY until THEY HEAR YOU AND VOTE FOR AMERICA and NOT FOR CRIMINALS!
866053
I believe illegal aliens need to be addressed right now. Why wait for a resolution for another 2 years. All politicians do is talk about it and resolve nothing. My 2008 vote will be determined by what political party steps up and resolves this important issue in 2007, and not wait until the presidential election. The American people demand resolution now, not talk, the are tired of talk.
550663
I agree with both of your issues!  However, i do not agree with the statement that they "are here whether we like it or not."  I don't like it!  Most Americans don't like it!  If we protest enough, our elected Officials will eventually do something about it.\n\nWrite your Congressmen and Senators.  Write to the President.  Inundate them with mail that demands what is right for America.  Withhold your votes from anyone who does not make "Restoring America for Americans" the cornerstone of their political platform.  Withhold your votes from anyone who doesn't make ILLEGAL immigration a major plank of their platform.  Let your elected Officials know this.\n\nBe proactive ~ America is so close to apathy that it is mind-boggling.  It's time for another Revolution, people ~ one with no weapons other than words and quiet determination.\n\nStop thinking "Republican" or "Democrat" and start thinking "AMERICAN!"  Vote a straight ticket and you grow a row of idiots.  VOTE THE CANDIDATES WHO ARE FOR AMERICANS ~ born or LEGALLY naturalized.\n\nA standing ovation to Bullseye for his input above.  I've copied it and will now email it to everyone on my list.\n\nADDITIONAL DETAILS:\n\nBecause the pro-illegal alien lobby has a bottomless pit of money and can hire PR people to spin (and fabricate) anything any way, there are an undue number of myths and lies that the public (and many politicians) has bought into. The FACTS are:\n \n1. It is NOT racist to call these people "illegal aliens" In fact, "illegal aliens" is the only term used in federal laws and regulations to describe criminals (and they ARE criminals) who come into our country illegally. They are not illegal immigrants, not undocumented immigrants, not migrant workers, and not day laborers - they're ILLEGAL ALIENS.\n \n2. Mexico is NOT a poor country. It has the fifth richest economy in the world, and by sending its teeming masses to our country, that status keeps on rising. Mexico has more resources per square mile than the U.S. and plenty of money to take care of its own people. Why should the taxpayers of this country subsidize Mexico's corruption?\n \n3. Illegal aliens are NOT necessarily coming here to work. Lou Dobbs recently reported that 33 percent of our prison population is now comprised of non-citizens. Plus, 36 to 42 percent of illegal aliens are on welfare. So, for a good proportion of these people, the American dream is crime and welfare, not coming here to work.\n \n4. Illegal aliens are NOT doing work Americans won't do. What jobs won't Americans do? In most states, Americans still clean their own houses, do their own landscaping, clean hotel rooms, work in restaurants and fast food places, paint houses, DO CONSTRUCTION WORK, work in airports, etc. - just like we have the past 200 years before "our" government allowed these people to invade our country. There are 18 million Americans who cannot find a job, so illegal aliens who are coming here to work do so at peril to American workers.\n \n5. Illegal aliens absolutely do not contribute more than they cost. Certainly the millions in prison and on welfare aren't contributing a dime to our economy, and the ones who are working often are paid in cash with no deductions for taxes at all. The ones who use fraudulent social security numbers and qualify to pay taxes and social security have so many deductions for dependents that they pay little if any taxes. We have seen them pay less than $100 in taxes and get back $4,000 refunds (thanks to earned income tax credits and multiple dependents). The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that the average Mexican illegal alien costs U.S. taxpayers a whopping $55,000 each. Some bargain, eh?\n \n6. The economy does NOT depend on illegal aliens. Sure, greedy CEOs (making $50 to $150 MILLION a year) and business owners depend on illegal aliens, but due to #3, #4
1025367
i also dont want to start a fight, and i do feel that the immigration issue is one of importance, typically, these types of issues are only brought up when things are going badly for whoever is in the whitehouse. lately, gay marriage and illegal immigration have been the big ones. "dont pay attn to iraq right now, THERES GAYS TRYING TO MARRY, AND MEXICANS CROSSING THE BORDER!!!!!" \n\nand its not just this cabinet that has done this, these tactics have been around for a long time. \n\nthey've also used the terror alert level (that color code thing that means nothing to anyone).
370116
Latest Major Action: 1/27/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. \n\nTo amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws, to enhance border security, and for other purposes.
610013
They are as far as I am concerned. Most of America feels this way, and wont work for these tyrants. Illegal immigrants are being taken advantage of by criminals. When Congress moves to a Democrat congress they will be indicted and fined. The Republicans know this and are trying to put all of the problem on the Latinos. I say make sure the Latinos vote Democrat if they want any retribution. America will never deport the ones that are already here in America and are established. Democrats don't treat people that way.
492250
Bush supports illegals immigration. Does your Congressman or Senator? Find out.