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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2006 > March > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHispanics protest legislation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More than 100 Hispanic high school students waved Mexican flags and shouted “Justice” outside the state Capitol today to protest the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, which passed the House or Representatives on Thursday.
“Everybody should have the same rights,” said Griffin High School student Zoila Ochoa who skipped school for the protest. “We just want justice.”
Many of the protesters waved Mexican flags and some sounded loud air horns. The crowd cheered loudly as several cars dove by, their passengers waving Mexican flags out the open windows.
Luis Rogue, an 18-year-old who attends Druid Hills High School, said he came with a group of students from Cross Keys High School
“I think the Hispanic population is a big part of the workforce,” Rogue said. “I think this bill discriminates against people who work hard.”
Rogue said his family members are legal residents and have been in the country 13 years. His dad works construction, he said, and his mother works in a restaurant.
The students were protesting Senate Bill 529, which is aimed a illegal immigrants and their employers.
The protest was not limited to the Capitol.
Hispanics stayed away from gas stations, restaurants and other businesses Friday to protest Georgia legislation cracking down on illegal immigration.
A stretch of Buford Highway usually bustling with Latino shoppers looked like a ghost town as many Hispanic-owned groceries, retailers and other stores stayed shut. And businesses that did open saw fewer customers.
Asif Khan, clerk of a Texaco near Chamblee, said Hispanics normally make up half the gas station’s clientele. But by 9 a.m., not a single Latino had passed through, said Khan, who was leisurely flipping through the newspaper. “I actually have time to read this,” he said.
Outside, Jody Darby wondered why he was the lone driver pumping gas. “I thought ‘Is it a holiday or what?,’” he said.
The March 17 Alliance of Georgia — a coalition of Hispanic clergy, business owners and activists — called on Hispanics to not buy anything today as a way of signaling the Latino community’s importance to the state’s economy. They also asked Hispanic workers to stay home if they could do so without jeopardizing their jobs. That piece of the partial boycott appeared to be getting less compliance.
Manuel Garcia said he and his 15-man landscaping crew were told they’d be fired if they didn’t show for work today. That’s why they were busily sprinkling pine straw around bushes and flower beds at warehouses along Best Friend Road in Norcross. “We have families to support,” Garcia said.
The workers went out their way to buy water yesterday, however, and brought their own lunches to avoid having to purchase anything today.
Ali Mesghali, owner of Rumi’s Kitchen on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, said two of his cooks approached him to tell him about the boycott.
With a staff that’s a good mix of Hispanic and American workers, Mesghali closed the Persian eatery for lunch Friday, choosing instead to open for the day at 5 p.m. for dinner.
“We wanted to support the Spanish people,� Mesghali said. “I told them that if this is what you believe, I’m supporting you guys.�
Authored by state Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) the immigration bill has passed the state Senate and House, but the chambers passed different versions and a final bill could be fashioned by a conference committee before the Legislature adjourns.
Rogers’ bill attempts to prohibit adult illegal immigrants from getting taxpayer-funded benefits to which they are not entitled. It also attempts to ensure that companies with public contracts hire only workers in the country legally, and it would financially penalize private employers who hire illegal immigrants. The bill also would establish tough penalties for human trafficking.
House members added a provision in committee that would require illegal immigrants to pay a 5 percent surcharge on money they wire out of the country. That has upset some senators who might try to remove that section.
There are an estimated 250,000 to 800,000 illegal immigrants in Georgia — though no one has a precise number. Proponents of a crackdown say illegal immigrants burden schools, prisons and the health care system without footing an equal part of the tax burden. Opponents of Rogers’ proposal say immigrants are here seeking a better life, do pay taxes and take only the jobs Americans refuse.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By chris
March 24, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
I only hope for the best for ”mi raza” my people. America is the land of the free, the land of dreams, land of oppurtunity THEN AMERICA LETS SHOW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOST OF MI PEOPLE all they want is a better life like anyone else yes we do have criminals and bad people but what race does not!!!!!!!
By Lee
March 24, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Illegal immigration is becoming a huge problem in many communities across Georgia. I wish we could simply build a wall on both borders to allow for better control over who is coming in and out of our country. Frankly, I am more worried about who is crossing the border from Canada than from Mexico. I hope we are keeping in mind that many Latinos have come here legally and that our nation is a nation of immigrants when we are writing this law. I would hate for this law to become a “I hate Mexicans” type of law instead of a “We are trying to discourage illegal immigration” type of law.
By George
March 24, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
you people amaze me sometimes. you are all so welcoming to all these people, but then have the nerve to complain about how bad out economy is? do you not see the irony in this? they come here, they take jobs that can be given to americans, or LEGAL immigrants at half the money. then what happens? the americans and LEGAL immigrants have no job to support their family. there are very limited jobs that unskilled workers can do, and the ones available, you have these people taking them at a fraction. the american can not win in these cases. i am not saying don’t come into this country, everyone wants a better life, and i can respect that. but do it legally. sign papers, pay taxes, put back into the economy that you are robbing. please folks, stop being so politically correct, stop embracing every sob story, and think about what will happen in 10 years when we HAVE to speak spanish to get anything done.
By lew morris
March 24, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
All I hear is they want justice they want respect, they are here illegally they broke our law we are a nation of laws where is our justice where is our respect. I wish someone will tell me who said they are doing the jobs that no one else want to do,so far no has been able to tell mw who said that. lew
By Kenneth Smith
March 24, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
I try not to sound preduice. However, the law is the law. Many Hispanics/Mexicons have already broken “our” law by coming into this country illegally and should be deported or incarcerated. And to protest and try to dictate how we should run this State is an insult. We cannot go to their country and do this. They should come into this country legally and/or become a U.S. citizen. Then voice your opinion regarding U.S. and State laws.
By carol
March 24, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Pay taxes, learn to speak English, quit taking jobs away from americans that can’t get a job because you work for nothing. If you want a better life in American, step up to the plate and do the same things we Americans have to do to maintain a better life. Stop looking for a handout.
By Dick
March 24, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Ole Theodore Roosevelt said it pretty well in 1907. “IN the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discrimiate against any such man because of creed, or birth place or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American and nothing but an American….There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also isn’t an American at all. We have room but for ONE flag, the American flag We have room for ONE language here and that is the English language and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American People.
By A Worker
March 24, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
The pertinent word here is “illegal.” I don’t think most rational citizens have a problem with the hard-working, legal immigrants throughout this state. Illegal immigrants should not be treated the same as the rest of the citizenry because the fact that they are here is criminal.
By TC
March 24, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
Its about time the government did something, they come over here and cant read or speak english and get a phoney drivers licenses and dont know how to drive and dont have insurance, when they have a accident then we have to take the loss and how about when they bring they’re kids here and put them in the schools with our kids and wonder why the test scores are so low when they first cant read or write english then our kids have to suffer because of them, that is not fair or how about when 10 of them live in a 1 bedroom apt and have 7 or 8 cars taking up spaces and then you have no place close to park to your apartment. how about we have to pay when they get hurt and go to the hospitals which we pay taxes for and they dont have benefits, and how about go look in some of these warehouses and constructions places and see how many mexicans are working then go check to see how many unemployed american construction workers we have and warehouse workers. why do we have to learn spanish and do special things for them when this is our home, if they dont like it then go back to mexico but please get them out of here!!!!
By Ajamu
March 24, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
It is a shame that the assumption is made that immigrants, Mexican,Ecuadoran or what ever, come here with clean records. Why are there no background checks for these people?Because it’s impossible! Yet Black men cannot get a look if they have a record. How do you justify hiring a Mexican drug dealer, gang member, possibly murderer here illegally over an African American man who has one minor public disorderly conduct charge as his entire criminal record? I personally want to see more Black men working on road and housing construction jobs. They have the skills. Enough is enough.
By Karol
March 24, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
People this is not a law just for (mexicans) what about the africans that are here illegaly or the asian’s or the canadian’s that don’t have green cards??? But all you hear is about “Mexican’s” Not all hispanics are illegals!!!
By RWH
March 24, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Often times others think that people have something against them. That’s not true in this situation. It appear that immigrants thinks America old them. Yes, they do if the immigrants pull back and attempt to do what is right, just and fair. There can be no second guessing on illegal immigrants continuing to come and take their place here without doing so properly. Yes, they can build homes, lay bricks and vice versa; so can American Labor force do the same. So we must first do what is right by America-people and then do what is right by all those who come to America legally. Its just no other way we can solve this issue or be on the right road.
By Joshua Rivera (14 years old)
March 24, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
I think that immigrants should be allowed in America because they are making the country a better place to live. They are working jobs that Americans refuse to work. They pay taxes and abide by the law. America should start showing that it’s the land of opportunities because that is the reason people immigrate to this country. They want better jobs and a better life for their children which are the future of this world.
By Cedric Moore
March 24, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Don’t try to have your way and most of ynot even here legally. The majority of Mexicans can’t even speak English (or they pretend not to speak English). Everything is written in Spanish for them in Atlanta. Learn to speak (American) English first and become a citizen before being critical of laws in Georgia. Plus, I know plenty of Americans that do the same jobs that they do. I believe this country can survive without them working here.
By Lillian
March 24, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
There has been a lot of talk from the American public and certain AM talk radio stations about today’s boycott. What I want to say to those people and those that are reading this comment is… don’t forget where YOU came from!!! Your ancestors were immigrants too. Don’t forget about those ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (not only “Mexicans” or Hispanics)that are working under the scorching sun, the blasting cold, the depressing factories, and any other places or conditions that YOU would not work for, especially for the amount that they are being paid. These so called “Criminals” are not complaining, all they want is the opportunity to LIVE. They hope to one day be legal, but that process takes time. They want to get Visa’s, but they need to show that they own property and have a good amount of money in the bank (they don’t even have money to pay their SHACK). I have seen this with my own eyes!
I am a Hispanic AMERICAN, my family owns businesses, homes, cars, etc. I probably speak better English than the average “American.” I am an EXCELLENT Citizen and I am on the Dean’s List at Georgia State University. Give these people the opportunity to LIVE the way this country has given YOU/YOUR ANCESTORS and ME the same opportunity.
By Lily
March 24, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
We are quick to say don’t allow the Hispanics/Latinos in, but as we all know they are the ones who are building homes, cleaning bathroom, cleaning hotel rooms, etc.. Yes, they are willing to work for half the amount of money that Americans are, but think about it. If we have to pay more to “American” workers, then that’s only going to drive the cost of services up. Think about that the next time you hire someone to mow your lawn. I’m not saying open the flood gates and let everyone in, but if they are here legally and are paying taxes then they have the same rights as you and I.
By alex
March 24, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
“THEY TOOK ARE JOBS!” ok you guys, do you want to work in construction, poultry plant,janitor? i didn’t think so. And how can you say they don’t contribute. Even if they are paid under the table they still pay sales taxes and exise taxes, so get your facts straight before you start rambling about how immigrants are bad for the economy. You sound like a bunch of racist know nothings when you say junk like that. Besides AMERICA (land of the free) is where everyone came to make a better life. Talk to them, get their story before you make judgment. My grand parents were italian and if they were rejected then i wouldn’t be here today. I hope you all open your eyes and remember we are are all human and all equal… even if you think otherwise. -alex
By jen
March 24, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
This is a country of immigrants however we need to do everything the right way. If an immigrant from another country not just hispanics but also from europe, asia, canada etc wants to live here than they should do everything legally..People who live here illegal need to become legals and pay taxes…
By KC
March 24, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Wow. I love the “they broke the law” argument. How very pious. And each of you who use it has never broken the law? Never exceeded the speed limit by just 1 mile per hour? Never parked in a “no parking” zone for just a “quick sec”? Never maybe had one too many and drove home “very carefully”? Ever had oral sex with your wife or husband? That’s a felony in this state, you know. Let’s not just say “they broke the law”. It’s almost impossible to legally get a work permit to enter this country from Mexico. You have to have a blood relative here legally who will “sponsor” your admission and then go through a half dozen hoops to get the visa. I don’t think any of our ancestors had to apply for a green card when we came here, and I don’t think the natives spoke our language and we sure as heck didn’t learn to fit into their culture. This debate isn’t about economic constraint or enforcing the law, it’s about Americans who don’t like walking into a store and meeting a Mexican face to face. That, my friends, is simple bigotry. If we’re so concerned that they aren’t citizens why not debate a more novel idea…make them citizens! Oh…by the way…the American Southwest WAS Mexico until we started a war with Mexico and took it.
By Amanda
March 24, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
I think this has gotten out of hand. I am an American, born and raised. I do not have a problem with people immigrating to this country. What I do have a problem with are the people who do so illegally. Funding is being taken away from our natural-born and legal immigrant citizens to take care of illegal immigrants and it is not right nor just. If people want to live the “American Dream” and reap the benefits then they need to pay the consequences, or taxes, like the rest of us. They also need to learn how to speak English, which is the American language. When in Rome do as the Romans do, etc.
By TL
March 24, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
LEGAL immigrants should be treated as American born citizens. ILLEGAL immigrants should be DEPORTED!!!!
By Jaynicia
March 24, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
As a black woman, I’m tired of them looking to the black community when they want strength in numbers against whites and call us “their brothers and sisters” but then look down on us and hate us when everything is fine. I don’t have a problem with anyone wanting to have a job and looking for a better life but there’s a process that has to be followed and that goes for any illegal in this country. There ARE people willing to work these job but they’ve got to be paid competitive wages in which to survive on which is only fair. Taking jobs and social services then crying foul when legislators want to stop it is crazy. Enough.
By Syed
March 24, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
I am neither a hispanic nor an American.So, I see this immigration issue in purely neutral and economic Perspective.
I went to school here, and one of my renouned Professor taught us something. “You are responsible for whatever happens to you” . So, if the Americans are loosing their job to Mexicans, I guess they are responsible for it. How ? This is a free market economy. The employers, business owners they are all americans and they have to make money. To do that , they need cheap labor.and they will get it somehow. I read the story about a Suwanee Guy who lost his construction jobs to cheap mexican labor andf now sitting home and living on his wife income. I don’t know about rest of the people here, but I would rather compete with those cheap labor and work with a low wage than live on wife’s income. Making a little money is better than not at all; it might not be enough, but it could give a little support to the wife.
I think the americans should step up and make better environment for the Business to grow. People are too quick to point fingers to mexicans, but YOU are loosing jobs because of your HEALTH system.Example, For every GM car you buy, you pay $1300 for the retiree health benefit. Now think about it, is that due to the mexican ? Now i went to school here, have a good job here, I like the country just like any Americans because this country is putting food in our table too. So I ask the Americans Do something about this Helath, Coporate business laws. You drive through Buford Highway, you feel the traffic of illegals, But you don’t feel the outsourcing yet, this is a bigger problem than mexicans, this country already lost a lot of jobs , mostly because of Health and other benefits.
By Eva
March 24, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
If Hispanics want to show Americans there Dignity why they stop using the system for a Day ? It will be a better way to demonstrate there dignity, get out of the system for a Day instead of been complaining about the new Laws, or get out of here. We don’t need the Hispanics, they need us and our system to be explode, they don’t know English but they really know about Food Stamps, Wic, Welfare, Medicaid, hummm ! It’s a shame ! Don’t complain anymore !
By maribel
March 24, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
How can people be so ignorant.We the latinos are not trying to take the job of the AMERICANS.We only take the jobs that NO AMERICAN wants. People please inform yourselfs ilegal inmigrants do pay taxes (to uncel SAM) it is posible we do our taxes by April 15.Also F.Y.I.my people the latinos (don’t say MEXICANS)are good hard working people sometimes they do jobs and don’t get payed.Sometimes they get payed but it’s not even what would be minimun wage.They get treatet worst then animals.Think abuot it we are not the enemy.We are just people tring to live a better life.I’ve lived here legaly for 20years. Let’s show that this is the land of the free after all we are here united as one.Befor we speak about something PLEASE get the informatin right.RAZA HELPING RAZA ALL THE WAY
By John
March 24, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
My plan, if you work and pay taxes (legal or illegal) you can stay. If you don’t work, get deported- and I am not talking about the hispanics. Welfare is the real drag on our economy.
By frank
March 24, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
Step 1. Learn to speak English Step 2. Learn our laws, not try to change them. Step 3. Get health insuarance, quit using hospitals for free drugs and head colds.
By Enrique
March 24, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
I’m very sad for all the latinos, that didn’t participate in this day where we all should have been together.And those who treathed the latinos to be fired if they wouldn’t go to work, just think how much money you will be saving if this law doesn’t pass, help yourself to keep your employees, at the end you know the’re illigal. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND AS LATINOS WE LOVE AMERICA.
By RC
March 24, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t think most American have a problem with legal immigration and learning to speak english.
Illegal aliens are breaking the law. All illegals should be deported.
By John
March 24, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Workers (legal or illegal) should be allowed to stay. Deport those that don’t work- and I am NOT talking about the Hispanics. Welfare is the real economical drag.
By omar
March 24, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
you guys act like getting a work visa is so easy. you don’t even know how bad MOST parts of mexico are. It’s sad really, they try to work hard and are looked down upon because they can’t read or write. They were never given a chance. They are doing the best they can and all you people say is ” tough luck” You think learning another language is easy? Imagine america dies and life sucks here and you go to china to find work, imagine how it would be, put yourself in their situations. Just raise the quality of life for everyone!
By Mrs. Herrera
March 24, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
That’s right Americans should learn how to speak SPANISH, the hispanic population is the fastest growing in the world. In the future Spanish will become 1st language… I am Mexican/American born in the US and Fluent in Spanish and English which helped me get the job I have. SPANISH will be mandatory so be prepared. Humans are humans, color and language should not matter. Everyone is equal.
By KM
March 24, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Leave the BLACK/WHITE issue alone. That has absolutely nothing to do with this situation. If you don’t like your situation…then change it. Do something about it. Complaining will only get you but so far.
By George
March 24, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
No, i sure as hell don’t want to work as a janitor, or in a poultry plant. But i am sure there are plenty of americans that are unskilled at anything else, that would love that chance. and they can’t get it. why, paco the taco is there, at $4.00 an hour, under the table. not putting in social security, not putting into state tax or city taxes that support him, his wife and 13 kids to go to school, go to the hospital, and whatever other benefit he gets. so don’t tell me that the 5 cent tax he pays on his morning 99 cent taqueeto is benefitting out economy any. and for the record, i don’t care what color he is, let him purple with 3 eyes, you are welcome to come here and work. but DO IT LEGALLY! what is it about that little thing that people don’t get. why don’t you try and jump the fence into another country, see how much hospitality you get when you land. be lucky if you don’t get shot before they know a thing about you.
By Leigh
March 24, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
To the “Hispanic” people that say they get treated worse than animals, why then is it necessary to stage this big boycott today? If it’s so bad in America, why do illegal immigrants keep crossing over to get here?
By Dolores
March 24, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
For me legal immigrants are not a problem ~ they never have been. It is the illegal immigrants ~ who are not paying taxes yet are expecting all the perks of a legal tax paying person ~ that are a burden.
I can respect people for wanting a better way of life for themselves and their families. I am frustrated with illegal immigrants because they generally lack respect for our laws. Illegals usually work under the table, pay no taxes, yet feel entitled to tax paid perks such as public schools, food stamps, and medical care, just to mention a few.
This has nothing to do with the legal population and everything to do with the illegal population.
Welcome to the United States of America. Now, please register and learn to speak the language ~ American English.
Thank you.
By Iknow
March 24, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Be careful what you say. I expressed my opinion and have gotten some hate email from some of the Hispanics.
By ateeb
March 24, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of the comments..I live in a area that is now infested with them they cant drive, they cant speak english, the are nasty people! Its about time the government has said something…i cant get a job because i have to be bilingual when i pay taxes and am a citizen because i dont speak their language..please..speak ours, stop taking our jobs…there are too many here..norcross, doraville is infested…it was never that way before 5-6 years ago , one come in all come in..americans need job..we have to pay taxes and everything else, these people come and send all of their money home!!! my advice send them home!!
By G
March 24, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
It seems as if the those of Latino community don’t seem to understand. We don’t mind having your hear but do it legally. Is that too much to ask for?
By Sammy
March 24, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
THIS BILL IS NOT SAYING THAT THE MEXICANS CANNOT WORK HERE. THIS BILL IS STATING THAT IF YOU WANT TO WORK HERE DO IT LEGALLY. YOU WANT TO BE EQUAL THEN BE LEGAL. YOU DONT JUST DO JOBS THAT AS YOU SAY NO AMERICANS WANT, I HAVE WORKED MANY JOBS THAT MEXICANS DO. IT’S WHEN THE ILLEGALS COME IN THE JOBS GET UNDERCUT FOR A CHEAPER PRICE.
By SD
March 24, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
I think this issue has been made much more complicated than it needs to be. If you come here LEGALLY, then I have no problems with you having the same rights as I do as an American born citizen. If you are here ILLEGALLY then I don’t want you here, because you have already broken the laws of my country. You are a criminal and should be deported. It’s that simple.
By CP
March 24, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
Im sorry, but if you want to be an American citizen, then jump through the hoops like every other foreigner trying to be an American citizen. The only reason we have so many illegal hispanics right now is because both parties want them here. Republicans want a virtual slave labor force, and Dems want the legal hispanic community’s votes. The fact is, if you want to be an American, learn the language and get here legally. Thats all there is to it.
By Dee
March 24, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
“I think the Hispanic population is a big part of the workforce,� “I think this bill discriminates against people who work hard.�
:-/ Then GET LEGAL!!!! We aren’t saying we don’t want you here, we want you LEGAL!!!!
Can you not grasp that concept? Is it really that hard?
I have many friends from many nations that are LEGAL!!!! They went through the process and now they are legal, LAW ABIDING, tax paying citizens of this country.
And let me tell you another thing, Hispanics are not the ONLY people that work hard! There is a rainbow of races that work their fingers to the bone everyday across this nation and they are LEGAL! Hispanics ARE NOT the only people that work hard. It’s not discrimination against those that work hard just those who work hard illegally. This country has laws. If you choose not to abide by those laws, where is it written that American citizens are forced to put up with that? If you don’t abide by the governments rules, then WHY should the government and the tax payers of this country be forced to support you? Tax paying citizens have been doing this too long now. It is time to stop!!!!
