Capitol Updates

By George

March 29, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

i think it’s quite obvious that the federal government has not done a thing so far to improve the situation, so i am happy that the state had finally gone to bat. they realize that the problem is literally in our backyard, and they need to do something about. and i’ll tell you this much, when election time comes around, i will have my notes ready as to who helped and who opposed this. that’s what will help me decide.

By happy

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

Its both, the state should handle the issue as well as the congress, its so simple why is this a debate.illegal-go home, legal stay..i dont understand american people, illegal people need to leave, especially this state, Georgia has tooo many illegal immigrants…but its like this, white people let them in, when they take their jobs they complain and want to put them out!! Whats up with that!! You let them in!!! Why are you upset????

By KABA

March 29, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

The State has the RIGHT and a DUTY to govern and protect its legal resident citizens. Anyone who comes here illegally should be identified and sent back to their country. PERIOD!

The illegals march with the Mexican flag chanting “Mexico,” and it is very plain that their allegiance is to Mexico, not to the laws of the United States, so send them home. They are invaders and anyone who employs them is also breaking the law and should be punished as well.

We are a nation of laws, and if our federal immigration officials fail to enforce the immigration laws, then the states have no other recourse than to enact legislation to correct the failure of the federal government.

By Van

March 29, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

The Federal Government has jurisdiction over immigration laws. Enforcement and defense of our borders falls to the federal government.

What Georgia is doing is targeting the problem after the illegals are here.

They are targeting the employer, the transfer of funds and qualifying for services.

I do not see any problems.

By Joe

March 29, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

What part of this can’t any of you understand?. CHEAP LABOR, RICH WILL GET RICHER PERIOD. Middle class folks watch out, you have a target on your back. What the rich and famous wants is two classes ( The rich & the servants that will take .50 a hour for pay ). Working class wake up the coffee pot is almost empty. Ask yourself’s this question, If our country is flooded with illegal immigrants to the point that you as Americans cannot get a job with fair wages because there is someone that will take peanuts just to stay in this country ( Will you clean toilets too is the question? ).

By Senor Frog

March 29, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

I guess I just don’t understand. When I was partying back in my fraternity days, I went to Cancun a couple 3 or 4 times and it seemed lovely. My buddy Topher funneled a 6 pack of Tecate in 10 minutes! Why would they want to come over here..I mean where in Texas can you have a reddish liquor punch dumped down your throat, join a congo line, and end up in the bay via a waterslide? Man we got wasted! Oh yeah, I love cheese dip too.

By sandy marvin

March 29, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

I think this bill of immgration should be left up to the federal law, not the states

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Definately federal. There should be uniform standards across the board. The national security aspect dictates that immigration policy be federally mandated. Emotion and prejudice is more likely to influence legislation at the state level than at the federal. I would also bet that most if not all of the provisions of Bill 529 will be thrown out in the federal courts anyway.

By jim

March 29, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

I do not care who addresses it, just get them out of my country, I am tired of supporting them and all their children.

By KABA

March 29, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

RetiredLTC, The federal govenment has FAILED to enforce the existing immigration laws that would have prevented this invasion. Your comments about state legislators are insulting and uninformed. In fact it is the members of the US Congress who appear to be the ones swayed by emotion, prejudice, and political correctness. They are nonresponsive to their constituents and have failed to allocate funds and ensure that the federal laws are enforced. The states must look out for their citizens when the feds have clearly failed.

IMHO the Georgia legislature is very smart to take action to protect its citizens, and I think other states will follow Georgia’s lead.

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Joe, immigrants that do menial labor are no threat whatsoever to the American middle class. H1B visa holders take middle class jobs. Outsourcing takes middle class jobs. And President Bush just promised India MORE H1B visas. That is the issue most affecting the middle class. Furthermore, immigrants that do menial jobs actually lower the cost of goods and services which gives the middle class and everyone else more disposable income to spend as they wish.

