Does the Argument that Mexicans were here first pursuade anyone? How does this point affect your opinion?
408820
I don't know how the past can be used as a valid argument, it doesnt make sense. \n             Excerpt from the History Channel\n\n                   War with the U.S.\nThe residents of Texas, then under Mexican rule, had been angered in 1829 by a governmental decree abolishing slavery, and the plan by Santa Anna to centralize the government increased their resentment. Texas rebelled in 1836 and declared its independence after Santa Anna was decisively defeated by the Texan leader Sam Houston at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. In 1846, as a result of friction between U.S. citizens and Mexicans, a dispute over the western boundary of Texas, and the desire of Americans to acquire California, the U.S. declared war on May 12 (see Mexican War). The Mexican forces were again routed, and U.S. troops occupied northern Mexico and, in 1847, Mexico City. Under the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb. 2, 1848, the Rio Grande was fixed as the boundary of Texas and the territory now forming the states of California and New Mexico became part of the U.S. The Gadsden Purchase in 1853 clarified the New Mexico boundary and gave an additional strip of territory (now southern Arizona and a slice of southwestern New Mexico) to the U.S. \n\nMexico was confronted with a grave reconstruction problem after the war. Finances were devastated, and the prestige of the government, already weak, had considerably diminished. Santa Anna, compelled to resign after the war, returned from exile in 1853 and, with Centralist support, declared himself dictator. Early in 1854 a liberal revolt began, and after more than a year of intensive fighting, Santa Anna fled from Mexico. The revolution was the first event in a long, fierce struggle between the powerful classes that had traditionally dominated Mexico and the liberal democrats who demanded a voice in the government.
1046311
Everyone calls everyone 'racist' which is a 'racist' remark itself. That word should be abolished from this category, it is moot point. Being of any particular color or ethnicity is NOT the issue when speaking of the illegal immigrants who come into the USA undocumented. The issue is the fact they are ILLEGAL which is against our laws. It doesn't matter where they came from they are still illegal, even if they came from Europe or Africa. The fact that SO MANY of them come from across our border with Mexico is the reason we are concerned with those illegally entering THERE. There are more than Mexicans entering at that border, we know that, and we know they joined with the other Latina's in the protest on May 1st flying the MEXICAN flag. Those from other countries of Spanish descent didn't fly their flags but supported the Mexican flag. The speeches spoke of Mexico and Mexican people, so naturally all those coming across the Mexican border are going to be referred to as Mexicans, maybe it's wrong but they brought it on themselves by flying that flag. They are all guilty of protesting and demanding rights they don't have. Illegal immigrants don't HAVE rights in the USA including those from Germany and Africa, etc. It is not racist to want laws enforced. By accusing people of being racist it only fuels their anger and actually pushes them to hate the accusers even more. It "creates" a racist mentality where none had been.
245019
Well, I think we should show our full power to both sides of that question, even if it's contrary to popular opinion. And yeah... there are effects of illegal immigrants on residents of states, especially those bordering mexico... I live in Arizona, and I'm a carpenter, but I find it hard to get a job, because an Illegal Immigrant will take the job for a whole lot less money than I could go down to... It affects more than you think... and you wouldn't like to be dealing with the illegal immigrant thing personally like I have to every day.\n\nAnd well, about the war... if we WANTED to win, we could... but like I said, It's about popular opinion and people covering their own butts.\n\nAnd if you want to talk to me about why getting minimum wage doesn't affect them negatively, I have explanations for that, too.
286067
It is a very touchy subject because yes they shouldn't be allowed to come over and be over here illegally, but at the same time them being illegal doesn't mean that they should be allowed to be taken advantage of and exploited by greedy business owners.  And for the "the U.S. used to be Mexico" argument, that is lame because almost every piece of land was at one time owned by different peoples, we took it just as people have been taking land since the beginning of time.
395444
What is the point of spitting so much hatred and nonsense??? And yes it is coming from others as well on both sides of the issue. But you are generalizing the issue and all Americans. They never asked me if they could go to war in Iraq or permission for any of the other issues you stated. And yes I do speak out to my representatives regarding things i disagree with.\n\nNo one is perfect, and obviously the US has created an envious society and quality of life.  Many of the things you mentioned are a result of aggression not started by the USA. If we did not use the bomb, there would have been a lot more deaths than there was in Japan! And you may notice it has never been used after WW2 in such a scale! \n\nWe have an idiot President with an IQ of 90, on that I think we can all agree. And I do not agree with the war in Iraq.  We are there like it or not, but the people of the USA do not want to subjugate the people of Iraq or anywhere else in my opinion. So let's do what we can and get out of there.\n\nI am all for immigration and helping other countries improve their economy and lives. You must see that the illegal immigrants are being used as a tool in a grander scheme by those in power with wealth. The layman, all of us in the working class just want those coming here to respect the land we work hard for and take pride in every day.  \n\nI really do not understand where your hatred of people in the USA comes from, perhaps you have been mistreated somehow?  If you really feel that way, it may be best to live somewhere else for a while as abscense make the heart grow fonder...  \n\nYou talk about Whites taking lands and such. Well don't you think the Indians would have wiped out all Europeans coming here if they could? Is that right for them to do?  The ones you should be complaining about are the Spaniards, and maybe you dont notice but the decendants of the Spanish rulers are still in power and subjugating the Mexicans. So if you have a beef with Europeans from centuries ago I suggest you deal with them in Mexico, bcs the people of the USA have moved on since the 19th century!!!1\n\nI would like to hear your view in a rational way and understand why you have those opinions....
