Capitol Updates

By Van

March 28, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Amnesty, for people that flaunt our laws and have no repect for this country - No way Jose.

I say treat them the same way Mexico treats the illegal aliens on it southern border.

By tom housley

March 28, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

what part of “Illegal” do they not understand…they have more benefits than our “American” elderly.. when are we going to stop giving “our” country away?

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Tom- I hate to break it to you, but even if we got rid of them, our elderly STILL wouldn’t not be given the benefits they deserve.

By Jennifer Ourada

March 28, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

I am irritated by these illegal aliens demanding all kinds of rights. Hello? You’re illegal - get out of my country. I spent thousands filing my INS forms, and eventually pounding the INS in Atlanta into finding my case file to enable me to become a naturalized US citizen. I am originally from Australia, and it’s been a long road. Don’t rewards bad behavior. Deport, deport, deport I say ….

By RWH

March 28, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

America bring to the light the changing times. None of us are happy or impressed by what we see or what is taking place right under our nose; thus, our state and federal officials knows about it; what has taken place weaken our foundations…we are already weak due to part of 9/11. The terrorist who attacked America got no amnesty; they came here on fake I.Ds. Illegal entering and did what they did! You hold accountable the immigration laws high over what we see is taking place. How do you decide who get amenesty..those already illegal immigrants who are here; think again, they are coming in the middle of the night and you don’t know when they actually got here! Those who recently became citizens of the these United States of America…did what they were suppose to do; following the Immigrations laws. Their wait was well worth it. We should not be afraid to stand up and support our laws regardless if they will hurt. We must stop showing our weakness and continue to be strong in our laws that govern the land we live in. People who are standing on the outside looking in is not illegal immigrants; it is the legal-born-citizens of America who are seeing the changing times. Jobs, wages, all have came under the sure eyes of America. The monies earmark from taxes paid by america labor workers returning back into the cities and communities has put a dent in the economy. That same money being paid to illegal immigrants goes back to their families in the countries from whence they came. No, amensty has to take a back-seat; the immigrantions bill must show and prove itself bold and send a strong message to all who violate it! They all must earn the rights for citizenship to live here in these United States of America.

By Amanda

March 28, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

What happened to the U.S being called the melting pot??? Those of you that want to come down on illegals for not REPECTing our laws- go back to school and learn to spell respect.

Most of these Illegals come here and take the jobs that lazy Americans do not want. They provide services that lazy Americans feel that they are above doing. So before you tell them to go back to where they come from- think about this- What would you do if you lived in a poor country and your family (wife and children) were starving? Would you sit around and do nothing or would you cross that border and find a job - work and make a better life for yourself and your loved ones????? I think that the answer is obvious.

By run em out

March 28, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Tired of illegals? I know I am…take a stand http://www.thedustininmansociety.org/

By Eric

March 28, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Which part of illegal don’t people understand! Amnesty is just a reward for criminal acts…..do the inmates have the keys to the asylum? Between the employers looking for cheap labor and the politicians trying to cater to the Hispanic community, America is going right down the tubes. It costs Georgia $92M/year in medical costs to illegals, and yet some want us to legalize those that are here. That is pure bull. The illegals are a disease that has infested our country, a disease that must be eradicated before it destroys us. They deserve NOTHING, and that includes their relatives and children. No schools, no medical care, no services, period! They are like roaches, running all over the place, but at least we have sprays to get rid of the roaches.

By jp

March 28, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

When you said illegals immigrants i’m pretty sure ya are refering to mexicans right? Remember that not only mexicans are illegal but people from other continents too like chinese,hindu,canadians,etc ..And if they came to this country illegal they should go back to there country and apply for a visa period you came illegal that just a crime…

By Jennifer Ourada

March 28, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Amanda, chill out. I just want them to be legal, and not jump the queue ahead of me. American can’t take on all these so called “poor country” people. Their gov. needs to pull it together. It’s NOT our problem.

By Amanda

March 28, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

I oppose Illegals receiving Medical benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps etc. but do not oppose granting them permission to work and pay taxes for the work that they do. No matter what laws are passed- Illegals are going to be here and the companies that hire these Illegals will find ways to continue to use them so why not give them the opportunity to work and do the jobs that we dont want.

By Syed

March 28, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

I am a foreing worker here, from Bangladesh. I am neither spanish, nor illegal. Everytime I see a blag about Immigrants [legal/illegal] , I see blogs full of grudges and emotions and hatred. First, to those who are focusing on the term “Illegal” , illegals have rights too. We have convicted criminals in our society, they have rights too, may not have all the rights , but they do some. Now, Here are the facts we agree- illegals are problem, they are illegal, they shouldn’t be allowed blanket amnesty. But when we approach the solution, we should consider a smart and thoughtfull solution, not a solution that pander bigotry and hatred.People who think illegals are the biggest problem, please look at GM and Ford, illegals have nothing to do with that, you do. Being leftist, I do agree with Bill ORiely and Bush on this issue. It’s not financially possible to deport all , So, we should give them some ‘Legal Status’ [not amnesty or green card] so that we can document them, tax them. And use that money to seal the border. Then, based on their records, like tax, criminal and so forth, there might be a considerations for green card. This way, they will stay clean, pay taxes and be documeneted and also they will be more comfortable in spending money here. It’s a win win situation. Here is an Informations for all, Most illegals, they don’t want citizenship, they just wanna stay here legally.

By Chuck

March 28, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Remember the good old days when immigrants came to this country legally with the purpose of becoming American citizens and swearing allegiance to this country. Why is it wrong to tell those who came here illegally that they need to go back home and start from the beginning.

Unless you’re a Native American, everyone of us came from immigrants, most of whom came to this country legally.

Why is it wrong to expect that from people today?

By Jason Arruda

March 28, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Can americans go back a bit and realize that this country is/was made by immigrants ? and that this ignorant and arrogant way that some of us treat NOT just immigrants by people ,is making americans be Rated by the world ? IF the immigrants leave , this country will SHUT DOWN,and WE ALL know that !

By Samantha

March 28, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

S** S**, Brown and Slick Sucks America Dry, Like a Tick

By Lee

March 28, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

My wife is currently going through the process of naturalization and she would agree with me in saying that amnesty is a bad idea. We need to build a wall at both borders. That way we could allow more people to come in and out more freely because we could document everyone who goes through the controlled gates.

Until we have the technology to stop people from sneaking over the border in the cover of darkness, this is our only option for keeping people who shouldn’t be here out.

By J&J Ranch

March 28, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

If we are going to give illegal immigrants amnesty…

Why don’t we do something nice for the American serving time in prison for non-violent and or non-victim crimes? Why don’t we go ahead and give ex-felons their US citizen rights back? Why don’t we stop convicting Americans for misdemeanors?

What is wrong with this picture?

Oh yea, why don’t we let the American citizens be tax-exempt for the next ten years?

There is more, but I think yall got the point.

By Amanda

March 28, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Jennifer - it is funny that you AN IMMIGRANT feels so strongly about these illegals when who is to say whether or not YOU CAME HERE LEGALLY and were legal the entire time that you were here before finding someone to marry you or took whatever steps you took to get your papers. Not once in all the time before you got your citizenship were you not actually illegal? Being an immigrant yourself- you are the last person that should be saying that WE can not afford having them here. But I bet you probably have illegal relatives here or relatives here that have overstayed their Visa’s and you think that it is okay because they are family. All of you are Hypocrites and i am leaving this blog- so write what you wish.

By you should know this

March 28, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

You should know that in MEXICO the mexican goverment dont have any mercy with any person that is not a mexican citizen or mexican resident,they do daily raids in airports,bus stations and many public places hunting for any people that does not look mexican,thouzands of guatemalans,panamenians,costarricans,colombians,and many people looking to live in Mexico or reach the USA are put in inmigrations jails for months and deported ,included cubans who arrive by boat and ask for political assylum the assylum is denied 99 % of the time and they are deported to CUBA,THEY DENIED ASSYLUM EVEN TO POLITICAL REFUGEES TO KEEP CASTRO HAPPY THEY SEND THEM BACK TO CUBA TO SUFFER A LONG CUBAN JAIL,and they also abuse woman who are detained in inmigration jails,so WHY WE HAVE TO BE NICE TO THEM,THEY DONT DESERVE TO BE HERE,BLAME YOUR GOVERMENT NOT THE USA,EVEN THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO INSULT OUR BLACK PEOPLE,SAYING THAT THEY ONLY DO JOBS THAT BLACKS DONT WANT TO DO,AND ALSO INSULT THEIR CITIZENS TOO ,HE LATER APOLOGIZE FOR THAT COMMENT.THEY WANT ALL NOW TO MOVE TO GEORGIA BECAUSE CALIFORNIA,MEXIFORNIA IS TOO EXPENSIVE TOO LIVE,AND IF WE CANT NOT STOP THEM ATLANTA SOON BE L.A. OF THE EAST,AND THIS LOW APPLY TO ALL CITIZENS NO MEXICAN ONLY,BE DONT WANT MORE ILLEGALS ABUSING OUR SISTEM ,STOP THEM ENOUGH IS ENOUGHT,LONG LIVE AMERICA,LONG LIVE BUSH.!!ENOUGHT IS ENOUGHT NO MORE TEARS,LONG LIVE DONNA SUMMERS.

By Amanda

March 28, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU SYED- you sound like an intelligent man. Wish more people thought like you.

By Syed

March 28, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

Amanda I had a Typo , I had thought you would ask me to go back to school. LOL. Nice blogs. Thanks for standing up against Bigorty.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

But the big difference in previous generations of immigrants is that when they came here, they did it legally, and then did such things as learn English (my grandfather worked all day and then went to school at night) and became part of our society. They didn’t demand that government did things in their languagem nor did they expect government aid $$$$$. The current generation of immigrants, mostly illegal, want to take the easy way out and come just for the $$$$$$. They often move into a single family residence, except there are many unrelated individuals there, destroying working class neighborhoods. Our schools are stuck with the bill to educate their kids and our hospitals have to give them care. The deserve NOTHING except a ride back across the border. If the government creates any guest work program, the illegals should have to first return to their home country and then apply. To give them amnesty is a slap in the face to all immigrants who worked hard to legally get here

By Sandra

March 28, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

I am a senior in high school and feel that I may know and understand more than any of you. This is for all those who feel that immigrant are criminals and should be deported. But first I would like to remind Jennifer—-YOU ARE AN IMMIGRANT. This bill will affect all immigrants, whether they are Chinese, African, or AUSTRALIAN. I would like to remind all of you that everyone is an immigrant. No of you are a truly a citizen in this country—this is not our country. I we actually learned anything in our schools you will remember. You all came as IMMIGRANTS, whithout any paperwork for what—-FREEDOM. This country is NOT ours. I we say that we should deport all immigrants and that children of immigrants are not citizens—then why haven’t you all been deported. This country is the Native Americans and no one elses, they are true CITIZENS. Also, remember who are the one’s that made the beds you sleep in, the chairs you sit in, who makes your food and washes the dishes at restaurants, who works on the roads, who put their lives on the line to build the buildings we see, and remember who picks the vegetables and fruits we eat——IMMIGRANTS.

By karen

March 28, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

I’m fed up to my nose with this stuff!!! I’ve talked enough..so I’ve decided to take action and so can you if you’re FED UP.

First go to any search engine.. google,etc and type in Illegal Immigrants. You will find a world of info,studies and organations that you can join(all free).

Second if you are a registered voter go to the State Poll Locator(of Ga.) and type in your personal info to find out who your congressman and representives are. Email these people tell them how you want them to vote on this amnesty issue.

run em out… THANK YOU for the info!!! God Bless that family, what a tragedy!!!

And to everyone else who doesn’t believe this is a problem I say Ignorance is Bliss,Isn’t IT??? I’m not living in fear but I am concerned about another 9-11.(An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure)

By viktor

March 28, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

No surprise here. Liberals want to give terrorists and enemy combatants Bill of Rights protection, why not give ILLEGAL immigrants the same? Hell, why don’t we just tear down our borders and invite everyone in and give them all free education and healthcare?

By dw

March 28, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

In the late 1990’s in Doraville the teenage son of illegals killed his sister’s 1 year old interracial daughter because she wasn’t fully hispanic , if our laws had been enforced may be that poor child would be alive and he still wouldn’t able to murder innocent American kids after serving a few years in jail.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Some of y’all are missing the whole point. Immigrants and Illegal Aliens are 2 seperate things. Immigrants are fine, it’s the ILLEGAL ALIENS that are the problem. And yes, we are aware that there are ILLEGAL ALIENS from other countries other than Mexico, just so happens there are hundreds of thousands more from Mexico. I’m pretty sure those of us against ILLEGAL ALIENS are against ILLEGAL ALIENS of any country and they should all be deported and denied any American rights…period. Stop lumping IMMIGRANTS and ILLEGAL ALIENS together. And I’m tired of hearing how hard it is for them to come legally, boo hoo. It can be done. Things worth having are worth working for. Stop giving us the same song and dance, it’s too hard for them to come legally. And our country won’t crumble without the ILLEGALS here, honestly, it won’t. They want you to think that, but we’ll survive. As for those of you with the argument of higher fruit prices, well lol over that and if it does come to that, I’m willing to pay an extra nickel for my legally picked tomato! And one more thing, I’m tired of the argument that only ILLEGALS will do the work that lazy Americans won’t do. Not true, but only ILLEGALS will let themselves be taken advantage of by doing a sh** job for no pay. No American will do that, sorry, we have standards we live up to.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

As a slight diversion, recent studies of ancient populations have indicated that even the Native Americans were immigrants. They crossed over the land bridge across what is now called the Bering Straits.

Sandra, if someone cane to this country withough going through the proper channels, then they are ILLEGAL immigrants, period!

In the 1800’s, the U.S. was a new and growing country and could readily absorb maves of new immigrants. That is no longer the case. We can not be the dumping ground for people who can’t make it in their own countries, who use up American taxpayer resources and make little attempt to become part of our society.

There was a good tee shirt that said “Welcome to America, now learn English”. If you don;t want to even bother learning our language, you are not welcome!!!!

By J.H. HUDSON

March 28, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

OUR CONGRESSMEN AND PRESIDENT NEED TO SEND ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BACK TO THE COUNTRY THEY CAME FROM AND MAKE THEM APPLY THE RIGHT WAY TO ENTER AMERICA. I ON A PERSONAL LEVEL-I CAN NOT STAND MOST MEXICANS DUE TO UNDER CUTTING OUR CONSTRUCTION PRICES.I HAVE LOST MY CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS DUE TO ILLEGAL MEXICANS.I DONT FEEL THEY SHOULD GET AMNESTIE”THEY ARE ILLEGALLY HERE. ALSO FEEL THE I.N.S. SHOULD RAID THESE ILLEGAL PROTEST RALLIES-IT IS THE PERFECT TIME TO ARREST AND DEPORT THEM. OUR BLACK AND WHITE WORKERS WANT OUR JOBS-THAT THE ILLEGAL MEXICANS HAVE TAKEN. AMERICANS HAD THESE JOBS BEFORE MEXICANS.

WE WILL SURVIVE WITHOUT THE MEXICAN LABOR. BLACK AND WHITES BUILT “OUR COUNTRY”…….

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

GUESS WHAT? None of this matters. Even if you send all illegals back (which is not even feasible) our country will still have problems. Sending them back is a simple solution to a complex problem. Spend your time on issues that matter, such as healthcare, education, poverty, etc.

By young lady

March 28, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE STITTING HERE CRYING PLEASE STOP. You have all benefited from these so called “illegals”. They dont want to stay here and live forever they just want to work. Can you really blame someone for trying to give there families a better life. Yes it I do agree the US should not have to make it easier for them becasue their countires are at faut too…But you cant call them criminals when they are only working for a better life. PEOPLE PLEASE WITHOUT THEM WE WOULD NOT HAVE THE ECONOMY WE HAVE NOW. It is not them that are living off welfar. It is these lazy bums that have social securities and decide that they dont want to work. PEOPLE HOW MAY HISPANIC HOMLESS HAVE YOU SEEN? and JENNIFER Q. you have made a very good point yeah you filed at the INS and got what you wanted but how long did it take you? not just that share with me how much money you spent on doing so? Lets be realistic these people do not have that type of money and even if they do file there countries are not entitled to get green cards. PEOPLE BE REALISTICS you are asking for these people to pay money that they do not have which is why they are here in the first place.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

JH Hudson, Amen to that. I’m sorry about the loss of your construction business. Unfortunately it’s a problem that is all too common these days, thanks to the ILLEGALS and the lowlifes that hire them. I wish there was a way to know which companies are hiring ILLEGALS and we could boycott them. I know I wouldn’t spend my American dollar with a company hiring ILLEGAL ALIENS.

By Chuck

March 28, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

This is not brain surgery. This is simple. There are two types of immigrants: legal and illegal. Legal immigrants pursue a course of action which can ultimately lead to American citizenship. Once they have accomplished that course of action, they are entitled to all the protections of a U.S. citizen.

Those immigrants who ahave entered this country illegally are not nor should they be afforded the same rights or protections as American citizens, including those immigrants who chose the leagal course of action.

Why is this so difficult to comprehend? If you are not from Native Amnerican stock, you came from people who “migrated” to this country from another country. The vast majority of those “emigres” did so legally, whether they came, for example, from Mexico, Canada, Nigeria, Italy, Ireland, Australia, Russia or Vietnam.

By Fed Up

March 28, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Here is one thing that we can all do to help stem the tide of illegal immigrants. Do you use a cleaning service for your home? Do you ever use a yard service either regularly or to help out at certain times of year? Getting any work done on the house soon? Ask whomever you intend to hire if they are certain that all employees working for them are legally authorized to work in this country. If they evade your question or sound insulted, don’t hire them. Tell them that you only work with companies who are willing to prove that all employees working for them are legal and who are comfortable being asked about their workforce.

This will be a bit of a pain and I’m honestly not quite sure if it’s workable b/c the illegal problem has gotten so out of hand. However, if everyone does it, illegals won’t have many jobs.

By ml

March 28, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

sandra: um, no. this bill will not affect IMMIGRANTS. you seem to misunderstand or plain just can’t tell the difference between ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT and IMMIGRANT. i even put it in caps so you could see the difference.

By ScottM

March 28, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

I was told this by a mexican national I know as a friend. He told me that he came to the US to live with 4 other relatives that were already here. They were brother and uncles. They all live in one apartment and split the rent between 7 people.