By George

March 29, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

yeah we can see what a success we have had leaving it to the federal government so far. they have really taken care of the problem. i am surprised they haven’t put in an express lane at the border. less than 10 illegal immigrants, right through here.

By George

March 29, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

again, we must cover this topic. it’snot the immigrants we have problems with, it’s the ILLEGAL part we have the issue with. it doesn’t matter who does what job for what pay. do it legally!!

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

OK KABA. Than let’s leave all other issues to the states. How about that? How long do you think it would take for the states to return to the days of Jim Crow. There are some states that would love nothing more. Be careful what you ask for.

By Joe

March 29, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

RetiredLTC, did I say legal or Illegal?. Please read first then engage brain. I did not know that Illegal immigrants that do menial labor have a H1B visas?, as per your statement…

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Well George. It would seem that the McCain-Kennedy Bill would address the issue doesn’t it?

By TES

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

George…”Express lane” tooooo funny!!!

By GetReal

March 29, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

To Happy - in regard to your comment ‘….white people let them in..’, last time I looked American citizens came in all skin colors. Grow up and stop judging people by the color of their skin.
Fact is, the situation is what it is. I choose to deal with it now rather than later. Pretty soon, we’ll be reciting the pledge of allegiance to the United States of MEXICO! ALL people who have entered the United States by illegal means should be escorted out of the United States. ALL people interested in coming into the United Stats should follow the legal process to do so. States must do whatever they can (target employers, transfer of funds, benefits, etc.) to make illegal aliens want to leave that state.

By George

March 29, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

one could only hope that it’s a start LTC. let’s see it get past the bleeding hearts that embrace these people

By Sandra

March 29, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

I understand what each of you are trying to get at. Some believe that since the federal government hasn’t taken care of the problem, then the state should. That seems good as long as the bill is FAIR and as long as this issue doesn’t cause a wave of prejudice against legal immigrants. But also the federal government should take care of this problem; in this case not only Georgia will have a solution, but also the entire nation. We are one nation and this issue affects every state not only Georgia. Hopefully this issue doesn’t cause more Americans to feel hateful towards other ethnicities.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Get real and face the truth, which is, that this brouhaha is ultimately about grabbing power and getting the white votes for Nov. 2006. The core of the whole issue is whites vs. non-whites and that won’t go away, come what may. Would there be this much anger and hate, if the country was flooded with 11 million English, Irish or German immigrants? I think not. Why wasn’t immigration not so ‘hot’ for the past 5 years and why now in an election year, it’s a ‘life or death’ situation for our values and our culture. O! the unvarnished hypocrisy of it all!!

By Sandra

March 29, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Get Real-Remember illegals come from many different countries. Illegals from these countries just see it easier to cross the MEXICAN border;not all illegals are Mexican. Some illegals do have tan skin but they may come from other Latin American countries. We don’t need to sound racial.

By Eric

March 29, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Its quite obvious that the Federal gov’t will do nothing to stem the invasion of illegals into the U.S., though I’m not too confident that the states will do much either. Both have been bought by business interests and are catering to Hispanic lobbies. But at least we may have more influence locally rather than with the Washington whores.

Along the Texas border, American citizens are beginning to take matters into their own hands, since the gov’t is so impotent on the issue. Eventualy that may be the only workable approach to save this country from this criminal invasion. Or perhaps we can divide the country along the Mason/Dixon line (but lets give California to the North) and let all the bleeding hearts in the north take the illegals into their houses. The idea sounded good in 1860…it sound seven better now!

By Eric

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

NParry, perhaps it’s because the groups you mentioned came here legally and worked to become Americans (i.e. learn to speak English and join our society). This issue is so hot now is because the problem has grown exponentially in the last few years and we’re at the breaking point. It’s people like you that make it a color issue.

By Beaners Go Home

March 29, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Send all BEANERS back to dirty Mexico. I don’t give a rats a$$ if they are here legally or illegally, send them all back before they destroy the USA.

