Do you think that illegal immigrants have a right to protest in American streets?
606324
No.  That right is reserved for citizens and legal residents.\n\nThey do not have "civil rights."  They have "human rights."  This is an important distinction.  Also, to infer that the Constitution is bestowing rights on illegals is like assuming that illegals have the right to bear arms and vote.  "The people" in the Constitution very specifically means "the citizens" of the USA.\n\nWikipedia\nCivil Rights\nCivil rights are the protections and privileges of personal liberty given to all citizens by law. Civil rights are distinguished from "human rights" or "natural rights"—civil rights are rights that are bestowed by nations on those within their territorial boundaries, while natural or human rights are rights that many scholars claim ought to belong to all people.
528907
Immigrants are great, but these are ILLEGAL ALIENS.  It looks to me like a great opportunity for INS to find all these lawbreakers in one place and initiate arrests.  With our being told which companies HAD to shut down completely or partially, that the Attorney General, Homeland Security, or whomever is responsible for fining companies who do hire illegal aliens, really just have a list now that they can follow. \n\nThe protest offended, but didn't really affect me, or the town in which I live.  The following things bothered me:\na.  these protests were for ILLEGAL ALIENS, NOT regular immigrants.  Their PR machine was great in blurring the lines here.\n\nb.  The Mexican flags were still very prominent.\n\nc.  I was soooo tired of seeing all the posters written in Spanish!!!!!!  And the signs that were translated to English were often very critical of this counry that they claim to love so much.\n\nd.  One of the organizers, last name Rodriguez I think, was on some TV shows the day before.  He made very negative comments about the U.S. in general.  It seemed he was leading up to the one comment that made me wonder about the REAL agenda.....he said, paraphrasing, that the southern part of the U.S. was STOLEN from Mexico, and that the people just wanted to reclaim what was rightfully theirs.  Okay, we did fight and confiscate land way back in our early history......but wasn't just about every country formed by gaining land from somebody??  \n\ne.  The whole thing would have been so much less significant, had our media simply refused to give these demonstrations wall to wall media coverage!!\n\nf.  Do these illegal aliens have the constitutional right to assemble like this?  This is just a question I wondered about.......they are not citizens.\n\ng.  IF these folks are really protesting for rights, better conditions, etc., well, I can't help but be curious as to why they don't just demonstrate in their own countries where conditions must be worse.  Couldn't they use this energy to focus on problems at home?\n\nh.  I can't help but wonder WHEN the LEGAL CITIZENS of the U.S. will step up to the plate, care enough to organize as efficiently as these folks, and take our voices and opinions to the streets, all the way to Washington D.C.\n\nWhew, got some of that off my chest!  I understand the plight of these illegal aliens, and this IS a country of immigrants, but it's also a county of laws.  What do you think would happen to us if thousands of U.S. citizens decided to sneak into Mexico, Colombia, Venzuela, Russia, China, etc., and march on their capitols & make demands for rights while waving American flags and speaking mainly English?  How about trying that in Cuba or Iran?  \n\nWelcome to all immigrants, just do it LEGALLY!  We do have a process in place for that.  Many of us feel that we and our country are being greatly disrespected by the ILLEGAL ALIENS. (I am ever so tired of the term "undocumented workers"..............does that mean that we citizens can drive around freely with no drivers' licenses, and simply be "undocumented drivers"?  Political correctness can get way out of hand.\n\nI just about forgot one other thing that burns me, and that's the so-called Spanish version of our National Anthem!  This is not a translation, the lyrics are totally different.  This is the United States.  We speak English.  A common language is necessary for assimilation.  And our National Anthem should be sung in English!  What's next, translating our Constitution, the Pledge of Allegience, etc??
478628
it is Ignorance. They are showing support for the country that they are illegally fleeing from to be in the U.S. though it could be argued that they are showing support for their heritage and culture.  and if that is the case that is fine . But I consider it ignorant if they are protesting to stay within this country which they are already in ILLEGALLY! It does not gain them any favor. Because in all REALITY they do not have the right to protest picket or march unless they are legally in the country. technically they should all be arrested and deported because they have no legal right to be here.