394408
As a hispanic I do find offense to it, not necessarily because of what it represents but because of the misinterpretation that it causes. It does cause some confusion to some...I mean why would a person who wants to become a U.S. citizen still have strong nationalism for the country that they wish to escape the hardships of? But from another perspective I believe that the Mexican flag provides comfort and familiarity to those that are on this journey. I think they should wave both.
525307
I used to argue strongly in defense of illegal immigrants before the demonstrations started. The illegal immigrants opened my eyes and made me realize just how wrong I had been. I did not realize just how much these illegals detest Americans, especially white Americans, until I saw them with my own eyes referring to us in such derogatory manner. I know personally of at least 3 other people who had this same revelation. These illegals lost a lot of supporters all across the country by revealing just how arrogant and entitlement minded they are. \n\nUpon this revelation I started doing my own research into the manner and found out about the millions of people that get hurt by having their social security numbers stolen and their identities stolen by these illlegals.  I found out how much harm has been done to this country by these people. And I am now outraged. \n\nAnd the insults saying I am lazy because I am a white American and that I wouldn't do the work infuriates me. I have applied for just such jobs numerous times and keep getting told that I'm "overqualified." I have been froze out of the job market because I actually was motivated enough to persue higher education. So now fast food places REFUSE to hire me. And these illegals that I had been defending all of these years have the audacity to call me lazy saying I wouldn't do this work? After I have personally gave food and clothing to some of them? After I have cared for them? I felt like I had been slapped in the face and stabbed in the back at the same time. They will never get my support again. \n\nSo I am in graduate school now doing graduate assistantships because I couldn't find a job with my degree since I had no experience and I apparently educated myself out of the available job market in my area EVEN THOUGH I WAS PERFECTLY WILLING TO DO THE WORK BECAUSE I AM NOT LAZY AND HAVE WORKED MY BUTT OFF ALL OF MY LIFE. I have worked my way up from being homeless and pregnant as a teenager after I had been raped and beaten by my ex-husband in retaliation for leaving him nearly killing me, leaving me with disabilities. I sometimes had to go days without food because I had been beaten so bad I was unable to work my job anymore. I had a lot of health problems while I was going to college for my undergraduate degree and was in and out of the hospital with several surgeries so I struggled to keep up my grades, but even with all of that I still managed to make presidents and deans list. I had a high grade point average, because in spite of my medical problems I was NOT LAZY, I was NOT UNMOTIVATED, and I am definately a hard worker. \n\nSo yes, not only did the May 1st protest hurt them, the whole protest leading up to May 1st hurt them as well. I know I am not the only person who got a huge wake up call.
196034
Yes, When people come here, we usualy say "Welcome" but when people have demonstrations on the streets and carry another country's flag ..I say get the "he** out of here before your thrown out. And I know thats not very Christian of me.But My family has been here since 1620 ( my dad's side) my mothers side is native american. I have served my country in the Military as my dad and his brothers did and his Father and his father all the way back to the revolutionary war. Many have spilled blood for this Country and the Flag. to have a bunch of prople come here and protest with their country's flag is Bullsh*t and it time we Stop it. Let'em stay in their country if they thinks it's so cool. I think most American's are just about fed up with it.  I mean people have a right o come here BUT support the country that gives you freedom. And it's not just Mexicans but everyone.
651122
What does it matter where they are from?  The issue is illegal immigration, not the country of origin.  Latinos have assumed a high profile in the marches and in the debate, so there is some reason to think in terms of 'Mexicans'. Your numbers bear that out since that 43% is illegal aliens from all of the other countries in the world, put together.\n\nHowever, I agree that name calling is a distraction at best, and nasty to read.  We could do without it, on BOTH sides of the debate.