By NParry

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

It is what it is - race. Any which way you want to contort to sound otherwise just won’t cut it..I’m “white” and I see it all around me, especially in Atlanta.

By Martha

March 29, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Why do we have so many ignorant people living in the United States. You are focusing on all illegal immagrants saying that they take your jobs and you have to support them, but you don’t see the ones that are out there paying taxes, working their butts off to make a better life, and still are not given the opportunity to have a legal status in this country. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get permission to leave your country to come to the US? Do you realize how long some of these people have to save just to get here legally, but they aren’t given the chance to stay legally. Many of our illegal immigrants, and not only hispanics, came here legally, whether on a tourist visa or studies, or whatever, but are denied the right to stay, so they stay illegally to persue a better way of life. If we all look back, none our ancestors are from the United states except for the Indians, and we decided to kick them out. So all of you ignorant people that are wanting to get rid of the immigrants in the US, think about our ancestors and what they had to go through to get here, and the ONLY REASON you are here is because of them!!!

By George

March 29, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

please explain how it’s a race thing? seriously, convince me. don’t just make a blanket statement like that

By Eric

March 29, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

NParry, while I was in Atlanta, I saw more that enough to last a lifetime. And I have relatives that enjoyed Gwinnett until it looked and sounded like Tijuana. They have left also. There has been no neighborhood in the Altanta area that has experienced a major influx of Mexicans, that has improved!

By Sharon

March 29, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

It has gotten to the point where Americans are second class citizens. We don’t have the money to support our elderly without tax cuts and increases in Medicare payments, however we can let people from other countries sneak in and support them on the medicaid system. I dont know about other people but I have had enough.

Federal-State issue, well its both. And it needs to be handled now. As an taxpayer I am fed up with welfare and illegals both. Its a same that we give away our jobs to people who do not pay taxes. So they buy stuff. Oh well, I buy stuff and pay taxes and guess what? Its never enough, the government still wants me to pay at the end of the year.

Illegals are taking good paying jobs. They are not taking jobs that Americans dont want. They are building our homes (and not good ones either) and our unemployment rate is up. The fact is that contractors would rather hire people they dont have to pay well, or issue benefits to. More and more jobs are going overseas. More and more you cant understand the customer service rep on the other end of the phone. And more and more an American must be able to speak spanish to get a job.

This is not Mexico. This is America. Its time to send them home, turn the country back to English speaking and shut our boarders. If they want to come back fine, do it legally and learn our language.

Also this is not the place to voice your opinion on this. Its a blog. Voice your opinion to your local rep in the house and senant. I have done just that. Tell who matters and who can get the job done. If they wont listen to the voice of America then remember them come election day. Its time for Americans to take a stand for America. You know, the United States of America.

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Good point NParry. I think that you are on to something. Just one more reason not to trust the states with this issue. There are too many politicians at the state level willing to kowtow to the more nefarious constituancies just to insure their own reelection. It is common sense that a uniform standard should exist nationwide.

The McCain-Kennedy Bill is fair and addresses all aspects of the issue. 1) It tightens border security 2) It won’t crash the economies of the most affected states. 3) It addresses the illegal aspect with a fine that could be considered punishment for being here illegally. (For those of you who steadfastly make your stand based upon the “illegality”, that solves that, now doesn’t it.) 4) It is humane.

What could be a better solution?

By Bob

March 29, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Illegals. Time to laugh. If we had that many Americans in Mexico it would be a take over. They would surely want us out.

People we are not Mexico. They need to be sent home and now.

