Where do you stand?

[lizbud]

I was curious also. I found this link that contains general & specific
requirements for immigrants. It also has a history of the immigration
laws & requirements. In the general requirements is one that requires
the person to be able to read, write & speak english. I think that one
alone would cut out a lot of people.


http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm

[BOBS DAD]

I think that many of the posts here miss the point! Americans - Old and newly immigrated came here "legally" for a better life for themselves, but mostly their kids. And of course, there has always been some level of illegality or questionable admittance, but those who came here under those conditions (along with those who came legally) "DEMANDED" nothing.

They felt lucky enough to be here and did whatever they could to stay and gain eventual citizenship. They demanded nothing because they felt they were owed nothing. It irks me to see so many people who are here illegally to stand up and demand to be recognised (??? - one might think they would want to keep a low profile) and be given the rights (in some instances, exceed the rights) of naturalized citizens!

[Edwina's Secretary]

I think that many of the posts here miss the point! Americans - Old and newly immigrated came here "legally" for a better life for themselves, but mostly their kids. And of course, there has always been some level of illegality or questionable admittance, but those who came here under those conditions (along with those who came legally) "DEMANDED" nothing.

They felt lucky enough to be here and did whatever they could to stay and gain eventual citizenship. They demanded nothing because they felt they were owed nothing. It irks me to see so many people who are here illegally to stand up and demand to be recognised (??? - one might think they would want to keep a low profile) and be given the rights (in some instances, exceed the rights) of naturalized citizens!

But..."demanding" is something everyone does more of than in the good old days....whenever that was. But to your point....what about Emma Goldman for example? In the early 1900's there were many politically active immigrants.

It is interesting to read in the link Lizbud posted, the process has never been "pure." And of course, those rules are for citizenship not immigration.

I thought the point of the thread to be....immigration reform. It has become a discussion of the behavior of "those people."

[gini]

In a New York Times article today about immigration the Border Patrol stated that there were 1,189,067 apprehensions (arrests) in 2005. What needs to be said is that there may be repeat apprehensions included in this number.

The Border Patrol also said that for every apprehension 2 - 3 people make it through.

Since October in San Diego alone, 90,843 people have been apprehended.
Does that mean that 180,000 or 270,000 made it through? That isn't known.

No one denies anyone basic human rights - a place to live - a job to hold - food on the table.

But just looking at these numbers - how many jobs do we have - to provide these basic human rights? How many can we absorb?

Then it is necessary to discuss health care and education.

There is also the horrific number of 50% of children in Los Angeles County alone that drop out of high school - never get their diploma. Is this the future for our country?

Immigration and how to deal with it is a very difficult question, but it is one we have been giving bandaids to for a long time.

[RICHARD]

Then it is necessary to discuss health care and education.

Do WE HAVE TO?

[BOBS DAD]

I thought the point of the thread to be....immigration reform. It has become a discussion of the behavior of "those people."

Yes, you are correct. But it seems impossible to discuss Immigration Reform without broaching the obvious central theme driving this subject. Illegal Aliens from Mexico. It is a fact that this is at the core of this debate.

With that in mind, it seems appropriate to discuss the political, social and civil ramifications of endless illegal migration. I have relatives in Ca and I know many illegal immigrants and suspect quite a few more. These are in fact, "fine, hardworking terrific people". I feel for them and would do anything I could to help them get "their papers". I must admit though, I could never imagine any of these folks protesting, organizing marches or demanding anything.

I am afraid that the long parade of illegal immigrants from our southern borders has produced an environment in which "just getting here" is no longer a big accomplishment, but that getting "rights" after getting here has become the paramount issue.

It is a tough issue no doubt... but I think we need to take a tough stand and begin to take control again of our borders and not encourage future illegal immigration by rewarding illegal action.

[lbaker]

Just one thought, or should I say one opinion? Illegal aliens generally do NOT want U.S. citizenship. Americans are very vain thinking that everybody in the world wants to be a U.S. citizen. Mexicans, and other nationalities want to remain citizens of their home countries while obtaining the benefits offered by the United States such as employment, medical care, in-state tuition, government subsidized housing and free education for their offspring. Their main attraction is employment and their loyalty usually remains at home. They
want benefits earned and subsidized by middle class Americans. What illegal aliens want are benefits of American residence without paying the price. No need to jump up and down, as I said... just an opinion.

[lizbud]

Since October in San Diego alone, 90,843 people have been apprehended.
Does that mean that 180,000 or 270,000 made it through? That isn't known.

No one denies anyone basic human rights - a place to live - a job to hold - food on the table.

But just looking at these numbers - how many jobs do we have - to provide these basic human rights? How many can we absorb?

Then it is necessary to discuss health care and education.

There is also the horrific number of 50% of children in Los Angeles County alone that drop out of high school - never get their diploma. Is this the future for our country?

I believe we are seeing the effects of a lot of things coming together
at one time & the results don't look good at all for people without at
least a college education. The age of technology, political choices by our
leaders in government & business changes like outsourcing some jobs all
work to shrink the potential job market in America.High school diplomas
don't prepare kids for life anymore. Maybe 30-40 years ago,someone could
work a factory job & provide a decent living for their family, but not anymore.

Our society is fast becoming one of the haves & have nots.