229607
No one is saying that Mexicans can't speak Spanish in the streets or that they can't be proud of their heritage.  The problem is that this protest is not ABOUT Mexican heritage.  It's ABOUT Mexicans who are in this country ILLEGALLY who want to continue to be here ILLEGALLY. Also, WHAT THE HECK DOES IT MATTER THAT THE SOUTHERN U.S. USED TO BELONG TO MEXICO....IT DOESNT ANYMORE. So, how is that relevant to this debate.  It now belongs to the U.S. and there are laws that should be followed.\n\nThe protests are not a matter of free speech, because our rights are reserved for the "legal" citizens of this country. I think it is not very smart to be doing something illegal, then making it known that you are doing it. \n\nPeople who are here illegally are breaking the law. There are steps that can be taken to be here legally and they should take them. It may be a difficult process, but as we all know Freedom isn't free, and if you want it bad enough, you should be willing to do what it takes to get it through legal means.\n\nWhat would happen if child molesters decided to protest the laws against child molesting. We would all say, that's crazy! How can they be "in the wrong" and demand the laws be changed so that they can do what they want. I don't think it is right. The best way to resolve the problem is to make it prohibitive for illegal people to be here, and beneficial for legal immigrants to be here. Our laws are there for a reason, America is not a free for all...and if you want to be a part of its citizenry, then you must follow the laws like the rest of the citizens. \n\nIt is wrong for people to use emotionalism to incite riot by saying that "human rights" are being violated. How is it a violation of human rights to tell people who entered this country illegally, got jobs, and basically are squatters and cheaters that at long last, YOU MUST DO THE RIGHT THING! \n\nI think they do not understand what the definition of "Human Rights" is. They are not being treated inhumanely, they are actually fortunate. Because they are being treated as any other American Citizen who breaks the law. ACTUALLY they are being treated BETTER than any other American Citizen who breaks the law. How many U.S. citizens do you know, can break the law, admit to it, protest about it....and not be punished unless or until congress decides to re-write the law in an effort to be as fair to THEM as possible. Come on! Just because they took low paying jobs and work hard at them, does not mean that they are free to break the law. And if we allow them to do it, then the country they are so eager to live in will cease to be the country it is supposed to be. \n\nIf what illegal immigrants want to do is to work, raise families, and live in a free society. Then, follow the LEGAL process to do so, learn the language, and the culture, pay your taxes, and become an American the right way!\n\nDon't break the law and then scream victim! You are not victims. The tax payers who support social programs are victims; the people who migrate to this country and become legal citizens are victims. Illegal immigrants are people who made a "CHOICE" to do the WRONG thing, and think they should be excused or rewarded for that choice. I say WAKE UP; take responsibility for your actions, and GET LEGAL or leave.
373751
I agree. I understand that sometimes people who have no recourse are forced to protest and demand a change in the system. As a previous participant pointed out...women getting the vote and African Americans gaining their freedom from slavery. \n\nHowever, in both of those cases, there are glaring differences from the issue at hand. In the case of women voting...women were citizens of the United States who had no other recourse. It wasn't as though women could vote IF they filled out the proper paperwork and follwed the established laws that would allow them to do so. They couldn't vote at all. Illegal immigrants have legal recourse to establish legal residency or permanent citizenship in the United States. They're protesting for something that they can already acheive should they choose to do so, they simply don't want to be bothered with following the proper procedure. In the case of slaves...they were brought here against their will, stolen from their homeland and sold like animals. It was an inhumane and unfair institution and one that needed to end. These were people in the United States against their will and with no legal recourse to remedy their situation. Again, illegal immigrants did have the opportunity to obtain legal residency and/or citizenship should they have chosen to do so. Instead they chose not to be bothered with the proper procedure and now want to protest for amnesty. \n\nI might understand and actually support their cause if there were not procedures in place for them to come here legally. As it is, I can't support the cause of a group of people who are basically saying "I want to be protected by the laws of the United States even though in the past I have shown no regard or respect for them as I chose to enter this country illegally." Sorry, that's not how it works, you don't get to pick and choose what laws you want to follow and which ones you don't. You don't get to break the laws you don't agree with and still expect to reap the benefits of being a law abiding resident of the United States.