If you are an illegal and you don’t agree with the laws governing this great nation, then get the he out of here!!!!**
By Giovanni
March 24, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
How more ignorant can Americans get? they are educated and have jobs that pay them very well and they are concerned about immigrants taking jobs that barely pay minimum wage and work you to the bones. America WAKE UP! You should be worrying about the high paying jobs going overseas. Did you that intel is increasing its job base in india and cutting jobs in the US! Get a clue it us not us Latinos that you have to worry about!
By Cross Keys Student
March 24, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
To TC (illiterate idiot): First of all, you should go to school or something. You can’t even write properly on this blog, and you’re talking about kids that don’t speak English. This country was based on immigrants. I bet you don’t even know how the economy would be affected by this bill. There are jobs in GEORGIA!!!!! MOVE your sorry butt and start looking for one. As for the kids, maybe you should teach your children since you think they are wasting their time. NOT ALL HISPANICS ARE MEXICANS!!!!!!!!! LEARN YOUR COUNTRIES!!!!
By teacher
March 24, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Many students were brought here by their parents when they were very young. Some have not been back to their home country. Many speak English better than their native language. These students work hard in school, graduate with honors, and want to follow their dreams.
What is so bad about letting them go to college, making them eligible for federal loans (money that would be paid back), and giving them the opportunity to have a career? Wouldn’t they be an asset to the system rather than a drain on it? Wouldn’t they be paying more in taxes with a professional job rather than working in the service industry?
Many of my high school students are illegal, but they are the most deserving students. They’re not out to drain the system. They don’t want a free ride. They just want options. This bill limits their options even more than before.
By Nancy
March 24, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
If I do something illegal I expect to get punished if caught. If you are doing something illegal like “hiring ILLEGAL immigrantsâ€? don’t get mad about being fined.
By the way, if I was out of work then by no means would I turn down a job landscaping, doing construction and even working in a poultry plant so please dont’ tell me that illegals take jobs that no one wants.
By DIANA IBANEZ
March 24, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
I think is an offense that Our lovely president tries to cover up his war mistake with take it out on immigrants.. i find it repulsive that this country its looked upon as the land of the free yet the actions they have taken are similar to those of the one’s of Adolf Hitler’s and his repulsive outlook on the Jewish community. If we stand up and make them see that the Hispanic and Immigrant communities are the Backbone of this country… I would understand gettiong rid of immigrants who are Criminals, yet they act like working is a crime. I am an American yet i am embarrassed to say it… i would love to send a video to my mothers country so they can see how the land of opportunity the land of the free is not so free and fair as they promise.. yet is not an immigrant’s fault to dream of a better future when the press paints that picture maybe if they started showing more reality to it then we wouldn’t have the flood of immigrants as they call it.
By T
March 24, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
This is getting ridiculous. Illegal immigration is illegal and always will be. While we can’t stereotype all illegals as bad, we sure as heck can’t classify all of them as good. There are laws and procedures in place for a reason.
Additionally, I can’t fathom why it seems the majority of hispanics are sticking up for illegals. Illegal immigration does nothing but place a stigma on all legal hispanics. Illegals think they have such market power, but our economy would probably barely flinch if every single one left tomorrow. (I can dream, can’t I?) While no one has proof of such a statement, no one else can prove they are so vital to our economy. All they say is that they make up this % of the employees and no one else would take those jobs. How do they know?? THere are pleny of unemployed Americans and students who would probably fill the void.
This problem has the potential to destroy America. The silent majority needs to speak up fast and loud, otherwise we will be in a heap of trouble later on. (naming all of the potential negative effects would take way too long to write)
By Kimberly
March 24, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
I hope this plan of boycotting back fires on the illegals in this country. We, the citizens of this country must pay taxes for their hospital visits, and we, the citizens must pay taxes to educate their children. This is not Mexico vs. the U.S. We all live here together therefore we must support the U.S. equally by paying all TAXES!!!! There is only one flag that should be flown for pride in this country and that is the United States of America flag. If you don’t like it……..then simply cross the border and go back where you came from. Do not come over here and insult our free market economy.
By Sammy
March 24, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Herrera
I WILL NOT LEARN TO SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE. I DID NOT COME TO THEIR COUNTRY, THEY CAME TO MINE. THEY WOULD NOT BE THE FASTEST GROWING IF THEY TOOK THE FREE MEDICAL THEY ARE GIVEN AND USED BIRTH CONTROL. AND NO EVERYONE IS NOT EQUAL SOME ARE LEGAL SOME ARE NOT HOW IS THAT EQUAL?
By Donna P.
March 24, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Was does any foreigner whether legal or illegal think they have the RIGHT to protest American laws. The State and Federal governments of America are only enforcing the laws already on the “books” about immigration and making new laws regarding the immigration flow into the U.S. No foreigner has the right to protest how Americans run OUR own country.
By Legal American
March 24, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
I have no problem if someone comes here to better the lives of their family. BUT DO IT LEGALLY! With this rash of illegals this hurts our national secruity, changes our culture and hurts our economy. We are basically funding the Mexican economy. We have people here that need jobs. We american citizens are funding the healthcare, public services and education of illegal immigrants. I think our economy will do fine without them. Viva United States! Keep our Culture!
By Latino
March 24, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Latinos are going to take over your country!! hahahaha We don’t want to be Americans, we want to turn America into a Latino nation!
By John
March 24, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Everybody is so ignorant to what coming here legally means. Everybody keeps saying “DO IT LEGALLY” but have their heads so far up their own @@@ to realize that work permits are only given to some 60,000 something people per year. That is not enough for them, but more importantly, not enough for us to satisfy our greed for bigger houses and cheaper chicken and nice lawns. Shame on you Georgia. Your greed created the mess, now you think you can sweep it under the carpet. Shame on us Christians for not doing something more for people IN other countries so that they don’t have to move here to find a better life. And shame on the Mexican politicians for putting the burden on us, while feasting on their own fattened calf in their haciendas.
By PinestrawGuy
March 24, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Legal = Good, Illegal = Bad How much simpler can it get?
It doesn’t matter where you are from, only how you got here.
It doesn’t matter what color you are, only that you’re an American.
The illegal alien crowd is really screwing up by running around waving Mexican flags. That’s a GREAT way to show your patriotism.
Let me show you ALL what happens at these ‘protests’ out in California. I warn you, it’s graphic.
Last year in California
Either we enforce the law or face the consequences. You pick. I already have.
By johnny d.
March 24, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
you people need to get a grip on youself’s. i am from the west coast so i have love for my brown skinned brothers and sisters…….i have news flash for everyone in the south….the war is over and the north won……! stop the racist thinking down and move on with a new south…….for the people
By John
March 24, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Everybody is so ignorant to what coming here legally means. Everybody keeps saying “DO IT LEGALLY” but have their heads so far up their own @@@ to realize that work permits are only given to some 60,000 something people per year. That is not enough for them, but more importantly, not enough for us to satisfy our greed for bigger houses and cheaper chicken and nice lawns. Shame on you Georgia. Your greed created the mess, now you think you can sweep it under the carpet. Shame on us Christians for not doing something more for people IN other countries so that they don’t have to move here to find a better life. And shame on the Mexican politicians for putting the burden on us, while feasting on their own fattened calf in their haciendas.
By gil
March 24, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
MExicans have been stealing jobs from americans they should be deported.
By concern
March 24, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
we all pay taxes no one escapes that maybe a few wealthy republicans
By teacher
March 24, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Um, Kimberly? Did you ever stop to think what might happen to our “free market economy” if these “stolen jobs” are given back to Americans? You can expect prices on almost everything, from produce to houses, to go through the roof.
If you’re so offended by this, don’t buy produce, don’t stay in hotels, don’t eat in restaurants, and don’t build a house. Make your statement with your wallet.
By gil
March 24, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Mexicans have been stealing jobs from americans they should be deported.
By Ed Woods
March 24, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
My real concern is their alligience to America. It appears that whenever they are unhappy, they protest with waving the Mexican National Flag here in America. That shows how closely they still align themselves with Mexico but benefit through exhausting our resoures. I say kick the bums out!
By Harold
March 24, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Lets be very honest. The key word is “illegal”. When an Haitian or Afrikan or Cuban immigrant comes here seeking a “better life” the coast guard sticks a M16 in thier face telling to go back. So why should an exception be made for mexicans. Is it b/c they are easier to exploit and more readily available. You see why pay an legal immigrant or citizen what they are due by law when you can save money hiring an “illegal”. Its all about cheap labor and in this Capitalist society we live in, the bottom line is the Bottom Line! We Americans!!! better stand up before all our jobs wind up overseas or we get replaced by someone who will work for less because they are being exploited because of their citizenship status.
By Nicole
March 24, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
I am not against Lationos but against illegal immigrants who are not require to pay taxes, entitle to government assistance and our schools. If you going to live in the Land of the Free than abide by the rules like everyone else. I don’t feel right when my hard earn money is used to buy my children clothing and I stand next to Latinos in Ross and see them pulling out a government assistance card to purchase clothes with American money!
By Concerned Citizen
March 24, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
America does not want you here. The politicians just want your vote. GO TO CANADA!
By Mark
March 24, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
BIG DEAL on the protest - What’s one day going to do or prove? NOTHING - PAST THE LAW AND START ROUNDING UP THE ILLEGALS. There will be tons of illegals back to usual tomorrow. You can probably start on Buford Hwy. Our one and only Mr. Bush along with our wonderful Government is going to have to address this problem on the federal level. Our grand ole Government is so disconnected from reality its ashamed.
By T-Man
March 24, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Bash bash bash. That’s all we do. Not all illegals are Mexicans. They come from all countries. With that said I cannot give my whole check over to uncle same to pay for people who are here illegally. Is that simple enough. The sales taxes they pay does not pay for free medical help or food stamps. It is a drain on a system setup for legal citizens. I can’t afford to pay for everyone who comes here illegally that is to much to ask.
By Mr. White
March 24, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
You people make me laugh. Get your facts together before you run your insecure trailer park mouths. First of all illegal immigrants keep inflation down with low cost labor and they save those same jobs that would normally be sent to the overseas. Two, by having those jobs and being paid here in the U.S. they spend most of their hard-earned money here therefore they create more jobs; something that people who steal our jobs overseas don’t do. Third, the majority of immigrants(legal or illegal) do not exploit state services like you you claim they do. So please do not generalize and read your statistics more carefully. Fourth, the majority do pay taxes everytime they buy something, property taxes through the rent they pay the landlords(which they in return use a portion of the rent money to pay taxes to the government). They also get taxes taken out of their paychecks, even though they cannot claim tax returns at the end of the year because most of them are working with someone else’s name and if they file their taxes then they will be caught. Which by the way, the money the illegal immigrants cannot claim at the end of each year is enough money to cover all the services that most of you misinformed hicks say that they exploit. So there you have it. Deal with reality because NO MATTER how much you do the immigrants are here stay whether we like it or not.
By B
March 24, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
All of the illegals are parasites…mooching off the legal working citizens by not paying taxes and sucking the life out of our healthcare, education, and other systems. They form or join gangs and they have the audacity to shoot at OUR border patrol agents. The bill is a good idea!!! Millions of people went through the painstaking process of becoming LEGAL citizens. We’re not going to discredit those who did the right thing by letting all you illegals stay. I say round them up and ship them home! You may return when you’re LEGAL!
By Rhonda K.
March 24, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
After living in GA and Texas, and crossing into the Mexican border, here’s my 2 cents on the situation. America is a land of promise, and quite frankly, if I lived in Mexico, I’d do whatever I could to come to America, LEGALLY! My family came to America on a boat, to Ellis Island. They didn’t speak English, they learned. They paid taxes, they assimilated into the American culture. They came to this country legally, and became US citizens. I think at this point, the best thing to do is to let the illegals that are here stay, and become citizens, unless they have a crimminal record. With that being said, shut our borders and come up with a plan for immigration. I’ve been to the borders, I’ve seen people trying to climb over the fences by the border entrances to get to America. These people have no regard for the laws of our country.
I do think when you come to America, part of being American is absorbing the American culture. That means you don’t live 20 to a 3 bedroom house, and use backyards as parking lots. You don’t rent a room in a home to a family. You learn to speak English.
Just my 2 cents……
By teacher
March 24, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Kimberly,
Just see what happens to our “free market econonmy” if all these jobs currently held by illegals are given to American citizens. Prepare for the prices of produce, houses, hotel rooms, etc. to go through the roof.
Instead of being HATEFUL toward these hardworking people, why not start your own little boycott? You can boycott the employers of illegals. That means don’t buy a house, don’t stay in hotels, don’t eat out in restaurants, and don’t by produce in the grocery stores. Direct your anger in a PRODUCTIVE and LOGICAL direction: toward the employers of illegal immigrants!
By Dude
March 24, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
If you feel like you’re being treated like animals then go back, you’re here illegaly!
It’s like sneaking into football game without a ticket and then complaining you don’t like football.
By teacher
March 24, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Kimberly,
Just see what happens to our “free market econonmy” if all these jobs currently held by illegals are given to American citizens. Prepare for the prices of produce, houses, hotel rooms, etc. to go through the roof.
Instead of being HATEFUL toward these hardworking people, why not start your own little boycott? You can boycott the employers of illegals. That means don’t buy a house, don’t stay in hotels, don’t eat out in restaurants, and don’t by produce in the grocery stores. Direct your anger in a PRODUCTIVE and LOGICAL direction: toward the employers of illegal immigrants!
By teacher
March 24, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Kimberly,
Just see what happens to our “free market econonmy” if all these jobs currently held by illegals are given to American citizens. Prepare for the prices of produce, houses, hotel rooms, etc. to go through the roof.
Instead of being HATEFUL toward these hardworking people, why not start your own little boycott? You can boycott the employers of illegals. That means don’t buy a house, don’t stay in hotels, don’t eat out in restaurants, and don’t by produce in the grocery stores. Direct your anger in a PRODUCTIVE and LOGICAL direction: toward the employers of illegal immigrants!
By teacher
March 24, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Kimberly,
Just see what happens to our “free market econonmy” if all these jobs currently held by illegals are given to American citizens. Prepare for the prices of produce, houses, hotel rooms, etc. to go through the roof.
Instead of being HATEFUL toward these hardworking people, why not start your own little boycott? You can boycott the employers of illegals. That means don’t buy a house, don’t stay in hotels, don’t eat out in restaurants, and don’t by produce in the grocery stores. Direct your anger in a PRODUCTIVE and LOGICAL direction: toward the employers of illegal immigrants!
By NIk
March 24, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Good! Get em outta here! Are they retarded? Shouting and asking for ‘justice’- gimme a break. How about justice for the Americans? Our economy suffers more when they usurp our tax dollars for benefits, crowd our already overcrowded schools and don’t put back into the tax system. Make them pay taxes and become legal AMERICAN citizens (we wave the AMERICAN flag, chicos) or get deported. !No mas para ustedes!
By RH
March 24, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Diana Ibenez, you are the uneducated, ignorant, illegal immigrant that we are all talking about. Comparing George Bush to Adolf Hitler is the most ludicrous thing I think I have ever heard. If you don’t like it get the hell out. No one wants you here.
By teacher
March 24, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Kimberly,
Just see what happens to our “free market econonmy” if all these jobs currently held by illegals are given to American citizens. Prepare for the prices of produce, houses, hotel rooms, etc. to go through the roof.
Instead of being HATEFUL toward these hardworking people, why not start your own little boycott? You can boycott the employers of illegals. That means don’t buy a house, don’t stay in hotels, don’t eat out in restaurants, and don’t by produce in the grocery stores. Direct your anger in a PRODUCTIVE and LOGICAL direction: toward the employers of illegal immigrants!
By Jessica
March 24, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Wow. I have never felt racism like this until today. I am a Latina born in the U.S. I wish before posting people would really study our history, the history of the United States. Why are we here, and who did we hurt in the process? It is always about us as Americans! Let’s stop being greedy. Look at your roots and see where you came from; then be appreciative that it was your ancestors who made the sacrifices of coming to this country and today you do not have to be in the shoes of a “Mexican.”
By Zeke Hicks
March 24, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
There should be no borders anywhere in the world. We are all human beings, on and all and there is no need to seperate us.
By Legal American
March 24, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Teacher - Your doing a great job. Georgia schools rank last in the US. Teacher unions and illegal immigrants are the big reasons.
By B
March 24, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Mr. White, You’re an idiot. You’re condoning illegality. The illegals are BREAKING the law. They’re parasites on our system and they need to be shipped home. They may return when they’re legal.
By Ever
March 24, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Just my opinion… The rules aren’t the same for everyone in this county. You have illegal Hispanics, yes they are providing LABOR. LABOR isn’t contributing to the overall stability of this country. They are not paying taxes, that’s a problem to me. They are getting the jobs, that once went to Americans (felons, who can’t get a “regular’ job because of their record), so they are given to immigrants. They come, trying to acheive the american dream, but not the sweat and tears, most Legal Minorities have to go thru to get certain types of grants or gov. assistance. Plus, the Hispanic gang violence if growning…..but we are supposed to welcome them with open arms because you sprinkle a pine needles and cut the grass or build houses….please give me a break..those are not new inventions..Those same jobs used to go to our displaced citizens.. Pay taxes and become LEGAL , then you can have your say.
By Ever
March 24, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Just my opinion… The rules aren’t the same for everyone in this county. You have illegal Hispanics, yes they are providing LABOR. LABOR isn’t contributing to the overall stability of this country. They are not paying taxes, that’s a problem to me. They are getting the jobs, that once went to Americans (felons, who can’t get a “regular’ job because of their record), so they are given to immigrants. They come, trying to acheive the american dream, but not the sweat and tears, most Legal Minorities have to go thru to get certain types of grants or gov. assistance. Plus, the Hispanic gang violence if growning…..but we are supposed to welcome them with open arms because you sprinkle a pine needles and cut the grass or build houses….please give me a break..those are not new inventions..Those same jobs used to go to our displaced citizens.. Pay taxes and become LEGAL , then you can have your say.
By Rich
March 24, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
OK. Since all of our factorys have relocated to Mexico or China why can’t they work in they’re own country. Or you can live here but you have to pay taxes,learn english and not honk at the white women on Roswell Road. My family came from Italy. Do they speak Italian now? No. They learned english so they could feel welcomed in the new country. What do we do? Change all the sings to spanish and american. Why make it easy on them. If we went to Mexico do you really think they would change signs etc. to help us? No way. Send them all home they stink and smell anyway.
By David
March 24, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
I’m hispanic and find this protest absolutely rediculous. Strengthening the immigration laws only makes it more difficult to those who do NOT want to abide by the law and legally come to this country. Want to live in America? Work for it and do it the right way. I’m not going to support your illegal family. Learn english, just like my parents did. Do things the right way, rather than the lazy way. No wonder there’s such a horrible stereotype on us. This isn’t helping, it’s borderline childish.
By PinestrawGuy
March 24, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Thank God the Georgia Legislature is doing something about it. If you look at the ACTUAL bill, you’ll see it has nothing whatsoever to do with legal immigrants, only illegal aliens. It doesn’t say illegal Mexicans, it applies to ALL those who are here without our country’s permission.
teacher, you said, “You can expect prices on almost everything, from produce to houses, to go through the roof.”
Don’t believe it, it’s not true. The labor cost of fresh fruits and vegetables averages about 10% of it’s price. If agri-business hired legal workers at double the wages, the resultant price increase would be about 10%.
As far as housing prices, let me say that after 30+ years in construction, I’ve watched as wages have dropped some 40-50% over the last 15 years. Has that resulted in LOWER prices for homes? Quit buying the arguments of CRIMINAL employers whose only concern is their own profit, tax-payer be dammed.
And as for cultural assimilation, watchTHIS Coming soon to a neighborhood near you!
By Nicole Mendoza
March 24, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
I do not believe many of you understand the concept of what is going on. Families will be destroyed, US citizens will go on welfare… Just as many illegals there are, there are people (US Citz) who are married to some of them as well.
There is another bill out there that will meet the needs of all parties: S. 1033 H.R. 2330. This bill would provide a solution to reunite families, meet the labor needs of our state’s employers and protect our country.
As the arch bishop stated: in the holy scriptures we are reminded of our responsibilities to those in need “Woe to the legislators of infamous laws, to those who issue tyrannical decrees, who refuse justice to unfortunate and cheat the poor amoung my people of thier rights, who make widows thier prey and rob the orphan” (IS 10: 1-2)
Weither you like it or not we are all brothers and sisters under the same church. We are not immigrants, but we are from the same church… Just please keep that in mind.
SUPPORT THE MCCAIN/KENNEDY BILL!!!!!!!!!!!
By Oh wow
March 24, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
What is the deal. Everyone has to pay taxes, work for a living, follow the law. Why do they think or why do they feel they should not have to do this? NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE. What was the boycott about, illegal immig. wanting to stay in this country, wanting the american dream, without having to do what the rest of america does??? This is crazy. What was their argumentive point? Stay Free, no taxes, no laws, work cheap????
By Ever
March 24, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
If you don’t pay taxes, you don’t have a say. Building houses, doing landscape isn’t a new invention. Those labor jobs once went to our felons who couldn’t get a job anywhere else because of their record. Look at the rise in Hispanic gang activity in Gwinnett, and they are almost always found to be illegal. If you pay taxes and are a legal citizen, then you deserve to boycott, but just because you WORK, doesn’t mean you are to be excluded.
By Debra
March 24, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Americans better get a grip on this problem, or they’re going to lose their country as we now know it. this has a cultural, environmental and demographic dimension that’s much bigger than the issue of one person working to put food on the table.
Do the research.
By CellPhone
March 24, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
The student attendance at Cross Keys High School and Woodward Elementary School was rather light today.