By George Rodriguez Espada

March 29, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

“The Big Bad Fox”

There was once a King to the South, who had earned his reputation through intimidation of the King of the North. Times were hard on his reign, there were no jobs, no money, nothing to do and he had failed with promises his of a econmically stable kingdom. So it came about that he concocted a plan to intimidate the King from the North and point the royal finger at the Northern Kingdom for his own failures. He declare “Go forth my people for there is no bread, no jobs, nothing to do in the kingdom of the South, Go North! and impose your poverty to the kingdom of the North!” Thus, the people were driven by the King to the North, maps tunnels, and guides were commissioned by the King to illegally cross the border of it’s neighbor to the North. The King declared…”Send home the plunder of the sweat of your brow, let us fill my treasury with the gold of the Kingdom of the North.” Remember you are Mexicans first and your loyalty to our Kingdom is your sacrifice to your King.” Plunder the riches of tne North and strike fear in their eyes with arrows, and with deceit. The Northern King, “Weak George” will not fight back and we will win this battle this day!…The King of the South “The Big Bad Fox” laughed as he schemed and was happy that his people went into the North to plunder for the King.

George Rdoriguez Espada

By Lone Ranger

March 29, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Martha, when my ancestors came over here 300+ years ago the United States wasn’t over populated as it is now. What was good then, even 50 years ago, isn’t good now. Our country is busting at the seams, we are over populated. Our schools are overcrowded, subdivisions are going up all over the place. We have to stop letting people in. Our land is not getting any bigger. We have to draw the line somewhere, and a good start is with getting the illegal aliens out of our country. I don’t care what excuse you come up with as to why they are here, why they stayed, whatever, the fact of the matter is, they are illegal and gotta go…ASAP

By BH

March 29, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

It is both the state and federal government responsibility to straighten this issue out before it gets way out of control. I am a minority and can understand why anyone would want a better life for themselves and their families. Illegal mean illegal, nothing else. If you make exceptions now then you will have to do it for everyone else. It took a New York minute for them (government to stop the Hatians from coming to the US.). If the State does not get a handle on this, Atlanta will become another LA and Chicago in terms of gangs and drug problems. We need to put a cap on it now.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Sharon, you must vent your frustration at the Feds who “take” your money….Remember, nearly half a trillion dollars has been spent on attacking a non-existent enemy in Iraq! And now the illegal aliens here can never ever dream of draining that much money from your pockets. Those billions could have been funneled to help your Mommy and Daddy! You couldn’t think straight when you went to the polls in November 2004, because you thought W stood for family values…right? So stop venting against hard-working families and if you have the guts, go up against the pols. who actually steal your money. Remember DeLay, Duke Cunningham, Enron?

By Bob

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

Martha,

If the Mexicans are paying taxes then they are not here illegal. They have come in the right way. There are no illegals paying taxes I can assure you of this.

By Mike

March 29, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

This is a simple resolution. Allow a shoot to kill on all these illegals. Problem solved in a week.

By George

March 29, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

hey Martha, there is nothing ignorant about about our views. it’s the governement’s views. you know, the ones that makes the laws of OUR country. so, if the decide that they will not honor your tourist visa, there is probably a reason for it. do you realize the overpopulation problem we would have if we said yes to everyone that wants in our country? then what would we do? and don’t tell me that the taxes they pay on a 99 cent taco at the QT is somehow helping our economy. because that nickel tax they pay, doesn’t compare to the hundreds that come out of my check. and yes, i know exactly how hard it is to get the papers to stay in this country legally, again there is a reason for that. we don’t want just anyone in here. there is a screening process for it. and how long are people like you going to carry around the your ancestor are not from here crap? my family has been here for 5 generations, i think i have a right to be called a legal american by now. at some point we have to accept that we are our own seperate culture by now, we have been here long enough to call this our country. so we would like to protect our country, and that means a few p** off illegals, i am willing to accept that. please, have some thought in your post before you start calling people ignorant. that’s not the point of this issue.

By Mad Italian

March 29, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

What do they not understand. ILLEGAL. No free rides for law breakers. Send em back and let them try again. This time LEGALLY. Eventually they will understand. Or maybe we can enfore our border, like Mexico does on their southern border.