The money that they make is sent home to mexico to a trusted relative and it is used to buy land and houses. After 5-7 years of living meagerly in the US they can go home and retire. At that time they will be considered very wealthy from Mexico population.

The US dollars being sent out of our country are worth much more in Mexico.

Charging a extra 5% surcharge on money transfers will not solve anything.

We are helping to create a affluent portion of the mexican population.

By Jennifer Ourada

March 28, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Amanda, you blonde-haired, liberal moonbat. (Sorry, but I can’t help it - you are.) If you read my whole post, you’d see that I’d filed all my forms LEGALLY and paid all the FEES that illegals don’t file or pay, but still want all the benefits. Clearly, I came here legally on a visa. I then got married — legally. Are you getting it now? Read slowly, stop assuming. All my relative are in Australia. They are also legally there, in case you want to make any more assumed, illogical commentary. By the way, I’ve been paying taxes even from Day 1 and am a contributing member to society. I’m even my neighborhood president. So stick that were the sun don’t shine, honey.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

On the topic of construction workers, a simple approach would be to film all vehicles picking up day workers and find out who they belong to. Then you know who is hiring the illegals. Though I have doubts that the government would really care who they are, perhaps making their names public might put pressure on them.

But since 12M illegals is a pretty good size invasion of our country, lets use the military to get rid of them.

And for those who use phony or false Social Security numbers when they work, charge them with felony identity theft and lock teir butts up. If we make it nasty enough for illegals and too difficult for employers to hire them, they will eventually stop coming here.

By M.M.

March 28, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

BEFORE THERE WAS AMNESTY EVERY 10 YEARS, I THINK IT’S TIME NOW. STOP HATE wwww.justiceforimmigrants.com

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

How about holding your government accountable for a trillion dollar war? That seems to be much more pressing than this?

By Young Lady

March 28, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

YOU GUYS MUST HAVE PAID ENOUGHT ATTENTION 9/11 WAS NOT CAUSED BY HISPANICS AND HERE IS ANOTHER THING THEY ALL CAME IN WITH VISAS GET THE PICTURE. THESE PEOPLE THAT YOU LET INTO YOUR COUNTRY WERE HERE LEGALLY.

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Or maybe you could unite on making sure your schools are adequately educating your chilren? That would be much more helpful in the long run. Getting rid of illegals is costly and won’t make our society void of any of its current problems.

By Oh really!

March 28, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

In reference to immigrants taking jobs away from Americans, perhaps, instead of trying to do the impossible (i.e. sending them back), the question should be asked as to how they got here so easily and how they were able to instantly get jobs? Not enough is being said about the companies who pay these workers at low wages. Now there is talk about a federal “guest worker program”. Bush says that this will allow the workers to come and do jobs that Americans will not do. Perhaps, just perhaps, Americans will not do these jobs because the companies elect not to pay them a reasonable wage. Come on people, no problem can be solved if you do not see the truth of the matter. Otherwise, you find a solution to what amounts to a fallacy.

By Greg

March 28, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

If deporting illegals is going to create a labor shortage, how about this idea: we deport the illegals and allow one person who is waiting to enter this country through a legal worker program take that persons place. This way we punish the criminals and reward those who are trying to do the right thing. To do otherwise only encourages more to enter our country illegally. When they come in through a legal program, at least we get to do background checks and know who they are.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

If you think that there has been little effect on our communities caused by illegals, just look at DeKalb county and the I-85/Peachtree Industrial corridor into Gwinnett county, where English is a foreign language, Mexical gangs are rampant, and grime is out of control.

By Jerry

March 28, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

NO NO NO NO NO NOT EVER!!!

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Flaunt our laws and have no repect for this country, most of these people will do jobs that you probably couldn’t accomplish and have more respect for this country than most americans do.

By ml

March 28, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

ScottM: you are absolutely right. i can’t believe no one has connected those dots yet.

i recently read an article…where, i don’t remember - maybe CNN. it was about how the mexican real estate market is increasingly on the rise, particularly for middle class citizens. did you read that? middle class. up until very recently, there was almost no middle class in mexico, thus the mass influx of poor people across the border. you can buy a very nice home in mexico right now for what a crap house here costs. i’m talking $120K for a huge house in mexico.

MOST of the illegal immigrants are not here to stay, but they’re happy to abuse and use us so that they can return to paradise back home.

is that what you nay-sayers support?

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Miss Young Lady, 9/11 was a seperate tragedy. We are talking about ILLEGAL ALIENS here. And truth of the matter is, our borders aren’t safe. Maybe the people responsible for 9/11 were here legally, dosn’t change this argument one ioda. Our borders aren’t safe and we need to crack down on this invasion of ILLEGALS.

By beez

March 28, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Everyone talks about the costs to the state that illegals are responsible for, but no one talks about the cheap labor and resulting cost savings that they provide.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Oh and Nikole, as for your comment about the trillion dollar war, we have our own trillion dollar war going on right here on American soil, it’s called the invasion of ILLEGAL ALIENS. Stop trying to change the subject. If your against the war in Iraq, go post on another blog that deals with that.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

By beez

March 28, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Everyone talks about the costs to the state that illegals are responsible for, but no one talks about the cheap labor and resulting cost savings that they provide.

So saving money makes the invasion of ILLEGALS right? I know I’m willing to pay more money for my things if we sent the ILLEGALS back to their home country. And quite frankly, that’s a lame argument.

By ml

March 28, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Nikole:

been into a public school lately? more and more teachers having to address the class in 2 separate languages. how much learning do you think gets done when there’s only so much time in a class, in a day of school….and teachers are having to spend extra time with little illegal immigrant kids?

By Donna

March 28, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

I have been following this debate for awhile now and it is making me sick (literally). I’m a law abiding citizen and I don’t like criminals. Any criminal whom breaks the law needs to be punished. We don’t give amnesty to murders, rapist, child molesters, DUI violators, red light violators, etc. Coming to America illegally is a crime and the criminals need to be punished. Also, I am not an immigrant (my people have been in America for 341 years), I was born here and so were my parents, grandparents, great grandparents, great-great grandparents, great-great-great grandparents, et al back 13 generations. At this point, I am an AMERICAN. There was no Ellis Island in 1665 when my first ancestors to America arrived.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, first of all this is not your country because you were not even born in the USA. second of all you probably just got married to be legal in the us which doesn’t make you any better than the immigrants that you are talking about. By the way are you still married or did you run to get a divorce after your paperwork was finalized.

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Cindy-My point is that some things are more important. Illegal immigrants do not cost us a trillion dollars and contrary to popular belief, many pay taxes and the cost of sending and keeping them out would be a waste of money. Focus on issues that truly affect Americans. Whether they are here or not, there will still be people in this country that cannot afford health care. But you are more concerned with keeping your country lily-white, right? Be real. If they were allowed to stay and pay taxes on a regular form, you would still want them gone? I’m sure of it.

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

ml-As a public school teacher, those students get their extra help with an ESOL teacher, doesn’t change the fact that ALL students,especially minority students, are not getting a decent education. Let’s talk about funding, and BS programs implemented by the government. That would be much more helpful than “trying” to rid ourselves of illegal aliens.

By young lady

March 28, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

CINDY, Well my point excatly the borders arent safe but the terrorits didnt get in throught there. THESE ARE POEPLE WHO WANT TO WORK FOR A BETTER LIFE NOT KILL AMERICANS. SWEETY THINK of the house that you live in and tell me who do you think built it. THINK of the food that you eat who is picking it… THINK OF ALL OF THAT BEFORE ANY OF YOU NOT JUST YOU CINDY WANT TO GET RID OF THEM.

By ml

March 28, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

leave poor little jennifer alone. good god..all these assumptions.

anyone ever heard of the old saying about assuming? takes a person backed into a corner with no real argument left to start resorting to personal attacks.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, first of all this is not your country because you were not even born in the USA. second of all you probably just got married to be legal in the us which doesn’t make you any better than the immigrants that you are talking about. By the way are you still married or did you run to get a divorce after your paperwork was finalized.

Miss Rosenda, this IS her country. She came here legally. Looking back on your posts, you speak like a true ILLEGAL?

By ml

March 28, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

and then you, ROSENDA. the nerve to say, and i quote: “….most of these people…have more respect for this country than most americans do.”

what’s wrong with jennifer getting mad about people doing things illegally? she respects the laws that afforded her a path to citzenship and is angry others won’t do the same.

insert.foot.into.mouth.

By Sarah

March 28, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe we are even considering offering amnesty to a group of outright law breakers. We should be going after the radical Hispanics who are fanning the flames here, round them up and see how legal they are. To print the address and phone number of a Georgia politican like one of the Hispanic newspapers did last week should be crimminal. Are we going to the local jails and offering other crimminals amnesty for their bad deeds? Why this group? They are a burden to our social services, we have to do something now. It’s a shame that idiot we have as a President can’t do something on the Federal level and we’re forced to do this on the state level.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Donna an immigrant who is here busting there a* working and doing jobs your lazy american ancestor wouldn’t do puts them at a higher rank than a rapist, murderer and DUI violators. So why don’t you just keep your mouth shut about stuff you don’t understand. Go and read some more get the facts straight and then come back with something intelligent. Until then I don’t want to see another posted comment from you.

By Van

March 28, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

We hae a radio station called “La Raza”, it means The Race.

We drive down Jimmy Carter Blvd and see billboards in a foreign language.

When we go to the ATM, it asks us if we want english or spanish.

I do not mind immigrants, I do mind illegals.

They come here and take entry level jobs in construction, and the poor, willing to work citizen is left out in the cold.

They fill our prisons and then demand amnesty - If you are here legally, WELCOME. We are a land of opportunity, we have jobs for you, you can work hard and reap the benefits.

Instead of Yanque, go home, it should be illegal, go home.

By WAR EAGLE!

March 28, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

Amanda and Syed: Perhaps you come from Third World or 15th century countries that welcome anyone no matter how they got there. America has laws! The law says, you must go through a process to be here legally-just like in a board game-you cannot roll the dice and move 26 spaces if the dice say 6! Next-Illegals DO NOT HAVE RIGHTS! If a burglar broke into your house ( which is illegal) will you shoot him or offer him a coke and sandwich? Third-if you break into a bank and take money, should you be given amnesty, or 20 yrs in jail? According to you-they should be let off. Illegals have BROKEN INTO the USA-that is illegal and it should be a Felony. People breaking into Mexico go to a dark prison for a long time. In bangladesh or whatever backwards muslim country you want, entering illegally might be punishable by 70 lashes-depending upon what the Quran says. If you happen to be Christian-it would be death-and so on and so forth. So don’t spout the garbage that “Every American came here illegally.” Back then-there were no laws. There are now-so either show proof of LEGAL Citizenship or face deportation or jail. You say what would you do if you were in a poor country and needed money? If that were true-why didn’t these people rob a bank? (it’s illegal right? Unless some countries allow that under special instatnces like-I needed money) We don’t care if you are doing jobs that Americans don’t want-YOU BROKE THE LAW! And NO I am not a bigot, I am a legal, law abiding, tax paying resident and my ancestors were here long before your old country was even established! War Damn Eagle!

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

By young lady

March 28, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

CINDY, Well my point excatly the borders arent safe but the terrorits didnt get in throught there. THESE ARE POEPLE WHO WANT TO WORK FOR A BETTER LIFE NOT KILL AMERICANS. SWEETY THINK of the house that you live in and tell me who do you think built it. THINK of the food that you eat who is picking it… THINK OF ALL OF THAT BEFORE ANY OF YOU NOT JUST YOU CINDY WANT TO GET RID OF THEM.

Ok, it’s kind of hard to understand your post through your broken English, but I’m trying. Yes, I’m probably about 90% sure my house was built by some assistance of ILLEGALS and that burns me up. Not sure who’s picking my veggies either, probably done by alot of ILLEGALS. You’re still missing the point honey, they are ILLEGAL. I’d gladly pay more money for my home, my fruits and vegetables to have these services done by LEGAL AMERICANS, not ILLEGAL ALIENS!

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Cindy-My point is that some things are more important. Illegal immigrants do not cost us a trillion dollars and contrary to popular belief, many pay taxes and the cost of sending and keeping them out would be a waste of money. Focus on issues that truly affect Americans. Whether they are here or not, there will still be people in this country that cannot afford health care. But you are more concerned with keeping your country lily-white, right? Be real. If they were allowed to stay and pay taxes on a regular form, you would still want them gone? I’m sure of it.

As usual you’ve missed the point. I’m done wasting my breath on you, you’ll never get it.

By Van

March 28, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Rosenda

“The U.S. Justice Department estimated that 270,000 illegal immigrants served jail time nationally in 2003. Of those, 108,000 were in California. Some estimates show illegals now make up half of California’s prison population, creating a massive criminal subculture that strains state budgets and creates a nightmare for local police forces.�

Yeah, right, busting their tails.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Fact: Most immigrants and I am saying most not all of them pay to marry an american (male or female) to then be able to gain their citizenship….this is also illegal. And I am sorry to say that if you were not born here this is not your country unless you are to ashamed to admit your country of origin. By the way I am a US citizen because I was born in the US.

By Ultra Elf

March 28, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

JH and Jennifer-Well Done! Jennifer, good to see our Aussie friends in America-Congrats on your marriage-US person I assume-It appears that there are some countries, Australia and Great Britain included, have taught their citizens to be law abiding and to follow the rules. Other countries-well, you see what we have here. If the INS had any brains, they would have been out in force to arrest the protesters and see who is here legally and who is here illegally. i noticed that you could run across Buford Hwy several times before a car showed up. Just goes to show which countries are in the 21st Century and which are far behind.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

There is nothing wrong with Jennifer respecting the law and speaking her mind, but at some point she was here illegally and or maybe with a temporary visa but she just so happened to find the love of her life before her visa expired, so she got married and became a citizen. Do you really think this makes her any better than the people that are here ilegally. What she did is worse because she lie to the person she married she lied to herself and to the ins and that is by federal law the biggest crime and immigrant can do and it is also punishable with jail time and a fine.

By Ultra Elf

March 28, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Cindy, I think you have Jennifer confused with the Pacific Rim women that you find in the “Mail Order Bride” Catalog.

By Nparry

March 28, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

The Senate has done the wise thing by considering a type of amnesty and legalization program. Without that, would you - illegal-alien-bashers, be able to buy cheap produce at your neighborhood Wal-Mart or BJ’s? Would you be able or willing to pay 35% more for your houses and 70% more for your pretty landscaping plans? Would you be able to get your kitchen sink fixed and your trees cut at higher-than market rates? So the wise Senators know who butters their slice of bread and have agreed to this face-saving measure. It works for both parties - businesses and the aliens. So quit yapping about illegals and focus on educating your children; keep them away from meth and drinking and having babies when they’re 13 or 14 - and then you’ll have a competent all-white workforce, that you all really want, but are afraid to express publicly.

By Melllllll1

March 28, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

This isn’t our land. This is God’s land. I’m sure he sheds tears with every hateful thing that is said.

American’s are supposed to be such great people? Just don’t mess with their money. That is what they live for and that’s what the illegal immigrants do - cost them money.

By Carrie

March 28, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Just a quick fact: since 2002, it is not possible to come into the US illegally and marry a US citizen and get a green card. It does not work that way. The only way to leagally become a US citzen with a green card by marrying a US citizen is if that US citizen goes to a foriegn county and marries a citizen of that country. If you don’t believe me, look it up!

By Joe

March 28, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Most of the bleeding heart liberals here just don’t get it. Have any of you ever been to Mexico, the border towns and not the American tourist places? Have you driven to the desert and seen the piles of garbage, decades of it just sitting there. Thats what they do, they drive to the desert and throw the trash out. They do the same thing near my house with lawn clippings, they refuse to pay to dispose of it properly, so they trash it. Do you think my neighborhood looks better now with all the old cars parked on the street, yeah thats helped my property value. Go to the park on Pleasantdale Road, it was once a nice park but nows it’s 95% Hispanic, illegal of course and its a big trash hole now. We have even witnessed adults taking a bowel movement in the woods by the soccer field, yeah thats a sight I want my young daughter to see. You want a third world contry here, you want third world diseases back here, well liberals open your heart and your borders ‘cuz here they both come. They don’t come here because they like the USA, they are here because it’s easy to be illegal and we support them. If they wanted to assimilate they would learn English for Gods sake. Face it, they are pest, like any unwanted pest. I had the same problem with rats, my wife insisted on feeding all the birds and with the seed we developed a rat problem. What did I do? I cut off the food source and the rats went away. Apply that logic. And for you money grubbing developer whores defending this, all you care about is your bank account and your money, you don’t give a flying flip about them , you just want the cheap labor and more money in your pockets, you scumbags make me sick. Call me a racist, call me that with a capitol R, all that says to me is that I struck a nerve with your radical minority agenda and it’s bothering you to be exposed.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Have you checked statistics on americans???

By the way who was putting antrax in mail boxes and what was that building that blew up in Oklahoma a few years ago?? who did it I don’t remember???

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Fact: Most immigrants and I am saying most not all of them pay to marry an american (male or female) to then be able to gain their citizenship….this is also illegal. And I am sorry to say that if you were not born here this is not your country unless you are to ashamed to admit your country of origin. By the way I am a US citizen because I was born in the US.

Rosenda, why do you think the United States of America isn’t someones country unless they were born here? If they came here legally, then by all means, this is their country. My people came here in 1611 and I am not above saying that this isn’t anyones country because they weren’t born here. My ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War, we lost an ancestor in the Alamo and we have had ancestors on both sides of the Civil War and both WW’s and my husband is a Marine Corps Vet. I’d say we are Americans through and through, but will gladly call someone else an American who comes here wanting to be an American through legal channels.

By Ultra Elf

March 28, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

Rosenda Little harsh on the Aussie Girl aren’t you. You say you were born here-what about YOUR Parents? I can trace my heritage back to the original Pilgrims. I think you have Aussies confused with the “Pacific Rim Mail Order Bride” Business.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Nparry: you are sooooo right that’s my point!!!Why can’t everybody be that smart

By tunde

March 28, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

it is very funny alot of people are so so short on memory and history.i think u should first live the life these illegals live before you crucify them.the question is why are they here? like everyone of us except for the natives, everyone wants a better tomorrow.these folks WORK HARD DOING HARD WORK.they pay taxes but cant file for refunds, they pay social security they cant claim, they pay sales tax, most do not use the hospital facilities, live in constant fear, exploited and abused, unlikely to claim damges when they slip at the work place. HELLOOOOOOOO wake up this is AMERICA THE BEACON OF THE DOWNTRODDEN …MY GOD…WHATS HAPPENED TO THE CONSCIENCE OF AMERICA.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

By Ultra Elf

March 28, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Cindy, I think you have Jennifer confused with the Pacific Rim women that you find in the “Mail Order Bride� Catalog.