It would be interesting to see the attendance records today of the DeKalb County schools vs. the quantity of students that have registered for school even though they are illegal (Federal requirement). This would give the tax payers of DeKalb an indication of how much a burden illegal aliens are on the DeKalb School System.
It is funny to hear a law breaker cry for justice. The truth about today’s protest is that the responsible, legal, law abiding, Hispanics see the folly of this protest.
By Kevin
March 24, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
From all of the information I have read about this, one thing remains constant, the fact that “legal” immigrants are complaining about this bill as well as “illegal”. The bill only states “illegal” and that is the way it should be. If the hispanics…or any other nationality wish to come to the U.S. for an extended period of time, then take the time to become a “legal” immigrant. Considering that most of us Americans are immigrants and became “legal”, it is the way it should be. My taxes go to schools, but I do not have kids. My taxes pay for those on welfare, but I have never been on welfare. My insurance is high because of those that don’t have insurance, but I have always had insurance. Now, having said all of this, the fact is that many other nationalities come here for a better life and avoid helping to make everyone’s life better by contributing to paying taxes. Suck it up, become legal, and enjoy everything the United States has to offer or get the hell out!
By MONZY
March 24, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
WE ARE NOT STEALING YOUR JOBS YOU ARE LAZY AND CAN’T GET OUT OF THE FOOD STAMP LINE IN TIME TO GO THE DEPT OF LABOR. WISH MEXICANS CAN’T APPLY FOR SO DON’T START THAT BS. THAT WE ARE TAKING YOU ALL JOBS CAUSE WE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FOODSTAMPS NOR NONE OF THE GOVERNMENT HELP WISH YOU ARE PROBABLY USING..WE GO AND GET ALL THE JOBS NONE OF YOU AMERICANS CAN HANDLE..IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS GO TO ASKAMEXICO.COM AND WE WILL ANSWER AND QUESTION YOU MAY HAVE…
By Legal resident
March 24, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
MEXICANS dont understand that it has to be done legally they want the benefits illegally do you guys understand it is not just because your an imigrant its to stop illegal imigration dumb people i swear …..
By George Lopez
March 24, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Mr. White, The issues are “illegal” immaggots. They should not be given my hard earned tax dollars to smooch off the system.
By Filbert
March 24, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Judging from the vitriolic responses, pro and con, this issue is not going to be resolved peaceably. No matter what your position, first of all you can not deny that a large percentage of individuals are inthis country illegally. That means they broke the law. You simply can not pick and choose what laws to obey. I conceded a large percentnage of illegals are decent individuals, work hard, trying to make a better life, and so on. That aisde, go back to the first point. As far as taxes, local or federal sales taxes are merely a drop inthe bucket compared to income tax which, if the worker is hired as independent contractor and given a 1099, leaves it up the that indpendent contractor to file and pay taxes. Are you trying to tell me that everyone is doing that? Pul-leeze, get a reality check. The hard work,better life, sales tax aside, ILLEGAL immigrants take from the system far more they they contribute financially. My daughter’s elementray school is about 30% hispanic, most of whom do not speak English or speak it poorly. You will never convince me that having 3-4 non-English speaking students PER class does not detract from my child’s educational opportunities, but I pay property taxes, and income taxes, and the same sales taxes that they do. I pay more and more for my medical insurance, but can I go to a hospital for free? Heck no! I’m sorry there are only 60,000 guest permits per year, but that is the LAW! If you don’t like the law, get it changed. Just don’t break it cause if you do, you loose all my sympathy. And please notice, I stuck solely to economic issues, and left nationaltiy, etc. completely out of the picture.
By Torriel Lewis
March 24, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Many of you may have heard of me, I am Torriel Lewis candidate for the Georgia State House of Representatives for the 96th District (Norcross and Duluth). Though I will be the youngest serving member if elected, I have many opinions on issues that will impact the policy of the state. The bill that was passed is in no way discriminatory to Latino families. This bill cracks down in ILLEGAL immigrants. Neither a majority of Americans nor myself have a problem with immigrants. Immigrants have proven themselves to be hard working, moral, and family oriented people, and Americans appreciate their impact on our society. The problem that lies is that there are people who are breaking the law. It is not only unfair to the taxpayers of the state or country alike (which are of all origins), but the people who went through the process of becoming legal. Illegal is illegal, people would find it ridiculous if people were to rally for other crimes, why is this different?
I want all people to enjoy the fruits of our nation. Please become legal citizens of the state. Once again this bill will not affect anyone who is a legal citizen of this country. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please e-mail me a torrylewis4rep@aol.com and I will personally reply. Bless everyone!
By J. Painter
March 24, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Excuse me! Doesn’t “illegal” mean against the law? Who do they think they are — those illegal people in my country — protesting what my government wants to do about them?? Good grief, I’m more convinced than ever that they should go back where they came from with that attitude.
By Torriel Lewis
March 24, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Many of you may have heard of me, I am Torriel Lewis candidate for the Georgia State House of Representatives for the 96th District (Norcross and Duluth). Though I will be the youngest serving member if elected, I have many opinions on issues that will impact the policy of the state. The bill that was passed is in no way discriminatory to Latino families. This bill cracks down in ILLEGAL immigrants. Neither a majority of Americans nor myself have a problem with immigrants. Immigrants have proven themselves to be hard working, moral, and family oriented people, and Americans appreciate their impact on our society. The problem that lies is that there are people who are breaking the law. It is not only unfair to the taxpayers of the state or country alike (which are of all origins), but the people who went through the process of becoming legal. Illegal is illegal, people would find it ridiculous if people were to rally for other crimes, why is this different?
I want all people to enjoy the fruits of our nation. Please become legal citizens of the state. Once again this bill will not affect anyone who is a legal citizen of this country. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please e-mail me a torrylewis4rep@aol.com and I will personally reply. Bless everyone!
By Jane
March 24, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Illegal immigrates are scabs that take jobs away from the poor and the working class. If we cut down on the number of illegals, unions would start growing again and the urban unemployment would go down. If Democrats do not get on board reducing illegal immigration, union members will start voting Republican.
By Torriel Lewis
March 24, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Many of you may have heard of me, I am Torriel Lewis candidate for the Georgia State House of Representatives for the 96th District (Norcross and Duluth). Though I will be the youngest serving member if elected, I have many opinions on issues that will impact the policy of the state. The bill that was passed is in no way discriminatory to Latino families. This bill cracks down in ILLEGAL immigrants. Neither a majority of Americans nor myself have a problem with immigrants. Immigrants have proven themselves to be hard working, moral, and family oriented people, and Americans appreciate their impact on our society. The problem that lies is that there are people who are breaking the law. It is not only unfair to the taxpayers of the state or country alike (which are of all origins), but the people who went through the process of becoming legal. Illegal is illegal, people would find it ridiculous if people were to rally for other crimes, why is this different?
I want all people to enjoy the fruits of our nation. Please become legal citizens of the state. Once again this bill will not affect anyone who is a legal citizen of this country. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please e-mail me a torrylewis4rep@aol.com and I will personally reply. Bless everyone!
By Torriel Lewis
March 24, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
Many of you may have heard of me, I am Torriel Lewis candidate for the Georgia State House of Representatives for the 96th District (Norcross and Duluth). Though I will be the youngest serving member if elected, I have many opinions on issues that will impact the policy of the state. The bill that was passed is in no way discriminatory to Latino families. This bill cracks down in ILLEGAL immigrants. Neither a majority of Americans nor myself have a problem with immigrants. Immigrants have proven themselves to be hard working, moral, and family oriented people, and Americans appreciate their impact on our society. The problem that lies is that there are people who are breaking the law. It is not only unfair to the taxpayers of the state or country alike (which are of all origins), but the people who went through the process of becoming legal. Illegal is illegal, people would find it ridiculous if people were to rally for other crimes, why is this different?
I want all people to enjoy the fruits of our nation. Please become legal citizens of the state. Once again this bill will not affect anyone who is a legal citizen of this country. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please e-mail me a torrylewis4rep@aol.com and I will personally reply. Bless everyone!
By PinestrawGuy
March 24, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
Nicole Mendoza,
Maybe you should read Romans 13:1-7
By chris
March 24, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
I support the bill completely. It is unfair to ALL American citizens when they must support the burden of illegal immigrants from all nationalities, not just Hispanic. Taxes which pay for health care and especially education are being depleted due to illegals in our society. Of course they pay sales taxes when they buy things, but what about income taxes, property taxes, etc? They are all over our roads and without licenses, registration, and insurance, you can never be too sure that insurance will cover you in an accident. I have been involved in a situation where I was hit by an uninsured ILLEGAL person and my insurance had to cover my damages. The only satisfaction I have from that incident is that the man was deported. This is not a racial issue at all, as many Hispanics are making it out to be!
By T
March 24, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Any business owner in Georgia knows that is it almost impossible to legally get a work permit to enter this country from Mexico. Even if you do get the permit you still have to pay off someone in Mexico, the entire system is broken in every aspect at every level.
It is true they are not here to take jobs from Americans, they are the only people willing to do the jobs Americans will not do anymore.
As a business owner of 22 years now if you try to hire an American for landscaping, construction, painting, food industry, etc. they either want to be paid well above the industry standards yet they have no experience in the field and are not willing to take the time to learn. Or better yet, they have a criminal background record, show up late if they even decide to show, not dependable, high on meth, claim false workers comp. against the employer, and most likely dishonest. The small business owner doesn’t have a chance in Georgia!
There are honest, hard working, Latinos that are willing to learn the trades and are willing to be educated and want help to be here legally, but the system is broken and it sucks! Maybe if the small business owner didn’t have to go through so much legal paperwork garbage to help get their employees here legally we wouldn’t have to waste time with this issue! IT takes an act of God to get anything done through the Federal and State Government.
Some small business owners in GA have a conscious and worry about their employees their safety and their status. How about helping us get them here legally paying taxes before penalizing us, your brillant Senate 529 Bill thinking is only going to shut us down. How many of them have to die? Who is going to build, paint, tile, & landscape your house? Who is going to dig the ditches that Americans think they are too good to dig? Wow! This is supposed to be the land of opportunity?
Did anyone question and abuse all of the Vietnamese,Koreans, & Cambodian refugees who swamped Georgia in the 70’s?
Personally, I think Senator Chip Roger’s neighbors probably sold him out as far as sharing his address. Honestly Senator, What did you expect?
By CW
March 24, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
You bleeding hearts need to wake up and look at where the crime and drugs are coming from. Latino gangs are pushing drugs all over the U.S. and killing your neighbors while you sleep. The next thing is they’ll be raping your daughters. They are here ILLEGALLY….that means againest the law. Round them up, put them on a bus and take them back to Mexico. They can work in all the jobs that they shipped down there thanks to NAFTA. Then maybe some of our poor can find jobs that will pay decent wages. The hispanic have driven the wage levels down because they’ll work for less money. You wonder why the blacks are having problems finding jobs…its because the hispanics have taken them for less money. They are a blight on society and if we don’t stop them now, this will become the U.S of Mexico! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!
By Elizabeth
March 24, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
I am very pleased with this bill. I am a native of Atlanta and have seen changes going downhill because of these illegals … look at Chamblee with all the trash on the ground as well as Doraville. The property tax in places of Chamblee and Doraville have dropped because of them. It looks like a third world country! I lived, worked (legally)and went to school in Europe and in South America for many years. Not being a native of the countries I lived in, I showed respect, adapted, and LEARNED THE LANGUAGE. Here these illegals including those that were once illegals are so rude, show no respect to us, and show no true deep interest in learning the English language. My son could not find a summer job for three years because of all these hispanics taking over the fast food places, resturants and other places. I can live without these hispanics (legal and illegal). To top that I was once married to a man from South America but he is back in his own country. This country can survive without them. I am sick of the pregant women arriving here and within a day or two have their babies delivered here. They want free handouts and free this and that. Those that want them here should pay for their expenses not me. The hospitals are suffering because of them. One way or another we are all suffering because of them. We need tougher laws and to follow through on those laws.
By ISupportYou
March 24, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
I wish I had only known about the boycott and I wouldn’t have purchased anything today. I support my Latino brothers & sisters. Fight the good fight!!!
By Tray
March 24, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
There is little to debate here. ANYONE who chooses to move from one nation to another should at least attempt to learn the language and something of the cultural norms. It is unacceptable to me for ANYONE to claim all they want is a better life…who doesn’t. I personally have no issue with any person who wishes to work and establish a life where they can work and raise their children. But for the sake of the Union, you must do so legally or else you will corrupt the very fabric of America. Also, to say that illegal immigrants do jobs that other Americans wont do is a farce. I know of plenty of Americans who would love the opprotunity and are denied by employers who are to willing to pay sub standard wages for labor. If anyone is really to blame, it is the people who knowingly employ others that are in this nation illegally. God, please bless America.
By makebelieve
March 24, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Nicole Mendozo, check out David’s entry…up above before you start quoting scriptures…
By DB
March 24, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
The only thing I am willing to give illigal immigrants is BIRTH CONTROL!
By Torriel Lewis
March 24, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Many of you may have heard of me, I am Torriel Lewis candidate for the Georgia State House of Representatives for the 96th District (Norcross and Duluth). Though I will be the youngest serving member if elected, I have many opinions on issues that will impact the policy of the state. The bill that was passed is in no way discriminatory to Latino families. This bill cracks down in ILLEGAL immigrants. Neither a majority of Americans nor myself have a problem with immigrants. Immigrants have proven themselves to be hard working, moral, and family oriented people, and Americans appreciate their impact on our society. The problem that lies is that there are people who are breaking the law. It is not only unfair to the taxpayers of the state or country alike (which are of all origins), but the people who went through the process of becoming legal. Illegal is illegal, people would find it ridiculous if people were to rally for other crimes, why is this different?
I want all people to enjoy the fruits of our nation. Please become legal citizens of the state. Once again this bill will not affect anyone who is a legal citizen of this country. I also want to urge any one using this medium of communication to not use it if you want to express your hatred of a group of people. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please e-mail me a torrylewis4rep@aol.com and I will personally reply. Bless everyone!
By TI.. Rap
March 24, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
WE are all immigrants.. This was never our land. Quit being selfish and learn to accomodate others.. They make your life the sweet mellow it is now….
By Alphonzo
March 24, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Being black I dont feel an ounce sorry for a race that can go home to their native country why should we cater to a group of people because they will work cheap Hispanics are not stupid their children will not be working their jobs they are going to work your jobs the Government did the same thing during the depression exported and jailed thousands because they were in the soupline with everyone else no one should be here illegally period I am glad they are doing something to guard the borders We could easily adopt Ireland’s policy if your parents are not from America and family you will be deported hispanic civil right leaders want to be black when bills get passed and try to lobby but if they have some money they are too white! it is a joke the reason why the bill is getting passed too much violence in Gwinnett County Gangs are getting to close to white people just like California and they want it stopped
By MT
March 24, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
YOU ALL ARE TALKING ABOUT MEXICANS AND DRUGS AND GANG. SO I GUESS BOBBY BROWN IS MIXED AND WHAT ABOUT ALL THE THOSE OTHER BLACK RAPPERS. WHAT YOU ALL ARE TALKING ABOUT IS IN YOU ALL TRAILER PARKS TOO.
By Ana
March 24, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
To everyone that is PRO-SB 529:
First of all, let me begin by saying that not all Hispanics lay roofs, do construction, and pick fruit. I am a Critical Care Nurse at Emory University Hospital. I am Cuban. I am Latina. I have a Masters degree. I write poetry. My English is better than most Americans and I am eloquent. I pay taxes. I work two jobs. This “S**” has probably taken care of one of your loved ones—-revived them from the dead, or held their hand in the worst of moments.
Most of my people are hard working and pay taxes (legal or not). They want what MOST OF YOU AMERICANS TAKE FOR GRANTED——freedom, equality, a chance at a good life. Most of you go on day to day with your Starbucks coffee in hand and forget how many died for you to be able to drink it without begin shot at or raped.
Furthermore (wait is that too big of a word), You want to increase a fee for us to mail things to our families. Who are you people to charge us FURTHER for helping our families? I am a US citizen and if I want to send a gift to my aunt in Cuba, why am I being punished with a fee? That is punishing the LEGALS too.
As for some people writing that they would do their job—-that they were not given an opportunity to———-your fat asses won’t last 5 minutes in the heat. You will go home, sucking your thumb and crying Momma. I am the only hispanic nurse in the ICU and most Americans I work with are the laziest people I have ever met. They lack PRIDE in their work and when/if they work it is half-done.
The most disgusting thing about the Bill—-to deny medical care funding———to give medicine to the ill is a basic human right. I hope I don’t see any of you in my ER. Good luck getting the pain medicine in time.
You are all spoiled and God will judge you for your arrogance and lack of humanity.
Rosa, RN, CCRN, CEN, MSN—Wow, most Americans don’t even know who the first President was!!!! I hope you saw that Jay Leno Episode.
By Ana
March 24, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
To everyone that is PRO-SB 529:
First of all, let me begin by saying that not all Hispanics lay roofs, do construction, and pick fruit. I am a Critical Care Nurse at Emory University Hospital. I am Cuban. I am Latina. I have a Masters degree. I write poetry. My English is better than most Americans and I am eloquent. I pay taxes. I work two jobs. This “S**” has probably taken care of one of your loved ones—-revived them from the dead, or held their hand in the worst of moments.
Most of my people are hard working and pay taxes (legal or not). They want what MOST OF YOU AMERICANS TAKE FOR GRANTED——freedom, equality, a chance at a good life. Most of you go on day to day with your Starbucks coffee in hand and forget how many died for you to be able to drink it without begin shot at or raped.
Furthermore (wait is that too big of a word), You want to increase a fee for us to mail things to our families. Who are you people to charge us FURTHER for helping our families? I am a US citizen and if I want to send a gift to my aunt in Cuba, why am I being punished with a fee? That is punishing the LEGALS too.
As for some people writing that they would do their job—-that they were not given an opportunity to———-your fat asses won’t last 5 minutes in the heat. You will go home, sucking your thumb and crying Momma. I am the only hispanic nurse in the ICU and most Americans I work with are the laziest people I have ever met. They lack PRIDE in their work and when/if they work it is half-done.
The most disgusting thing about the Bill—-to deny medical care funding———to give medicine to the ill is a basic human right. I hope I don’t see any of you in my ER. Good luck getting the pain medicine in time.
You are all spoiled and God will judge you for your arrogance and lack of humanity.
Rosa, RN, CCRN, CEN, MSN—Wow, most Americans don’t even know who the first President was!!!! I hope you saw that Jay Leno Episode.
By Lee
March 24, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
Let me get this straight—people who are in this country illegally are concerned about their “rights” in the United States? What about our rights as natural born Americans? Must we be forced to compete for jobs with illegal workers and also speak their language? We can not allow ourselves to be intimidated by illegals. It’s not a matter of discrimination—simply one of right and wrong.
The boycott seems to be ill-conceived. First of all it’s on a Friday (payday for many people) and whatever is not purchased today will be tomorrow. Overall comsumption will not change.
I am proud to have many Hispanic friends from Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, and Costa Rica. However they are here and working legally. We can not allow the inmates (those who have broken the law) to run the asylum.
By makebelieve
March 24, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Mr Small Business Owner, So just because people who were born in America, know when they are being taken for a ride and demand to be treated equally, are lazy? So in turn, hire someone illegal, that doesn’t know the legal system and pay them LESS than what even they deserve. Oh yea, you forgot to mention that you don’t have a record if you are here ILLEGALLY. You are already a felon, because you have committed a crime by not entering the country legally. Take a note from a Hispanic - David….come in the right way and no one will have a problem
By AP
March 24, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Its not racist to want people to follow the law. I guess we are discriminating against all those murders and rapists too. I don’t care who you are if you come here legally to work, but don’t say you are taking jobs we don’t want. If there were jobs we didn’t want, then why do Americans still operate in coal mines? And why do y’all insist on waving Mexican flags at your protests? Why not use an American flag to show you support the country you are actually living in. All you are doing is supporting the stigma that all hispanic people are lazy illegals.
All illegals (keyworkd being ‘illegal’) want is representation without taxation.
By alejandro
March 24, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Before you throw the “do it legally” argument, ask yourselves this question: how hard is it to get a work visa?
The truth is the unskilled workers’ visa programs (h2-a and h2-b) offer a very limited number of people the opportunity to work here legally. The other “professional” visas allow people from europe, china, canada, and other “1st world” countries the ability to easily come to the US.
This immigrant issue is a class/race issue. We are in the south, bigotry is still the norm; people rather hate based on ignorance than take the time to LEARN and KNOW the facts. And no, none of you would work in a poultry plant.
By alejandro
March 24, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Before you throw the “do it legally” argument, ask yourselves this question: how hard is it to get a work visa?
The truth is the unskilled workers’ visa programs (h2-a and h2-b) offer a very limited number of people the opportunity to work here legally. The other “professional” visas allow people from europe, china, canada, and other “1st world” countries the ability to easily come to the US.
This immigrant issue is a class/race issue. We are in the south, bigotry is still the norm; people rather hate based on ignorance than take the time to LEARN and KNOW the facts. And no, none of you would work in a poultry plant.
By karen
March 24, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
To all Americans: Yes it is true most of us migrated from foreign lands and yes this is the land of the free BUT our fore fathers went through harsh conditions and labor to put this country what it is TODAY!! so that their children and children’s children could have a better way of life.
To all Illegal immigrants: You have probably come here for the very same reason to give your children and their children a better way of life and that is what America is all about…SO my suggestion to you is to do this the right way and gain legal status by going through the proper channels then you can have your TRUE DAY OF DIGNITY and no one can take that away from you…right now you don’t have a leg to stand on because you are not a true U.S. citizen so all the protesting won’t help. WE ,the American People will respect more once we see you waving The American flag and saying the pledge of alliegance.
Personally I’m fed up with it all and If you want to live here then do it the right way…. the way our ancestors did
By PinestrawGuy
March 24, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
T,
Let me respond first of all to your false assumption that they are just ‘doing the jobs Americans won’t do.’ I’ve spent over 30 years doing those jobs, and I continue to do them today. I face UNFAIR competition from criminals like you who hire illegal aliens in violation of existing law. Maybe an IRS Form 211 should be filled out in your name. You know they give out rewards when they find businesses that don’t withhold the proper taxes.