By Sandra

March 29, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

I am currently a student in Georgia. I have not seen what some of you have been saying about schools and have read other postings on other websites. I have not seen this overpopulation nor have I seen that teachers don’t have time to help students. Teachers in our school system are the best I know. Many teachers stay at school till 6p.m. This is taking time out from their family. If students say that they can’t learn due to the fact that there is no time to get help, it’s a lie. Why blame the students’ feeling of not wanting to learn to illegal immigrants. Those who attend school are legally here and, for those who can’t speak English, have teachers outside of the class room to teach them English and help translate until they can speak for themselves.

By KC

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

NParry: Why can’t you answer the question; Why should Legal citizens pay for Illegal’s services? How is it fair that we pay income tax and Illegals not have to? Who is paying for their healthcare, teachers salary for their kids, rising insurance costs? Instead you have to make a sterotypical, and racists comment that it is about whites vs. non-whites. I do not care if it is the English, Nigerians, Chinese, Croatians. The reason why we a re referrring to Mexicans because they are the ones flooding the system. Now answer the question why shoud we pay for their services and pay income tax when they do not have to? Add insult to injury they are taking the money they make in The U.S. and sending back to their country. Stop avoiding the issue and calling everybody bigots,immigrants built this country, they take jobs no one wants, they work hard, etc. Those are not the issues. The issue is why should we pay for their services? Answer that

By rachel

March 29, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

If these immigrants are going to come over and enjoy all the perks of living in America, can they not learn our language? There’s no excuse for not learning a country’s language. If Americans lived in Mexico, you would have no choice but to learn Spanish.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

It is better to pass a legislation to allow all “illegal” alien children to attend schools, else they may jump up your fences and demolish your well-tended landscapes, which their daddies take care of for you. We, the middle class lose our jobs because our bosses want to keep theirs and get rich. Our own APATHY is our first enemy, not some Latino kids. When was the last time any of you - concerned citizens of Georgia - gather up to protest the traffic conditions in the city? Instead, you crawl like sheep on the highways, soaked in apathy and resignation. When was the last time you gathered up to protest the reckless destruction of wooded areas in your pristine neighborhoods?

By karen

March 29, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

COME ON PEOPLE!!!!….I am soooo sick of you people who scream that RACE is an issue. I am soooooo sick of having to watch everything I say and do BUT nobody watches what they say or do around me. The issue of RACE has become a cop out for MOST folks.

I am not saying that RACE issues don’t exist but they certainly aren’t what they were 50 years ago (and I wasn’t even alive then)..I think those of you who use every little thing you can get your hands on to scream discrimanation KEEP RACISM alive in your hearts and in your childrens hearts.

MOST LATINOS have issues with US!! BLACK AND WHITE AMERICANS so don’t be dummies…

GROW UP!!!

By Getoverit

March 29, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

It is a federal issue that ONLY a federal issue. What good does it do for Georgia to crack down on illegal immigration? Is GA any better off if the immigrants go to Alabama? Some would say yes. But what about the economic reprecussions? What about the loss revenue from rural farmers and construction companies? Then you have an eroding profit base.

The bottomline is the Hispanic workforce comprises nearly 5% of the U.S. workforce. Honestly, why would the federal government draw a hard line on immigration? They won’t…they stand to profit. Cheap labor=higher earnings. These earnings are then pumped back into our economy plus a sales tax base. This would be a huge hit to the local and state economies.

Say what you want about public services. I would like a study to look at the positive impact of immigrant labor and see if it isn’t nearly an equal payout for the services they receive. I would gather that it is marginal at best.

Reports indicate that the primary offender is not those who dig tunnels and sneak into the country. Instead, the typical offender is one whose work visa has expired. They remain because they WANT to work. Yes, they often sneak the families over LATER because they found a BETTER way of life. I have no problem with looking after you family. I would do the same…would you???