I don’t know what you mean by this comment Elf. I was probably quoting Rosenda’s post. Go back and re-read the post you are replying to.

By M.M.

March 28, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

www.justiceforimmigrants.org www.catholic.org

By Prabir

March 28, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

I am a legal immigrant and have been waiting for the past 5 years to get legalized. In the meantime, I can’t go to college full-time, can’t get promoted, can’t change jobs, can’t claim unemployment/SS even though I pay these taxes. How can they even talk about getting illegals who have broken the law in before the people who have been waiting patiently to get in through the legal route?

By Joe

March 28, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Nparry about your lilly white remark. How many times have you heard anyone say ” Man I am moving to an all black neighborhood because it’s safer.” NEVER. All the things you enjoy daily, invented by white hands and white minds, enjoy them.

By Lenny

March 28, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

Why are we allowing businesses to undercut minimum wage laws to pay illegals? Why are our lawmakers not enforcing our laws?

As all the cop shows say, “follow the money!” Who is getting paid to look the other way?

Are businesses getting rich by not paying taxes on workers (social security, unemployment) which they are required to do by law? No wonder they like cheap illegal labor!!

I cannot believe that individuals in this country are actually saying that we should ignore the law. Some people’s brains don’t stop at all the floors! Laws like minimum wage, zoning laws, occupancy laws, etc. were passed to protect individuals and communities.

By Jennifer Ourada

March 28, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

Rosenda! LOL!!! My little illegal bichola…. Not that it’s any of your business, but I remain happily married which is more than I can say for you, a nice house, a fat mortgage, two cars, a nice garden that I take care of “sans” Mexican workers. Oh, and I pay lots of taxes! So much so that your little amigos can use MY COUNTRY’s hospitals and MY COUNTRY’s schools and send all their illegally gotten income back south of the border.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

Ultraelf: I am just speaking the facts she is being hard on people as well, cuz immigrants are people like you and me.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

By Prabir

March 28, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

I am a legal immigrant and have been waiting for the past 5 years to get legalized. In the meantime, I can’t go to college full-time, can’t get promoted, can’t change jobs, can’t claim unemployment/SS even though I pay these taxes. How can they even talk about getting illegals who have broken the law in before the people who have been waiting patiently to get in through the legal route?

It’s a slap in the face isn’t it? Good for you taking legal steps :)

By Jennifer Ourada

March 28, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

Rosenda, I’m obviously dealing with someone with limited brain capacity. I was never here illegally. Go back, open your eyes, take a deep breath, and read my postings. I was always here legally. THAT’S MY POINT!! Everyone should be here legally, or get the heck out of this country.

Prabir, keep on trucking! You’ll finally get there. It takes time.

By Donna

March 28, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Rosenda, Don’t tell me the illegals are doing “jobs Americans won’t do�. Whom do you think did these jobs before the illegals showed up? Americans, that’s who. And yes, my ancestors did do these “jobs� and made this country what it is. This is a tired argument. Don’t be jealous because I am an AMERICAN!

You wrote: “Donna an immigrant who is here busting there a* working and doing jobs your lazy american ancestor wouldn’t do puts them at a higher rank than a rapist, murderer and DUI violators. So why don’t you just keep your mouth shut about stuff you don’t understand. Go and read some more get the facts straight and then come back with something intelligent. Until then I don’t want to see another posted comment from you.�

By MOC

March 28, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

I am the Plant Manager in an industrial facility. My best employees are Latino. They are here to work. They appreciate the opportunities that they are given. My Latinos are also paid equally and in some cases more based on merit. Furthermore the Latino community as a whole earns its keep and then some.

By Robert

March 28, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

One thing is leading to another. We have to clarify hate for Mexicans or hate for immigrants or plain radical pregedism. Illegal aliens are a mixed group of over 200 different nationalities, Mexicans come from one country.

If we are pregedist, how come some of the US Born citizens marry the illegal for Money!. Or this one, the Hispanics and Asians have the lowest unmployment rate. And why has GA State and GA Tech, doubled up on their hispanic diversity? If they are so bad in every aspect why are they growing and improving themselves so much….I mean so much, with the same opportunities, same area, same market, I guess that they are more intelligent or more aggressive or have more innitiative, and we want to blame them just because they are illegal?

Most of illegal aliens pay taxes, and they do it on fake ids or Tax Ids. When it comes to collect social security benefits from the Fake ID the system will not recognize the mane therefore the money goes to the Fereral government, with the tax id, the accrued benefits will be set aside until the beneficiary can reproduce a real Social Security Card, which in the illegal immigrants case, the answer is never. So more money for the Feds!

By Amanda

March 28, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, I am not a blonde nor am I a liberal moonbat- whatever that is suppose to mean. And you should read the post a little more clearly and slowly so that you can understand my post. I said nothing of your family being in Australia illegally. We are both making this personal between the two of us when the issue is illegals here in the States just looking for a better life. The same as you- you came here looking for a better life. So if anyone should show them a little compassion- I would think that it would be you. So what that you are the president of your neighborhood association- what does that have to do with the price of peas? NOTHING!!! Being on the neighborhood association is no great feat and what does it have to do with immigration issues? Again- Nothing. But being an immigrant - you more then the other bigots here should have a bit of compassion. If you were still in the middle of trying to become a citizen- i bet that you would be compassionate- but a little power and success changes people doesnt it. Do you think that you are above them now???? So suck on that.

By tunde

March 28, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

God forgive all of us for exploiting the weak amongst us.illegals are weak bcos of their circumstances. how many of you here even watched/listened to the senate judiciary committee debate on this topic? besides have u lived in fear b4? these guys live in constant fear,these folks have paid some dues being here and will still be required to pay some more. work additional six years doing hard labor and staying clean. what better sustains the economy than a HARD WORKING MAN with no crime?how many of the haters here have no criminal record one way or the other? these are very tough conditions. LETS START FEARING GOD FIRST AND BEING TOO SELF-CENTERED.i know bcos i know a lot of decent folks that are illegal and all they wanna do is WORK HARD EVEN AT VERY VERY VERY HARD WORK.

By Jennifer Ourada

March 28, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Donna, Well said. I’m leaving the post now to go back to work - yes work - to pay the taxes that are needed to run this country so that Rosenda’s family can enjoy their illegal ill-gotten gains at MY EXPENSE. Adios amigos…..

By Jim Williams

March 28, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

The US simply does not need more population. The US population is currently 300mil with projections that it will be 420 mil by 2050 if amnesty is given. This is not the 1770s. There are no longer vast empty spaces that need to be filled. If you want to see the population projections, go to www.numbersusa.com. Mexico is using the US as their escape value for their surplus population. Mexico’s problems are just being shifted northward across the border.
Also, the cost of both legal and illegal immigration to the American taxpayer is staggering. Dr. Donald Huddle of Rice University has studied this issue and here are recent totals. The nearly 26 million legal and illegal immigrants settling in the United States since 1970 cost taxpayers a net $69 billion in 1997 alone, in excess of taxes those immigrants paid. This represents a cost of $260 in additional taxes paid by each U.S. resident or $1,030 in additional taxes paid by each family of four. This cost is a substantial increase over the net immigration costs of $65 billion ins 1996, $51 billion ins 1994, $44 billion in 1993, and $43 billion in 1992. In summary, this country does not need more people.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

It’s nice to pretend you are something you are not. If you brought up the material things you have you probably don’t have them but that I really don’t care as I said I was born here you are not, my parents are from El Salvador I was born in California that makes me an American you are from Australia..and why did you come here anyways??? what made you leave your country and adopt a new one?? That I do want to know since you said that you went thru a lot filing you paper work why leave to come here??

By Harleyman

March 28, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

For those of you who say that the Native Americans are the true natives to this land, that is false too. Their ancestors came over here during the last ice age when Alaska and Russia were joined by an ice bridge.

Technically, NO human can lay claim to being native to ANY land. Our ancestors were all roamers and explorers from East to West.

With regards to today’s generation of non-immigrant Americans and their ancestors from the 1600’s to the World War II generation, they can lay the fact that their ancestors and relatives PAID the price in wars and blood for this nation. Not so for today’s current immigrants. They just want a free ride off American history’s back. No way Jose, not on my watch. Wait in line like the rest of the immigrants from around the world.

By American and Proud

March 28, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Rosenda is a nasty person. I think she should be kicked off the post.

By Gloria

March 28, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

While I am astounded that illegal immigrants would demonstrate to protest the enforcement of the borders they crossed illegally to enter the United States, I am even more astounded over the statement by the President that time would be better spent fighting drug dealers and other criminals than protecting our borders against those who come to this country illegally to work … those who will do jobs that others in this country that others are not willing to do. Duh!! Does the President not realize that those who crossed the border to illegally enter the United States are also criminals due to the fact that they are in violation of existing federal laws? Why should laws be relaxed to allow those who “broke the lawâ€? to circumvent the system and receive preferential treatment over those who entered the country legally? Besides, illegal immigrants don’t pay taxes so why should citizens of this country, who are already over-taxed, be burdened with providing social services to citizens of another country? President Bush is wrong to support this and should not continue bending the laws of this country to fit his needs and desires. The President is bound by the oath he took to uphold the laws of this country and should do the right thing rather than what is most beneficial politically.

By Marty

March 28, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Yes it is true America is a melting pot. It is also true that our ancestors are from other countries. It is not true that if we did not have the “Illegal immigrants� that our economy would suffer. If an individual wishes to improve their life or find a job in another country then they need to do what our ancestors did. They became legal American citizens. Americans are not lazy. They are over tolerant. We do not make these “Illegal immigrants� (no matter what country of origin) go back from where they came from, but we cater to them. We try to give them rights and privileges that are not earned or deserved. We change our government documents, restaurant menu’s, and billboard and business signs to their native language. We allow them to take jobs away from our legal citizens. This is done be their accepting the job for pay below the minimum wage or working jobs over the eight hours a day without overtime. Accepting jobs without health care. Jobs that are being paid “under the table� so taxes are not taken out. So when asked if we should give amnesty to these people the obvious answer is that we have already for too long. We need to enforce our laws and protect our economy and way of life. If they do not like our rules then by all means do not come here. If you want to live here, then do it legally. We are not saying that we do not want you here or that you can not come here, just that we as a nation want you to do it by and within our laws and regulations that we as American citizens abide by. And if you come here, learn our language don’t make us learn yours.

By BIll

March 28, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

The law is the law! The illegal immigrants broke the law when they entered the country illegally>>and they KNEW they were doing it. We do not grant amnesty to rapist and robbers that break the law and should not to the illegal immigrants! The law is the law! NO EXCEPTIONS

By M.M.

March 28, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

“The Church in America must be a vigilant advocate, defending against any unjust restriction the natural right of individual persons to move freely within their own nation and from one nation to another. Attention must be called to the rights of migrants and their families and to respect for their human dignity, even in cases of non-legal immigration.”

• Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America of the Holy Father John Paul II, January 22, 1999.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Rosenda, you’re not helping your cause one bit, in fact with each of your posts, you further hurt your cause. You did nothing special to become an American Citizen. In fact, I’d bet that your parents were illegals and all your mother did was give birth to you in our great country, which automatically gave you citizenship. Stop acting holier than thou because you were born here. By the way, for being born here, your English leaves much to be desired.

By tunde

March 28, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

one last thing b4 i leave.immigrants both legal and illegal built this great country.and the fact is that by the time it gets to the third and fourth generation their level of productivity drops significantly. besides these guys have no voice.for example, where are they here now? see what disadvantage they have? anyway lets all be rational and pragmatic rather than play on fears and emotions. adios amigos y amigas

By MOC

March 28, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Good question Rosenda.

By Donna

March 28, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Actually, Rosenda is an anchor baby. That doesn’t make her a REAL American.

Rosenda wrote: It’s nice to pretend you are something you are not. If you brought up the material things you have you probably don’t have them but that I really don’t care as I said I was born here you are not, my parents are from El Salvador I was born in California that makes me an American you are from Australia..and why did you come here anyways??? what made you leave your country and adopt a new one?? That I do want to know since you said that you went thru a lot filing you paper work why leave to come here??

By karen

March 28, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!

By DEEMAC

March 28, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

This is a situation that has really pressed some buttons. I feel that those who are here, should be deported back. All of us are not “immigrants” most african american were brought here unwillingly. I feel like all have a right to earn enough to support their families, but legally. The hispanic community is procreating faster than any other group because most don’t believe in birth control and abortion. Many hispanics are Catholic, so that is the reason for the high numbers. I was listening to the news yesterday and I was offended that these people were singing We shall over come, like the were beating and brought her like some animal. Black people fought for equality. Hispanics are fighting for what? Breaking a law? They are right, the do, work the jobs that we feel is beneath us. My grandfather helped to build most of the buildings in downtown Atlanta until he retired in 1984. I overheard someone say that that Hispanics built this country, that is far from the truth, you may have contributed, but you did not build this country. Hispanics want to feel respected and be granted something they never had the right to in the first place. You want to be respected, the only way to be respected, is to first respect others. Handle your business the right way and then you can gain respect. I don’t throw out hateful words, because I judge people by the character and I don’t just assume. But a theif is a thief and a liar is a liar in my opinion. If you are here illigally then you are illegal and should not be granted something that people who are here legally struggle to get on a daily bases..

By ml

March 28, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

ROSENDA…AGAIN, the nerve of you! god this is so comical now. you are either on the side of immigrants or not. you say your parents are from el salvador, you were born here, and that makes you american, and then bash someone who did go through the proper channels to become legalized. in the same breath you are berating people who don’t agree with illegal immigration, which makes you what? FOR IMMIGRATION, right?

which is it lady?

By Dan

March 28, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

There is no way we should grant amnesty to these illegal immigrants. Send all of them back home and if they want to come back they should do it the legal way. They are a huge burden on the legal tax paying people in this country. I see hundreds of these guys gathered by the side of the road waiting to get picked up for day work. I know they are not paying taxes on those wages.

By TheRoss

March 28, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

I am tired of people saying this has to do with race. I don’t care if you are from Ireland, Iraq, Mexico, Canada, England, Cuba, or Ethiopia. If you are here illegally, you should not be here, and you should be deported. I want our borders secured, and I want MUCH stiffer penalties for businesses who hire illegals. That’s where we need to focus, because if there are no jobs for them, they will lose motivation to come here ILLEGALLY.

If you come here legally, I welcome you with open arms to our country, no matter what your race, and your country of origin is.

I wish our politicians would grow a set, and take care of this problem now, instead of being afraid of hurting someone’s feelings.

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Well Donna it makes more American that someone who was born abroad..

By wiseone

March 28, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Any person who takes something that is not his is unethical. I think it’s a matter of ethics — illegals living off of our government (schools, medical, etc.) without paying taxes. Plus, if they do not assimilate into our society and do not want to become citizens, then they are not with us, they are against us (as is evidenced by the recent “demonstrations”). They feel they don’t have to obey our rules and can sponge off of us. Also, you have to question our government and the media. The “diversity” touted in our schools and by the media is supposed to get us to accept all of this.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

MOC, so you state that you are a plant manager and your best workers are latinos. Well that’s all fine and dandy, but are the LEGAL? The argument here isn’t about wether Latinos are good workers. It’s about ILLEGALS in our country. Quite frankly, it’s not even a Latino thing. It’s an ILLEGAL thing. So what’s your point?

By tunde

March 28, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

SO TELL ME “WHO IS A REAL AMERICAN” AND WHO DEFINES THAT?LOL

By DEEMAC

March 28, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

M.M. I understand what you are saying, but I disagree. This is not a church issue, it’s an issue of national security. We need to protect our borders from those who seek to destroy our way of life. I understand immigrants who come here and go thru the right channels to become citizens of this country. When you come here illegally, but smuggling or sneaking across the country over night, then those people should be dealt with accordingly. Amnesty should be granted to those whose life is in jepordy or something. Don’t use the church as a way to make a case, because if you want to be real about it, the church’s foundation has be shaken in recent years. So please lets not go there.

By Jason blair

March 28, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Maybe this country should have few more BOBS and AIRPLANES trhown at us to make us learn how to be bit more HUMAN and fear GOD,

By brenda

March 28, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

The ONLY reason that this subject is even being debated is because BUSINESS wants people who will work CHEAP, with NO BENEFITS and CAN’T COMPLAIN without being threatened with law enforcement.

Everyone in the United States ILLEGALLY leave! Or get thrown out and businesses fined 100% of profits or 50% of income, whichever is MORE for every year that 1 or more illegal immigrants worked for that business.

By leanna

March 28, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

I agree with nikole, syed and young lady. I am married to an illegal immigrant and have 2 children with him, (known him for 5 yrs, dated 2 of those yrs, and married 1 yr-just to be clear.) Also he didnt volunteer to come here, his parents sent him here when he was 15. I dont think we should allow everybody here, but i think there should be exceptions for some, like those who wanna work and are willing. Letting them get a visa would give them an equal opportunity as anybody else, they wouldnt be able to go the ‘under the table’ way. And yes they should learn english, and pay taxes, and send the drug dealers/troublemakers back. Sending them all back is not the answer and turning every one into criminals is absurde. The jails and prisions are already full, then if they resorted to fines for “assisting” them, how many people are gonna pay that fine? Then we go back to the jails being full. If we went to the route of sending everyone back what are we gonna do with the kids that are legal with illegal parents? Foster homes are already full and there are not enough people that want to adopt. So how come we are trying to change the government in iraq anyways? That is none of bushes business how they run it. Why does he want them to be just like us? And didnt the terrorist come from pakistan?

By jg

March 28, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

-Emma Lazarus

By Prootwadl

March 28, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with Mexican immigrants being here if they pay their due taxes and decide to stay here for the long term. More power to them.

It’s the H1B visa folks I don’t like — they come into the US with paper degrees and very little real-world experience, take technical jobs which could be done by currently unemployed US citizens with the same technical skills, and then leave for their homeland again after making a fortune.

At least most of the Mexicans I’m aware of plan on staying around for the long haul…

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

By tunde

March 28, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

SO TELL ME “WHO IS A REAL AMERICAN� AND WHO DEFINES THAT?LOL

In my opinion, a real American is someone who is an American legally, either by birth or an immigrant who took legal actions to become a citizen. But that’s not all, that’s the beginning of being an American. What else defines you as an American is feeling proud to be an American in your soul. When you hear the National Anthem and you stand with your hand over your heart and the words move you to tears EACH time you hear it. That’s what being an American is.