For anyone else out there who is sick and tired of criminal employers cheating American workers in their pursuit of the Almighty Dollar, this form can be filled out online or downloaded in .pdf format.
IRS Form 211
By George
March 24, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
jesus effing christ how many times do we have to ask to do it legally? it’s not a racist thing. get over yourselves. you can all come here and work, just sign papers and learn the language. why should we change out standards for you? you are coming into OUR country. you don’t like? go the hell home! what is the problem here. do you think we are just some flood gate for you? and i don’t care how many legal passes the government gives, that’s the number. you didn’t make it this year? tough, wait in line like everyone else. it’s not a race thing, it’s a we are protecting our backyard thing. you frigging people, all you do is hear what you want to hear.
By RandyM
March 24, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Illegal means they should not be here. If the Mexicians think they should get special treatment other than what everyone else gets, this would be a good oppurtunity to get the buses loaded and ship them back. If any of us go to Mexico illegally, do you think we would get food stamps, free medical attention ? The Mexician police would have us in jail, same place that they belong for being here illegal. We would be much better without the illegals, this is America and a diverse population is what makes us strong, but illegal imagrants have one place, jail or go home !
By mr. f
March 24, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
I think Hispanics should boycott EVERY day — then we might have less traffic too.
By Steve
March 24, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
They comments of this blog have developed a theme: They are “illegal.” This is true, many Latinos are here on U.S. soil illegally. What we must keep in mind is way back in 1492 when Mr. Columbus “discovered” what we now know as the good old U.S. of A., the inhabitants of this land welcomed their pale- faced “vistors” with open arms.
Well their pale-faced visitors thanked them by infecting them with smallpox, virtually eliminating them and taking their land. So I say country with a genesis such as this should be happy to have anyone and everyone who whould like to come to live and work.
Yes they are here illegaly but they haven’t infected us all with a wretched disease and taken our land away right??
By atltoday..
March 24, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
did you know that illegal immigrants can’t get government assistance now? wow, why are we putting state law on something that is already federal. let’s wake up..most of our ancestors did get a greeen card to come here…when illegal immigrant do something wrong, deport them..when they don’t…leave them alone.
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Interesting that the protestors are waving Mexican flags as they protest their illegal presence in the United States. Would that they were waving the American flag it would have more valid impact.
Imagine a burgler breaking into your home and starting to steal your possessions when you and the police discover they are doing so. All of a sudden, the burgler stands there holding his bag of collected goods and claims that he has a right to those goods because he made the effort to break into the house in order to steal them.
That is exactly the scenario that these illegals are in.
I find it appalling that they demand equal treatment when they are not citizens of this country. No matter how you look at it, these folks are here illegally.
Are they getting work? Yes. Are they getting paid for their work? Yes. Does that make them entitled to the same rights as citizens of this country? No.
A citizen from another country is only allowed to purchase real estate in Mexico for 30 years. After that time, it reverts back to the government. Do I have the right to purchase property there and demand that after 30 years that I still own it? No.
However, these illegal immigrants - for all the decent law abiding people they are, doing a honest days’ work for an honest days’ pay - are NOT citizens of this country. They do not pay into the government the way that citizens do and as such should not be afforded the same privileges as citizens of this country.
By t.m.
March 24, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Well all you americans should be asamed!!!!All you think about are yourselfish selfs!!!You think illegal immigrants are stealing your **ing jobs!!!Well i dont think a any other race is going to do a hard man labor job that makes 4 dollars per hr!!!So stop complaining because i know you arent going to work at a burger king!!!All of you just think about getting rich and some of you dont even do anything exacpt sit on a computer all day and type!!!!WOW thats a hard a job!!!go out and work for a landscaping company or contrustion!!!maybe then all you figure out that its not that easy and painless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So stop complain for nothing,your just wastening your breath!!!Be glad for what you do have!
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Interesting that the protestors are waving Mexican flags as they protest their illegal presence in the United States. Would that they were waving the American flag it would have more valid impact.
Imagine a burgler breaking into your home and starting to steal your possessions when you and the police discover they are doing so. All of a sudden, the burgler stands there holding his bag of collected goods and claims that he has a right to those goods because he made the effort to break into the house in order to steal them.
That is exactly the scenario that these illegals are in.
I find it appalling that they demand equal treatment when they are not citizens of this country. No matter how you look at it, these folks are here illegally.
Are they getting work? Yes. Are they getting paid for their work? Yes. Does that make them entitled to the same rights as citizens of this country? No.
A citizen from another country is only allowed to purchase real estate in Mexico for 30 years. After that time, it reverts back to the government. Do I have the right to purchase property there and demand that after 30 years that I still own it? No.
However, these illegal immigrants - for all the decent law abiding people they are, doing a honest days’ work for an honest days’ pay - are NOT citizens of this country. They do not pay into the government the way that citizens do and as such should not be afforded the same privileges as citizens of this country.
By Kenneth
March 24, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Why is so much emphasis placed on the illegal immigrant and not the employer? he/she walks away with all the revenue and doe’s not have to keep up with any accounting, no benefits, total Tierney toward employee’s. I really think the focus should shift, it would be an extreme surprise the One’s writing these law’s are the One’s patronizing this illegal misfortune behind closed door’s, in Country Clubs, Golf coarse and Cigar smoke filled rooms. Until “WE THE PEOPLEâ€? focus on the Real illegal this process will never end.
By Kenneth
March 24, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Why is so much emphasis placed on the illegal immigrant and not the employer? he/she walks away with all the revenue and doe’s not have to keep up with any accounting, no benefits, total Tierney toward employee’s. I really think the focus should shift, it would be an extreme surprise the One’s writing these law’s are the One’s patronizing this illegal misfortune behind closed door’s, in Country Clubs, Golf coarse and Cigar smoke filled rooms. Until “WE THE PEOPLEâ€? focus on the Real illegal this process will never end.
By Both Sides
March 24, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
By no means do I like having to pay for all my medicine and medical bills while illegals get it for free but the government should just go ahead and release a work program to be here legally in the U.S. for those purposes. Sure illegals cost the system billions at the hospitals, but if they were allowed to work here legally without citizenship, we would collect more wage taxes and that would help offset lost money due to free services provided illegals.
By Bill
March 24, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Dick’s post bears repeating.
Ole Theodore Roosevelt said it pretty well in 1907.
“IN the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discrimiate against any such man because of creed, or birth place or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American and nothing but an American….
There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also isn’t an American at all.
We have room but for ONE flag, the American flag We have room for ONE language here and that is the English language and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American People.
—-Theodore Roosevelt, 1907
By t.m.
March 24, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Well all you americans should be asamed!!!!All you think about are yourselfish selfs!!!You think illegal immigrants are stealing your **ing jobs!!!Well i dont think a any other race is going to do a hard man labor job that makes 4 dollars per hr!!!So stop complaining because i know you arent going to work at a burger king!!!All of you just think about getting rich and some of you dont even do anything exacpt sit on a computer all day and type!!!!WOW thats a hard a job!!!go out and work for a landscaping company or contrustion!!!maybe then all you figure out that its not that easy and painless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So stop complain for nothing,your just wastening your breath!!!Be glad for what you do have!
By A true Atlantan
March 24, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
This is to “George” the putz who thinks that people who come into this country are here for the purpose of robbing us and hurting our economy. And who think that the rest of us are saps who fall for every sob story we hear. Hey George, it’s people like you who give us self-respecting rednecks a bad name. Read something other than the car ads in the AJC and try to learn something, willya? Like the fact that the large majority of people who are in this country illegally come here precisely because there is work here that NO American wants to do because it’s beneath them. That even with a language barrier, these people manage to get themselves here, build our homes, tile our bathrooms, landscape our lawns, clean our houses, do our laundry, wash our clothes, cook our food, and oh by the way, also often tuck our kids in at night because many of us hold down two jobs and work a majority of the time. Where is the AMERICAN who is willing to do all this kind of work, George?! How many AMERICANS do you suppose would willingly work 16-20 hours a week for low wages, often not even on the books to do the menial jobs we all abhor just to put food on the table? Let me tell you something, George. Unless you’re wearing a feather headdress and eat buffalo, you too were once an illegal immigrant. So before you start blasting an entire group of people who contribute more good to this country than bad, I’d look in the mirror and call yourself by your real name: Bigot!
By Heather
March 24, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
I guess I’m confused. The Latino protestors talk about justice and rights for all? This bill is not attacking legal immigrants, it is about enforcing the difference between legal and illegal. If you want to come to America and better yourself, go for it. But do it legally. I have worked hard all my life, I “pay into the pot” so to speak. So I have a little trouble stomaching people sneaking into the country to reap the benefits of a citizen without giving back as a citizen. Where is MY justice? I find it completely arrogant of illegal aliens to suggest that the American economy would suffer without them, that so many jobs would be open without them. There are plenty of legal citizens American born and foreign born that are perfectly happy to take those jobs and support their families while paying into the economy and tax pool and EARNING their health benefits. But I refuse to feel sorry for someone who can’t bother to come to the country legally and then cry on the steps of my capitol demanding “justice” and “rights” while refusing to contribute. You want the benefits of America? Then become a real American! Sneaking around and snatching what you can is no less than criminal and you should be sent back home.
By Glenn
March 24, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
mr. f - LOL!
I’m all for immigration as long as it is legal. I’m all for open borders as long as they’re secure and illegals don’t cross.
Illegals are nothing more than a bunch of locusts ruining America.
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
t.m. - I don’t know any illegal day laborer who will work for less than $10/hour.
By Linda
March 24, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
What everyone seems to say is that they take jobs from Americans. That is a lot of crap!!! I run a business that pays well and gives bonuses regularly. I have hired americans and all they do is whine. I am an American and I truly love my country. We as Americans have gotten lazy and given our jobs away. No one has taken them. I for one have no interest in working in the hot fields picking vegetables or working in the poultry business ripping the guts from dead chickens. Maybe some of the senators would like to work in the fields, poultry houses and yards for a few months and all of you Americans that feel your jobs are threatened should do so as well. As for me I will continue to hire legal Hispanics and anyone else willing to work hard. Problem is only my Hispanic workers are willing to really work for a living.
By Peggy
March 24, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
It is very discerning that America has come to this. Illegal immigration has always been a part of the American society. Why all of the hatred now? I believe if some people had thier way, America would only represent their own kind and that would be awful. Thank God for other people that have love in their hearts.
By Heather
March 24, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
I guess I’m confused. The Latino protestors talk about justice and rights for all? This bill is not attacking legal immigrants, it is about enforcing the difference between legal and illegal. If you want to come to America and better yourself, go for it. But do it legally. I have worked hard all my life, I “pay into the pot” so to speak. So I have a little trouble stomaching people sneaking into the country to reap the benefits of a citizen without giving back as a citizen. Where is MY justice? I find it completely arrogant of illegal aliens to suggest that the American economy would suffer without them, that so many jobs would be open without them. There are plenty of legal citizens American born and foreign born that are perfectly happy to take those jobs and support their families while paying into the economy and tax pool and EARNING their health benefits. But I refuse to feel sorry for someone who can’t bother to come to the country legally and then cry on the steps of my capitol demanding “justice” and “rights” while refusing to contribute. You want the benefits of America? Then become a real American! Sneaking around and snatching what you can is no less than criminal and you should be sent back home.
By Linda
March 24, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
What everyone seems to say is that they take jobs from Americans. That is a lot of crap!!! I run a business that pays well and gives bonuses regularly. I have hired americans and all they do is whine. I am an American and I truly love my country. We as Americans have gotten lazy and given our jobs away. No one has taken them. I for one have no interest in working in the hot fields picking vegetables or working in the poultry business ripping the guts from dead chickens. Maybe some of the senators would like to work in the fields, poultry houses and yards for a few months and all of you Americans that feel your jobs are threatened should do so as well. As for me I will continue to hire legal Hispanics and anyone else willing to work hard. Problem is only my Hispanic workers are willing to really work for a living.
By Peggy
March 24, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
It is very discerning that America has come to this. Illegal immigration has always been a part of the American society. Why all of the hatred now? I believe if some people had thier way, America would only represent their own kind and that would be awful. Thank God for other people that have love in their hearts.
By A true Atlantan
March 24, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
This is to “George” the putz who thinks that people who come into this country are here for the purpose of robbing us and hurting our economy. And who think that the rest of us are saps who fall for every sob story we hear. Hey George, it’s people like you who give us self-respecting rednecks a bad name. Read something other than the car ads in the AJC and try to learn something, willya? Like the fact that the large majority of people who are in this country illegally come here precisely because there is work here that NO American wants to do because it’s beneath them. That even with a language barrier, these people manage to get themselves here, build our homes, tile our bathrooms, landscape our lawns, clean our houses, do our laundry, wash our clothes, cook our food, and oh by the way, also often tuck our kids in at night because many of us hold down two jobs and work a majority of the time. Where is the AMERICAN who is willing to do all this kind of work, George?! How many AMERICANS do you suppose would willingly work 16-20 hours a week for low wages, often not even on the books to do the menial jobs we all abhor just to put food on the table? Let me tell you something, George. Unless you’re wearing a feather headdress and eat buffalo, you too were once an illegal immigrant. So before you start blasting an entire group of people who contribute more good to this country than bad, I’d look in the mirror and call yourself by your real name: Bigot!
By Brendan
March 24, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
These people need to stay out of this country. As for the protestors, its ridiculous. Im not racist but im not happy having illegal immigrants in this country. They take our jobs, live off our taxes and pollute the city. Just look at Buford Highway. It’s a joke.
By Tommy
March 24, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
This is America. We wave American flags and speak English here. If you cannot speak the language go back home. Our country is flooded with illegal immigrants. I have no problem immigrants just do I the legal way. Pay some taxes and learn English.
By Bill
March 24, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
My family and in-laws had plans for dinner tonight at a Mexican restaurant, not anymore. I choose to withhold my economic support in protest of your protest. I have 2 sister in laws who are hispanic. They came here LEGALLY. What’s so wrong with coming to this country LEGALLY!
By nik
March 24, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
t.m - you are funny.
Now, GET OUT!
By alan cannon
March 24, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
If you are not hear legally you don’t have the right to complain.
By rob
March 24, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
How quickly we all forget! Where did your ancestors come from? Unless you are part of the 2% of American Indians still left in the United States then your family immigrated here from somewhere. The English immigrants came here in the 1700’s with no permission or visa and settled, they claimed land that did not belong to them. The Irish came here in the 1800’s with no green cards and took any job available. Sound familiar? African’s were brought to the this country as slaves against their will and later they were thankfully freed. The automatically became citizens yet never had to fill out any paperwork.
And for all of you who worry about terrorism remember that most of the 9/11 terrorists were here legally.
By CC
March 24, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
*Unfortunately, a lot of people that are against illegal immigrants have never even been out of the US or even outside their hometown. If you have travelled to a developing country, and have experienced what is like to live in poverty, to not have sanitation, water, schools, and a job, then you would sympathize a little more with people that come to the US to find a better life. These people are not terrorist, they are striving to survive and to live a better life. I lot of them pay taxes and therefore deserve to be provided with public services. Moreover, the fact that they rent an apartment for example, implicitly includes a property tax, which finances most of education services. Moreover, empirical studies about the effect of their working here shows that there is little or no effect on employment of natives, or on wages. Their job market is a different segment from everyone else’s. Another important point is that it is going to be impossible to stop illegal immigration completely, so it is better to find ways on how to deal with the people that are alrady here. If you don’t provide them with health services and education, tomorrow you will see crime rates and gans increase. SO DON’T DENY THEM WITH HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND EDUCATION, BECAUSE THE EFFECT WILL BE EVEN WORSE. This country is made up of immigrants anyways! A lot of the blessings of this country are due to illigal immingrants’ prayers who have not forgotten that this country was founded under God *
By makebelieve
March 24, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
You can’t get a job sitting in front of a computer because first, you need to know how to speak Engish. You live in America, English should be your first language. Working on a computer requires quite a bit more intelligence that saying “1 large Fry and l cheeseburger coming up”…Give me a break.
By George
March 24, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
hey true atlantan, kiss my a*. i know plenty of people that have been trying to get a job ANYWHERE and there are none to be had because they have been given to some taco that is willing to do it for $4 an hour. and for the record my grandfather, cherokee indian. so yes, i eat buffalo and can wear the head feathers if i choose a*******hole. i have more reason to complain than any of you. there are plenty of americans that will slave 16 hours a day for minimum wage so they can feed their hungry kid. but they can’t even do that, because someone took the job under minimum wage. justify that one cupcake.
By terrance
March 24, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
It amazes me to hear that the Latinos took our jobs or they are not paying taxes. I am an employer that is in charge of hiring. In my line of work i see triple the application flow from a Latinos than an American. But customers always complain where are the “English speaking people”. Why do i have to keep on explaining to them that they do not apply. This may surprise you but i am an American born an raised. Maybe the real reason we are having this discussion is because their family values have help make them a powerful force in our community. They work and help each other to make a better life for themselves here and also in their respective homeland. I respect the fact that they will work two to three jobs to help build homes, schools,and churches in their countries, while working minimum or close to minimum wage jobs. Stopping people from getting ahead or trying to get a better life by limiting or ceasing all benefits just so we can save a penny here seems ludicrous. Lets think about how much they actually save our taxpayers by there purchasing dollars alone. 350,000 to 800,000+ in Atlanta is a lot of cash and taxes being paid in property, income, and regular purchasing tax. If the Latinos unite and stand up to this blatant attempt of blind racism what will the politicians who “have a best intentions” do then. Have another rushed secret vote to amend their mistakes.
By Realist
March 24, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
I am a little confused. Since when does a country allow people who have broken laws to run around in the streets protesting and asking to be exempt from the consequences of breaking these laws? If that’s the case, let all of the prisoners in Riker’s Island run around in the streets protesting for their freedom and rights!!??? This is unbelievable. I think it is a travesty that America has gotten so liberal that people from other countries that arent even citizens have mocked the events of the past (such as the Alabama Bus Boycotts) to demonstrate their so called rights! The differences between those events and the events taking place today are 1) citizenship; those people were legal citizens born and raised in this country, and 2) were human beings treated as second-grade citizens because of their skin color. It’s almost like the illegal immigrants are asking to be treated like crap!? You would rather be an illegal immigrant and get paid less than what is guaranteed to citizens of this country by law and have to live 8+ in a one bedroom apartment? I understand the argument that its hard to get a visa to work in the USA legally….. as well it should be! It’s hard for a person in the United States to get a job without the proper education and background. Nothing is easy here. So why should be we sympathetic to their plight? I hate to feel this way, I know they need to eat too and feed their families. But I think they are taking the phrase that “America is the land of opportunity” just a little too far! How about getting a Visa to go to school here and then work your way up from there like a lot of other immigrants do? And as far as cheap labor is concerned, that’s just something that the US will have to take care of and finally own up to the fact that the economy is in worse shape than they would like to admit.
Please dont boycott anymore. I believe you are making a mockery of the legal system and the blood shed by Americans that fought for equal rights in this country.
By PinestrawGuy
March 24, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Like I told T, I’m doing those jobs and have been doing them all my life. If you think you can just waltz in here and TAKE my job because your willing to sell yourself to a pond scum criminal employer, THINK AGAIN.
And judging by the posts on this blog, you’re out-numbered by 9 to 1. It might be time to plan that long trip home to ‘Old Mexico’ or wherever the heck you’re from.
Vaya con Dios!
By Ryan
March 24, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
I believe that we should help our southern neighbors. We should take over Mexico and make it the 51st state. That way everyone is happy. They can work American jobs and they can pay US taxes.
By Realist
March 24, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
I am a little confused. Since when does a country allow people who have broken laws to run around in the streets protesting and asking to be exempt from the consequences of breaking these laws? If that’s the case, let all of the prisoners in Riker’s Island run around in the streets protesting for their freedom and rights!!??? This is unbelievable. I think it is a travesty that America has gotten so liberal that people from other countries that arent even citizens have mocked the events of the past (such as the Alabama Bus Boycotts) to demonstrate their so called rights! The differences between those events and the events taking place today are 1) citizenship; those people were legal citizens born and raised in this country, and 2) were human beings treated as second-grade citizens because of their skin color. It’s almost like the illegal immigrants are asking to be treated like crap!? You would rather be an illegal immigrant and get paid less than what is guaranteed to citizens of this country by law and have to live 8+ in a one bedroom apartment? I understand the argument that its hard to get a visa to work in the USA legally….. as well it should be! It’s hard for a person in the United States to get a job without the proper education and background. Nothing is easy here. So why should be we sympathetic to their plight? I hate to feel this way, I know they need to eat too and feed their families. But I think they are taking the phrase that “America is the land of opportunity” just a little too far! How about getting a Visa to go to school here and then work your way up from there like a lot of other immigrants do? And as far as cheap labor is concerned, that’s just something that the US will have to take care of and finally own up to the fact that the economy is in worse shape than they would like to admit.
Please dont boycott anymore. I believe you are making a mockery of the legal system and the blood shed by Americans that fought for equal rights in this country.
By Realist
March 24, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
I am a little confused. Since when does a country allow people who have broken laws to run around in the streets protesting and asking to be exempt from the consequences of breaking these laws? If that’s the case, let all of the prisoners in Riker’s Island run around in the streets protesting for their freedom and rights!!??? This is unbelievable. I think it is a travesty that America has gotten so liberal that people from other countries that arent even citizens have mocked the events of the past (such as the Alabama Bus Boycotts) to demonstrate their so called rights! The differences between those events and the events taking place today are 1) citizenship; those people were legal citizens born and raised in this country, and 2) were human beings treated as second-grade citizens because of their skin color. It’s almost like the illegal immigrants are asking to be treated like crap!? You would rather be an illegal immigrant and get paid less than what is guaranteed to citizens of this country by law and have to live 8+ in a one bedroom apartment? I understand the argument that its hard to get a visa to work in the USA legally….. as well it should be! It’s hard for a person in the United States to get a job without the proper education and background. Nothing is easy here. So why should be we sympathetic to their plight? I hate to feel this way, I know they need to eat too and feed their families. But I think they are taking the phrase that “America is the land of opportunity” just a little too far! How about getting a Visa to go to school here and then work your way up from there like a lot of other immigrants do? And as far as cheap labor is concerned, that’s just something that the US will have to take care of and finally own up to the fact that the economy is in worse shape than they would like to admit.