1030057
Well, it would seem that at least Hazleton, PA got it right. They are implementing a new law that would revoke a businesses license for employing illegal immigrants. Seems like San Bernadino, the largest county in the country, is following suit and looking to employ the same laws as well.\n\nAs for your original question "Do you think we should do nothing about this illegal immigration problem?". I have to point out a few key points in order to give a logical, reasonable and efficient, non-emotional based answer. (I know you're a female, so bear with me on the non-emotional portion of things. j/k) \n\n“The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty first, the ‘love of soft living’ and the get-rich-quick-theory of life”---Teddy Roosevelt\n\n"Love of soft living" - with the use of illegal immigrants for cheap part time labor, the middle to upper class Americans and the thinking involved is "it's good for me and it employs needy people as well". This creates a dillusion of Master-servant and is self-destructive at the same time. Remember "All power corrupts". \n\nJudging from what is known throughout history, it is only a matter of time before the servants get tired of thier roles. With that we can logically deduct that eventually the servant will try and overthrow the master. Unfortunately, this is the role of the illegal to the middle/upper class American\n\nWatching the March, April and May immigrant marches, it wasn't too hard to see the heavy resentment, the entitlement and loud accusations of fat lazy Americans, you need us to care for you, proof that the master-servant, nearly symbiotic relationship is a daily occurrence and not a healthy one either.\n\nIn answer to your original question: it's a matter of realizing the long term consequences of unbridled migration. Eventually things will come to an uproar as they already are in the streets with protests and such. Give it time, if we do nothing we will eventually be heading towards a "Civil War II". Sounds crazy right now, but when a little thought is put into it, I think most can recognize the possibility.
522085
I agree 100% I am not an immigrant. Illegals and their supporters are trying to divert attention to the fact that THEY shouldn't be complaining. i don't mind hearing an opposing view point from an American . but I do not want to hear negativity from a person that shouldn't be here in the first place.
692922
Illegals DO NOT have any rights and not entitled to any privileges in Amercia. If those losers think they can come here and get everything for "Free", then they are wrong. They should be severely punished in hell.
457184
I agree with you - no illegal immigrant has the "right" to do anything but to be returned to his/her own country. It disgusts me when people compare our ancestors who immigrated here legally with these people who care nothing of our laws, and so have no problem breaking them to enter.  We have immigration policies (they need to be enforced), and people can enter this country through an already established procedure. We should not be made to feel ashamed because we ask others to obey the same laws that every American is asked to obey!
475213
There will be a small effect. Americans wont care about the protest but employers might care that they're losing work! And Maybe the politicians should make all immigrants SPEAK ENGLISH in America. Our Schools Teach kids Spanish here but do you think in Mexico they learn english there. Of Course Not. Learn English. Aprender Ingles.
672228
Yes, absolutely! Someone has got to protect the American citizens from "who knows what" could be crossing that open door into the USA.  Illegal immigrants do it every day, why couldn't a terrorist? I am all in favor of building a wall or fence there.\n\n I believe the protests and the waving of the Mexican flag is a slap in the face of those of us who give our allegience to the USA. They do not have any plans of assimilating, their plan is to reconquor and I for one will join a 'vigilante' group and fight for keeping the USA way of life, if it should come to that. They are as much an invader as a terrorist. They steal from our future by abusing our country's Assistance programs. Programs we, as hard working legal US American citizens, provided for OUR future generations, not a piggy bank for thieves to steal from and abuse like it is theirs. If US Americans don't open their eyes, they're going to wake up one day and it's going to be gone, it will be too late. their grandchildren will be living like those illegal immigrants were in Mexico. The USA will be the same type of desolate poor country.
460252
I completely agree.  We embrace those immigrants who came here respecting our laws, and rejoice when they become American citizens.  And I'll die defending them.  But what I see at those rallies is a bunch of people who skirted the law and now want preferential treatment over the LEGAL immigrants.  And I don't see people proud to be Americans.  I see people wanting voting rights, so they can take what they want, and tailor the American southwest to be more accomodating for Mexico.\n\nI won't let that happen.
330270
Of course.  A legal has every right and we should support them.\nAn illegal is a criminal by definition.  Go through the process of becoming legitimate or don't come to the U.S.\nGiven the sheer numbers of illegals, it would be impossible to deport them all, but they should pay a fine for breaking the law of the land and they should go through the process of becoming legal.  It would take a line of buses from San Diego to Alaska to haul them all out at onece.  Its just not realistic to ship them all out.  Also, given how involved they are in our economy, our economic system would suffer and be threatened with collapse if that many people were suddenly jerked out of it.