By TheRoss

March 28, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Hulk Hogan is a “Real American.”

By Rosenda

March 28, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

All I know it’s that: they came here to work and that’s all they do and they do it to support their families. Americans and not all of them are pointing the finger at them like criminals just because they want to work. And that it’s the sad true. I agree entirely with what Amanda said and Jennifer is not the first naturalized American that I see speaking that way about immigrants and power like Amanda said does change people.

By Richard Tompson

March 28, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

None of these people want to stay here for FREE , just make it possible for them to Pay taxes and live Legally ! we ALL WIN !! having these hard workers and good hearted people as new Citizens sure is only gonna make a STRONGER country

By American and Proud

March 28, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Rosenda and Amanda - wrong, wrong, wrong. Get off this blog

By mitsuo

March 28, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

God Bless you Richard Thompson

By Claudette

March 28, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

This issue is relatively simple and is being made too complicated. When people break the laws there are consequences. My son was speeding ran a red light. He was given a ticket and had to pay a fine and his father and I took his driving privileges away for two weeks. Those were the consequences for breaking the driving laws of this State.

It is the same principal for Illegal immigrants. They broke the law. They entered America illegally. Enforce our immigration laws and require all immigrants in this country illegally to leave.

If you think illegal immigrants are not having a major impact on American lives just look at the unemployment rates. I’ve had friends that worked in hospitality, warehouse, landscaping and construction professions who are unemployed today, not because these job no longer exist, but because illegal immigrants will do these job for a fraction of what should be paid. An added incentive is that employers don’t have to pay them benefits. It’s an unfair system. How long before America becomes like many third world countries where there isn’t a middle class? Our society is becoming the have and the have nots.

It seems that more consideration is being given to illegal immigrants and their so called rights than to law abiding American and our rights. Last week hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants marched to DEMAND the same rights as AMERICAN citizens. People that came into this country ILLEGALLY are DEMANDING to be treated fairly and to be given citizenship. I say NO. Illegal immigrants are lawbreakers and should be treated accordingly. I encourage Congress to pass stiff penalties for employers that hirer illegal immigrants and do all that can be done to secure our borders and deport those that are here illegally.

By CG

March 28, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Tunde…..conscious of America? How in the he** can America have a conscious with a scum-bag president like the one we have!!!!! That is funny!!!!!

By MT

March 28, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

VIVA MEXICO

By wiseone

March 28, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Rosenda — Not paying taxes = criminal.

By Ellen Anderson

March 28, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

We have always depended on immigrants to strengthen our work force. It is wrong to use them and gain adavantage from their contribution and not allow them to become citizens.

By Ellen Anderson

March 28, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

We are an immigrant nation and we cannot make criminals of the immigrants. They contribute to the economy and deserve to be accepted.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Question: Would you like someone to come into your house without being invited….and start eating your food…..using your utilities…..stealing your way of life….I know alot of people who would take the jobs they say no one else wants…..but you have to pay them a decent wage all we Americans are saying is ” Americans First” we can’t take care of the rest of the world….latin, asians,africans,cubans, or otherwise.

By Kove

March 28, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Leanna-

“Sending them all back is not the answer and turning every one into criminals is absurde.”

I’ve got some bad news for you. They already are criminals under 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a).

The only question is do they have a right to ignore the laws that were enacted in accordance with our democratic process? Why should any illegal immigrant have the right to override laws passed by the consensus of the American public?

By TheRoss

March 28, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

They aren’t immigrants. They are illegal immigrants. In fact, I prefer the old term, illegal aliens.

By MOC

March 28, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

By Richard Tompson

March 28, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

None of these people want to stay here for FREE , just make it possible for them to Pay taxes and live Legally ! we ALL WIN !! having these hard workers and good hearted people as new Citizens sure is only gonna make a STRONGER country

Amen Richard.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

If you want to be and American…why are you in our streets waving Mexican flags……that’s like us waving flags in France telling them we want to be French citizens……..it’s offensive to all Americans born or naturalized.

By ml

March 28, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

MT:

interesting comment. bet you were one of those mexican flag-waving jackasses on friday who supposedly loves america so much that you can’t be bothered to pledge allegiance to the proper flag or country.

viva mexico? then go back to mexico. this is america. VIVO LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS.

By Kove

March 28, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

I’ve got another good law:

Anyone who is hungry and manages to sneak some stolen food out of a supermarket should be allowed to re-enter the store and, based on the fact they really felt they needed the food, receive a receipt as if they actually had paid for the food, rather than committed an act of theft.

By ml

March 28, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

MT:

interesting comment. bet you were one of those mexican flag-waving jackasses on friday who supposedly loves america so much that you can’t be bothered to pledge allegiance to the proper flag or country.

vivo mexico? then go back to mexico, this is america. VIVO LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS.

By American and Proud

March 28, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Ellen, they can become citizens. Fill out the form, write the check, stand in line like all the LAW ABIDING people trying to be come citizens.

By Amanda

March 28, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

WAR EAGLE

I just read that stupid message that you directed to myself and Syed. If you reread your own blog- you would know how stupid your thoughts are. People coming here to find work and make a better life for themselves is exactly what these people are doing- they are not looking to rob banks to get an easy buck. These Hispanic illegals that i have seen are the hardest working individuals that take jobs that the Americans do not want. Then i see Americans complaining that they can not find a job because of these workers but in fact- all they want to do is sit on their asses and collect an unemployment check. Get a job.

By MOC

March 28, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

MOC, so you state that you are a plant manager and your best workers are latinos. Well that’s all fine and dandy, but are the LEGAL? The argument here isn’t about wether Latinos are good workers. It’s about ILLEGALS in our country. Quite frankly, it’s not even a Latino thing. It’s an ILLEGAL thing. So what’s your point?

My point is exactly what I stated. And yes, they have complied with existing law. I also see their paychecks every Friday, and yes, all of them pay taxes.

By E. Lewis

March 28, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/05/business/05immigration.html?ex=1270353600&en=78c87ac4641dc383&ei=5090&partner=kmarx

“Our assumption is that about three-quarters of other-than-legal immigrants pay payroll taxes,” said Stephen C. Goss, Social Security’s chief actuary, using the agency’s term for illegal immigration.”

“Center for Immigration Studies, an advocacy group in Washington that favors more limits on immigration, estimated that 3.8 million households headed by illegal immigrants generated $6.4 billion in Social Security taxes in 2002”

“Most immigration helps Social Security’s finances, because new immigrants tend to be of working age and contribute more than they take from the system”

“Illegal immigrants help even more because they will never collect benefits.”

By Lisa

March 28, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t get mad, get even!! vote all the unfit politition out of office. We well vote for those who care about the well being of our grandchildren and US citizens. Here are our concerns and suggestions:

1.The government should first ensure employers of illegal are paying wages and benefits comparable to a U.S. citizen and, demand employers withhold and pay Social Security tax, Medicaid tax just like all America citizens. This could help fund the growth of spending on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. By doing nothing, the government is contributing to slave labor.

2.We want equal resources that are spent securing Iraq to be spent for our own borders to prevent illegal immigrants terrorism.

3.We most definitely don’t want foreign countries owning us - Unite State of America. We must trim our national debt, $8.2 trillion, not increase it. We want to make sure that our grandchildren will not have to pay for our wasteful bridge to no-were pork projects.

4.Its time for our elected representatives to ensure the will of the citizens is carried out.

Contact your Congress, let THEM know how you feel. Oh, By the way, don’t keeps vote the one got bought out!!

By R Bush

March 28, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

Cindy..I’m curious, what specific taxes do you pay?

This is the American process folks, all the large groups around the world have had thousands come here to be absorbed by our system over the decades. It is sometimes annoying to live with and observe so many unfamiliar and “different acting” folks moving “UP” and living next door. But that is how this country reloads as with Italians, Russians, Irish, Blacks, etc., etc. and probably always will. But by and by people adjust on both sides and the situation over time largely becomes transparent. Having said that, the situation today is clearly unprecidented. To my knowledge, none of the other various groups that came her via New Yorks ports and etc. have saturated so much of the country in mass numbers like we have seen in recent years. This is evidenced by bi-lingual phone messages you hear with most business calls that you make anywhere today. There is no way that the majority of nondocumented immigrants are paying their fair share of the tax burden in this country. But, many of these folks apparently are enjoying and using many of the same services and economic advantages that legal American citizens do. Paying local sales taxes buying food, beer, etc. is getting it partially done, but is not helping to pay for the WAR and various global handouts. In my opinion, these folks have been allowed to come here and get accustomed to some of the benefits of living the “American Lifestyle” per say. We are or were an aging country with a declining tax base. The latino community has helped fill the void of working stiffs that have been declining and projected to decline further. Mexicos’ President helped spread the lie about “latinos take jobs that blacks and others dont want to do”, hog wash. It really bothers me to hear even our president parroting that same rhetoric. Things were still getting done before we got an enormous influx of latinos. Latinos have in my opinion REPLACED blacks and whites in several job areas in what is largely a natural “American” process. The good news is Social Security and alike will be sustainable with the influx of all these folks. So, these folks must be documented as a tax and voter base to sustain our socio-economic system. For many latinos, its been sort of a “bait and switch” if you will. But now its time to bring them all into the system, and that WILL happen. Finally, yes there is a somewhat difficult path to becoming a US Citizen, AS IT SHOULD BE. And obviously its worth it or we would’nt be so overwhelmed with newcomers.

By Jaynicia

March 28, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

I ride the train everyday to and from work with this young lady who is an illegal immigrant and this morning we got into a conversation today about the immigration issue and taxes. She explained how she pays her taxes and since I already knew she was paid in cash, I asked her how she paid taxes without a social security number. She told me that she pays her taxes when she buys something so I had to take out my last paycheck stub and show her the different types of taxes (FICA, Fed, State, Medicare, etc) vs sales tax. She had absolutely no concept of taxes being deducted like that so I think a lot of illegals talk about paying taxes, they don’t realize the extent that we tax paying citizens get chiseled biweekly or weekly or monthly.

I’m also reading where people are saying that americans are lazy and illegals work harder, which is nonsense because I work just as hard as anybody else. I understand about illegals looking to earn a living and I don’t think that they’re 9/11 type terrorists but if I break the law, I have to deal with the consequences of it. If I go to a foreign country I am a guest of that country and have no rights. I’m not saying that they should go to jail for wanting to earn a living but they can’t break the law by coming into the country illegally and then try to claim that they have rights.

The last thing I want to touch on is illegals who say that there are jobs that americans don’t want and that this country can’t survive without them. When I was a teenager, working a fast food restaurant was a rites of passage. I have a teenage daughter, straight-A honor roll student, never been in trouble, never missed a day of school since the 3rd grade, in several groups and clubs at her school…and yet, fast food restaurants would not hire her. She said that everywhere she went, the restaurants were full of mexicans. She went to one restaurant and was there interviewing with 3 mexicans, none of whom spoke a lick of english my daughter knew this because she’s fluent in both spanish and german. The manager liked her politeness and her personality and said that he would call her. He never did but when she went back, the 3 mexican women that interviewed with her were working there. So what kind of message does that send to mine and other american kids?

But anyway…I hope a solution is coming soon. This is really out of hand.

By sam

March 28, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

illegals are here just to earn a living. imagine if america was poor it is the way of the world even in ancient time

By Cali Gurl

March 28, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

I am born and raised in Southern California and I understand that the Mexicans want a better life but if illegals can become one and have unity in the United States then why not unity have in your own country. The same demands you want for yourself here why not do the same in Mexico. People who live in Los Angeles have to deal with county hospitals closings, getting turn down for jobs because you don’t speak Spanish and Spanish people who will not recognize the National Anthem when been playing at social events. Not to mention social programs that only help illegal. I feel like our government as let us all down in not protecting us and selling us all out for the mighty dollar

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

Well good for you MOC, but I fail to see the reason for your post. See, the problem here that we are discussing is ILLEGAL ALIENS. Not how legal latinos are hard workers. Your post is about as pointless as me posting about the weather.

By MOC

March 28, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

Donna, why did you come to the U.S. You totally dodged Rosenda’s question. What was it that you didn’t like about your native land?

By AmericanCitizen

March 28, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

As an American we have to follow the laws set by our elected officials. So should the illegals in this country. They should go back to their country then apply for US citizenship if that is what they desire. Upon obtaining that citizenship, they are in essence saying they beleive in the American way of life. They need to learn the language (ENGLISH,pay taxes and adhere to every aspect of this country. I pledge alegence to his country so should they.

By Meline

March 28, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Wow – Tom - how ignorant could you possibly get. If you eliminate immigrants you’re not going to have a roof over your head because you wouldn’t be able to afford it. Because your builder couldn’t afford to pay your “American� Friends!

By George

March 28, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

what people are not paying attention to, is the word illegal, not immigrant. this is not a race issue folks, this is not an immigrant issue, it’s a legal matter that we have a problem with. people, and the government are not sayting don’t come here and make a better life for yourself, all they are saying is come here, with papers, and pay taxes. if you drive, have a vald license and insurance. why do people insist on making this a race thing? also, please consider this. if you go and live in another country, do you think they would change signs and their laws for you? no. they would expect you to change to the country you are moving into. why should we change everything for people trying to move here? it makes no sense. but we are so politcally correct, so scared that we might offend someone, so sensative to people feelings, that some of us don’t realize that we are losing OUR culture, OUR way of life and everything out forefathers fought and died for. we are giving up everything we have grown up with, to satisfy illegal citizens. seriously, go protest in germany or france that you want rights, so how much hospitality they offer you. we are becoming a nation of pansies. people keeping coming in here by the hordes, because they know we are going togive in. we wouldn’t want to offend anyone. not to mention the fact, why do we have to take everyone in? let’s these people go to canada or something, i am sure there are plenty of jobs there too. we should we be the melting pot? we do not need to solve every other countries problems, i think we have enough of our own.

By TheRoss

March 28, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

non serious post

I just want to be able to order a Big Mac and a coke without having to have a translator with me.

By CA

March 28, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

SANDRA,SYED,AMANDA,AND JP hello guys and dolls. Since you all are so overly joyed by the presence of all the illegals, why not just move them in you and your families houses and neighborhoods and have at it. I personally want each and every illegal gone.I will also vote against any politician that does not attempt to stop this very LARGE problem.

By moses

March 28, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

i think USA has major issues in Iraq rather than illegal immigrant most of you that are more concernrd with the government spending money on illegals please just look at the amount of money Bush is asking for the iraquis security 100 times more than what local govrnment has spent for the last 10 years on illegal immigrants. please find better reason to deport illegal immigrants.

By JM04

March 28, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Well I agree with Sandra its funny how a high school student knows more than all of you narrrow minded people. I am not an immagrant I am Puerto Rican, but i have close freinds who are. They have to get up and do the jobs that people like you and even I wouldnt do. I know if one of your family member was an illegal immagrant you would want them to leave. Most of you people talk about send them back how about we go down the family tree and see where you came from then we should send you back to. Remember Christopher Columbus took this land from the Indians, not from the British so i think the only people who should say anything is the Indians.Remember the same sea that christopher Columbus crossed to come here your family had to cross that same sea. Before anybody can open there mouth to say send back them immagrants take a look at your past and what your family had to do to come to this country just for you to have the life you are living today. Cause the same way them immagrants have a dream that one day they could have the life you are living is the same dream that your auntsisters had. Yeah i think the ones who are committing all the crimes they should send them back they dont desereve to be here they just messing up the counrty more, but those who are trying to change there lives and work hard everyday should be able to stay here.

By moses

March 28, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

common ross that shows how lazy you are i think it is better to learn other languages…dont you ever travel??? i am sure you have not..

By Laura

March 28, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

I have no respect for those who want respect while they wave the Mexican Flag demanding rights in American. Go back to Mexico if you like the representation of the Flag that much!!

By moses

March 28, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

george maybe if you try to apply for the US VISA YOU WILL UNDESTAND.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

You know the only concern I have about those of us who complain……that’s all we do.

We have had several national elections and only about 30% of the people even bothered to vote or look at the issues.

I knew this was coming after President Bush’s election…..he is from a state that regards slave labor as good business. They have allowed illegal aliens in Texas for years and no one has done anything about it.

With all due respect his family has been intertwined with people of Hispanic roots, just take a good look of his nephew in Florida….do you really think his administration will do anything about this issue.

But I do also have to say that Bill Clinton didn’t do much either as long as Big Business runs the United States we will continue to get shafted by things like immigration and NAFTA Treaty’s.

Ask President V. Fox (Mexico) if he would allow Americans to overun his country.

By Kove

March 28, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Jaynicia:

Beautiful post, both in content and tone.

By smith

March 28, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

I think illegal aliens should be shipped back to their country. We have enough Americans that are without employment in this country now. The US just open the gates to anyone that wants to come.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Moses, why don’t you master this language before you start calling Ross names.

By Laura

March 28, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

I have no respect for those who want respect while they wave the Mexican Flag demanding rights in American. Go back to Mexico if you like the representation of the Flag that much!!

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

Cindy- I think that you don’t get it. YOUR LIFE WILL NOT CHANGE IF WE GET RID OF ILLEGALS. YOUR GOVERNMENT WILL GO DEEPER INTO DEBT!! And I won’t waste my breath on someone that commits idolatry, worshipping a flag and a national anthem. How nutty!

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

By moses

March 28, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

i think USA has major issues in Iraq rather than illegal immigrant most of you that are more concernrd with the government spending money on illegals please just look at the amount of money Bush is asking for the iraquis security 100 times more than what local govrnment has spent for the last 10 years on illegal immigrants. please find better reason to deport illegal immigrants.

Yes Moses, the US of A has alot of other issues we need to deal with, BUT it certainly dosn’t mean that we should push the ILLEGAL ALIEN problem under the rug. Which looks like that’s what alot of y’all would like us to do. Because we have other problems, does not make the ILLEGAL ALIEN problem right.

By TheRoss

March 28, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

A. I said it wasn’t a serious post. B. I don’t travel outside of the USA, because I haven’t had a reason to. I am all for someone learning another language, but should I really have to learn another language to order a freakin’ Big Mac at McDonalds? I don’t think so.

You can go on and on about how the Indians were raped of their land by most of our ancestors, and you’d be RIGHT. However, times were different, and there were not laws in place preventing us from coming in illegally. Does it make it right? No. But we have laws in place now, and without laws, we go back to the days and times of people stealing and killing without reprocussions.