The key here is that we can’t just round them all up and deport them. We can plan for the future. This includes offering amnesty and making it easier to renew and receive a work visa and permanent status. We need this labor force and the services they provide for us. Instead of discriminating against them, why don’t we embrace them and move forward.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

KC, do you have the facts and economic analyses to support your “truths?” Don’t just blabber something just because you can type….Be an informed citizen

By Merry Writer

March 29, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

The state is not dealing with the illegals either. The so-called strong immigration bill is a sham because all illegals PRESENTLY here will be granted amnesty because their employers DO NOT have to check their papers and thus they can stay in their present jobs.

To add insult to injury this checking of documents will not take place for a year or two thus GA will be come a magnet for MORE illegals!!!

Don’t try to get the voters to buy it with “less services” when illegals deserve only the service of deportation at their employers and landlords expense.

It seems there is nothing the voters can do to get their elected leaders to do the will of the people and the will of the people is “Throw the bums out!” (This includes both the illegals and representatives who won’t penalize employers now and deport.)

As Barnes got voted out because of one issue - the flag, don’t be naive to think that the voters won’t remember getting hoodwinked with this bill The upcoming election is down to one issue, lawbreaking immigrants and their employers.

By alejandro

March 29, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

This is a letter from a important company en Georgia about the bill SP-529…

“I fear the powerful long-term negative effect this legislation would have on the Georgia economy. It is not difficult to imagine this bill leading to a recession in Georgia’s economy to the advantage of neighboring states which are not considering such ill-judged legislation.

Unemployment. While Georgia’s economy continues to grow, its unemployment rate continues to decrease—a nearly 10% drop from 2005 to 2006. Clearly, then, the increasing presence of immigrants, legal and illegal, in the state has both helped our economy to grow and done so without displacing native born workers.

It is our experience, and that of countless other companies in Georgia, that immigrants are eager to take jobs that simply are shunned by native born workers. Losing access to foreign-born workers will significantly impact these companies’ ability to find capable workers without very substantial increases in hourly wages to draw workers who today will not take and do not even apply for these jobs. Many of these companies will not be able to afford these increases or will not be able to pass on these higher costs, forcing them out of business thus causing an expectably sharp increase in unemployment over the coming years.

Economic Impact. Given the entirely foreseeable increase in prices for such powerful economic drivers as food, housing and clothing (all expected to be significantly impacted by this legislation), and the equally foreseeable increase in unemployment throughout the state, this bill is a virtual guarantee of a recession impacting the state for reasons having nothing to do with economics, national security or justice.

No one is suggesting that enemies of the country are among the Hispanic population in Georgia—the only genuine target of this legislation. No one could reasonably argue that denying a job to a Hispanic in Georgia is going to make the country more secure.

Under our current system, immigrants, both legal and illegal, are paying a very substantial portion of all taxes collected: sales, gasoline, property (directly or through rental) and income (state and federal, through withholding). If this legislation is passed, many of the illegal immigrants that today are properly paying state and federal income taxes will be driven into the underground economy where these taxes are not collected. This will necessarily result in proportionately higher social service costs as these now underground workers will require the same social services as before, but without having contributed any tax revenues for providing them.

In sum, every rational analysis of this legislation leads inevitably to a conclusion of a strong and foreseeable negative result, without any compensating benefit. I strongly urge the governor to oppose this legislation”.

By sick and tired

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

alejandro, shut up and get me a taco

By KC

March 29, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

NParry: There you go again diverting the attention from the real issue. Answer the question. Are you saying that illegals pay income tax? Are you saying that we do not pay for their services. You said it is blabber. Now who is the uninformed citizen. Blabber? Good one. Answer the question.