Please dont boycott anymore. I believe you are making a mockery of the legal system and the blood shed by Americans that fought for equal rights in this country.
By Nicky
March 24, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
I will take note of which businesses decided to close in support of illegals today. I will choose to spend my money elsewhere. As for relearning Spanish (I had to take 4 years of it in high school) 1. I do not plan to travel to Spain or latin America. 2. I do not work inthe tourism industry where I might actually encounter legal trourists 3. I have no desire to converse with illegals
By MT
March 24, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
I HOPE YOU ALL THAT THINK MEXICANS SHOULD LEAVE BETTER MAKE SURE YOU WIFE, HUSBAND, DAUGHTER,SON, GRANDSON OR ANY KEN PEOPLE TO YOU ARE THINKING THE SAME AS YOU CAUSE 1 OUT 100. ONE OF YOU TRAILER TRASH IS IN LOVE WITH A HISPANIC AND WILL PROBALBY LEAVE WITH 1 TO MEXICO AND GET MARRIED AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW YOU WILL HAVE MIXED FAMILY MEMBER CALLING YOU GRAMPS
By TI.. Rap
March 24, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
For Alphonzo .. Please go back to you native land of Africa bacause you are an alien too.. You came here in slave ships and your pops are not from America and so is everyone else for this matter!!!!!!!!
By Cheryl
March 24, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
I have never seen this many grammatical mistakes in a blog. One actually said, “YOU TAKE ARE JOBS!” And yes, we hear you Torriel. You posted 18 times. Whether our ancestors came here legally or not isn’t the issue. Live in the now. Do it legally or get out, plain and simple. My boyfriend said, “I guess meeting me today for a margarita is out of the question”. That was the smartest thing I read so far today, and I read all the Pie Lady blogs….
By MT
March 24, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
I HOPE YOU ALL THAT THINK MEXICANS SHOULD LEAVE BETTER MAKE SURE YOU WIFE, HUSBAND, DAUGHTER,SON, GRANDSON OR ANY KEN PEOPLE TO YOU ARE THINKING THE SAME AS YOU CAUSE 1 OUT 100. ONE OF YOU TRAILER TRASH IS IN LOVE WITH A HISPANIC AND WILL PROBALBY LEAVE WITH 1 TO MEXICO AND GET MARRIED AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW YOU WILL HAVE MIXED FAMILY MEMBER CALLING YOU GRAMPS
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Linda - If you are operating a business that employs illegal aliens, then you need to be fined AND BIG TIME!
If you paid a living wage, I’m sure you would find that lots of Americans would be willing to do the job. However, I’m sure your working conditions are substandard and more appropriately relegated to a 3rd world country.
Maybe OSHA needs to visit your company.
The problem is that employers on all levels want cheap labor so they can maximize profits using the argument that by using that cheap labor it helps them hire more people and keep prices down….
Look at Delta’s executives…they negotiated pay cuts for pilots and other line employees and then granted management and executives huge bullet proof golden parachutes and salaries and bonuses even though the company was failing.
Seems to me that companies have gotten greedy and they just want to line their executives’ pockets at the expense of national security and American nationality.
Shame on you!
By Thiago
March 24, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!!! This country was founded on immigrants (MOST OF THEM DIDN’T PASS THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND) Basically what is going on here is pretty simple: 1.An individual who is looking for a better life for his family (usually a HUMAN BEING whose government is corrupt, can’t make more than $.05/hour, can’t feed his family and DOESNT HAVE HOPE FOR HIS FUTURE). I think that would summarize the same feelings that John Smith and his crew felt. 2. That individual/family knows of a place called AMERICA(freedom, yes that’s what it means french) What America means to that individual is HOPE.
3. So WHAT. They come here and work hard (THE TRUTH/ 70-80 HRS./WEEK) When was the last time you did that? They do jobs BETTER, MORE EFFICIENTLY, WITHOUT COMPLAINING. You know why? BECAUSE THAT INDIVIDUAL HAS FOUND HOPE AGAIN!!!!!!!
What are we? SOVIET COMMUNISTS???? We are CAPITALISTS, THESE COUNTRY IS A DEMOCRACY!!!!
4. THESE INDIVIDUALS DON’T PAY TAXES??? ONLY ABOUT 20% DON’T (As oppposed to 11% of AMERICANS) YOU KNOW WHY MOST OF THEM CAN’T PAY TAXES?? BECAUSE AMERICANS ARE IGNORANT. If we gave these people social security numbers, the ablity to get Driver’s licenses (It’s not because they like phony driver’s licenses PEOPLE, it’s because somehow WE WILL DESTROY OUR SENSE OF AMERICANSHIP IF WE LET THESE PEOPLE DRIVE IN PEACE) and you know…….. if we give them driver’s license then THEY WILL BE ABLE TO GET INSURANCE. WOW!!!! IT’S A REALLY HARD CONCEPT……. AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE……. IF THEY HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, INSURANCE; MAYBE.. WE WILL BE ABLE TO TRACK THEM AND TO DISCOVER NEW WAYS OF TRACKING OUR IMMIGRANTS FRIENDS SO THAT 9/11 DOESN’T HAPPEN AGAIN. BUT LET ME TELL YOU HOW THAT HAPPENS; INSTEAD OF REACTING ON FEAR AND …. MORE FEAR BECAUSE TERRORISTS ARE DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST….. TERRORIZING US. LET’S USE A LITTLE BIT OF OUR FOREFATHERS GONADS, AND PLAY SMART WITH NO FEAR. LETS NOT SURROUND OURSELVES WITH WALLS AND SUSPICION. BECAUSE IN DOING THAT WE WILL RUIN THIS COUNTRY AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR!!!! LETS STOP FEAR WITHIN OURSELVES!!! ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS are NOT the PROBLEM!!! IF we gave them the ability to pay taxes, travel back and forth from their coUntry legally, some kind of security and backing; WE WOULD HAVE 20 MILLION HAPPY, TAX-PAYING, citizens whose spending power would boost our economy. OK, SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEN WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR THEIR SERIVCES!! I SAY THINK ABOUT IT, they have limited skills because most don’t know how to speak ENGLISH, they will take the same job for the same wage. I FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT THIS, because I was recently an illegal immigrant. I came here at 7 years-old with no recognition of my crime. I was angry because I did everything right in my life, but yet could not have the same rights as the guy beside me. I’m not complaining ONE BIT THOUGH, by going through that I REALIZED HOW GREAT OF A CONTRY I LIVE IN, despite all the walls raised up against me, THIS COUNTRY GAVE ME THE POWER AND HEART TO GO OVER AND BEYOND. AS AN AMERICAN NOW, I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU THE SAME FEELINGS THAT THIS GREAT COUNTRY APRRECIATED ONCE………
By jackie
March 24, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
I think you should give permits to the ones that have been here for a least four years and has a stable job and no problems with the polices and the one that are here that dont work and stay in trouble and or get public aid should be sent back where they came from they are alot of good people here that is illegals i know that it dont make it right.for the most the children shouldnt have to suffer for what that the parents have done!!
By Proud to be Mexicana
March 24, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Claro que yo no estoy de acuerdo con este dichoso bill que quieren hacer ley. Saben Que? Yo estoy dispuesta a que toda mi gente latina deje este pais, siempre y cuando les devuelban a todos los ilegales todos los sacrificios, las umillasiones, y todo el dinero que no les pagan cuando trabajan muchisimas horas. No solo a los ilegales si no a todos los immigrantes. A ver que nos devuelvan todo lo que hemos echo por este pais.
And For all those ignorant Americans that call Mexicans those that are from Guatemala, El salvador, and other latin countries. Haven’t You all looked at a map. HELLO! If you want all of us to go back to where we came from. First gives back all the sacrifices, the humiliations, and all the money that we pay when we buy anything on American stores. Give us back all that we immigrants have done for this country. I support all MI GENTE LATINA. I would like that all of us were gone to see what these Americans would do without all of us that do the works that you don’t want to do.
By Bill
March 24, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rosa, RN, CCRN, CEN, MSN…
you are a RACIST of the worst order. You do not represent “your” people well in your vitriolic, racist, bigoted, supremecist rant.
Clearly you hate Americans (even though you say you are a citizen)…so why don’t you go on back to Cuba?? I’m sure Uncle Fidel would welcome you back with open arms…before he made sure you were never heard from again.
By the way, after reading the filth you spewed here, I will make sure that NO ONE in my family ever ends up in your CCU or ER at EMORY HOSPITAL. I wouldn’t let you touch any of us you filthy racist.
Further, I am of the mind to report your racist rant to the Emory University Hospital Administration and let deal with you. You shouldn’t be in patient care. Your hatred makes you dangerous.
By Cheryl
March 24, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
By the way, I read more grammatical errors from our “citizens” than I did our immigrants. Interesting…And yes Torriel, we see your message. It only posted 18 times. Whether or not our ancestors came here legally isn’t the issue. Live in the now. Do it legally, period. My boyfriend emailed me, saying, “I suppose meeting me for a margarita after work wouldn’t be a good idea”. Smartest thing I’ve read all day, and I read all the Pie Lady blogs. And I thought it was a great idea…
By Christopher
March 24, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
“Everybody should have the same rights”. You are very correct, except for one small thing. The right to Health care, government assistance (which is another story in itself) is reserved for those AMERICANS HERE LEGALLY AND PAYING TAXES!! You can have those same rights if you come here legally, pay your taxes, eat your vitamins, and say your prayers.
The bill does not prevent you from working, earning money to support your family, or even being here ILLEGALLY.
What is does prevent you from doing is receiving tax-payer funded benefits. It also only ATTEMPTS to ENSURE that companies us legal workers. Trust me there will be plenty of companies who ignore the law.
The gob’ment should definitely be taxing YOUR money if you send it away from the US.
As far as the language comments that keeps popping up…We are the only country that only speaks one language (besides England). I have a little leeway with the language thing…but not much. If I am a Chick-fil-a, I would like someone to take my order, give me my change, and ask me is I want ketchups in English
Mexicans do take a lot of jobs that Americans do not want (drywall work…it’s not for me). The only time I see there would be any competition is when they take a job at Chik-fil-a or McDonalds. For Americans that have to take those jobs…You should have paid more attention in school (that is your own fault). The world needs ditch digger too.
By Thiago
March 24, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!!! This country was founded on immigrants (MOST OF THEM DIDN’T PASS THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND) Basically what is going on here is pretty simple: 1.An individual who is looking for a better life for his family (usually a HUMAN BEING whose government is corrupt, can’t make more than $.05/hour, can’t feed his family and DOESNT HAVE HOPE FOR HIS FUTURE). I think that would summarize the same feelings that John Smith and his crew felt. 2. That individual/family knows of a place called AMERICA(freedom, yes that’s what it means french) What America means to that individual is HOPE.
3. So WHAT. They come here and work hard (THE TRUTH/ 70-80 HRS./WEEK) When was the last time you did that? They do jobs BETTER, MORE EFFICIENTLY, WITHOUT COMPLAINING. You know why? BECAUSE THAT INDIVIDUAL HAS FOUND HOPE AGAIN!!!!!!!
What are we? SOVIET COMMUNISTS???? We are CAPITALISTS, THESE COUNTRY IS A DEMOCRACY!!!!
4. THESE INDIVIDUALS DON’T PAY TAXES??? ONLY ABOUT 20% DON’T (As oppposed to 11% of AMERICANS) YOU KNOW WHY MOST OF THEM CAN’T PAY TAXES?? BECAUSE AMERICANS ARE IGNORANT. If we gave these people social security numbers, the ablity to get Driver’s licenses (It’s not because they like phony driver’s licenses PEOPLE, it’s because somehow WE WILL DESTROY OUR SENSE OF AMERICANSHIP IF WE LET THESE PEOPLE DRIVE IN PEACE) and you know…….. if we give them driver’s license then THEY WILL BE ABLE TO GET INSURANCE. WOW!!!! IT’S A REALLY HARD CONCEPT……. AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE……. IF THEY HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, INSURANCE; MAYBE.. WE WILL BE ABLE TO TRACK THEM AND TO DISCOVER NEW WAYS OF TRACKING OUR IMMIGRANTS FRIENDS SO THAT 9/11 DOESN’T HAPPEN AGAIN. BUT LET ME TELL YOU HOW THAT HAPPENS; INSTEAD OF REACTING ON FEAR AND …. MORE FEAR BECAUSE TERRORISTS ARE DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST….. TERRORIZING US. LET’S USE A LITTLE BIT OF OUR FOREFATHERS GONADS, AND PLAY SMART WITH NO FEAR. LETS NOT SURROUND OURSELVES WITH WALLS AND SUSPICION. BECAUSE IN DOING THAT WE WILL RUIN THIS COUNTRY AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR!!!! LETS STOP FEAR WITHIN OURSELVES!!! ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS are NOT the PROBLEM!!! IF we gave them the ability to pay taxes, travel back and forth from their coUntry legally, some kind of security and backing; WE WOULD HAVE 20 MILLION HAPPY, TAX-PAYING, citizens whose spending power would boost our economy. OK, SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEN WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR THEIR SERIVCES!! I SAY THINK ABOUT IT, they have limited skills because most don’t know how to speak ENGLISH, they will take the same job for the same wage. I FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT THIS, because I was recently an illegal immigrant. I came here at 7 years-old with no recognition of my crime. I was angry because I did everything right in my life, but yet could not have the same rights as the guy beside me. I’m not complaining ONE BIT THOUGH, by going through that I REALIZED HOW GREAT OF A CONTRY I LIVE IN, despite all the walls raised up against me, THIS COUNTRY GAVE ME THE POWER AND HEART TO GO OVER AND BEYOND. AS AN AMERICAN NOW, I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU THE SAME FEELINGS THAT THIS GREAT COUNTRY APRRECIATED ONCE………
By Dee
March 24, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
DIANA IBANEZ: “I think is an offense that Our lovely president tries to cover up his war mistake with take it out on immigrants…”
What influence are you under hun??
We are dicussing the following: “The students were protesting Senate Bill 529, which is aimed a illegal immigrants and their employers.” This was passed by the GEORGIA House. As far as I know, “our lovely president” had nothing to do with this. GEORGIA CAPITAL NOT THE WHITE HOUSE.
And since you seem to so misinformed, here’s the scoop: Georgia Security/Immigration Compliance Act
(Note the word COMPLIANCE!!!!) This link will explain to you exactly what is trying to be done about ILLEGALS!!!! (Those not abiding by the laws of this state and country!!) This is was Chip Rogers NOT Bush.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/fulltext/sb529.htm
AND TO teacher: “What is so bad about letting them go to college, making them eligible for federal loans (money that would be paid back), and giving them the opportunity to have a career?”
teacher, when you use federal school money on someone who IS NOT a citizen of this country and he or she gets the education they want, what stops them from fleeing this country AND their obligation to pay back federal money that was meant for law abiding citizens? They are breaking the law about being illegal immigrants. Do you think that they are not at risk of going defunct on their loan payments?!?! If they want to use the American government as a tool to better themselves then they better get LEGAL! That is the proper course of things. Go to any country as an illegal immigrant and try to get away with this crap! You as a teacher should have atleast thought about these things.
By RobC
March 24, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
A theif steals for a better life. A prostitute sells her body for a better life. A drug dealer deal for a better life and so on. Stop with the stupid argument about wanting a better life after all that is what we all want. Most choose to do it legally if you are here illegally you are breaking the law. And answer me this, if those protesting at the capital truley want to be part of the United States, why were they waving Mexican Flags?
By Cross Keys Student
March 24, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t think that the bill is bad. However, many Hispanics think that it is bad because there are racist people that make it seem like that. If you hate Mexicans like you call all Hispanics, keep it to yourself. This bill is to help the country not to create another wave of hatred. For instance, China has that one child policy. Their country is very crowded. This bill will helps us destroy those possibilities, but you should give Hispanics a chance to go to college and form a life. Not all Hispanics come here to get a free ride. If you want to get rid of Hispanics, why don’t you think about the gang members first? As for the illegals, you want for them to do things legally, but you don’t know how hard it is to get a visa in their country. This bill should be amended to help immigrants with their legalization process as well. If people weren’t so cruel and racist, I’m sure Hispanics would give the bill a second thought. We should also think about our economy. Many of the “dirty” jobs are taken by illegals. If they ALL get deported, prepare for the higher prices on many foods and other stuff. We should all work together not hate each other. Help immigrants with their legalization process, so they can keep things legal. Don’t just shun them and think they don’t do anything in this country.
By TI.. Rap
March 24, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
For Alphonzo .. Please go back to you native land of Africa bacause you are an alien too.. You came here in slave ships and your pops are not from America and so is everyone else for this matter!!!!!!!!
By jo anne
March 24, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
i went shopping today. no traffic, no ladders in the road, no people running across the street in front of my car. everyone speaking english. i love it. can every friday be hispanic pride day ??? please….
By makebelieve
March 24, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Linda, that is their culture, not the American culture. You are the one that need investigating….the business owners. You guys are the reason it is so many illegal immgrants here now.
By jt
March 24, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
I HOPE ALL THE ILLEGAL PEOLPE GET WHAT THEY WANT THEY DESRIVE IT,UNLIKE ALL YOU LAZY SELFISH A* AMERICANS!!I AM AMERICAN TOO!!!AND THIS COUNTRY HAS SOME GREEDY F**ING AMERICANS!!!!!bE HAPPY FOR THE LIFE YOU HAVE AND STOP TRYING TO DESRTOY OTHER PEOPLES!!!GET A A DIFFERENT HOBBY AND GET OVER YOURSELFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Karla
March 24, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
IS NOT OUR FAULT THAT YOUR PEOPLE (AMERICANS) WANT HISPANICAS BETTER THAN AMERICAN TO DO THE JOBS YOUR REFUSE TO TAKE AND WE DO “GOOD�. ASK YOURSELF SOMETHING. WHY ARE THEY TAKING MY PLACE? (COULD IT BE THEY ARE BETTER THAN WHAT I AM?) WHY ARE THE AMERIAS TRAYING TO LEARN SPANISH…. I KNOW IS HARD TO BELIVE BUT WE LOVE THIS COUNTRY TOO, VERY MUCH. GOD HAS BLESS THIS COUNTRY SO MUCH, WE ARE NOT STEALING WE ARE WORKING FOR IT, WE DON’T WANT FREE, WE WANT AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR IT. SI SE PUEDE, SI SE PUEDE, SI SE PUEDE!!!! ; )
By Akagi
March 24, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
Karol:
All Hispanics may not be illegal, but most illegals are Hispanic and this comes from ICE and the US Census. 67% of all illegals in the US are from Mexico. Between 80 and 90% off all Mexican immigrants are illegal. In Georgia, between 60 and 70% of all Hispanics are illegal. The bill is not country or region specific—it targets illegals—no matter where they came from. But no one can argue that the problem of illegal immigration is Hispanic and to be more accurate a Mexican problem. You don’t see millions of illegals from Estonia.
As for justice, what about the millions of those worldwide—including members of my own family—waiting for years, if not decades for the legal right to come to the US—what about justice for them? My family members have been waiting for their immigration visa to become available for 6 years. Looking at the most current visa bulletin, it may be another 5 years before the will get a visa—that is 11 years. Where is the justice in that when at the same time the US simply allows millions to pour over our Southern border?
By karen
March 24, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
LOL @ Mr. F…yes traffic was kinda light this morning!!! HMMMM, it might be a good evening to go shopping at the Wal Mart on the EAST-WEST connector too!!! Thanks for the IDEA MR> F
By ATL Nurse
March 24, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
I am a nurse in an emergency room here in Atlanta. Because we do not turn patients away based on ability to pay, we treat and see many illegal immigrants who have no other place to go. Who ends up paying for their visits? The American tax payers. That is not fair. Emergency rooms are already at capacity and waits are long. If illegals want the beneftis of our government, such as access to healthcare, they need to pay taxes and be here legally!
By Karla
March 24, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
IS NOT OUR FAULT THAT YOUR PEOPLE (AMERICANS) WANT HISPANICAS BETTER THAN AMERICAN TO DO THE JOBS YOUR REFUSE TO TAKE AND WE DO “GOOD�. ASK YOURSELF SOMETHING. WHY ARE THEY TAKING MY PLACE? (COULD IT BE THEY ARE BETTER THAN WHAT I AM?) WHY ARE THE AMERIAS TRAYING TO LEARN SPANISH…. I KNOW IS HARD TO BELIVE BUT WE LOVE THIS COUNTRY TOO, VERY MUCH. GOD HAS BLESS THIS COUNTRY SO MUCH, WE ARE NOT STEALING WE ARE WORKING FOR IT, WE DON’T WANT FREE, WE WANT AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR IT. SI SE PUEDE, SI SE PUEDE, SI SE PUEDE!!!! ; )
By Akagi
March 24, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Karol:
All Hispanics may not be illegal, but most illegals are Hispanic and this comes from ICE and the US Census. 67% of all illegals in the US are from Mexico. Between 80 and 90% off all Mexican immigrants are illegal. In Georgia, between 60 and 70% of all Hispanics are illegal. The bill is not country or region specific—it targets illegals—no matter where they came from. But no one can argue that the problem of illegal immigration is Hispanic and to be more accurate a Mexican problem. You don’t see millions of illegals from Estonia.
As for justice, what about the millions of those worldwide—including members of my own family—waiting for years, if not decades for the legal right to come to the US—what about justice for them? My family members have been waiting for their immigration visa to become available for 6 years. Looking at the most current visa bulletin, it may be another 5 years before the will get a visa—that is 11 years. Where is the justice in that when at the same time the US simply allows millions to pour over our Southern border?