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Moses-People that make fun of your spelling, grammar etc on a blog do so, because they have no valid response to your argument. They would rather make racial slurs than address the real issues, like what the heck is going to improve in our government by spending all of this money to find, remove, and keep out illegal immigrants? So far, in the past 2 days, no one has an answer to that.

By moses

March 28, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

CA you sound ignorant and you express a lot of hate illegal aliens are not a large problem for the american people. please look at your own governmet. i am sure your level of education and comprehension is very low try to undestand the issue. why do you want illegals gone please give a good reason because there is none.

By lucky

March 28, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

The lesson illegal immigrants need to learn is precisely what we teach our own children: If you want to be successful you must delay gratification, stay in school, study, do homework, obtain a good job and then produce children. Mexico has natural resources but a corrupt government, and we cannot provide for all the world who may want a better life without doing what it takes to earn that right legally. If we all worked for cash and did not pay taxes there would be chaos. We do not need illegals here to perform cheap labor; they are not cheap. The fact that they send billions back to Mexico is evidence of their drain on our economy and taxpayers are paying their shares. If all they want is to work, why the protests over free healthcare and education? I think Halliburton should locate at the border and anyone wanting a job can go to Iraq, and leave their wife who has a baby a year behind. Any American citizen is free to contribute to charity to help Mexican citizens, or anyone else, but don’t force me to pay for people without the sense to delay gratification. We built this country - railroads, bridges, interstates, tunnels, skyscrapers, dams and even the Panama Canal without illegal labor. I would gladly pay more for goods and services, but I do not believe that would be the case. I am irate over the protests by these criminals and incensed by the Mexican flags.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Nikole, you say it’s “nutty” to be proud of my flag and National Anthem? You obviously are NOT a true American. There is nothing “nutty” at all about that.

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

So Cindy prefers that we sweep, health care, education, war on terrorism (exactly who is terrorism, anyway) poverty and real homeland security under the rug and solve this impossible to solve task of ridding ourselves of illegal immigrant? Glad she is not in any position of power We have enough politicians wasting our money.

By LHK

March 28, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Jaynicia — Best post I’ve seen in here all day. Thanks. I think you hit on something with the tax issue. A lot of people have said that illegals pay taxes, but seeing as most of them are paid in cash, I can hardly see how they’d be paying fed and state taxes. And it’s certainly not like their employers make generous donations to the government in their illegal employees’ names.

I lived overseas in 2003 and 2004. I was a legal alien on a work visa. I knew that I’d have to speak the language of the country and conform to the culture. I knew that I wouldn’t be afforded certain rights, and I was fully prepared to be denied certain freedoms because having a “registered alien” card isn’t the same as having citizenship. Some things weren’t fair, but I dealt with it. At the end of my time there, I overstayed my visa by one day (oops! I was having too much fun), and got fined for it. And rightly so. I even got escorted by an immigration official to my Delta gate at the airport for my flight back to Atlanta. Even though I’d been an illegal alien for less than 24 hours, I got my punishment. If only the U.S. could be so orderly in enforcing its own immigration laws.

By npd

March 28, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

I suppose the feds forgot the statutes that are supposed to deal with these illegal aliens, criminals. They break the laws here and they want to be rewarded. US Law, Title 8 Sections 1324, 1325 is meant to deal with these criminals. The feds refuse to enforce the border and this is what we get: more crime, more disease, and lower wages. If they want to come here, they need to follow the rules, not make it up as they invade my country! They are criminals and should be deported immediately!

By E. Lewis

March 28, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

If more American followed the immigration laws themselves and didn’t hire the illegals, this wouldn’t be an issue.

If politicians wanting to score easy points by making illegal immigrants felons, I say start by making their employers felons and throwing them in jail first.

By Jim Williams

March 28, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Moses, it is my tax money and I don’t want one dime of it going to support illegal immigrants. Spend your own money and don’t try to spend mine. If you want illegal immigrants here, then you support them. The whole issue is that Americans are subsidizing cheap labor with our tax dollars and we are getting none of the profits. I don’t by the argument that illegal immigrants make houses and other goods cheaper. If Americans are not willing to pay the real cost of housing and some farm products, then Economics tells us that those products should not exist in their present form. If immigrants were not here to build the houses, Americans would find a cheaper and better way for legal American to build them (it already exists in the form of factory built houses). In other words, taxpayers should not subsidize buiders and other businesses to use cheap labor. The subsidies come in the form of WIC payments, health care, education and eventually, retirement payments. Americans wake up!!! Do you think all these illegals are saving for retirement? Heck no. They will expect us to pay it and what a bill it will be.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Nikole, I’ve already said I’m not going to post to you anymore but I have one more to get out of my system. First of all, I am SO glad that we don’t see eye to eye on anything at all and secondly, no I don’t want to sweep health care, eduction and terrorism under the rug. The ILLEGAL ALIENS are raping our health care and education systems, and terrorism is a real fear in our country. That is precisely why we need safer borders and not let everyone who wants to waltz over come on in and give it all to them on a silver plate. So now my friend, I am done chatting with you! We won’t agree and I am for one happy as can be to not be in agreement with you!

By Jim Williams

March 28, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Moses, it is my tax money and I don’t want one dime of it going to support illegal immigrants. Spend your own money and don’t try to spend mine. If you want illegal immigrants here, then you support them. The whole issue is that Americans are subsidizing cheap labor with our tax dollars and we are getting none of the profits. I don’t by the argument that illegal immigrants make houses and other goods cheaper. If Americans are not willing to pay the real cost of housing and some farm products, then Economics tells us that those products should not exist in their present form. If immigrants were not here to build the houses, Americans would find a cheaper and better way for legal American to build them (it already exists in the form of factory built houses). In other words, taxpayers should not subsidize buiders and other businesses to use cheap labor. The subsidies come in the form of WIC payments, health care, education and eventually, retirement payments. Americans wake up!!! Do you think all these illegals are saving for retirement? Heck no. They will expect us to pay it and what a bill it will be.

By Gina

March 28, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

I am quite tired of the “we are all immigrants” phrase. True, America began as a melting pot. But, I think we’ve been around long enough now to consider the fact that America has become its own country with its own culture and heritage. Being American means just that. It doesn’t mean Italian-American or German-American or British-American. Yes, my ancestors were from another country — but that was five generations ago! When do we get to start being American and demanding the respect that comes with that? Why do we have to be ashamed of it?

I am all for people wanting to make a better life for themselves. But it is NOT too much to ask that they follow the rules and do things the right way. Become an American citizen the legal way and then demand your rights all you want — because then, and only then will they actually be your rights.

By leanna

March 28, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

kove I think you missed it. What i mean by everyone is every us citizen, people that assist them are gonna become criminals. So anytime someone even talks to an immigrant, are going to “assist” them-which makes them a criminal then. Its unrealistic.

By Donna

March 28, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

I am a 13th generation American. My ancestors arrived in 1665. I was responding to Rosenda’s post to Jennifer who is from Australia.

MOC Wrote: “Donna, why did you come to the U.S. You totally dodged Rosenda’s question. What was it that you didn’t like about your native land?�

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

I am in full agreement with you E Lewis. I wish that our local papers would run names of businesses who hire the ILLEGAL ALIENS in the first place so we know where to not take our patronage.

By moses

March 28, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

thanks Nicole,i am not worried about my spelling i speak French rather. i think most of these people that want illegals gone have hate issues, and this is the easiest way for them to actually express it.

Cindy, i do not think deporting a family back to their country after they had been here for 15 years is fair. i think the word parole is what i am going to define for you: these people have been here for a long time, they have not seen they family menber for years, i think that is already a big punishment for them. may be some kind of amnesty will be like a parole for them, and if they commit no crime give them residency.

By Sandra

March 28, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

There are surprisingly a lot of comments about this topic. And yes I have taken the time to hear both sides. Yes, I understand that this country has laws that we ALL have to abide by, but not all illegals should be looked at as criminals. I understand that some illegals are CRIMINALS that have come into this country to run away to escape their own country’s governmental laws—-YES these people should be imprisoned and sent back to their respective countries. All I believe is that this issue is making the American community look at illegals in a wrong way. Like many of you have stated, 100 times, they come here to work. I also agree that they should have to go through the same process of obtaining their residency like other immigrants have to go through. This country is a the land of opportunities, some of these WORKING illegal aliens, YES, need to first get permission to work here and those who are dangerous for our society should go back to their country. Now, I don’t actually believe that most of the illegal aliens actually take advantage of our government’s healthcare services or social security benefits; they have no clue they are offered nor do they know that these programs exist. Plainly, I am not saying that the government should be leniant about illegals, but the thing is that the bill is TOO HARSH.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

I feel like I am taking crazy pills here! Why are some of you insisting on sugarcoating the words criminal and illegal? If I am doing something ILLEGAL that makes me a CRIMINAL. This isn’t brain surgery people! There’s not lesser forms of “ILLEGAL”.

By MOC

March 28, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

My apologies Donna.

By MOC

March 28, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

The McCain-Kennedy Bill got out of committee today and will soon go to the full Senate. It is a common sense approach to the immigration issue and should settle it once and for all.

By moses

March 28, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

npd, try to focus on illegals that already live here in the US, what would do??? waste money by damping them back or find a better solution on how neutralize the problem.

what do you mean “more crime, more disease, and lower wages” it does not make sense elaborate.. did try to say illegal alien bring more diseases…. be specific you sound ridiculous

By Kove

March 28, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

leanna,

Yes, I did misunderstand. But I don’t think your argument is on point.

The “assistance” to illegal immigrants that would be criminal wouldn’t include merely talking to them. Under criminal law you’d first have to act with criminal intent: you’d have to know they were illegal and intend to assist them in their crime. Second, the assitance wouldn’t be things like telling them what time it is. It would be providing some sort of material assitance in their criminal activity: things like knowingly harboring them, enabling them to work without a work visa, hiding them from the authorities. You know, the kind of things that normally make you an accomplice after the fact.

By ALL-AMERICAN

March 28, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

OK, EVERYBODY MARK THIS IN YOUR CALENDAR,THIS WILL COME TO PASS, THE IMMIGRANTS WILL BE LIKE THE BLACK POPULATION, WHEN THINGS DON’T GO THEIR WAY THEY WILL START MARCHING, DID YOU SEE ALL THE PEOPLE MARCHING IN WASHINGTON D.C. LOOK FAMILIAR? SOON WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A “MILLION MEXICAN MAN MARCH”, THINK….WHEN WAS IT WHEN YOU COULD GO TO BED WITH YOUR WINDOWS OPEN AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SOMEONE COMING IN OR LOOKING IN, THINK….WHEN YOU COULD WALK DOWN THE STREET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT OR DAY AND NO ONE BOTHERED YOU EXCEPT OF MAYBE TO JUST CHAT…..THINK…WHEN COULD YOU JUST RIDE DOWN THE ROAD AND ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WITHOUT SOMEONE ASKING FOR MONEY IN EXCHANGE FOR DIRECTION, THINK…WHEN WAS IT WHEN PEOPLE JUST WORKED AND NOT ONLY JUST FOR FOOD, BUT BECAUSE THEY WANTED TOO…THINK….WHEN WAS WHEN YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN IN SCHOOL OR WALKING HOME FROM SCHOOL….THINK…WHEN WAS IT WHEN YOUR CHILDREN COULD GO TRICK OR TREATING WITHOUT BEING WORRIED ABOUT RAZORBLADES OR DRUGS….THINK….AMERICAN, LEGALLY

By Ana

March 28, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

I am a legal immigrant, I came from a latino country to work, I came with visa, I’ve been paying taxes from Day 1, I’ve had employment authorization, social security, driver’s license, I pay taxes, I speak English, I work for a company, and I understand the position of Americans. I understand and respect that everybody should speaks English, is the official language. But not all the illegal immigrants are criminal, I agree to don’t allow illegal immigrants to get public benefits as medicaid, food stamps, etc, no, that is only for Americans, I agree with it. But the solution is not hate people. The solution should be “economic”. Charge illegal immigrant with a fine because they have been here illegally, it’ll be money for the US, and allow them to work, not as residents, don’t give them Naturalization, no, just give them authorization to work, pay taxes, go to school, but paying for everything. Legal immigrants have to pay for everything, education for us is more expensive, illegal immigrants should be charged for any activity. I don’t think that illegal immigrants are here because Americans don’t want some jobs, illegal immigrants take those because they can not do anything else. Thay can not work for a bank, law firm, etc, because they don’t have status and also because they don’t have the habilities to do it. If US doesn’t have illegal immigrants working on that kind of jobs, Americans have to take them, is the way it is.

By E. Lewis

March 28, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

Cindy start with the construction and agricultural industries. Add Wal Mart (they aren’t the only ones), Mohawk Industries Inc. based in Calhoun, commericial cleaning and car wash companies, moving and transportation companies, etc, etc.

By OHM

March 28, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

I feel that any person in the US that is here illegally, no matter where they came from, should be deported immediately. If they don’t like the country that they live in, then they should come here legally. I have reasons for feeling this way:

By N

March 28, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Fascinating blog,

1st I am an Immigrant but I can take an existential and rational approach to this discussion.
1. The economics of immigration has spawns both positive and negative labor externalities. They do provide a source of low wage skilled/unskilled labor, thus lowering wages for those in the labor pool. 2. The services they provide increase the buying leverage or the purchasing power of the average consumer. Without immigration labor one could plausibly see increases in inflation on the wholesale and retail level and a decrease in profits by the owners of capital, thus a decrease in investments by businesses, which essential re-enforces the labor market. Inflation also leads to increases in domestic interest rates to compensate investors for the lower labor productivity relative to prevailing interest rates. 3. Most immigrants pay (consumption/ income) taxes and avoid consuming government benefits; this is a net positive equation as it relates to the national deficit. Additionally, the fact they are most likely to take “undesired jobs,� ensures they are more likely to stay employed. (Note: Remittances to home countries, increased during U.S. recessions). Furthermore, they are more likely to avoid gov’t b/c of the potential for deportation.
4. Deporting all illegal is probably an inefficient use our domestic resources, it would drain labor and intellectual capital, lowering labor productivity (see # 2) and even harm national consumption. (66% of GDP) A better measure would, address the security concern but also provides a path for their recognition in the labor markets and our society. This creates a monetary incentive for individuals to improve their education and thus their productivity. Yes, the immediate effect is an increase in the consumption of government resources, but the net effects are increases in the net inflow of gov’t funds and capital stock, or in the long run they pay higher taxes b/c they are more educated with better jobs. In effect creating the “ownership society� mention by the president. 5. Propelling Mexicans to a middle class lifestyle is an absolute positive; it increases their propensity to consume services or finished goods from America, which they perceive as superior (Note: Say’s Law).
6. Additionally there are gray areas, i.e. – what is the proper action to take when a parent takes month old baby or a 5-year-old child to America. 20 yrs later, do we deport this person? If so, to where? they lived in America all their life.

By leanna

March 28, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

all american- Why are you putting down black people? Thay are american.

By Donna

March 28, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

From reading these posts and other website’s posts about this issue, I don’t envy the Congress. Whatever decision they make will upset one or the other side of the issue. It does anger me about the illegal immigration but I will move on.

When I meet someone who is a new immigrant or a foreigner who is just visiting the United States, they ask me where are you from? And I say Virginia. I call myself an American. I don’t call myself a French-American, or a German-American, or a Welsh-American which is my heritage. I am also not an immigrant. Someone in my family tree has been here since 1665.

Like I said, I am angry over the illegal immigration but I will abide by the laws this Congress will make regarding this issue. That is what Americans do.

By leanna

March 28, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

all american- why are you putting down blacks? They are americans.

By Joe

March 28, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen the Catholic church mentioned here more than once. The Catholic churchs’ support of this issue is entirely predicated on money and how much money the Catholic church gets from third world countries all over the world so they can continue to warehouse pedophile priest and pay off law suits due to decades of prostituting young boys to the preist to keep the priest in the Catholic church thus making more money for the Catholic church. The Catholic church, in reality, cares about as much for these people as they did and still do the eleven year old boys the church…all the way up to that feeble minded Pope, pimped out to its priest.

By Jose Riviera Gomez

March 28, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

I am an illegal, yet I can speak good english and I work as a contractor doing all the labor that the blacks and whites and whoever else besides mexicans won’t do!!! So stop whining. I came to Georgia with nothing but the clothes on my back and now I live good in Gwinette county and yes my wife does get food stamps, medicaid and a nice supplemental check from the government. So all of you lazy whiny americans sitting there in your nice house that other illegals have built need to just deal with it. If you aren’t going to stand up for what you believe in like all the mexicans do then guess what you are stuck with us!!!

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

All American comments like that is why I can’t take all the anti-illegal talk seriously, even if they pay taxes, people like you still want them gone. All of the things you just listed have nothing to do with the topic. Americans commit most crimes in this country and are responsible for all of the things that you listed.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Moses, though not Mexicans, but every TB outbreak in the DeKalb schools was taced back to recent immigrants. To assume that unchecked immigration of illegals is not bringing in diseases is beive naive.

As to building costs, though illegals work for cheaper wages, the builders will charge whatever the market will bear, and pocket the extra profits. When I recently built my house (I was the GC), all of my workers were legal (I verified that before hiring any subs) and my cost of construction was comparable to others around me. So the lower labor costs are not past on to the buyers, they are pocketed by the builders. If their houses are cheaper, it’s often because of inferior materials.

Though many refer to the U.S. as a melting pot, with the problems with illegals today, it’s becoming more of a “chamber pot”.

By ALL-AMERICAN

March 28, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

LEANNA, YOUR MISSING THE POINT, BACK IN THE 60’S WHEN KKK WAS REALLY KNOWN, IT WAS JUSTIFIED FOR THE STAND AFRICAN AMERICANS TOOK THEN AND THEY SHOULD HAVE….I TOTALLIED AGREED THEN,,,BUT..THEY COULDN’T JUST STOP AT EQUAL RIGHTS THEY HAD TO KEEP PUSHING AND PUSHING AND STILL DO…EXAMPLE..WHEN IT IS A BLACK PERSON GETTING BEAT ON ON COPS, THE BLACK POPULATION(and you know i’m right) START YELLING RACISM, BUT WHEN A WHITE PERSON IS GETTING THE DOO WADDLY S** BEAT OUT OF THEM NOTHING IS SAID. JUST LIKE WHEN MAYNARD JACKSON DIED,, WHAT HAPPENED?…THE BLACK PEOPLE COULDN’T SETTLE FOR A CITY OR A BUILDING OR SOMETHING MAJOR TO BE NAMED AFTER THE CITY,, THEY JUST HAD TO PICK A PLACE THAT WAS ALREADY CLAIMED BY HARTSFIELD, TO ME THAT WAS DISRESPECTFUL, WHAT WOULD THE BLACK PEOPLE HAVE THOUGHT IF WE NAMED MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD….MARTIN LUTHER KING JR/LESTER MADDOX BLVD….COME ON WAKE UP AMERICANS CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG….WITHOUT LOOKING AT COLOR….LOVE SHOULD BE BLIND…..BUT NO IT IS COLORBLIND…..