624559
My Grandparents came here around the 1912 or so.If you deleted anything concerning Illegal Immigration because of some misguided ideology that smells of media censorship. I broke no rules.What I have to say is for the access of anyone to use or not.This is not a private forum.Is it that you are feeling the heat because I tell the truth.Listen what I have said or not said is not the issue.We need to make people aware of certain questionable actions or half truths.This is one of last forums that host freedom of thought.Please tell me what was so offense that it caught your attention!
518120
To the extent some of the radical statements of 'taking back your land' and 'we didn't cross the border, the border crossed us' are taken seriously as battle cries for the demonstraters, it is an issue of nationalism.  Those people are saying that by force or by attrition and demographics they want to 'reconquer' the border states with Mexico.  If that isn't nationalism, I don't know what is.\n\nAnd to the extent people respond to that particular way of framing the issue, you see a response to an attack on the nation, which is also nationalist.
35998
I really don't know.\n\nBut regarding your answer to the Mexican/English language question, I've definitely noticed that those who complain about immigrants "kant evun spull or rite korrectly inn Englush".\n\nGood observation and comment, my friend. :)
676425
I hear you but "they" wouldn't understand what you're trying to say...maybe because "they" are in denial or simply using the "everyone is an immigrant" to justify their criminal acts.\n\nP.S. i noticed you said the words "illegal mexicans" good your voicing out your opinion just like those ILLEGAL MEXICANS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS!\n\ngirlfriend no matter what you say about mexicans whether good or bad...they'll accuse you of being a racist.
1169869
I see your point.  I think that the worst phrase ever created was "politically correct". That phrase allows for any group of any kind to claim bias.  I know you are saying that the Mexicans are being held back, but I think they are winning.  They have made an effort to infiltrate this country and breed.  They are winning when our country is catering to their goal.  There are many Mexican activists that will plainly state that the goal of our southern neighbors is to take California.
1120855
this is the smartest question i think you have ever asked thank you,its about time some questions were directed towards mexico as far as their people are concerned !  is mexico preparing at all do they care? have they even said if some of you want to come back we are taking measures to help you? they should prepare and they should have said from the start if this happens we are prepared to help them, but as far as i know they have not , and have only demanded from us too. they take no responsibility in this mess\n\nif you were part of the illegals sent back and they had nothing for you and didn't give a rats ass would you still love mexico? or would your opinion of mexico change?  i really appreciate this question i know your getting flack for it as with all your questions sorry lol , but this one is a good one !  again as far as i know mexico would not care tell me have you heard anything has this changed  your views  on mexico any ?  if i had bad feelings towards mexico before its worse now, i was thinking about this the other day and thought wow if that happened they wouldnt care why do these people defend mexico?  and i didnt see a lot of posts  from  mexicans with any views on this strange
982960
Of course it was.  I am from texas and it was most open form of illegal immigration in history.  But the historians will never say so, they will tell you about some bull that the mexicans where not really using it so it was free to claim.  Bull, and they know it, and no I am not mexican.  I am just keeping it real.  And no they had no right to ask, basically they didn't and thats when you get the alamo.  The people of america at that time didn't take no for an answer so they just took what they wanted by force.  I would of love it because you know what at the time that mexico had texas and california THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS SLAVERY.  So I guess you can blame america for the creation and the ending of slavery.
558230
DEAR HEAVENS!!  To the person who said something about forefathers, your logic is not flawed ~ it is non-existent!\n\nWhen the SETTLERS came here, they came to SETTLE.  Did they do the indigenous peoples wrong?  After a while, without question they did.  However, that is not the point right now.\n\nThe point is that there was, at *that* time, ROOM here.  People could go carve their world out of pieces of wilderness, risking life and limb on a daily basis.  They could worship freely; they could hunt and feed their family without fear of being sentenced to death for it; and on and on it goes.\n\nWe no longer NEED any more people here.  We're loaded to capacity as it is.  Every Country should do its best to improve itself and the citizens of that Country should HELP ~ not go elsewhere and burden another Country.\n\nIn answer to the actual question:  I don't think we should keep our borders open.  In fact, I think they should be closed until our current crises are repaired.  Once repaired, we could re-open our borders with more stringent and specific laws.  As another Responder said on another question, if we need an example of how to limit immigration, we need look only so far as the Mexican Constitution and their requirements for citizenship.\n\nTO TOPCAT420:  Amen!  I have difficulty justifying "fixing" things for other Countries when we have so much fixing we need to do right here!  I have long been a believer in restoring more lands to the Native American people, along with any and all mineral rights thereto.  And that's why i said we are loaded to capacity as it is!  We have enough for now.  We need to right a whole list of wrongs committed against the Native Americans, we need to stop children starving here in the U.S., we need to clean up our own interurban areas .. we have a LOT to do at home, for ourselves and by ourselves, before we can consider re-opening borders and helping others.\n\nThe U.S. has helped others until we've helped ourselves right into a hole.