By Jessica
March 24, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
I completely agree that all immigrants should learn to speak English. But have you all thought about how much time it takes to learn a language. I am sure many of you took a foreign language when you all where in school, can you all remember much of it now. It is not easy to learn a language. Let’s stop judging for once.
By SavageNationalist
March 24, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Let me bottom line it for you folks! We Americans need to defend our precious Borders, Language and Culture from this growing wave of illegal invaders encroaching our borders. Their first act on American soil is a crime in itself! These invaders are are shutting down hospitals all over the southwest (due to ERs being forced to accept them on the taxpayer’s dime), and putting a tremendous burden on us taxpayers who are forced to subsidize them! A large portion of these invaders are “career” criminals (gangsters, drug pushers, etc.). So…if you leftist, America-hating, Socialists love them so much then YOU can absorb 100% of their tax burden out of your income and leave mine alone!!!!
By mike J
March 24, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Maybe the legal Americans should take a week and protest and not eat in any Mexican restaurant or employee any Mexican temporary help. I say we do this the week of April 15th. The week us legal Americans pay taxes to provide the money that provides the benefits that some receive.
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
To Thiago and the rest of the illegals and legal hispanics on this blog who are complaining….
The United States IS the land of opportunity. However, you seem to assume that the United States OWES Mexicans and other hispanics citizenship and jobs.
Why were you waving Mexican flags in your protests if you love the U.S. the way you claim you do? You should have been waving the U.S. flag.
Instead of expecting the U.S. to support you and employ you, why don’t you do something about the government in your own countries? You wave your national flags in pride, but you are here in this country arguing that you deserve the same rights as U.S. citizens….
Look at all of Latin America…There are very few that can claim a stable and non-violent or corrupt government. Apparently you won’t be happy until you turn the U.S. into a government like your own.
By cliff
March 24, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Can someone please explain this?
Why is it that I am accused of being anti immigrant when I say I don’t think I should have to pay to provide services such as housing for a non citizen? If they cannot house themself, WHY ARE THEY HERE?
Why do my tax dollars have to go toward educating the children of people who are not citizens of this county and are here in violation of our country’s laws? If they cannot afford to pay for this, WHY ARE THEY HERE?
Why should my tax dollars have to provide ANY healthcare benefit for someone who is here in violation of our laws and cannot afford to pay for it themselves? If they cannot afford to pay for this, WHY DO THEY ASK FOR IT?
I have no problem with people coming from another country to work here, but I don’t think that they should be entitled to come so I can pay for things that they cannot. If they can support themselves, pay for their children to be schooled (I believe the cost is between $3000 and $6000 per year for a non resident to attend a school in a Georgia School System), let them come. If they can’t pay for these things, WHY ARE THEY HERE AT ALL?
Should we bill the cost for these services back to their home country’s government? Since the money being sent back to countries such as Mexico is one of the largest parts of that country’s GNP, maybe that is a fair way to approach things. Why not let their own government pay for it since they reap the benefits?
Why are those who don’t feel we should have to fund another person’s hopes and dreams accused of such vile things? I’ve worked and earned the things I have. If they can do the same, great. If not, we do not need to import people to this country who cannot support themselves. We have plenty of our own.
By Concerned Fence Rider
March 24, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
La verdad es eso…
I am American. My son is Mexican-American. My fiance’ is Mexican. I am not in total agreement with either side of this struggle. Those who are illegal cannot demand rights to which they are not entitled. On the other hand, the government has allowed the problem to get out of hand…not the people!
There needs to be a way to stop the influx of illegal immigrants while allowing those who are already here and contributing to our society tax payers with limited benefits.
None of my children will be doing the low-wage jobs that many immigrants are doing. Someone has to do those jobs. Americans desire more money for the work that we do. That is why we are not running out to the fields and factories to do the jobs that immigrants are doing. It’s not laziness. It’s the fact that we desire and deserve more money for the work that we do. I’m not saying that immigrants (legal or not) do not desire the same things-but their settling for less is driving down wages for those of us who NEED and WANT more money for the work that we do.
It is a bit ludicrous for those who are here illegally to demand benefits. I cannot wrap my head around that. I am in support of those that come to work and take care of their families. But there is one thing that you must understand-we cannot roll out the red carpet and give you the same benefits that are given to citizens of this country.
I’m quite sure that if I were to travel illegally to Canada, China, Mexico, or France that I could not demand certain benefits. Be realistic about what you’re asking…
By Akagi
March 24, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
Hey KC:
Check your facts. The ban on oral sex was struck down by the Georgia Supreme Court years ago. Also, using your logic, can the next time a rapist is put on trial, can he use your defense? “Sure I raped, but who among you never parked in a no parking zone or went over the speed limit?” Somehow I don’t think this will fly.
By what about mi raza/
March 24, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
they protested today, to say that everyone deserves equality? I am a honarably discharged veteran and can not get what all the Latinos, I saw when working at the health department, are getting!
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Jessica - I spent three months in France as an exchange student. I learned to speak the language fluently in that time.
Total immersion provides you with that ability. However, in order to do so, you have to actually TRY to learn the language and speak to the natives.
So you are wrong!
By donovan
March 24, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
I have mixed feelings about this. However, I do not agree that they are taking jobs that Americans do not want to do. This is confused with working jobs for less money. Americans just preformed this work at higher wages. It is important to note that they areNOT hiring themselves. Subcontactors are exploiting this cheap labor, its almost like slavery anew. The SAD reality is, this cheap labor has already been included in labor costs. So, costs assocaited with construction would rise. I wonder what the FED thinks about immigration.
By Dee
March 24, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Thiago, if the illegal immigrants were to do the LEGAL thing and register, then all would be much easier. During the course they could geta drivers icenses and insurance. They have the abiliy to pay taxes and the like when they become LEGAL. Those not legal for whatever reason, that is where the problems start. We can’t count illegals so how do we know how many school, teachers and books we need? We don’t. They are thrust upon the system that is ALREADY running at capacity. Our medical costs soar when they rack up bills and don’t pay. Our doctors and hospitals pass that deal right along to us (citizens). You can yell and scream all you want about fairness, suspicions, and walls… the problem is ILLEGAL PERSONS. Are you defending the right to be illegal?
“What are we? SOVIET COMMUNISTS???? We are CAPITALISTS, THESE COUNTRY IS A DEMOCRACY!!!!”
Part of a Democracy are LAWS: Laws are meant for EVERYONE to abide by regardless of skin color, ecomonical status, or ethnic background. That means ALL OF US!!! Not just a few!!!
By Ricky(16 yrs old)
March 24, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
you know it’s just amazin how people talk and talk but dont have the facts straight. immigrants come to this country to live a better life. like somebody said in the comments your ancestors were also immigrants just cuz you were born here doesnt mean you can hate on people. you say you’re not racist but you imply it with other words. we hispanics are the ones that take the hardest jobs and people say that all the jobs are taken cuz of us but the problem is that nobody wants them and we take them in order to make a living. it’s just sad that me,a 16 yr old, understands it better than most adults that commented. adults need to grow up and get the facts straight.another reason is also for the religious reason. im a Christian and i believe that God put me and my family in this country for a reason.all i have to say is remember that your ancestors were immigrants too and please get your facts straight. thanks and God Bless!
By Bill
March 24, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
Karen…what a GREAT idea. Shop at Wal*Mart East/West Conn. TODAY.
Just think. NO spanish to be heard. 20 children following Mami, pushing buggies (into other customers) and blocking aisles. No waiting in lines that are made up of one or two families (10 to 20 people).
In and out of Wal*Mart East/West in under an hour (or two). WOW.
We’re heading there shortly….WOO HOOO!!
*GO AMERICANS, and re-fill WalMart’s LOST DOLLARES.
IT’S OUR OWN PROTEST AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION**
By T
March 24, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
I say give all lands back taken/brought from Mexico.
Give all lands back to Indian who were here first?
How do you like that?
I agree there is a serious problem with high health cost.. but this amount is nothing compare to money wasted on needless stuff. Instead of spending $100/200 billions in Iraq, let’s spend it here in the US.
By Ekaterina
March 24, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
I just don’t see why the Hispanics think they’re entitled to jack. I’ll give them credit… they do work hard. And so do I, and so do my parents, and so does most everyone else I know. The difference is that the Hispanics come here with every intention of milking our system for all it’s worth. They know more about how to sap the system than most anyone who was born and raised here does! How on Earth do they justify thinking they’re ENTITLED to that? They come here in droves and they take over vast areas and not only has it edged out many people who grew up here, but it has caused the culture of this city to morph into something quite disturbing to the average resident. Everywhere I turn, everything in English is followed up in Spanish… instructions on every day packaging, announcements in restaurants, telephone prompts, ATM’s, at the DMV, websites offered ‘en espanol’. Even birth certificates at are coming printed in English with Spanish subtitles! And now they have how many radio stations in Spanish? It’s sickening! They have been enabled to live here comfortably and now the gov’t is trying to correct a problem that should’ve never gotten this far to begin with! And they need to close their pie holes about discrimination. If they’re going to offer all of the above in Spanish, then why isn’t it done for all languages? If you ask me, that in itself is giving Hispanics preferential treatment over other immigrants. Either do it for all, or don’t do it at all. ENGLISH is our language - learn it. You might say it’s because of the sheer number of Spanish speakers… well, that’s only because it’s a lot easier to cross the border than it is the Atlantic.
By Hells_Gates
March 24, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
…for you Jo Anne….fing burn in HELL I AM ROMANIAN AMERICAN AND I BET YOUR ANCESTORS CAME FROM EUROPE TOO!!! YOU DON’T OWN THIS FING COUNTRY!! YOUR ANCESTORS TOOK IT FROM THE NATIVE AMERICANS!!! People are here for a better life not to play around. How about you get your dirty @$$ working in those jobs that most people don’t take and see if you like it. EVERY IMMIGRANT NOT ONLY HISPANICS EVERYONE SHOULD GET A CHANCE!!!!
By george
March 24, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Come here legally and you’re welcome. Come here illegally and you can get your a** gone. Why should I pay for benefits for illegals? If you are too dumb to understand what this bill is intended to do…TOO BAD !!!
By george
March 24, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Come here legally and you’re welcome. Come here illegally and you can get your a** gone. Why should I pay for benefits for illegals? If you are too dumb to understand what this bill is intended to do…TOO BAD !!!
By joannie
March 24, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
question ….for those of you who want to give the children of illegals free education—-even college—-i want to know one thing. after these children have graduated from college and take the jobs “we want” , what are we going to do then? besides, ever since the mexicans have taken over the chicken cleaning plants, the chicken has much more hairs on them. clean ‘em up !!
By RobC
March 24, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Thiago you are liar. Your message was filled with one complaint after another yet you say you are not complaining. I suppose the toughest question anyone has ever asked an illegal is ” what part of illegal don’t you understand?” Did you know that in Mexico they do not tolerate illegals? They deport them as fast as they find them and I agrre with that. You want a legal drivers license? come here legally. Heck if you broke the law getting here why stop at that. It costs money to buy insurance, now here is a bit of a quandry, buy insurance or send it back to the motherland…SLAM DUNK..SEND IT HOME. Break the law by over crowding a house..no problemo do it anyway. can’t speak english? make them put up signs in spanish (funny how you don’t see other languages represented at Wal-Mart). Takes to long to get a visa? too freakin bad those are the rules. Tell you what, You give me Cancun I’ll give you Lawrenceville. And speaking of Cancun, how come the Mexicans there speak english but the ones who swim over here refuse to even try?
By george
March 24, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Come here legally and you’re welcome. Come here illegally and you can get your a** gone. Why should I pay for benefits for illegals? If you are too dumb to understand what this bill is intended to do…TOO BAD !!!
By RobC
March 24, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Thiago you are liar. Your message was filled with one complaint after another yet you say you are not complaining. I suppose the toughest question anyone has ever asked an illegal is ” what part of illegal don’t you understand?” Did you know that in Mexico they do not tolerate illegals? They deport them as fast as they find them and I agrre with that. You want a legal drivers license? come here legally. Heck if you broke the law getting here why stop at that. It costs money to buy insurance, now here is a bit of a quandry, buy insurance or send it back to the motherland…SLAM DUNK..SEND IT HOME. Break the law by over crowding a house..no problemo do it anyway. can’t speak english? make them put up signs in spanish (funny how you don’t see other languages represented at Wal-Mart). Takes to long to get a visa? too freakin bad those are the rules. Tell you what, You give me Cancun I’ll give you Lawrenceville. And speaking of Cancun, how come the Mexicans there speak english but the ones who swim over here refuse to even try?
By Eric Shelander
March 24, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
What is so difficult to understand about the term illegal immigration? It is illegal, that is against the law. Just because the majority are Mexican/Latino does not make the law racist! It makes the law line up with current law and if that hairlips someone then so be it. It is time for LULAC, the ACLU and all the other assorted left wing, bleeding heart liberal groups to do the right thing and support current law. The 11 million illegal aliens, that is illegal aliens as in aliens here by breaking the law, need to go home, be it Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, England, Greece, Italy, Iran, Iraq, India, Korea or wherever. Bottom line all 11 million need to leave and leave today!
By Antonio
March 24, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
First of all, this country (the USA) is BUILT BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS when the firs WHITE EUROPEAN set foot on this land. Since that time, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, which consists of everyone expect Native Americans, have come to this country to make a better life. REMEMBER WE ARE ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. JUST BECAUSE WHITE ANCESTORS WIPED OUT NATIVE AMERICANS AND TOOK OVER THEIR LAND, does not mean that we are all “LEGAL.” ENGLISH is not the NATIVE LANGUAGE OF THE AMERICAS. I could go on and on about history.. I was part of the Armed and LATINOS who are still in GIVE US THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM and THIS Is THE THANKS THAT WE GET! All of you that wants us out of this country are committing a big mistake. If this law does go through, there will be a major DISASTER: ECONOMY WILL CRASH, PRICES WILL RISE ON EVERYTHING, 1/4 of the Arm Forces will vanish, etc. Just think carefully of what the consequences.
By Phil
March 24, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Why do Asians and other minorities who come to this country have no problem with “jumping through hoops” to get their work visas and green cards and spend the time and dilligence to become legal citizens and yet the Hispanic community should be excused from this process? Is it because they are impovershed and uneducated? What is the rationale? Why should they be given special treatment over other immigrants who have spent time and money to be legal? Is it because they do jobs that are assumed not wanted by legal immigrants and citizens? I understand how difficult life can be and we all just want what is best for our children and ourselves but it is unfair for the Latino community to single themselves out as oppressed and yet make no mention of how oppresed other immigrants who try to come to this country legally. For a lot of people these is more than taxes and food stamps, this is about a threat to their cultural identity. The possibility that in the not so distant future that illegal immigration unchecked will destroy this country as overpopulation will choke us all. At some point, unchecked, this could lead to a major cultural divide and maybe even war. I am just throwing this out there to be discussed but the bottom line is rules are rules and we must abide by them to keep the civility. Yes we all break laws and we all know that we are subject to the reprocussions of these actions. We speed yet we know that we may get a ticket and except that fact when we have to pay the fine. We all break laws but we know that we may have to pay for these actions. Finally, I would also add that adapting to ones culture is part of immigration. That does not change who we are fundamentally but it is absurd to think that if I go to Germany and refuse to speak German that I should expect everyone there to learn English becuase that is a fast growing segment of the worldwide population.
By stephanie
March 24, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
YOU ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS NEED TO GET A LIFE…YOU ARE NOT LEAGAL, YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW.
THROUGH OUT THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, ALL IMMIGRANTS HAVE SETTLED IN BY LEARNING THE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE. THEY DIDN’T SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF US.
YOU ARE SELFISH YOU LAW BREAKERS AND MOOCHERS!
By ole' girl
March 24, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Illegal immigrants receiving tax payer benefits is like receiving fruit from the poison bush…What part of “illeal immigrant don’t you understand??.
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Ricky - You misunderstand.
No one, I don’t think - has anything against anyone of hispanic descent. We would love for you to be here, but we want you pay into the system the same as American citizens do. Illegal immigrants aren’t counted in census or on tax records. There is no way to allocate money for assistance programs, medical programs, education…
Since an Americans’ state tax dollars largely go to pay for education (at least in Georgia), tax paying American citizens are paying for education for illegal immigrants, but the illegal immigrants aren’t paying into it at all. As more and more illegals come in to the state, the fewer dollars go to pay for the services/education required. Eventually there will be no way to pay for it unless taxes are raised. Why should American citizens pay for illegal immigrants?
At no other time in America’s history have illegal immigrants expected American citizens to “support” them via their tax dollars. At no time in American history has there been such an influx of illegal immigrants.
From a logical and educated mind, you must understand that illegal means illegal. It’s not discrimination against skin color or race. It’s anger over being forced to pay taxes for something that, as citizens, we cannot take advantage of ourselves.
By Hells_Gates
March 24, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
agreed George but I can understand your comment so quit repeating it like a stupid @$$ idiot -_-
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Ricky - You misunderstand.
No one, I don’t think - has anything against anyone of hispanic descent. We would love for you to be here, but we want you pay into the system the same as American citizens do. Illegal immigrants aren’t counted in census or on tax records. There is no way to allocate money for assistance programs, medical programs, education…
Since an Americans’ state tax dollars largely go to pay for education (at least in Georgia), tax paying American citizens are paying for education for illegal immigrants, but the illegal immigrants aren’t paying into it at all. As more and more illegals come in to the state, the fewer dollars go to pay for the services/education required. Eventually there will be no way to pay for it unless taxes are raised. Why should American citizens pay for illegal immigrants?
At no other time in America’s history have illegal immigrants expected American citizens to “support” them via their tax dollars. At no time in American history has there been such an influx of illegal immigrants.
From a logical and educated mind, you must understand that illegal means illegal. It’s not discrimination against skin color or race. It’s anger over being forced to pay taxes for something that, as citizens, we cannot take advantage of ourselves.
By Scott
March 24, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
First of all, carrying Mexican flags to the state capitol building during a protest is a pretty bad PR move.
The influx of illegal aliens working in construction and other blue collar trades has depressed pay in those fields and run many qualified and talented American workers out of those fields. I imagine that those folks have found other work in a strong economy. However, when the economy weakens, I fear things will get ugly.
We have got to get a grip on the influx of illegals into this country. Then, we can deal with the millions of illegals who are already here. In the long run, we also need to increase the penalties on employers who turn a blind eye to the legal status of their employees.
By jo anne
March 24, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
to hells gates
you need an enema. :)
By j.t.
March 24, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Antonio -
ENGLISH IS THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Should I be able to go to Mexico and force Mexicans to speak English in Mexico?
H*ll NO!
On this point, I’m angry as get out! If you want to assimilate into this culture - you must LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH!
By endorph
March 24, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
There are millions of people waiting for the chance to immigrate to this country through legal means. They want jobs, many speak english already and some have college educations and would still be thrilled for the opportunity to pick lettuce or do any of hundreds of other low skilled jobs out there because it beats the prospects in their own lands. Allowing Mexican’s to cross illegally into our country to take these jobs “american’s aren’t willing to do” unfairly discriminates against anyone, of any national origin that is trying to enter the country through legal means.
It isn’t about where they are from. The very fact that they are here illegally means that they are criminals. possibly hard working criminals with no ill intent but what makes them think we owe them admission to this country when they are so obviously willing to violate our laws?
Send them home and let them apply to enter through legal channels.
By j r
March 24, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Please, If they have the right and freedom to protest in America; they could at least honor our Flag and our customs and apply for citizenship and merge restpectful with our culture.
By reba brown
March 24, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
its about time im from california where the illegals are a big problem on taxpayers i just hope the governor sticks to his gun or there is gong to be hell to pay from the taxpers i have to pay for my benifits why should we have to pay for people who dont respect our laws its not fair and this is a on going problem..and if you dont get a handle on it soon its going to get out of control like it has in california
By Bill
March 24, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Yo…Antonio. Racist, much? You went on and on about how Whites destroyed the Native American populations and took over America, and how we’re all illegal.
What about Mexico? Hmm. Spaniards did the same to your Mestizos, no? You would be speaking a indian dialect, rather than Spanish had they not come to your country.
Why aren’t you b*** about that, instead of whites (thanks for not calling us gringos in this blog…btw, we know that word and we know it’s a racial slur against us).
And you have the nerve to call Americans racist? Hah! Take a look in the mirror pal.
By RobC
March 24, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it rather ironic that those trying to escape poverty are bringing their poverty attitude with them? Just look at the areas where the hispanic community has taken over, its not pretty.
By karen
March 24, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
TO ALL YOU BLEEDING HEARTS: 1.Please visit the American’s for Legal Immigration web site..They have kinds of information, data and stat’s. 2.9 out of 10 American’s are FED up with the influx of Immigration in this country.
By makebelieve
March 24, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve been trying to find Ms Rosa’s comments, but can’t somebody repost for me….This is getting scary….A NEW WAVE OF RACISM SPREADING!
By Nikster
March 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Why do illegals think they are entitled to rights ? If you don’t vote,pay taxes or own property, you have no rights. Why should illegals be treated better than other non Americans who applied to come here, waited their turn,learned English and are not a burden on anyone ? Sorry but if you don not like our laws, GO HOME !!
By Thiago
March 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
DEE,
Please go get your facts STRAIGHT…….. Registering??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Registering are for immigrants who have asylum. Whose countries are so bad that to turn an individual back would mean to murder. I KNOW of people who go and register and are deported back to their countries without any warning. Families are separated for years because of “registering”. Yes, if something happened to this country and you had to leave for your family’s sake; you run a risk of being separated from your babies, husband, and all loved ones. If it was the simple to “REGISTER” we would have lines like Elis Island. I am disgusted with some of the racial remarks and segregatory views of my fellow Georgians. Not you Dee.