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

Jose Rivera, Even though your post infuriates me, I’m not going to pick it apart and tell you why, BUT I will tell you this much. You say you live in “good Gwinnett County”? Well, Gwinnett ain’t so good anymore. People are leaving left and right, guess I know why.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Nikole, your comment about “Americans commit the most crime in this country”…well…duh???? This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and we are Americans. Of course Americans commit the most crime in our own country. Or are you labeling it a black or white crime thing?

By Dick

March 28, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

In 1907 Theodore Roosevelt penned the following advise. I feel this advise is needed more today than ever. His ideas on immigrants and being an American. “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 discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But thias is spredicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American..There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man whos 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 but one language…ENGLISH. and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the Ameican People.

By Sarah

March 28, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

I think what All Amercian meant was here’s another special interest group that will be waving the Mexican flag in one hand and the race card in the other. It’s fact a life, the double standards. You could never in a million years interject White for Black or Hispanic in cases such as a White Chamber of Commerce, the 100 White men of America, or have a Mayor from a large city say, for example…Norfolk will be a Vanilla City, oh my , can you imagine the protest. I believe thats what he is referring to, the nice, cozy double standards that are afforded to some, but certianly not all, not the whites, never.

By R Bush

March 28, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if there are many other baby boomers on this thread but all this banter is eriely familiar. At my age I am now pragmatic middle class black american. Years ago I can recall many similar words spoken about black people and America during the sixties when I was confronted routinely on campus and elsewhere with many of the same comments/views that I read here. Its kind of scary to think that in some ways America really hasn’t changed very much in the last 40 to 50 years. Get over it folks, there is always going to be a new group that are on the rise and you better hope there always will be or we might have all that we have indefinitely.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

ALL AMERICAN …..YOU ARE THE REASON WE HAVE MANY OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE US….YOU AND OTHERS THINK THAT AMERICAN TRANSLATE TO WHITE ONLY……SORRY BUDDY IT DOESN’T.

LEST NOT FORGET THE BOSTON TEA PARTY….WOMEN SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT…..GAY AND LESBIAN MOVEMENT…..ALL WHICH MARCHED AGAINST THEIR GOVERNMENT…….YOU ARE THE REASON THE WATER IS MUDDY ON THIS IMMIGRATION POLICY.

REMEMBER ONE THING IF IT WASN’T FOR THE SLAVE LABOR THE UNITED STATES HAD IT WOULD NOT BE THE GREAT NATION IT IS TODAY.

ALSO LET’S KEEP EXTERNAL ISSUES EXTERNAL (IMMIGRATION) AND INTERNAL ISSUES INTERNAL (RACE RELATIONS IN THE US)

By Becca

March 28, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

The “illegals” have more courtesy and work ethic than the natives.

By E. Lewis

March 28, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

There are valid reasons for opposing illegal immigrants, but taxation and services aren’t among those reasons.

By the Social Security Administrations own admission 3/4 of illegals pay SS and other payroll taxes and receive no retirement benefits. Those who pay income taxes don’t get refunds.

Illegal immigrants who live here pay rent and through their landlords support property taxes. The also purchase goods and services thereby paying sales taxes.

If you want to oppose illegal immigration because you believe in the rule of law, go after the employers and throw them in jail first. If you disagree with how illegal immigrant drive down working wages, I’ll listen to that argument also.

Telling me that immigrants don’t pay taxes and are draining our resources because they don’t pay for any of them just doesn’t wash.

By Sarah

March 28, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Nicole, sweetie….there is BLOG in the AJC for blonde jokes, I think it should be for Nicole jokes, insert Nicole insteasd of blonde. Most of the crimes in Amercia are commited by Americans? Is it safe to say you weren’t your class valedictorian?

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Cindy, I was not addressing you. Go back and real All American’s first comment and then you will know what I am referring to. And leave me alone. You said you had nothing else to say to me. Keep it that way.

By Crystal

March 28, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

I think they should go back home and apply for citizenship. That way we would know who the goverment was letting in. Five years ago I was sitting in the unemp-loyment office (because they had closed down my company I was working for) and a group of american men said they were just layed off of their construction jobs because their employer hired mexican workers. Now think about that and tell me if they are not over running our country. They need to go home and make their own country a better place to live.

By Janet

March 28, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

The U.S. Constitution says equal rights for all, however, the constitution was written by American citizens for American citizens. If I was in any other country in the world illegally, I would be deported and if I protested, I’d be locked up until I was shipped out of the country. That is the descriptin of an Illegal alien,in the U.S. without permission. They are breaking our U.S. laws, why should they get special treatment?

By One nation...

March 28, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

So is it too much to ask for the illegals here to learn the American way? English is the language spoken here not Spanish.

I moved to this country 20+ years ago and I am here legally. I have a job, education and a home. I work hard for a living too but I adopted the American ways and values. You should too!

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Sarah sweetie, please refer to my statement to Cindy. Reading comprehension must not have been your strong suit in school. My comment was a response to someone else.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

HARTSFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BECAME (INTERNATIONAL) UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MAYNARD JACKSON……BEFORE HE EXPANDED IT…IT WAS JUST A REGIONAL AIRPORT (TRANSLATION CHARLIE BROWN AIRPORT) THIS WAS HIS LEGACY TO ATLANTA …..UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES I FEEL IT WAS WARRANTED…..IF WE USE YOUR LOGIC THEN DC’S NATIONAL AIRPORT SHOULDN’T BE RENAMED RONALD REAGAN AIRPORT AND THE CITY’S FORMALLY NAMED POSTAL OFFICE SHOULD NOT HAVE ALSO BEEN RENAMED AFTER REAGAN.

AMERICA IS FOR ALL OF US……WHO ARE HERE LEGALLY….BORN OR NATURALIZED.YOU WOULD BE WISE TO REMEMBER THAT

By joe

March 28, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Round them up send them back. I’m getting madder by the day at these illegals thinking they have rights in our country, but the ones that really make me mad are the American citizens standing up for these law breakers. I really and truly believe this country is going down the crapper, because of the political correctness, and the let’s don’t hurt anyone’s feelings crowd.

By ALL-AMERICAN

March 28, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

REGGIE,BUDDY….WHAT DOES THE BOSTON TEA PARTY, WOMEN SUFFRAGE AND GAY AND LESBIAN MARCH HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING…FOR YOUR INFORMATION I AM A LESBIAN, AND I CAN STAND UP FOR MY RACE (if that is what you call it) I GET APPALLED AT THE WAY THE GAY MARCHES ARE HELD, THEY ARE TO GAYS AS TO WHAT BLACK MARCHES ARE TO BLACKS..THE GAY MARCHES ARE A DISGRACE TO GAYS, FLAMBOYANT, D** ON BIKES, ALL ARE DISGUSTING, NOW I CAN SAY HOW I FEEL AND NOT WORRY ABOUT STEPPING ON ANY GAY TOES,,ALSO I VOTE REPUBLICAN BECAUSE I WOULD RATHER HAVE A SAFE COUNTRY AND MY BUTT FEEL SAFE THAN TO VOTE FOR A PRESIDENT WHO IS GOING TO ACCEPT ME BECAUSE I AM GAY, THE DIFFERENCE IS BLACK RIGHTS HAVE ALREADY PASSED…LET IT GO..GAY RIGHTS ARE MORE THAN THEY HAVE EVER BEEN BUT I AM NOT WHINING EVERYTIME SOMETHING DOESN’T GO OUR WAY, WOMEN HAVE THEIR RIGHTS, THEY HAVE LET IT GO, WHO HAS NOT….THINK ABOUT IT REGGIE. SO ALSO YOU WANT TO ATTACK ME, CAN YOU NOT TELL WHICH ARE THE WHITE NEIGHBORHOODS AND WHICH ARE THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS AND THE MEXICAN NEIGHBORHOODS…LOOK AT JONESBORO, RIVERDALE, ETC..THOSE CITIES USED TO NOT LOOK LIKE THEY LOOK NOW…….SORRY BUT THAT’S THE WAY IT IS NO MATTER HOW YOU SLICE IT OR DICE IT……YES GWINNETT IS BEING RUINED AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

By ml

March 28, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Jose Ramirez Gomez:

THIS IS WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT, PEOPLE!!! STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH!

you live good in gwinnett, but your wife gets handouts? how the hell is that possible? i don’t live good, my husband and i work full-time, and we don’t qualify for any government assistance. good f’ing god.

and you’re a contractor…i think you mean a SUBcontractor if you’re actually doing labor, and i KNOW you’re not paying taxes.

By David

March 28, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Undocumented immigrants in the state of Georgia alone paid over $275 million in state and local taxes in 2004, and that number is rising. To consider these neighbors of ours as a “drain” on tax money is documentably false. Most undocumented immigrants are here to work and work hard, unlike those of us who post on blogs during the day. Also, most people here illegally rarely claim benefits because they are afraid people, and especially governments, are out to hurt them. This blog illustrates that their fears are justified.

Those who say they won’t give a dime to people here against the law, every time you comparison shop for fruit and veggies, you are subsidizing illegals’ residence here. Every time you choose the lowest contract bid to build or landscape a house, you are probably providing for their employment. In so doing, we choose for these people to be here among us, because they add a great deal of value to American society. Our economy could not stand without them. Would most Americans support mass deportation if it means a tripling (if not more) of their grocery bills and prices them out of owning their own home? I know I don’t. Hang out, folks, and have a drink on me.

Many undocumented immigrants come to the US for work, just for picking and construction season, and then return home to their families. But because border crossing is so difficult and dangerous, most stay here and do not return. Why shouldn’t we initiate a guest worker program so that undocumented immigrants can go home for half the year? This would encourage legal immigration.

I feel fortunate to have been born in the greatest country on earth, and realize that 95% of the earth’s population doesn’t have the chances I do. I hope Congress can work together, get educated about these matters we are all so passionate about, and figure out a way to make immigration a productive and unifying aspect of our society.

By robert

March 28, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

response to amanda, if this country allows these immigrants to stay in this country, i saw what about the haitians they came by boats and were not given an opportunity to work and make a better life for their families. is that not the same scenario? also the jobs some are saying lazy americas would not work is full of falsity.company enjoy larger profits when allowed to pay mininmal wages for unpleaseant labor,and in some cases back wrenching labor,although these same companies would make good profit if they were to pay a desent wages.

By Joe

March 28, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Ironic to name an airport after a Mayor that was investigated for airport fraud, only in Atlanta. It’ll always be just Hartsfield Airport for some of us Reggie, so get over it. When is the new Bill Campbell Blvd coming, and where? Just keep it in da hood and I don’t have to drive on it, ok. Also, please stage another Hispanic stay home day this Friday. Last Friday for the first time in months I wasn’t held up in traffic because a 1972 Ford Econoline van was broken down in the middle of 285 and I never had to dodge one ladder on GA 400. Can we make that an ever Friday thing.

By JE

March 28, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Jose, shut up and mow the grass.

By Jerry

March 28, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Prabir and Jennifer are to be commended on thier efforts to become naturalized citizens of the United States and once they have received citizenship and sworn allegiance to the US they have every right to call the United States their country just as I (born and raised with hundreds of years of ancestors in the US) claim the same country. Allowing amnesty is a slap in the face to all those attempting to play by the rules and obey the laws of the country they seek to call thier own.

Illegals of all nationalities should be treated the same. I as a tax payer would prefer to pay less taxes. This will never be possible if we continue to foot the bill for illegal’s health care, education and other expenses. It’s time for our government both state and federal to stand up and enforce the laws that are already in place. I say deport them and allow them to apply legally to renter the country.

By ml

March 28, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

i can’t believe i’ve forgotten to post this earlier: www.breathingroom.us/

the group is Georgians for Immigration Reduction. it’s not enough to complain on a blog, get out there and contact our representatives. they’re the ones who have the power to make the laws, and if they aren’t spending their time working for your interests, vote them out and get new people in there. it’s what democracy is all about, folks.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

QUESTION AA : DID YOU LET EVERYONE KNOW YOU WERE GAY AFTER YOU BECAME COMFORTABLE IN LIFE LIKE MR. COHN DID OR DID YOU LIVE IT FROM DAY ONE ?

By Eric

March 28, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Immigration can not be a “unifying” aspect of our society as long as the illegals don’t want to become part of U.S. society (i.e. language, culture, etc). All they want is the $$$ they make here. Our country is totally overrun by them and it’s taking it’s toll of the quality of life in the areas they infest.

There are way too many cases of Mexican woman who cross the border to have their kids, just to get our medical care (and guess who picks up the tab). While they undercut our own workers, Americans suffer while the politicians continue to kiss the Hispanic butt to get votes.

The American people can only be pushed so far, before they will reach their limit and strike back at the Washington politicians.

It was a good idea in 1860, it’s even better now. Take back America!!!

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Well, we all know what needs to be done, but honestly, I don’t see anything put in place to stop this mess and fix it. So what do you think will happen in the next year, 5 years down the road? This is very scary to me and unfortunately I think it’s too late in the ballgame to do a dang thing. So really, I’m really wanting to know what y’all think will seriously happen because of this overpopulation of ILLEGALS?

By N

March 28, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

I am glad that I have chosen teaching as a profession and can affect change in the lives of young people. Hopefully, their parents’ lack of common sense and compassion can die out.

By ALL-AMERICAN

March 28, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

AND ANOTHER THING REGE,,,RONALD REAGAN WAS NAMED AFTER THE AIRPORT WAS NAMED WASHINGTON AIRPORT, I KNEW YOUR MINDLESS REMARK ABOUT MAYNARD JACKSON WAS COMING, IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT HE DID WITH THE AIRPORT ADDING HIS NAME TO THE AIRPORT WAS DISRESPECTFUL, IF THEY HAD INTENDED FOR JACKSON TO HAVE THE AIRPORT NAME THEY SHOULD HAVE WAITED, NOT CALLED IT HARTSFIELD AND JUST WAITED UNTIL JACKSON DIED THEN JUST NAME IT JACKSON AIRPORT, MAKES SENSE TO ME……

By Jessica

March 28, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

I am Latin American; I can understand both viewpoints. I suggest that instead of bashing each other we should work together to find a solution/compromise. I do not believe that citizenship should be given to all Illegals. There are many who already have criminal records and I would not like for them to be considered an American. But I would like for there to be a temporary work program with the opportunity to become legal. Although I recognize that Buford Highway is not a pretty sight, I wish we could realize that each race/ethnicity has there slum. There are many hard working illegals who do love this country and have made an effort to pay taxes by getting a tax id. They acknowledge that they are here illegaly but would like to give back to the country who is giving their families hope. Let not lump all illegals together.

Also, it is not all that easy to learn another language. Those who have, let’s be honest it is not easy at all. And those who haven’t tried have no right to judge.

By former gwinnettian

March 28, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Cindy,

Count me as one of those that agree with Gwinnett used to be great. (lived there from 1979-2005) First chance I had to get out, I jumped at the chance. The overrun of the immigrants culture into our society and their unwillingness to assimilate to our laws, statutes and language was a major reason for me leaving not only Gwinnett but Georgia also.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

N, your student’s “compassion” and open mindedness will only last until they have to find jobs and fund the invasion of illegals.

By ALL-AMERICAN

March 28, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

REGE,,,WHO IN THE HELL IS MR. COHN? AND I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COMFORTABLE FOR MYSELF BUT NOT IN SOCIETY BECAUSE PEOPLE JUDGE ME BY LOOKING AT GAY PRIDE AND BELIEVE ME I ISN’T PRIDE TO ME…SO I KINDA GET THE BAD END OF THE STICK….BECAUSE MY FELLOW GAYS WON’T WAKE UP AND SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING….

By young lady

March 28, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

CINDY, SWEETHEART YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE HERE THAT HAS RESPONDED TO EVERYONES BLOG…DO YOU NOT HAVE A JOB OR A MAN IN YOUR LIFE CAUSE BY THE LOOKS OF IT YOU DONT…OH AND MY ENGLISH IS VERY WELL SPOKEN AND WRITTEN…

By Jessica

March 28, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Eric,

“Americans suffer while the politicians continue to kiss the Hispanic butt to get votes.” I thought this discussion was about illegals, not Hispanics. The butts the politicians are kissing are llegal. Leave Latin Americans out of it.

By Nick

March 28, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

A few thoughts …

Quote-unquote illegals (the plural form of illegal, by the way, is not a word and its use seems to be rooted in anger and prejudice, but I digress) do pay some taxes. Property tax, for example, is unavoidable. Anyone who lives anywhere pays property tax whether it be an apartment or a home. Sales tax, too, can’t be avoided at the register.

Saying “illegals” are leeching off our education system, then, is a false statement. Guess which taxes pay for our public school system? Hint: not an income tax.

I’m also curious as to how many people already cheat our tax system by not declaring things like tip-outs as sources of income. My guess: a lot.

People wanting to “deport them all” and / or “throw them all in jail” can’t possibly be serious. We’re talking millions of people here. Besides lacking the man-power to do so, you’re risking throwing our economy down the toilet. Where are you going to find another labor base as steady and as cheap? To the person who found a competing company with only legal workers to build his / her house, guess what happens when there suddenly is no more competition? The remaining construction companies will drive their prices up.

The argument that other laborers will step in and take their place? Please. I can’t imagine laboring in the hot sun from dawn ‘til dusk, and I doubt many others will be willing to do the same. Or how about working at a chicken farm? Are you kidding me? No thanks.

Since when was English the official language of this country?

Since when did we revert back to the days when we required blacks to “show their papers” to prove their citizenship? Are we all going to be subject to such searches, then? Illegal immigrants come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

All of the “they don’t speak our language” and “they take our jobs” rationales existed 100 years ago, except then we were talking about Irish and Italian immigrants. I guess history is doomed to repeat itself, but at least things should work out in the end.

My vote: grant the millions or so here amnesty. Taxes not already being paid will then be collected, and then everyone opposing the growing Hispanic community won’t have a leg to stand on. They’ll be legal, paying taxes, and contributing members of society. Sounds like everyone wins.