298121
HELL NO!! No rights, no amnesty, DEPORTATION~~ with fines!!\n\n To those who think the ILLEGAL immigrants BUILT this country, "You are either a moron or you are terribly misinformed." \n\nOur country was BUILT by OUR forefathers: Native Americans and legal immigrants\n Most Americans do their own laundry and yard work. I have a garden every year, make many of my own clothes, do my own laundry, work in my own yard.  There are enough legal immigrants and American citizens that want jobs that will do what the ILLEGAL immigrants do. If anyone thinks we can't do without them, why don't they take their butts back to Mexico and just see what we can do WITHOUT  them.
581645
I am not American but it seems to me the Americans believe they have the right to do pretty much whatever they please
391830
On March 17, 2006, an estimated 25,000 illegals from Ireland marched boldly in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NY without fear of any enforcement of our immigration laws. I told my friends at the time: this unchecked in-your-face, "we demand respect" display by illegals will embolden them to demand they be given a free pass and when that doesn't happen, it will reach the point of violence.\n\nOn March 24, 2006, hundreds of high school students in LA walked out of their classrooms to protest the newest piece of completely unnecessary immigration legislation by the incompetent fools in Congress. Within hours 15,000 criminals (illegals) were marching in Phoenix and roughly 10,000 in Georgia.\n(Seems Fairly ORGANIZED)\n On March 25, 2006, waving their Mexican flags chanting the same worn out "racist" garbage and demanding their "rights" 50,000 of these criminals marched in Denver, thousands in North Carolina and here in Sacramento. All because the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and erect fences along one-third of the U.S.-Mexican border.\n\n(AGAIN Seems Fairly ORGANIZED On A NATIONAL Level)\n \nThe counterfeit Senate is to begin their bickering on March 28, 2006.\n\nOur economy will not fail by rounding up illegals and deporting them. \nOn ABC This Week, March 26, 2006, weasel Arlen Specter, hauled out the other big lie, "We have created a need for these workers who will do the work Americans won't." \n\nBull. Once we begin to deport these criminals, Americans \nwill step in and do the jobs - jobs that have been taken away from them because employers have turned a blind eye to the law and are looking for cheap labor. As for Arlen Specter: why is he still sitting on his backside doing nothing while banks in this country are knowingly and aggressively violating federal law by giving home mortgages to criminals (illegals). Congress and the Department of Justice are simply ignoring this outrage, yet Specter blathers on the stupid tube that these 15 million plus criminals should be given a free pass.\n\n According to Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), who is head of the \nCongressional Immigration Reform Caucus, \n  \n"Massive immigration of low-skilled, low-wage workers ... \ndepresses wage rates for people who are at the low economic end of the scale. ... \nThe overall effect will be the decline of the living standard of every American, \nor most Americans."\n\nIllegal immigration cuts into the wages of American workers. \nAccording to Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), who is head of the \nCongressional Immigration Reform Caucus, \n  \n"Massive immigration of low-skilled, low-wage workers ... \ndepresses wage rates for people who are at the low economic end of the scale. ... \nThe overall effect will be the decline of the living standard of every American, \nor most Americans."\n\nAccording to TNRIP, the financial cost of this foreign invasion to U.S. taxpayers \nis staggering! Here is a break down of the annual costs: \n\nEducation: $22.5 billion \nBi-lingual Education: $3.3 billion \nAFDC: $2.4 billion \nSSI: $2.9 billion \nSocial Security: $24.8 billion \nHousing Assistance: $2.6 billion \nCriminal Justice: $2.6 billion \nJobs Lost by Americans: $10.8 billion \nOther Programs: $51.4 billion \nFood Stamps: $7 billion \nHealth Care: $1.4 billion \n\nTom Tancredo was the other guest on the aforementioned show and he said it right: We don't need any new laws, enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books.\n\nThis IS what's coming right to your neighborhood: One of these days in the near future, these millions of illegals are going to become berserkers. It is the intention of Mexicans to "reclaim" the four border states and merge them back with Mexico and they are willing to do it with violence. These 15 million
402654
Would I be willing to protest against the continued invasion of sovereign American soil, against the continued arrogance of a group of thugs demanding rights and privileges that only legal citizens should get, against Mexican, Salvadoran, Nicaraguan, Cuban, Honduran, and whatever other foreign national flag is being waved in the faces of Americans at the rally's being held by the aforementioned thugs. Would I be willing to do that? You bet your Red, White, and Blue A*s I would! God bless the US and all its LEGAL residents!!