By ISRAEL
March 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
i THINK THAT THE LAWS THAT THERE TRING TO PUT AGAINST US HISPANICS ARE BAD BECAUSE THIS STATE AND COUNTRY HAVE THIS GREAT ECONOMY THANKS TO THE HARD WORK OF US HISPANICS.
By Concerned Fence Rider
March 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
La verdad es eso…
I am American. My son is Mexican-American. My fiance’ is Mexican. I am not in total agreement with either side of this struggle. Those who are illegal cannot demand rights to which they are not entitled. On the other hand, the government has allowed the problem to get out of hand…not the people!
There needs to be a way to stop the influx of illegal immigrants while allowing those who are already here and contributing to our society tax payers with limited benefits.
None of my children will be doing the low-wage jobs that many immigrants are doing. Someone has to do those jobs. Americans desire more money for the work that we do. That is why we are not running out to the fields and factories to do the jobs that immigrants are doing. It’s not laziness. It’s the fact that we desire and deserve more money for the work that we do. I’m not saying that immigrants (legal or not) do not desire the same things-but their settling for less is driving down wages for those of us who NEED and WANT more money for the work that we do.
It is a bit ludicrous for those who are here illegally to demand benefits. I cannot wrap my head around that. I am in support of those that come to work and take care of their families. But there is one thing that you must understand-we cannot roll out the red carpet and give you the same benefits that are given to citizens of this country.
I’m quite sure that if I were to travel illegally to Canada, China, Mexico, or France that I could not demand certain benefits. Be realistic about what you’re asking…
By Susy
March 24, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
STOP saying we don’t pay taxes… don’t tell me all Americans do… what about Martha Swart… Cage…. my cusins contractor just got arrested for not paying taxes for 3 yrs. And he is an American. Have you notice Mexican restaurants they are full with you all….
By D
March 24, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
What the government is doing is a crock. The hardest working people I’ve ever seen in my life. Talk about courage, they have to be the most courageous people I have ever been around. Everyone deserves a chance in life. What are they doing other than building this country and putting money into to the pockets of our wonderful government. Leave them be. If we don’t be careful we’re next Black People. If you find in your heart to fight with them my brothers and sisters then you really need to take a look at yourself. Look at the UNITY they have as a people, and yes I’ve been to Mexico, Keep your heads up my Latino/Latina hermanos y hermanas.
By Luis Seda- Ruiz
March 24, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or is it a stupid joke. All of the Hispanic groups are going to take a day off from work and there business to protest a law, That is only going to effect those who are illegal. not those who are here legally. Now come on, breaking the law is breaking the law and you should be allowed to work in this country or any other for that matter.
As to closing your businesses and staying home today, who do you hurt but yourself. Anyway you go ahead and do these’s things as it gives the rest of the country something to laugh at. Stupid just Stupid.
Legal people protesting those wo are here and not legal, You’d think someone would have something better to do, then protest for law brakers and criminals.
I love my latino brothers and sisters, But you need to find a better way to show what you are worth and a better way to show that you are people who can made a difference.
By Krystal
March 24, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH ILLEGALS. I JUST WANT YOU ALL TO LEARN ENGLISH AND PAY TAXES. THANKS! NOW GO SCRUB MY FLOORS YOU ILLEGAL BASTARDS…
By Concerned Fence Rider
March 24, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
La verdad es eso…
I am American. My son is Mexican-American. My fiance’ is Mexican. I am not in total agreement with either side of this struggle. Those who are illegal cannot demand rights to which they are not entitled. On the other hand, the government has allowed the problem to get out of hand…not the people!
There needs to be a way to stop the influx of illegal immigrants while allowing those who are already here and contributing to our society tax payers with limited benefits.
None of my children will be doing the low-wage jobs that many immigrants are doing. Someone has to do those jobs. Americans desire more money for the work that we do. That is why we are not running out to the fields and factories to do the jobs that immigrants are doing. It’s not laziness. It’s the fact that we desire and deserve more money for the work that we do. I’m not saying that immigrants (legal or not) do not desire the same things-but their settling for less is driving down wages for those of us who NEED and WANT more money for the work that we do.
It is a bit ludicrous for those who are here illegally to demand benefits. I cannot wrap my head around that. I am in support of those that come to work and take care of their families. But there is one thing that you must understand-we cannot roll out the red carpet and give you the same benefits that are given to citizens of this country.
I’m quite sure that if I were to travel illegally to Canada, China, Mexico, or France that I could not demand certain benefits. Be realistic about what you’re asking…
By Hells_Gates
March 24, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
to jo anne
sloot dun even talk to me. you stupid @$$ southern racist bastard. All of you are stupid idiots for fighting over something like this.
By Adrian
March 24, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
It’s such an outrage to me that all of you want to be the best. Go America, let’s fix Iraq. We’re worse than them, you know why? Because we happen to be two-faced people. We NEED construction people busting themselves up to build our houses, we need the women to be our maids, we need the newcomers to clean our tables and serve us food…oh, except one thing…we say we don’t want them here.
You know, I’ve never seen a WHITE person bus a table, work at a Taco Bell, heat fries up at Wendy’s, clean a house with a THIRTY minute deadline, being treated like a nobody. THE minute I see a WHITE person do something you people claim is taken away from you…then you talk, idiots. For now, SHUT THE HELL UP and leave immigrants, WHO HELP THIS ECONOMY MORE THAN YOU EVER will ALONE! Thank you!
Oh, and you don’t see Money Graam or Western Union complain, do you? Because IMMIGRANTS care about their family and send them money. They have focus. They may not know the language, but they sure as hell know how to have goals!
By irish
March 24, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
rob c. you must live in my neighborhood…we have been here 23 years and thanks to the influx of the hispanics, the neighborhood is beginning to look like a slum. broken windows ( cardboard in place ), trash, 5 and 6 cars all over the roads and yards, loud music, houses in need of painting and repair, awful yards. i know od many homes here that have 8 and 10 people living in them. does gwinnett county care? no. our way of life is being ruined. they are taking back america—slowly, but methodically.
By stephanie
March 24, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
to all of you who thinks illegls don’t pay taxes they do they just can’t get their money back at the end of the year. and think about it we where all illegals at one point. also it is not just mexican that come here illegal. what is the diff then helping someone with papers or without them just think about all the whites and blacks that don’t work and we thake care of them and 10 of there kids.
By Royal Chic
March 24, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
It’s sad to see the extremes the government will go to in support of this Bill against “illegal immigrants.” There are so many contradictions in this land. I forget what it means to truly be “American.”
We have to remember that most of the “illegal immigrants” are scared to even make themselves known because of the legal repurcussions. They are mostly law abiding, tax paying, hard working men and women who want the same chance we were given to build for our children’s future.
Most of us have come to America by immigration ourselves in one way or the other and were welcomed here for the benefit of this country. I don’t remember Africans needing a visa or green card to work in this country….but, that’s another story for another blog.
Everyone should have a fighting chance to be free and to live in a society where they can be proud of who they are and still embrace where they come from…..
Let’s REFORM this bill…..and give the “illegal immigrants” a chance to be of benefit to our country…..
By Wendy
March 24, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
For those of you who are in support of what Roger and the other senate are doing, it would be to long before God visits you. You people are messing with God, the creator of heaven and earth. And WHEN IT COMES TO THE POOR, AND THE NEEDY , YOU DARE NOT MESS WITH THEM. American belongs to everybody and not just you ignorant people. I bet most of you did not go to college, because an educated man/woman would not make most of the comments above. You just need to go and read the book of Exodus in the old testament to see what was done to the EGYPTIANS. Legalize all the people here and take control of the boarder. These people are actually contributing to the economic growth of this country. Let’s focus our attention on getting the soldiers, marine….out of iraq, healthcare, crimes, senior citizens, better school and making america a better place to live for you and me.
By Ligia
March 24, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
I pray that God will set HIS WILL in place! A word to George who posted his comment at 1:54PM on this beautiful Friday afternoon, George you say that the ILLEGAL immigrants take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Yes all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMMIGRANTS, why? Umm because the American people do not want those jobs. Who works out on landscapes, construction, hotels, fast food restaurants, fields? The hispanic people and not necessarily ILLEGAL! I work at in the office of a landscape company and 97% of our labor workforce are hispanic not necessarily MEXICAN, but from other countries, and they do an excellent job in their profession as oppose to other AMERICANS or LEGALS that come in and only work for a week or less. Yes these SKILLED jobs are left open any hard back breaking SKILLED job is left open because other people do not want to work hard for the money, they want top dollars for minimal amount of work! So they are doing you a favor, they are putting you in beautiful constructed schools and homes, they are giving you beautiful lanscapes i.e. Centennial Olympic park which hispanics installed and maintain, they are giving you fast food, they are keeping your hotel room clean, they ARE indeed paying taxes—do your research son! Talking about robing the economy? Umm open your eyes go downtown and take a look at all those homeless people…they are homeless because the want to be homeless, the are AMERICAN CITIZENS! Food stamps and sometimes given to people who do not even need them, they figure out a way to ROBB the economy! And they are not ROBBING the economy they are HELPING the economy, again do your research son! I think I said enough, and WE ARE NOT BEING POLITICAL CORRECT, we are people that are not selfish and we are people that want to help our fellow neighbor. So what if in 10 years we all have to speak Spanish—hello better high paying jobs! I’m proud of my backgroud, I am a Dean’s List college student and I am persuing a BSN, my family is from Guatemala, my family owns businesses, big homes, nice cars, and we are all LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I am proud to be what I am, an IMMIGRANT —a LEGAL immigrant and I am here standing behind my fellow HISPANIC peoples that are currently being affected by this.
By Christopher
March 24, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Thiago, a few points… 1) where does your figure that only 20% of Mexicans do not pay taxes come from.
2) Anyone that wants to apply for citizenship can. There is nothing that says you can not apply for citizenship. If Mexicans are so had working, Work at becomeing a citizen.
So it be known…My relatives did not come through Ellis Island either.
By RandyM
March 24, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
What does illegal mean ? It means you should not be here. Why should illegals no matter what country or nationality get free food stamps, or free medical benefits. would Mexico give us Americans anything free? No, they would put us in jail for being illegal. If they don’t want to come here legally like everyone else and want to protest our American laws, get a bus and ship them all back. We have done great here for the last 230 years since our country was created without them.
By Ligia
March 24, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
I pray that God will set HIS WILL in place! A word to George who posted his comment at 1:54PM on this beautiful Friday afternoon, George you say that the ILLEGAL immigrants take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Yes all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMMIGRANTS, why? Umm because the American people do not want those jobs. Who works out on landscapes, construction, hotels, fast food restaurants, fields? The hispanic people and not necessarily ILLEGAL! I work at in the office of a landscape company and 97% of our labor workforce are hispanic not necessarily MEXICAN, but from other countries, and they do an excellent job in their profession as oppose to other AMERICANS or LEGALS that come in and only work for a week or less. Yes these SKILLED jobs are left open any hard back breaking SKILLED job is left open because other people do not want to work hard for the money, they want top dollars for minimal amount of work! So they are doing you a favor, they are putting you in beautiful constructed schools and homes, they are giving you beautiful lanscapes i.e. Centennial Olympic park which hispanics installed and maintain, they are giving you fast food, they are keeping your hotel room clean, they ARE indeed paying taxes—do your research son! Talking about robing the economy? Umm open your eyes go downtown and take a look at all those homeless people…they are homeless because the want to be homeless, the are AMERICAN CITIZENS! Food stamps and sometimes given to people who do not even need them, they figure out a way to ROBB the economy! And they are not ROBBING the economy they are HELPING the economy, again do your research son! I think I said enough, and WE ARE NOT BEING POLITICAL CORRECT, we are people that are not selfish and we are people that want to help our fellow neighbor. So what if in 10 years we all have to speak Spanish—hello better high paying jobs! I’m proud of my backgroud, I am a Dean’s List college student and I am persuing a BSN, my family is from Guatemala, my family owns businesses, big homes, nice cars, and we are all LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I am proud to be what I am, an IMMIGRANT —a LEGAL immigrant and I am here standing behind my fellow HISPANIC peoples that are currently being affected by this.
By Lisa
March 24, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
I believer everyone needs a chance to work but if you are here in America you need to; 1. Be an American citizen 2. pay taxes like Americans 3. Learn to read and Write English that means speaking it also.
By PKT
March 24, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
Most people come here to have a better life and to give their children a better life. They take crappy jobs us American’s think we are too good to do. People complain about how they take “Our jobs”. I just don’t see a bunch of American’s knocking down the doors of hotels, restaurants, landscaping or construction companies begging for a job!!! Everyone talks about the taxes that illegals don’t pay. Wouldn’t a flat tax take care of that? Deport the criminals and leave the hard working immigrants alone! If I lived in a shanty town with no jobs I would come here too! Just like many of our grandparents and great grandparents did!!!! Isn’t that what this country is about, giving people a chance at a better life?
By Lillian
March 24, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
This is extremely disturbing!!! A lot of people are using Mexican, Hispanic, and illegal immigrant interchangeably. Some people say they are not racist but they look at Hispanics and automatically see an illegal alien. After today, I hope people don’t start discriminating ALL Hispanics. DO NOT judge a book by its cover!!!
By Lillian
March 24, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
This is extremely disturbing!!! A lot of people are using Mexican, Hispanic, and illegal immigrant interchangeably. Some people say they are not racist but they look at Hispanics and automatically see an illegal alien. After today, I hope people don’t start discriminating ALL Hispanics. DO NOT judge a book by its cover!!!
By Bill
March 24, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Repost of Rosa’s remarks.
**To everyone that is PRO-SB 529:
First of all, let me begin by saying that not all Hispanics lay roofs, do construction, and pick fruit. I am a Critical Care Nurse at Emory University Hospital. I am Cuban. I am Latina. I have a Masters degree. I write poetry. My English is better than most Americans and I am eloquent. I pay taxes. I work two jobs. This “S**� has probably taken care of one of your loved ones—-revived them from the dead, or held their hand in the worst of moments.
Most of my people are hard working and pay taxes (legal or not). They want what MOST OF YOU AMERICANS TAKE FOR GRANTED——freedom, equality, a chance at a good life. Most of you go on day to day with your Starbucks coffee in hand and forget how many died for you to be able to drink it without begin shot at or raped.
Furthermore (wait is that too big of a word), You want to increase a fee for us to mail things to our families. Who are you people to charge us FURTHER for helping our families? I am a US citizen and if I want to send a gift to my aunt in Cuba, why am I being punished with a fee? That is punishing the LEGALS too.
As for some people writing that they would do their job—-that they were not given an opportunity to———-your fat asses won’t last 5 minutes in the heat. You will go home, sucking your thumb and crying Momma. I am the only hispanic nurse in the ICU and most Americans I work with are the laziest people I have ever met. They lack PRIDE in their work and when/if they work it is half-done.
The most disgusting thing about the Bill—-to deny medical care funding———to give medicine to the ill is a basic human right. I hope I don’t see any of you in my ER. Good luck getting the pain medicine in time.
You are all spoiled and God will judge you for your arrogance and lack of humanity.
Rosa, RN, CCRN, CEN, MSN—Wow, most Americans don’t even know who the first President was!!!! I hope you saw that Jay Leno Episode.**
Hope that helps clarify that she is a racist bigot.
Her hatred makes her VERY dangerous. She should NOT be in patient care at EMORY UNIVERSITY HOPSPITAL CCU.
By karen
March 24, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
Attention all legal American’s: (OF THE METRO ATLANTA AREA)
LET US ALL DO OUR SHOPPING AT OUR LOCAL WAL-MARTS TO PROTEST…THE PROTEST!!! this evening… HOPE to see you there to show your support of the SB 529
By Ligia
March 24, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
I pray that God will set HIS WILL in place! A word to George who posted his comment at 1:54PM on this beautiful Friday afternoon, George you say that the ILLEGAL immigrants take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Yes all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMMIGRANTS, why? Umm because the American people do not want those jobs. Who works out on landscapes, construction, hotels, fast food restaurants, fields? The hispanic people and not necessarily ILLEGAL! I work at in the office of a landscape company and 97% of our labor workforce are hispanic not necessarily MEXICAN, but from other countries, and they do an excellent job in their profession as oppose to other AMERICANS or LEGALS that come in and only work for a week or less. Yes these SKILLED jobs are left open any hard back breaking SKILLED job is left open because other people do not want to work hard for the money, they want top dollars for minimal amount of work! So they are doing you a favor, they are putting you in beautiful constructed schools and homes, they are giving you beautiful lanscapes i.e. Centennial Olympic park which hispanics installed and maintain, they are giving you fast food, they are keeping your hotel room clean, they ARE indeed paying taxes—do your research son! Talking about robing the economy? Umm open your eyes go downtown and take a look at all those homeless people…they are homeless because the want to be homeless, the are AMERICAN CITIZENS! Food stamps and sometimes given to people who do not even need them, they figure out a way to ROBB the economy! And they are not ROBBING the economy they are HELPING the economy, again do your research son! I think I said enough, and WE ARE NOT BEING POLITICAL CORRECT, we are people that are not selfish and we are people that want to help our fellow neighbor. So what if in 10 years we all have to speak Spanish—hello better high paying jobs! I’m proud of my backgroud, I am a Dean’s List college student and I am persuing a BSN, my family is from Guatemala, my family owns businesses, big homes, nice cars, and we are all LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I am proud to be what I am, an IMMIGRANT —a LEGAL immigrant and I am here standing behind my fellow HISPANIC peoples that are currently being affected by this.
By Ligia
March 24, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
I pray that God will set HIS WILL in place! A word to George who posted his comment at 1:54PM on this beautiful Friday afternoon, George you say that the ILLEGAL immigrants take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Yes all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMMIGRANTS, why? Umm because the American people do not want those jobs. Who works out on landscapes, construction, hotels, fast food restaurants, fields? The hispanic people and not necessarily ILLEGAL! I work at in the office of a landscape company and 97% of our labor workforce are hispanic not necessarily MEXICAN, but from other countries, and they do an excellent job in their profession as oppose to other AMERICANS or LEGALS that come in and only work for a week or less. Yes these SKILLED jobs are left open any hard back breaking SKILLED job is left open because other people do not want to work hard for the money, they want top dollars for minimal amount of work! So they are doing you a favor, they are putting you in beautiful constructed schools and homes, they are giving you beautiful lanscapes i.e. Centennial Olympic park which hispanics installed and maintain, they are giving you fast food, they are keeping your hotel room clean, they ARE indeed paying taxes—do your research son! Talking about robing the economy? Umm open your eyes go downtown and take a look at all those homeless people…they are homeless because the want to be homeless, the are AMERICAN CITIZENS! Food stamps and sometimes given to people who do not even need them, they figure out a way to ROBB the economy! And they are not ROBBING the economy they are HELPING the economy, again do your research son! I think I said enough, and WE ARE NOT BEING POLITICAL CORRECT, we are people that are not selfish and we are people that want to help our fellow neighbor. So what if in 10 years we all have to speak Spanish—hello better high paying jobs! I’m proud of my backgroud, I am a Dean’s List college student and I am persuing a BSN, my family is from Guatemala, my family owns businesses, big homes, nice cars, and we are all LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I am proud to be what I am, an IMMIGRANT —a LEGAL immigrant and I am here standing behind my fellow HISPANIC peoples that are currently being affected by this.
By Sharon
March 24, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
I love the way people pick things apart. Illigals do not belong. They are illigal. Yes they take the low paying jobs that adults don’t want, but what about our young population. They do want these jobs. It helps the family, puts money in their pockets why they finish school.
I for one am tired of of calling companies and having the english language prompts given last, dealing with customer service reps who cant speak english or are so slang that you can’t understand them.
This is America. Yes give us your tired and your poor, but come through the right way and after you get here provide for yourself because our government should not be doing that.
By Leah
March 24, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
When all immigrants from European and other “elite” countries moved to America the REAL/ORGINAL AMERICANS a.k.a Indians did not create such an uproar so why are we all acting like we don’t know our history. Everyone pays Taxes somehow or another even if they don’t want to. Think about every time you pay for something they don’t give you the option!!! 1st of all if you are illegal the system cannot even allow you to enjoy public benefits to be on something like welfare you need to be a citizen so we all need to get clear on what exact public benefits this illegals are depriving us of!!! Our own people (the military) are busy killing and terrorizing legal citizens in their OWN land and yet we don’t seem bothered by these hedious acts of inhumanity!!! If this isn’t a case of the pot calling the kettle black then I have no words!!!
By SavageNationalist
March 24, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Don’t give me this crapola about bogus rhetoric about “illegal immigrants built/are building this country”…that’s a total crock! This is America, you play by the rules and respect our great Nation and traditions, or haul your sorry hide back to whatever penny-anny country you came from! It’s a privilege to be on American soil, so folks need to show reverence and respect for the greatest Nation in the World (hands down)!
By Dee
March 24, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Cheers Christopher!!!
Thiago, those are the laws of this country. Abide by them or get out. There are proper channels… that is the law. Living here illegally for what ever reasons SHOULD NOT be tolerated. Period.
I am done with this argument.
Bottom line: There are laws to be followed. BY EVERYONE. Ammericans and Immigrants (legal or illegal.) End of story.
By ok, I call your bluff
March 24, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
maybe we should try that thing where every illegal immigrant goes home today, sure it will hurt for a while, but eventually things will be a lot better. we can make it, obviously you can’t.
By Leah
March 24, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
When all immigrants from European and other “elite” countries moved to America the REAL/ORGINAL AMERICANS a.k.a Indians did not create such an uproar so why are we all acting like we don’t know our history. Everyone pays Taxes somehow or another even if they don’t want to. Think about every time you pay for something they don’t give you the option!!! 1st of all if you are illegal the system cannot even allow you to enjoy public benefits to be on something like welfare you need to be a citizen so we all need to get clear on what exact public benefits this illegals are depriving us of!!! Our own people (the military) are busy killing and terrorizing legal citizens in their OWN land and yet we don’t seem bothered by these hedious acts of inhumanity!!! If this isn’t a case of the pot calling the kettle black then I have no words!!!
By Christopher
March 24, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Thiago, a few points… 1) where does your figure that only 20% of Mexicans do not pay taxes come from.