By George Rodriguez Espada

March 28, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

The only response to the illegal immigration problem is the Sensenbrenner Bill…Protect our borders first and then deal with the rest of it…If this amnesty bill gets passed by the Senate, the Mexican Government will continue to encourage illegal immigration, the Democrats won this one! I hope the Republicans understand that there will be a price to pay at elections time… By: Jorge

By former gwinnettian

March 28, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

In response to Dick’s post about T. Roosevelt- I think a poll of Americans would show that the main reason (by far) for wanting to address the illegal immigration issue would be exactly that. If I were to move to another country whether to be a permanent resident or become a citizen , I would expect that I should learn their language, abide by their laws and show respect for their government. Is that not too much to ask of those that come to America to make/find a better life?

By ALL-AMERICAN

March 28, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

JOE,,,,WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE, YOU SPOKE THE TRUTH MAN…THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

By JE

March 28, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Nick, the world has to smell bad with your head so far up your naive butt.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

To nitpicker Nick, ok, so maybe “ILLEGALS” isn’t a proper term. You wouldn’t say. He commited so many illegals, BUT we now have this huge problem called ILLEGAL ALIENS. So the term ILLEGALS has become somewhat of a slang instead of having to spell out the whole term ILLEGAL ALIENS. Who knows, it just might one day be one of those new words to make it into the slang dictionary. Thanks for the English lesson though!

By George Rodriguez Espada

March 28, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

To those who care about their country call

the Senate Offices in Washington….

info@fairus.org or williamg@alipac.us

for phone numbers..TAKE ACTION! NOW!

LET THE REPUBLICANS KNOW THAT THEY WILL PAY

AT ELECTION TIME..GEORGE

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Oh and one more thing Mr. Nick, I know I misplaced a period and used a capital in the wrong spot. I was trying to delete something and messed my sentence up, so spare me the lecture!

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

ROY COHN….LOOK HIM UP…..HE WAS A MAJOR FIGURE IN AMERICAN POLITICS…..HE USED HIS INFLUENCE TO GO AFTER PEOPLE WHO WERE GAY ONLY TO BE OUTTED HIMSELF……KINDA LIKE J EDGAR HOOVER……..SERIOUSLY I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT OUR ISSUES ARE AMERICAN ISSUES WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE ON THEM AS AMERICANS……PLEASE LET’S NOT CONFUSE THE ISSUES.

IMMIGRATION IS SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS AMERICA NOT WHITE AMERICA OR BLACK AMERICA….AND OTHER’S AS WELL

By Nikole

March 28, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

JE-It is naive to believe that you can just ship illegal immigrants back to Mexico to solve this nation’s problems. Nick’s suggestions make common sense.

By Cindy

March 28, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Young Lady, are you asking me out honey? Since you are so concerned about my private life, this is the first time I’ve visited a blog on the ol AJC. This topic has intrigued me and I am very interested on the subject. And FYI, yes I have a man, he’s at work, thank you very much and my little kidlets are spending the day with grandmama, so mama has a day off and I’m spending it with pleasant little ol you!

By Jim Williams

March 28, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

David, where did you get your facts about how much tax was paid was paid by illegal immigrants? Go on the internet and check the studies done by Dr. Donald Huddle with Rice University. Legitimate studies show immigrants are a net drain on the US. Politicians and businesses have long tried to portray immigration as a net gain but studies have proven that to be false. All you have to do is look at the motivations of politicians and businesses to see why they would say that. Were houses and food affordable before the illegals came? You bet they were. The demand on natural resources generated by illegals living in this country will be more than offset by whatever cost savings there was in using their cheap labor. Remember when politicians said globalization was good for you but your are now paying more for gas because of the China and India demands on oil supplies. Natural resources are finite and the more demand, the more costly they become. If you are so compassionate about illegals, give your share of the pie to them and not mine.

By Eric

March 28, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Nick, you may wish to say how the govermnent squanders your tax $$$, but so will I. Take a look at other countries that have had recent inrushes of immigrants, and then seriously tell me that it was beneficial!

English is what we speak in the U.S. It has been the unifying factor for LEGAL immigrants wanting to become Americans throughout the past. Only recently, have those who come here, especially illegals, demanded that things be done in their native tongues and expect US to change for their benefit. IT WON’T HAPPEN!

The idea of a National ID card is not high on my favorite list, but it may come to that to stop this invasion. A more practical approach would be to cross reference SS# of those applying for work with the actual owner of that SS#. If the illegal Mexican worker’s (or other from Latin America since they together, make up over 79% of illegals according to a 2005 study) SS# obviously belongs to someone else, then they are identified.

No amnesty for illegals, period. If a guest worker plan is implemented, they they have to go back to their native country to apply. If they sneak back in, then they are banned from EVER coming to the U.S. And until they are here legally, they and their whole family shall get absolutely NO services at all.

By NParry

March 28, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Focus on getting your kids out of meth and cocaine; focus on getting your kids to learn something at school; focus on stopping the war against women and children in Iraq and calling it a “battle for our values” and other such nonsense; focus on training your children to keep their pants on and legs crossed until it’s ‘time’ for such pleasures; focus on cutting the welfare rolls so that the ones getting obscenely obese eating on taxpayers’ money can get to do the work the illegals currently do; focus on electing honest politicians to run your lives - do all these things first, then the illegal alient situation will resolve by itself

By Jennifer

March 28, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Wow. I’ve been working all afternoon, and come back to posts suggesting I’m divorced, was illegal in the first place, blah, blah, blah. OK, this is it for you all. Pay attention. Read slowly, especially you lot: Rosenda, Amanda, Sandra and MOC: (i) met husband in Australia; (ii) dated for 3 years; (iii) completed immigration process; (iv) traveled to the States to marry via fiancee visa - the legal way; (v) naturalized five years later; (vi) still HAPPILY married. (vii) legal all the steps of the way (viii) paying taxes — too much in my view. (viii) Australia is a fine country, and I am a dual citizen, so I haven’t ‘burnt my bridges’ with the old country. Australia in many ways is SUPERIOR to America, so …. I didn’t leave a bad situation / horrible country. Clearly none of the crazies berating me have set foot on Aussie soil or you’d be asking me “why leave Australia — it’s awesome!!?” So, there. Got it….. Good! GEEEEEESH!!!!

By Joe

March 28, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

George Espada, look at the polls, even those from the most liberal press show a huge majority of Americans want to send you back if you’re crimmals in our country here illegally. Don’t be fooled by a few thousand protestors in your favor, if we protested, the ones that want you here ONLY if you are legal, you couldn’t see the end of the march. Your tone is like a threat. First off the illegal criminals do not vote, or pay taxes so who cares about what they think. Second, don’t push us in a corner, you don’t want that. Trust me, you do not want that.

By Reggie

March 28, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Joe,

Wrong Mayor…..I admit Bill Campbell was a horrible mayor didn’t vote for him. But does that mean that Andy Young was or that Shirley Franklin is. Drive down Cascade Road…..South Fulton these areas are mostly of color and are well kept and growing we want the same things all Americans want……….

By former gwinnettian

March 28, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Nick,

English may not be the official language of our country but it is the accepted language and has been for nearly 230 years.

Amnesty is not the answer. Allowing all illegal immigrants the opportunity to regsiter without fear of reprisal will allow us to have a way to track who is here in our country. At that time they can be given identification and a taxpayer ID number along with capturing their thumbprint electronically. The initial time period could be 6 months. After 6 months they are required to re-register provided that they are found to be contributing to society and have stayed on the “right side” of the law. After the second six months, they would then be allowed 12 months, after that 3 years eventually becoming a permanent resident, or if they choose they can go through the process to become a naturalized citizen. This is all predicated on being a positive contributor to our society. I’m all for anyone making a better life for themselves as long as they do it legally and honestly.

By Jim Williams

March 28, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Read this editorial on illegal immigration. http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/thomassowell/2006/03/28/191503.html

By Jim Williams

March 28, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Nick, if you think education is only funded by property taxes, then you don’t know how your tax dollars are being spent. The federal government is providing an immense amount of direct funding for education as well as maintaining the ineffective Dept of Education.

By young lady

March 28, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

CINDY, SPEND ALL THE TIME YOU WANT WITH ME DARLING…BUT YOU ARE VERY PATHETIC…I MEAN YOU WANT TO BASH EVERYONE THAT HAS A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW..WHY BECAUSE YOUR RIGHT AND EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG…SWEETY LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU CANT REALLY SAY ANYTHING UNLESS YOU HAVE LIVE IN THEIR SHOES..AND WELL KEEP WASTING YOUR TIME…I AM SURE YOU HAVE NVER HAD TO WORK FOR ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE

By jobs

March 28, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

I think some of you are missing the main point of the topic. The question is can U.S afford to send all these people back to their homeland?

By MDBurns

March 28, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

I’m so tired of the lies. “They’re good for the economy.” “”LIE”” Every halfway legitimate study has shown they are a net deficit. The costs of education, crime and medical care outweigh any taxes collected. The studies that try to show otherwise blend legal and illegal immigrants together to skew the results. “They only take jobs Americans won’t do.” “”LIE”” Who do you think did all those jobs before the flood of cheap illegal labor? “But we’re a nation of immigrants.” “”LIE”” Most American citizens were born here. If you want to try and make a point from a historical perspective then every country is a nation of immigrants. Amazing that some people want to apply a totally different standard on the USA than any other country. Can I sneak into Mexico, China, etc.. hide out for a while, then demand all the rights as any other citizen? “”NO.”” “But what about the Statue of Liberty?” We’re a nation run by laws, not poems. “Oh, you’re trying to slam the door in immigrants’faces.” “”LIE”” This country allows more legal immigration than any other nation on earth with the possible exception of Canada. “This legislation is anti-immigrant.” “”LIE”” This legislation has nothing to do with people legally in this country. It only deals with those that have no regard for our laws or borders. Thevery term “anti-immigrantt” is generally a lie. It tries to blur the line between legal and illegal. It’s like saying if you favor penalties for burglars then you’re anti-house guest. You do realize there is a diffence between someone that breaks into my home and someone that enters by permission? So you do see the difference between legal and illegal immigrants? “We’re trying to join willing workers with willing workers..” or whatever rhetoric. “”LIE”” Translation: There are plenty of sleazy business people that have enjoyed using a new kind of slave labor market and exploiting people. And there are plenty of people that are happy to be exploited if they can make more money than where they’re from. “Anyone that opposes amnesty is a mean-spirited racist.” “”LIE.”” Do tell me, what race are illegal aliens? I thought they were of every race. And, BTW, there are plenty of Americans of Hispanic descent that don’t favor rewarding lawbreakers, either. They came legally and abided by the law.

The Reagan amnesty of 1986, dealing with a few million illegals, is one of the reasons we’re now debating what to do with an estimated 11-14 million now. Had the “draconian” laws been enforced for the past 20 years we wouldn’t be having this discussion. If they grant another amnesty are we going to be debating what to do with 40 or 50 million illegals 20 years from now?

P.S. Cesar Chavez reported illegals to the border patrol. I like to repeat that fact because it causes some people’s heads to explode.

By LaShonya

March 28, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

The bottom line in all this is ILLEGAL. I never thought I would see the day when ILLEGAL immigrants could stand up and protest for rights that they have not earned. It’s funny to me that all of a sudden, hundreds of thousands of people can come out of the woodwork and demand that the governemnt to give them these rights. There in lies one of the reasons that Legal status should be a priority upon entering this country…if you obtain legal status and are of age, you can vote and have a better chance of making your voice heard.

As a Black American woman, I am in favor of people coming to this country to make a better life for themselves; however, I am NOT in favor of doing it illegally. I have friends of different nationalities and ethnicities (Jamaican, East Indian, Vietnamese just to name a few)who followed the law to become American citizens. I still know others who are waiting for citizenship, which can be a painstaking process…however, they are willing to do it because they believe in obeying the law.

Bottom line: Illegal immigrants should not be given a free ride (education, healthcare, etc) because American businesses rely on cheap labor. The first solution does start with punishing these comapnies for hiring illegal labor. It undermines the American economy by setting wages that no American could support their family with, further justifying the need for illegal labor.

It also undermines the legal immigrants who came to make a better life. I work with middle school children and I know of Hispanic children whose fathers cannot find LOW-PAYING jobs because businesses would rather hire illegals for dirt pay than pay a someone willing to work the job for a little more.

Let’s open our eyes to this fact: Illegal immigration has a ripple effect upon all of us; American-born and legalized citizens.

By Melva

March 28, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

I had a knew a guy that dated a friend of mine that was from Mexico who worked here. Working at company in Smyrna who blantly knows he is here illegally. I asked how he got his social security card. He replied I purchased for 75 dollars. He showed me his check stub where he claimed 8 dependants (when he doesn’t have any). He was only 21 years old. So you tell me “How the Hell is he contributing to our economy as far as paying taxes.” Now he as a baby born in this country by a US young dump girl whom he has dumped and doensnt pay a cent toward child support. How do you make someone pay child support that doesnt have a real social security card and is here illegally and now you can’t find? Yeah they really do a lot for our economy. Send them all back.

By Craig

March 28, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

OK, let’s settle the “racist” label right now. Why is it that anytime someone espouses a conservative arguement that liberals don’t like they have to label them racist? I don’t care whether your ancestors came here in the 1600’s or whether you were naturalized 5 minutes ago. If you were born in America or are a naturalized citizen YOU ARE WELCOME and appreciated as an AMERICAN. If you are here an illegal alien and came here without authorization, I don’t care whether you are from Mexico, England, Australia, Japan, or Jupiter; you should be deported home.

Now, to more substantive arguements. Illegal alients require tremendous public resources (tax expenditures) to support. Our public schools are required to educate them even though most pay no taxes to support education (property taxes normally pay for education). Our healthcare system is being swamped paying for indigent care because so many illegals use the Emergency Room for primary care with no insurance or intention to pay. These costs are paid by the rest of us who DO obey the law and pay taxes. Can the rest of us just choose which laws WE don’t wish to obey? If so, April 15th is approaching and I want my money back……

By def

March 28, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

My fellow citizens; The point of all of this is just one thing..People are breaking the law. Our laws are not just for the citizens of these United States but for ALL who enter her borders. Forget the estimated tax drain, the refusal to assimilate with our language and culture. The fact is that laws have been broken. To allow this lawlessness to go unpunished sends a message to the world that the United States of America has given up and surrendered the ability to protect ourselves from any and all that wish to harm us. Think about it!

By just me

March 28, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

I had the “pleasure” of working for a company that not only hired illegal aliens, but also made fake social security cards for them. Most of them had fake id’s (usually not Georgia though, North Carolina was easier to reproduce), and a pregnant wife at home along with their two or three other children. They, in turn, would go out and pick up more day laborers to work the jobs they were given. These were not just Mexican; they were Brazilian (another growing population), Honduran, et al. Usually one out of the group spoke English well enough to communicate effectively.

They worked their butts off, 12-14 hrs. a day, every day for a lot less money than the whites and blacks that worked for this man. Quality was hit or miss though, depending on if the day laborers had experience or not.

Is what they are doing right? Nope. Neither was it right for my ex-boss to break the law in hiring them, faking their social security cards, cheating on his taxes with their deductions (since they wouldn’t be filing), and forging worker’s comp. insurance policies.

The problem is definitely multi-layered. They need to definitely penalize the employers and enforce the borders FIRST before they worry about what to do with all the ones we currently have.

just my $.02

By Ron

March 28, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

To me, this whole immigration issue is a smokescreen. These people are coming into our country “illegally� taking jobs away from our citizens, but outsourcing is great for our economy?

These “illegals� don’t pay taxes, but every time they purchase a product they pay a sales tax and contribute to our economy. If they were “legal� and “paying taxes,� at their income level many may qualify for child tax credits with deductions that would reduce their taxes to the point of a few hundred dollars. As “illegals� they don’t pay social security tax (nor does the employer) but they don’t get that benefit anyway.

The proposed 5% tax for an “illegal� to send money outside the country will probably only create a whole new industry that may have criminal elements. Instead of 5%, they could pay some else 2% to send the money, but could wind up getting ripped off for the entire amount.

This legislation won’t protect us against the 9/11 attackers and has little to do with border security. It is just a smokescreen so we have something else to debate other than our jobs being outsourced, our economy in the dumps, the war in Iraq, and a failed foreign policy.

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

Thank you Ron. Finally there is someone here that gets it.

By Joan

March 29, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

This is for those of you who oppose the continuing invasion of our country: go to NumbersUSA.com and sign up to send free faxes to our Senators. This week, they will be voting on a variety of amnesty proposals for illegal aliens (although they will vehemently deny that they are that). When the Senators have finished with their treason, it will be up to the members of the House to defend us. The House has passed a good, enforcement-only bill to start dealing with illegal immigration, but it probably won’t become law because the Senate has abandoned the people of this country and now only care what the corporations want.

By d lovett

March 29, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

I think they should go back and apply for citizenship

By keith

March 29, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

The approach to the illegal dilemna is all wrong. I think that most Americans could care less if illegal Hispanics are in the USA. They are family people and they do work hard. However, they do not pay taxes and they are a drain on every part of our system. Others would disagree, but I can prove it. Some say that they pay taxes. Yes, they pay taxes on purchases just as the rest of us. But they do not contribute to the larger income tax base that supports health care and property tax base that supports schools. Employers should be made to tax earnings of illegals at 10% of their earnings to go back into the treasury. Secondly, it is insane that every child born to an alien, legal or illegal, is automatically a citizen. This must be changed and no one is talking about this. No child born to an alien, legal or illegal, should be considered for citizenship until they reach 18 years of age and can make their own choice and go through the naturalization process.

By LAWLESSNESS

March 29, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

Illegal is Illegal

The Immigration Reform and Control Act, clearly is a Federal Law that requires adherence in the terms of Illegal Aliens. The term “illegal� means prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules. What is it about this term that one does not understand? Again, it is a Federal Law and by which laws of the US are required to be enforced. Citizens of the United States have been victimized by Federal Laws in the sense that if we break the law we go to jail. An illegal person entering in this country is given carte blanche. If you fail to uphold this law then all the convicts in the prisons should hereby be released on the grounds that you allow non-citizens to break a Federal Law and then give them amnesty for breaking such law. Our justice system for all intentional purposes is moot. So what our politicians are saying is that for all the American Citizens that have been convicted for violating Federal Laws those convictions should be overturned and they should be allowed to go free. For if the illegal crossing the border or stow away in containers can arrive here and disregard Federal Laws then our own citizens should be able to do the same without fear of incarceration. Maybe then we will have that workforce that the media and politicians advocate would not do those menial jobs. We cannot have an injustice in this country whereas we award illegal behavior to non-citizens and punish the citizens.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act As a result of this law, all employers are required to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all regular, temporary, casual, and student employees hired after November 6, 1986, and complete and retain a one-page form (I-9) documenting this verification. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in both civil and criminal liability with the imposition of substantial fines ranging from $100.00 to $1,000.00 per hire, as well as possible imprisonment for a pattern or practice of noncompliance. Most importantly, failure to verify a new employee’s identity and employment eligibility will result in the termination of employment for that affected employee.

Politicians were voted for by the people and for the people and not for illegal coming into this country. Politicians are slaves to the corporations who continually seek favors by way of screwing the American Citizens. You knew of 9/11, you let it happen and in the name of National Security you cried about securing this country. Now the ball is in your court, SECURE IT! You allowed illegal to come into this country to please greedy corporate whores who wanted cheap labor and spread the myth that they are doing the jobs no American wants to do. Well, lets examine that untruth. If an American has to have two jobs to survive what makes you think that they do not want to work. Americans are taxed death and the average family must have both parents working in order to keep a roof over their heads. But yet these same people are paying taxes that illegal are benefited from and the working class are not. Now can you tell me what is wrong with this picture?

We have millions of Americans without healthcare but we allow people who come into this country illegally to benefit from those who are paying into this slave system of taxation. Illegal is Ilegal and no one should benefit from services that are needed by American Citizens who deserve it. How much more can Americans withstand before a revolt? Why is it that an illegal person can benefit from not putting a dime into the system but send all their monies back to their country? Who is verifying that these people coming into this country are in fact who they say they are? Does the CIA or FBI have a database linked with other countries to verify individuals who go to and from the US. I don’t think so! How many use fake documents to gain entry and why is INS not doing its job? Why are the people working for the Federal Government so inept?

What is even more striking is that we have illegal people protesting in the streets and where were the Federal Authorities to round all of them up? Of course you did not expect them to do their jobs. But yet they will allow illegal wiretaps on American Citizens while these people get away breaking the laws. At what point do you say above all this country has laws and you must abide by them. Then again, that would mean the current administration would have to throw itself in jail and melt the keys. People enough is enough and you must hold these lawmakers accountable for these laws in which they enact especially when it comes to the security of the United States. Americans have been bombarded by the media and the White House about National Security, well, can someone tell me why we are letting illegal invade this country? Who’s protecting the borders? And who is protecting the border patrols? Before one bullet was fired in Afghanistan this country should have been secured and illegal deported regardless of nationality. Then when they applied legally for citizenship and only then should they have been allowed in this country.

Many of you many not agree with what I have said but we are all entitled to our opinions but again facts are facts. Soldiers are dying abroad in a war that was based on lies and this country is under siege from a corrupt government and an invasion of illegal individuals. Before you know it we will be no better off then the 3rd world countries!

By E. Lewis

March 29, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

3/4 of illegal immigrants pay social security taxes and receive no retiremnet benefits. Immigrants rent from landlords who pay property taxes. Like many more native born Americans, many illegals receive such a low wage, that income taxes are not an issue. Besides, immigrant who pay income taxes, and many of them do, don’t file for the refund they would get if they were here legally.

Do they come here illegally? Yes.

Do they depress wages? Yes

Do they contribute to government coffers? Yes

By dg

March 29, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

I think it’s time for us patriotic Americans to take a stand against illegal aliens and start boycotting the industries that are known to hire illegals. Let’s start with the Food Industry. Chicken processing, meat packing, slaughterhouses, vegetable and fruit harvesting, food processing, all of these industries are rife with illegal labor. Take a stand, America! Refuse to have another bite to eat until every illegal alien is marched out of this country and right back where they belong.

By Crystal

March 29, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

How do the illegals pay social security taxes without a social security number. Don’t you have to apply for that? And why hasn’t someone done the comparison of how much the tax payers pay in “benefits i.e. healthcare at 92 mil/year” to the illegals versus how much the companies are saving at just $2.00 more an hour i.e. 4,160/person. What since does it make to save money on our produce if we have to turn around and spend that “saved” money on their healthcare and education. The only ones benefitting from the cheap labor are the companies not the american people.

By dg

March 29, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Crystal, the illegals pay social security taxes when they work under false papers. They buy valid social security numbers from black market fake ID vendors and present them along with a fake social security photo ID card to employers. The employers are then absolved of any culpability if the employee is found to be working illegally. Every year the Social Security Administration will send a notice to the illegal alien advising them that their social security data is inconsistent with what the SSA has on record, and asks them to please go to the SSA in order to update their information. That, of course never happens. So, there you have it. Thousands, possibly millions of illegal workers are paying into social security so that our whizened senior citizens can enjoy sitting around all day writing about how much they hate illegal aliens.

By Jim

March 29, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

DG get your facts straight. The US has an agreement with Mexico where those Social Security dollars are sent to the Mexican government.

By Just Wandering

March 29, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

Syed: Just wandering: How are they going to pay income tax under this proposed “legal status” The government is not going to issue them a social security number. Just wandering: Who is going to pay for their Healthcare when they sit in the emergency room with non-emergency illnesses? Just wandering: Who is going to pay for their kids teachers salary and the spanish interpreter and when there is 30 kids to each teacher? Just Wandering: Who is going to pay for the roads they drive illegal on, the rise in insurance costs? Syed I think you get my point. That is the issue that us legal Americans have. How do you think it is right for us to pay for their services? Someone please answer that without saying I am being a bigot, that immigrants built this country, that they take jobs no one wants, etc. Also you stereotyping people by saying that we are all bigots that think this way. I do not care if they are Canadians, English, Nigerian, Croatian. The emphasis is being put on the Mexicans because they are the ones are flooding our system. I am not saying that there are not bigots who are replying to this Blog but to make a blanket statement like that is sterotyping. So now answer the question how do you think it is right that we pay for their services? Add insult to injury they send the money they make in the U.S. back to the their country. Just Wandering

By dg

March 29, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Oh, really, Jim? And who sends it over there? Peter Pan?

I believe you are referring to a program where Mexican workers that participated in the Bracero program back in the 1940’s paid into social security, were run out of the US in the 1950’s under “Operation Wetback” and never received their benefits. Most of those workers have died already so rest assured that we still keep most of the dough.

By Jim

March 29, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

People need to wake up. Recent studies were done and found out that 1 billion people worldwide want to come to this country. We need to stop all immigration now!

By dg

March 29, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Jim. You have just given us a tremendous insight into the wealth and breadth of your intellect.

By Crystal

March 29, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

So, if workers come here illegally for work a con to that would be to have to pay into the system illegally because if they tried to get their benefits they would be deported thereby losing their awesome jobs. However, 11 million illegals feel this is a good tradeoff because they keep coming. A reason the SSA data could be inconsistent is that every year a company has to file a 941 form reporting all money (15.3% split between employer and employee) paid for all employees. It also has to report to the SSA via an employee’s W-2’s money taken out by the employee wages. The money reported would have to reflect at least a minimum wage income. If the workers are not making at least minimum wage the company would have to do some fuzzy math. Also, with the companies paying half of the Fica/med per employee, if they fudge the numbers well enough, they don’t have to pay into the system as much. So, I don’t think they are actually contributing to the social security coffers as much as you think. They are, however, contributing to the shortage of budgets in healthcare, education, and sign printing, because everything has to be printed in Spanish. You have to have public school money to pay teachers to teach their children English instead of teaching my kid math. Afterall, if it was more cost effective for the companies and the workers to work legally, they would have been protesting to become legal, not protest to be able to stay illegal and work anyway. Let me finish off by saying that no one could possible say that the illegal immigrants coming over are not hard workers and contributing in positives ways. Just come over legally and then rob our system just like the rest of us do. LOL

By Jim

March 29, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

DG, if you can’t understand what adding 1 billion people to the US population will do to everyone’s quality of life, then you belong in India or China. Also, the social security point I was making has to do with payments from the Social Security Earnings Suspense File that were to be made to Mexico under the US-Mexico Totalization agreement.

By Sandra

March 29, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Keith-remember what this blog is about. I am not trying to attack you, but if you believe I am I am sorry. I have been brought up in this country to respect others no matter their age, color or gender. But I don’t know why you believe that immigrants’(legal or illegal) children that are born here should not have citizenship? Can you please explain.

By dg

March 29, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Crystal, the point is that it is virtually impossible for an uskilled laborer to come here and work legally from any country much less Mexico. If you give people a legal means to come here and work they will use it. Do you really think that someone would choose to spend days and nights in the desert without food and water waiting to sneak in if they could come legally? Do you understand that the in Mexico you cannot get a passport out of Mexico unless you can show you have a career, real estate, a bank account and/or otherwise demonstrate that you have a reason to come back. Who do you think is behind that? The Mexican government or the US government via diplomatic pressure?

Jim, the US/Mexico Totalization Agreement does not set up a system where FICA witholdings of illegal aliens are sent over to Mexico as you suggested in your comment. It is for legal aliens.

By War Eagle

March 29, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Rosenda and NParry What are you smoking? Ms Ouranda probably had a passport from Australia (something 21st century countries issue)came to the US-maybe at the request of a pen pal, and then got a fiancee visa. All Legal. Now, the mexicans that pay us people to marry them-just take a look-200 pound plus women that you would not take home to your parents. Nparry-if you are black-thank a white man because if it weren’t for white people, you’d be back in Africa as a slave for the Tutsi’s, fighting for food in your barren wasteland or involved in a civil war. Remember, the Black war Lords sold slaves to Americans in the 1800’s so you were not MADE a slave when you got here, you were a slave BEFORE you got here in your native country of AFRICA! As for Mr. Elf’s comment-he is probably talking about the Phillipine and Colombian mail order bride business. Remember, if you go to a foreign country, at least learn the language. Buford Highway is now Chambodia and Norcross is now Monterrey North.

By Crystal

March 29, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

dg, Not all of them are spending days and nights waiting in the desert without food or water. I don’t know exactly what country the illegals where from (not all are from Mexico. Some come all the way from Guatemala.) when I was horseback riding near the San Diego/Mexico border and saw about 100 illegals running down the beach with their little suitcases. One time also my husband and I went to Rosarita, Mexico and on the way back saw many people hiding against the wall waiting for dusk to go over the wall. Again, for those who do go via Arizona/New Mexico desert (duh) the rewards have to be great in their minds or they wouldn’t take the chance. But no matter what the opinions on the issue the simple FACT is it is AGAINST FEDERAL LAW TO ENTER INTO THIS COUNTRY UNDOCUMENTED. Why have the laws if they are not going to be enforced? I have worked in the research field with people from all over the world and every one of them were here legally. I even worked with a lady from China who couldn’t bring her daughter over because the U.S. gov said she didn’t make enough money to support her. She made $45,000!!! And the procedures for obtaining a Mexican passport should have those stipulations, they are supposedly coming here to work, not live forever. Having a reason to go back to your home country is also a prerequisite of the U.S. to get a work visa.

By dg

March 29, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Well Crystal, I suppose that under your system of indentured servitude most of us reading this blog would be slopping swine, digging potatoes or smashing grapes in some far off land. I am glad that my ancestors were allowed to come here and stay not come here, work for 6 years and then be forced to leave. Aside from the fact that if immigration law existed then as it does now, they probably wouldn’t have made it here at all.

BTW, U.S. immigration procedures vary widely depending on your nationality.

By Jim

March 29, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

DG, read this CRS Report for Congress dated July 22, 2004 and then explain why you thing the Totalization agreement does not apply to illegal immigrants for the payment of SS benefits. Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens: Current Policy and Legislation Summary Concerns about the number of unauthorized (illegal) aliens residing in the United States and the recently signed totalization agreement with Mexico have fostered considerable interest in the eligibility of noncitizens for U.S. Social Security benefits. The Social Security program provides monthly cash benefits to qualified retired and disabled workers, their dependents, and survivors. Generally, a worker must have 10 years of Social Security-covered employment to be eligible for retirement benefits (less time is required for disability and survivor benefits). Most jobs in the United States are covered under Social Security. Noncitizens (aliens) who work in Social Security-covered employment must pay Social Security payroll taxes, including those who are in the United States working temporarily and those who may be working in the United States without authorization. There are some exceptions. Generally, the work of aliens who are citizens of a country with which the United States has a “totalization agreement� is not covered by Social Security if they work in the United States for less than five years. A totalization agreement coordinates the payment of Social Security taxes and benefits for workers who divide their careers between two countries. In addition, by statute, the work of aliens under certain visa categories (e.g., H-2A agricultural workers) is not covered by Social Security. On March 2, 2004, the President signed into law The Social Security Protection Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-203), under which an alien whose application for benefits is based on a Social Security Number (SSN) issued January 1, 2004, or later is required to have work authorization at the time an SSN is assigned, or at any later time, to gain insured status under the Social Security program. Aliens whose applications are based on SSNs issued before January 1, 2004, would have all Social Security-covered earnings count toward insured status, regardless of their work authorization status. In addition, the Social Security Act prohibits the payment of benefits to aliens in the United States who are not “lawfully present,� but under certain circumstances, alien workers and dependents/survivors may receive benefits while residing outside the United States (including benefits based on unauthorized work in the United States). On June 29, 2004, the United States and Mexico signed a totalization agreement, the effects of which depend on the specific terms and language of the agreement. The agreement has not been transmitted to Congress for review or otherwise made publicly available. Currently, since Mexico meets the “social insurance country� definition, a Mexican worker may receive U.S. Social Security benefits outside the United States. Family members of the Mexican worker must have lived in the United States for at least five years to receive benefits in Mexico, but typically under a totalization agreement, this requirement is waived allowing the payment of benefits to alien dependents and survivors who have never lived in the United States. The Social Security Administration reports that the projected cost of the agreement would average $105 million annually over the first five years. In September 2003, the Government Accountability Office reported that “the cost of a totalization agreement with Mexico is highly uncertain� because of the large number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico estimated to be living in the United States. This report will be updated as legislative activity occurs or other events warrant.

By Crystal

March 29, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

dg,

Who said that they are not ALLOWED to come here? It seems everyone is allowed to come here, but hey while your at it, how about following the law like the rest of us? You don’t get to pick and choose which laws you do or do not want to follow according to your nationality or hoops you have to jump through to enter legally.

I don’t know how your ancestors came to his country, but since they were “allowed” I would assume they applied for citizenship when entering. Well I’m also glad my ancestors were allowed to come here, enter Ellis Island and obtain their DOCUMENTATION, work the railroads, farms, auto factories and coal mines, learn the language and raise their families. I’m glad they flew the American flag and fought for the country they gladly loved. I’m glad that my indentured grandfather (in this country) worked two jobs his whole life, taught his children the value of education so they would have even more choices and opportunity. And, I suppose you interviewed all 11 million illegal immigrants and found out that if they didn’t leave their own country they would live a life of indentured servitude. But, you don’t have to interview them all to know they are here illegally. How many of them are fleeing their countries because they are wanted by the law? How many of them have not had all of their vaccinations and are possibly bringing diseases into this country? Just getting a job in this country is not the only reason for making sure that immigrants are documented. And, with all the other people on this blog that are against illegal immigrants, why are you just replying to me?

BTW - everyone coming to this country on a work visa no matter how long the visa is for or how many extentions you apply for, unless you apply for citizinship, YOU HAVE TO EVENTUALLY GO HOME. And, one immigration procedure that does not vary greatly depending on your nationality is you need to enter the country legally. The timetable has been extended but you and I as American citizens will not be able to go to Mexico or even Canada and come back without a passport. We as American citizens have to be documented and background checked before we can obtain a passport to travel and re-enter our own country, yet 11 million people are living here without the same courtesy.

By Marta

March 30, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

David, Thank you for the facts it is good to know that there is some people that come prepared to make comments about this issue or any other. I am surprised to see how many people is so against the illegal immigration and how many people goes to church on sundays and think they are the perfect citizen. Will be great to see how many of you knowing the numbers like David said instead of being greatful for what we have and instead of complaining for something that probably have not even touched you, look at the facts and thank God every day for what you have.

Only 2 percent of the world live the way we live only 2 percent eat 3 meals a day I bet if any of you when going on vacations to Mexico or to Brazil or the Caribbean, go out of your Resorts could look at these kids with no shoes or sleeping on the floors with no matresses or maybe on the streets on a cool night and be blind . I bet you if you have to feed your children and the prize was to be coming through the border and maybe be rape or shot you will do it .

I have lived in this country for more than 20 years and I am so greatful that I had the opportunity to come and become a citizen and that I had the opportunity to go to school to learn English because many dont have it . Some of them did not even had to opportunity to learn to write in their own language.

Will be great that instead of showing to your children how these illegals are taking the jobs from you, you will teach them that they are people like us and they deserve to be treated like people and maybe when you see something wrong since they did not have the chance to go to school you can show them the right way to do things. They are honest people that come here just looking to feed their families and not to make anybody cry but to get some respect and dignity. JUST BE GRATEFUL.

By grier

March 31, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

these peoples have no right to demand anything from the states. waving the mexican flag in our street realy just tic me off.i say deport all of them no pass.go home.

By scott

March 31, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

all american/black peoples have been here for 300 year .how can you put the two together.it not a african american problem.it a american problem.black peoples are all americans .thank you

By David L. Cavazos

March 31, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

My grandparents immigrated to the United States LEGALLY. Government statistics show that one and one-half million people follow the rules and immigrate LEGALLY each year. Why then should we reward people who are too arrogant to enter our country LEGALLY? Why should we reward people who have no respect for our country or our laws? “Undocumented withdrawers” rob banks to get money for a better life. And they don’t mind violating a few laws while doing so. Should “undocumented withdrawers” be given amnesty because they’re robbing banks just for a better life?

By rachel

March 31, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

i guess we dont want illegal immigrants but i dont care cause you all suck a*

By rachel

March 31, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

you all suck a* except the scott guy scotts a hot name

By def

March 31, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

How’s this for amnesty (guest worker)..why don’t we round up these “hard working” illegals and send them to New Orleans and have them rebuild it. The city would be rebuilt in half the time at half the cost and these illegals would have paid half their debt back to the United States. They get a couple years of guest worker status, a major city gets rebuilt, taxes are paid and collected and at the end, they return to their home county. If they want to then apply for legal entry back into our county, we would gladly accept their application.