2) Anyone that wants to apply for citizenship can. There is nothing that says you can not apply for citizenship. If Mexicans are so had working, Work at becomeing a citizen.
So it be known…My relatives did not come through Ellis Island either.
By Phil
March 24, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Re: Adrian
Are you blind? So that you know I am “White” and I have bussed tables, I was a cook at Wendy’s, I worked for a cleaning service to help my family after my stepfather died and I was fired from a factory because I did not speak Spainish. I am not bitter as it was a logical decision as I was one of two people who did not speak Spanish and it made more since to replace me with someone who did. You sya that there are all these “unwanted jobs” but do you not realize that there are impovershed people of all races, colors and creeds? Please don’t sit here and tell me what I and others do or do not want. You say they help the economy more than I? Where do you get these notions from? Why do you assume White=affluent? Let me tell you a little story about America. This was a country founded with the beliefs that all men are created equal and that we all have the right to be free. These decisions did not govern the entire world but the people who lived here. These laws were made by the people who fought to make them so. Stepping on the soils of this nation do not make you a citizen any more than traveling to England makes me British. Why is America responsible for everyone else? Why did millions die for this country to be free? Was it so that anyone who came to visit could be protected by these actions? We came from other countries and became Americans by dying to make it so. At that point America began and continues today. Does everyone agree with every law that has ever been written? Of course not yet why do we have no right to decide who should be allowed to be here and who does not. If borders are lines on a map then why do we not create the rules and laws for the Canadians to follow? And why am I not a citizen for simply going there?
By Rick
March 24, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Illegal,Illegal,Illegal…Don’t people understand what the issue is?
Legal Immigrants, OK!
ILLEGAL Immigrants, NOT OK!
It’s that simple.
By Let Em' Work
March 24, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
If illegal immigrants want to take low-wage jobs and be paid wages under which it makes it necessary to live in a home with multiple persons, if they want to work in dangerous jobs without healthcare, if they want to do all of those things that I am not going to be doing or allow my children to do…let them.
By Elisa
March 24, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I we just want to get a better job. Every one says that usa is the land of oppurtunities well then show it, let latins stay we dont mean any harm we just want a better job even if it means cleaning bathrooms. Is that to much to ask for?
By Let Em' Work
March 24, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
If illegal immigrants want to take low-wage jobs and be paid wages under which it makes it necessary to live in a home with multiple persons, if they want to work in dangerous jobs without healthcare, if they want to do all of those things that I am not going to be doing or allow my children to do…let them.
By christian
March 24, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
“I was a stranger, and ye took me not in… Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee…stranger…,and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the aleast of these, ye did it not to me.”
Hopefully when Jesus Christ comes back you will have a Visa for him……..I guess you know he is not American.
By Ligia
March 24, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
I pray that God will set HIS WILL in place! A word to George who posted his comment at 1:54PM on this beautiful Friday afternoon, George you say that the ILLEGAL immigrants take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Yes all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS take the jobs of AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMMIGRANTS, why? Umm because the American people do not want those jobs. Who works out on landscapes, construction, hotels, fast food restaurants, fields? The hispanic people and not necessarily ILLEGAL! I work at in the office of a landscape company and 97% of our labor workforce are hispanic not necessarily MEXICAN, but from other countries, and they do an excellent job in their profession as oppose to other AMERICANS or LEGALS that come in and only work for a week or less. Yes these SKILLED jobs are left open any hard back breaking SKILLED job is left open because other people do not want to work hard for the money, they want top dollars for minimal amount of work! So they are doing you a favor, they are putting you in beautiful constructed schools and homes, they are giving you beautiful lanscapes i.e. Centennial Olympic park which hispanics installed and maintain, they are giving you fast food, they are keeping your hotel room clean, they ARE indeed paying taxes—do your research son! Talking about robing the economy? Umm open your eyes go downtown and take a look at all those homeless people…they are homeless because the want to be homeless, the are AMERICAN CITIZENS! Food stamps and sometimes given to people who do not even need them, they figure out a way to ROBB the economy! And they are not ROBBING the economy they are HELPING the economy, again do your research son! I think I said enough, and WE ARE NOT BEING POLITICAL CORRECT, we are people that are not selfish and we are people that want to help our fellow neighbor. So what if in 10 years we all have to speak Spanish—hello better high paying jobs! I’m proud of my backgroud, I am a Dean’s List college student and I am persuing a BSN, my family is from Guatemala, my family owns businesses, big homes, nice cars, and we are all LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I am proud to be what I am, an IMMIGRANT —a LEGAL immigrant and I am here standing behind my fellow HISPANIC peoples that are currently being affected by this.
By Salvador Maldonado
March 24, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
We all need to understand this. Before People were Pilgrams, now some of them somehow had become targered as ¨Illegal Immigrants¨. Is this now the new american democracy? Why?
By Kcobb
March 24, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
For all my black brothers and sisters that might think Oh those poor Hispanics all they want is to live and work. Do some research, and understand that blacks are treated in Mexico today like blacks were treated here in the USA in the 1930s. It’s appalling, and they claim Americans are racist, when they are the biggest racist of them all.
By Adrian
March 24, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
I’m from California. I’m moving to Georgia with my fiancee. I can speak for A LOT of people here when I say that we appreciate immigration very much.
I wonder where all of you would be without grapes, tomatoes, strawberries? I’d like to challenge all of you name-callers and idiots to go to a field, watch…and hell, maybe get your White highly hands to work and see what it feels like.
You know what? When I get to Georgia I will some day organize a little JOB SWAP. So, all of you who say crap about immigrants can take their job for a day and see what it’s like. We’ll see what you say when your hands are red from pulling on a field, or wrinkled from washing dishes all day, or you can’t move because you’ve been standing over a deep fryer for 8 hours.
Oh, and we do pay taxes just so you know. I don’t know where you get your idiotic idea that we don’t. Ever heard of that ID number the IRS gives people who aren’t legal?
LET’S FACE IT we’re ALL immigrants. Where did you come from? You can’t tell me that somewhere far down in your generation there wasn’t an immigrant, huh? You don’t own this land. No one does.
Nosotros somos los mejores, los mas trabajadores, y la verdad…a la fregada con estos estupidos que no saben nada! VIVA TODOS LOS HISPANOS!!!
This country encouraged immigration when it was convenient for them. So now, what? We’re too good to have them here? Oh, and…“Mexicans” aren’t the only ones who immigrate. You may want to do your research. There are just as many people from OTHER countries doing what they can.
Oh, and all of this is making other countries FURTHER hate us. It’s this “I’m so much better than you” attitude which is causing all the crap we get from most of the world. You people, and your mentality are to blame for terrorism. Your lack of tolerance, your “I wanna fix it because I’m better” attitude. So, go on. Keep acting like an idiot so we can get BOMBED A FEW MORE TIMES WITHIN THE NEXT DECADE!
By Scarlett Leiva
March 24, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Why do you think they are here “illegally”? Do you think we do not love our homeland? Do you think we long to be in a country where we are far from our families, traditions,and culture?
Do you truly think the U.S. bears no responsibility for the condition the majority of Latin American countries are in? Perhaps if the U.S. had not adopted a policy of containment throughout the Cold War and supported cruel, heartless dictators that supressed the will of the people then the citizens of those countries may have had the opportunity to elect leaders that did not steal all of the wealth from our countries to share it with U.S. companies that sucked our resources and economies dry.
Do you not read any history? Do you not know what the U.S. did in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, Columbia, I can go on and on…
Do not tell me that this is in the past. that the Cold War is over because this policy of suppression continues to this day. The U.S. is supposed to support Democracy and yet whenever a country freely elects a leader such as in Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Uraugauay to name a few. The U.S. responds by cutting off relations with these countries because these leaders intend to allow the citizens of these countries themselves reap the benefits of our their resources rather than foreign companies taking them away.
Or my favorite U.S. tactic is when they support a “coup by the people” (in other words those who previously were in power and capitulated to every U.S. demand) to oust the leader the U.S. does not want in power.
So what option does that leave someone who wants their children and family to prosper? Well, the answer is to take a risk and leave everything you know and love behind for a country in which if you work hard enough you can live a decent life.
The irnoic thing is we end up loving this country, perhaps even more than those who are born here. Here we are in the land of opportunity and freedom, something we may never know in our own countries and in part because of the foreign policies of the very country we have come to love.
By LAdude
March 24, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
I’m from LA and I predict Atlanta will become like LA in several years with the Latino population exploding and traffic getting more horrible. California is too liberal to pass this kind of legislation but Georgia is not. If you want to see Atlanta’s future with lax illegal immigration laws, spend some time in LA.
By Diana
March 24, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this
I am agree with the immigration. I am not agree with the people come to this country to do bad things like gangs, drug dealers,terrorism etc.. all this people should be deported. NOT ONLY HISPANICS, EVERYBODY!!!!. In the other side is a lot of immigrants (legals or illegals) to come here to have a better live. This country is giving us the oportunity to have it and we have to respect the law and everybody should pay taxes.
By Let Em' Work
March 24, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
If illegal immigrants want to take low-wage jobs and be paid wages under which it makes it necessary to live in a home with multiple persons, if they want to work in dangerous jobs without healthcare, if they want to do all of those things that I am not going to be doing or allow my children to do…let them.
By c213
March 24, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
Some of you people are crazy all this negativity, DAMN people have’nt we all learned lessons by now 911,war,hurrianes, new orleans etc….WE need to learn to live together its impossible for a massive deportation INTENT(millions) the would cause great deppression in this country in safe and violent ways probally.if this counrty is free we sure aint showing it(y yo soy LATINO) we are all the same humans we all bleed red, if you bleed purple then ok. Our president BUSH messed up the economy with all his nonsence when CLITON was in the house how were we living people! if anybody needs to complain itS the NATIVE AMERICANS, europeans came and took over people, then the almo americans took a big chunk of MEXICO people since some of you want to get historical and all so check yourselves and lets live together as one legal or illegal plus i know you AMERICANS cant get enough of our sexy women (my god) and for you ladies our handsome good looking men So think about it???????????? chris
By c213
March 24, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
Some of you people are crazy all this negativity, DAMN people have’nt we all learned lessons by now 911,war,hurrianes, new orleans etc….WE need to learn to live together its impossible for a massive deportation INTENT(millions) the would cause great deppression in this country in safe and violent ways probally.if this counrty is free we sure aint showing it(y yo soy LATINO) we are all the same humans we all bleed red, if you bleed purple then ok. Our president BUSH messed up the economy with all his nonsence when CLITON was in the house how were we living people! if anybody needs to complain itS the NATIVE AMERICANS, europeans came and took over people, then the almo americans took a big chunk of MEXICO people since some of you want to get historical and all so check yourselves and lets live together as one legal or illegal plus i know you AMERICANS cant get enough of our sexy women (my god) and for you ladies our handsome good looking men So think about it???????????? chris
By em
March 24, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
Mr. White, you’re right. Whether we like it or not, whether it’s legal or illegal, the latino immigrants are already here, working, raising families, living their lives. Passing new laws isn’t going to force them out. Even if they’re deported, they’ll find a way back. Some things are going to happen no matter what the law says. Why not allow the illegal people who are already here stay, pay a fee for the privilege of staying, and pay their taxes like every other working American? The flow of illegal immigrants into this country is not going to stop. We don’t have the manpower to prevent it. Here’s a way to balance the flow of U.S. money into the smirking chimp’s war … just let the illegal immigrants work legally and pay their taxes. Then let the best man win in the competition for jobs. I really don’t believe that companies get cheap labor with Latino and other immigrant workers so much as they get reliable hard workers. Many Americans have an attitude of entitlement that is not justified more often than not. If you want to make money, you have to work. Period. It’s not our “right” to have jobs provided to us … we have to bring something to the table as well. Latino and other immigrants, legal or illegal, bring a willingness to work hard for the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families. What does the inscription on the Statue of Liberty say … “Bring me your tired, your poor, your hungry, your downtrodden …” something like that, I think. Well …?
By HGR
March 27, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
From the Declaration of Independence:
“…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…”
By meme
March 27, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
I was willing to listen to what they had to say until I saw all the Mexican flags.
By Brian
March 27, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
At least all the Arab protesters have the basic knowledge to have there protest sign in the language of their target audience(i.e. English), all the signs and chants I saw were in Spanish. What good is protesting me if I have no clue what you are saying. We are also going through the same thing western Europe went through with a large group of people dependant on state supplied income and a population happy to have jobs and work.
By concerned Georgian
March 27, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
I just want everyone to be here legally. If not go home. I am tired of over crowed emergency rooms because illegals are using it as primary care. Taxes pay for all those illegals who do this. The majority of Mexicans in Georgia are here ILLEGALLY! 500,000 - 800,000.
Oh, and keep waving the Mexican flags, because this really shows love for AMERICA! Oh, and while we are at it, let’s all learn Spanish, because that is so American as well.
Grow up and GO HOME!
By LOL
March 27, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
i posted something similar on another blog recently, but this concerns the argument of illegals paying taxes. currently at my job, where i handle payroll, we have around 30 hispanics and 2 polish employees. the 2 poles are on student visas, and get no taxes taken out. (still not sure if i completely agree with that, but that’s another argument for another day) of the 30 hispanics, only 8 pay full taxes with normal dependents and exemptions, and 4 pay some sort of reduced tax, mostly at the state level, but zero federal. yes, i’m looking at their records right now, and i’ve counted 8 people who have fully-contributed like a normal american employee. this is but one establishment of the hundreds of thousands in georgia who employ some sort of immigrant (legal or not). think illegals are paying their taxes? you do the math.
By j.t.
March 27, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution apply to United States citizens, not everyone who happens to currently be residing inside its borders.
In order to receive the protections our Constitution affords, you need to be LEGAL citizens of this country.
You cannot just say “I’m an American!” just because you live here. You may well be from central America, but that is NOT the United States of America. And that is what we are talking about.
Anything else and you’re still illegal.
By MRC
March 27, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
I think that this issue needs to be dealt with immediately. I think all ILLEGAL immigrants should be picked up and dropped back off on their side of the border. If there not from a Latin country, put them in the water and ship them back to their country. If you all want to be American, do it LEGALLY. It’s not hard to get. We work hard and to have our tax dollars spent on you ILLEGAL people is ridiculous. And stop waving your Latin flags if you want to be AMERICAN. Wave the Stars and Stipes, idiots. I agree with this bill and hope that our people and government can take it further. If you are legal, then stay, by all means. If you are ILLEGAL, then you have to get out. Don’t come here with all the sob stories. I have a family to take care of too and if I new how to do landscaping, I would take that job. I’m not racist, but I do follow the rules, for the most part, and as one poster said, we know what the consequences are if we break the rules. So with that said, you ILLEGAL aliens know what the consequences are and should be if you break the American rules. And on another note, this is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, not the United States of Latin Countries. I should not have to ask for an English speaking individual when I go to stores, or call customer service. Why are we, Americans, sitting by and letting the Spanish population take over our country?? They should be learning our language not us learning their language.
By MRC
March 27, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
By the way, if you people want rights, go about getting them legally. I would have fired every Latin worker that I had that skipped out to support these stupid strikes. Go back to Mexico, Africa, Cuba, etc. And by the way, I am a Black-AMERICAN. I was born here so I am not illegally here. I have not crossed the borders in any way, so stop talking about we are all here illegally. This is 2006, not 1306.
By test
March 27, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
test
By ProudAmerican
March 28, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
We all know ILLEGALS are ruining our country. Take a stand before it’s too late http://www.thedustininmansociety.org/
By kimberly
March 28, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
How can rights for illegal immigrants be a debate? If it was any other race of people they would have been back on the boat quickly and ship right back out of this country. Illegal immigrants are a strong part of our country’s demise and our economy is suffering. When they get paid they cash their checks and send a great deal of money back to their home countries. Has anyone looked at the economic situation in Mexico lately? Those funds should be back into our economy generating income for the legal citizens of America. These immigrants come to America and all I see is companies bending over backwards to print their documentation in “their(hispanic) language”. They do not even have the respect to learn the American language. I wonder if there was an illegal migration of American people to South America would any of their laws be changed on their behalf? Would their civil agencies make sure that their printed documentation is also in English? Would they began to change their street names to English names to better accomodate the illegal American immigrants so they could move around the country?
By jackie
March 28, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
If you can’t get into the United Stated legally, you don’t belong here. Go home!!! We can’t afford you.
By Senor Frog
March 28, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
I guess I just don’t understand. When I was partying back in my fraternity days, I went to Cancun a couple 3 or 4 times and it seemed lovely. My buddy Topher funneled a 6 pack of Tecate in 10 minutes! Why would they want to come over here..I mean where in Texas can you have a reddish liquor punch dumped down your throat, join a congo line, and end up in the bay via a waterslide? Man we got wasted!
Oh yeah, I love cheese dip too.
By 2N4years
March 28, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
ASK YOURSELF THIS: WHAT DID AMERICA DO BEFORE MEXICANS CAME?? I think we were doing just fine. Then I hear “but they’re willing to work for less money”. Give me a job that I don’t have to pay taxes on & I’ll take it! On top of NO TAXES, you have children that are going to school that the TAX PAYERS are paying for, so that’s FREE too. Then you have a child at a local Hospital, and that, too, is FREE. It is NOT right to take advantage of America. You want to be an American? Then get a work permit, do your time, pay taxes like everyone else and you can be an American. It’s not right to be a free-loader. And I find it ironic that those protesters were waving Mexican flags. Why not American flags? If you want to wave Mexican flags then do it in Mexico.
By Katie
March 29, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
people, lets get something straight. we do not have a problem with immigrants. we have a MAJOR problem with illegal immigrants. they come over here, do not pay taxes, take advantage of our health care systems, and education systems all of which are penalizing the ones who are over here legally. if they want to hold mexican flags in UNITED STATES then obviously they respect mexico more. so they can go back for the good of everybody. not only have they came here illegally, but they do not have rights.. they ARE NOT citizens. so im tired of listening to a bunch of kids my age from the west coast saying “justice this justice that” their just trying to get out of math for a day.
By WAR EAGLE
March 29, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
KC and Mrs. Herrera-Americans should learn Spanish? Who the hell are YOU to tell the US what to do? Why not take your case to France or Germany and see your response. Speak English woman-not Spain or Mexico or Central/Southern America. You are in MY Country-America was formed out of ENGLAND-they speak ENGLISH there-not Spanish. KC-so oral sex is an old Baptist law-what about breaking into a house or a bank? Can we ignore that one? Get with the program-PCness is killing America and we need to enforce the laws we have, arrest and incarerate all those that break the law and put to death those that kill REAL Americans-those that have an American Citizenship Passport. And that’s the bottom line-‘cause Stone Cold Said so!
By Alex
March 29, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
I believe America should adopt a more open and hospitable immigration policy to provide more opportunities to those wanting to move here.
That being said, I am SICK and TIRED of some immigrant groups affirmatively refusing to adopt American culture. They are coming here for our ECONOMY, NOT for our culture! Immigrants who came to and built this country in the early 20th century can here to be Americans - they did not expect (as so do today) for those already here to start putting all signs, materials, etc. in THEIR language. In fact, even today there is only one group of immigrants who expects America to change for it, to use ITS language, etc. Many of those people REFUSE to even try to learn english (See Robert McNeil’s program “Do You Speak American). If they won’t learn English, how about Latin! Anyone remember “E Pluribus Unum”??? Out of Many One.
I welcome those who come to this country seeking opportunity, but am deeply offended by those who refuse to respect the American culture and refuse to adopt it. We, too, are a culture, not just a place from which to wire money back to your home contry!
By J. Painter
March 29, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
After reading about the Hispanic protestors demanding “Justice”. Hello! You don’t get to make the rules in my country. What Justice is he talking about — he’s lucky his fanny is still on American soil. I am incredulous about this whole situation — who do they think they are????
Send them home, pronto.
By Pilar Castañeda
April 10, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
For all these people who think that the Hispanics are here to take all of their job why don’t they go and take the job that mos of us have? Why they don’t go and work under the sun all day, go and break a leg and don’t be able to get treatment, most of the people who are here in the United Stated with out paper can’t report taxes so all that money that they have to get back the states takes it. On avery check they get the states takes money out like it suppost to be, but at the time that they suppost to report taxes they can’t do it would you be able to give all that up! if you want to ok than take all those people who are able to do the job that you don’t want to do!
By wesley manis
April 11, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
We need to remember,This country was founded on illegal immegrants!We are all illegal,Unless you are Native American!The city where I live is more than half Hispanic.They are here because of work,and to have something.The jobs they hold are jobs people here are too lazy,or sorry to keep.Keep in mind,just how many people we are talking about,how many lives and families they are going to destroy.Not only the immegrants,But those of us who are their spouses or children.Leave them alone!If anything,they are in my opinon,they are what is keeping the town I live in as well as the State,going.I can’t afford huge fines,Nor am I going to pay them!I’m sure most people in my situation probally feel the same as me!And on another note,If they start messing around with families,women & children,they are going to run alot of them back to where they came from,along with their AMERICAN spouses.Then this city would become a ghost town!
By meme
April 12, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
Give me a break. I am so tired of this ‘only the Native Americans are legal’ crap. The Native American’s ancestors migrated from Asia so truthfully there are no Native Americans.
By juan -U.S army ranger
April 18, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
I am a colombian american army ranger(elite forces),traveled the world in special missions,and have seen poverty to the point that I know that you do not believe exists!I want for the american people to themselves in the immigrant’S position and I will promise that you will by instinct do the same.It is an instinct of survival.For the people that say “just come here legally”,If people from other parts of the world could do that and be accepted they would do that,intead of risking their lives due to dehydration in the desert. The american people have to blame the goverment for not putting everything in order.Not the poor mothers and fathers just trying to survive.Let me tell you guys something,I during all my missions have hundreds of people(the enemy) under my belt as well as other rangers that is our job. We do it for our country,our people.(The american people) This is one day I am ashamed at all the people that do not think of others in their time of need.And I would not give another 1 ounce of my blood for, like in the past!