By EnforceOurCurrentLawsAlready

March 29, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Background: I am descended from the Creek and Cherokee indian tribes. My family has been here for several hundred years. Since european bloodlines have been introduced in the last few generations, I check the “caucasian” box on forms when asked. My husband is a legal immigrant from a poor country, the Phillipines. His parents saved hard, then waited for three years to be allowed to come here. They arrived with very little, but they worked hard, perfected their english and taught their children to do the same. They are still very active in their community as volunteers helping those less fortunate than themselves. The family became American citizens together almost 15 years after they arrived here.

No other country in the western world has an open door policy for immigration. Even Mexico deports illegal immigrants from their country. It is not fiscally possible to continue our current course without harming the people who are here legally, and who are funding the bulk of those services that the illegals depend on to supplement their lives here.

I grew up in Dalton. There are tons of jobs there that locals would love to take, but the wages have been depressed by the employers who would rather hire illegals. When the wages are lowered to accomodate this horrible practice, it’s hard for responsible employers to compete — after all they have to pay legal workers wages, and then pay workers comp, etc. In the end, local citizens are hard pressed to make a living wage, pay taxes and then try to have enough to put aside for a medical emergency or whatever. These often un- or under-insured people can lose everything with one medical probem.

I’ve already voiced my opinion to my reps (congressman, senators, governor). Unless enough of us do the same, the gov’t will not change things dramatically. Our politicians had to look at thousands of people marching for illegals’ rights outside their window as they were voting in these past weeks.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

KC….yes they do. Whoever gets paid through proper documentation from “American” owners. They do take SS deductions, federal/state income taxes and all other deductions. Check the Congresssional Research services for the Office of Budget and Management statistics for Unaccounted Revenue 2002-2004.

By Retired PA

March 29, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Let Prisoners Harvest the Crops

It’s a lie to say illegals take jobs real citizens don’t want. They depress wages and cost taxpayers more money in services than they earn besides sending all their money back to Mexico. The ONLY jobs hard to fill are those of farm labor.

I have worked as a physician assitant in a GA prison. Prisoners consider it a privilege to work outside, such as roadside cleaning, to get fresh air and to have something to do. This is not forced labor, but voluntary and a privilege prisoners don’t want taken away.

I am not a bleeding heart but we have thousands of men wasting away with nothing to do. Prisoners can reinstate their work ethic while earning a little money to help them upon release by working in the fields and harvesting crops. For those nearing release, these are the least likely to runaway and the most in need of money.

This is a viable solution. It is a win-win situation for the state and farmers all the way around.

By Army SPC

March 29, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

I’m an immigrant who became legal and am serving this country. Uncle Sam say’s I can die for this country but my family can not stay in the country legally. Go figure. As far as I know we have a lot of racist individual in this country who for get that they too are immigrants. Illegal people make it possible for all you racist to eat tacos, sit on clean toilets and get rich of our labor.. And you are still COMPLAINING.

By BB

March 29, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

I hope that Gov. Perdue has the good sense to sign the immigration bill. My vote for him will be riding on this. It is up to the states to take the first step. The federal govt. has done NOTHING!

By alejandro

March 29, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

“Sick and Tired”. I’m not from Mexico. I likes Tacos too and I may give you one or more, just give me a tip and I do it.This is not the problem. May be you are pretty arrogant and you never would do the same for me. You should be sick because you don’t want to think seriously about the issue and only think in basic necessities like Food and hate.

By karen

March 29, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

O.K. I’ve got questions for all of you. 1. How many of you have been in this state for more than 10 years?? 2. If you have lived here for more than 10 years.. Have you ever seen a dip in the economy due to lack of immigrants? 3. When did you start noticing that Latino’s were increasing in your areas? 4. Rate if you can the economic status of the state of Georgia 10 years ago

By Frustrated

March 29, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

It is the Federal govt’s job to keep the illegals out, but once they are here, then it is the states’ problem to feed, clothe, educate and provide medical for them. I just can’t understand why they do no want to learn the English language and become part of our country. Why should our stores supply the Spanish version of the signs posted in our stores?

By KC

March 29, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

NParry: Bulls*. They do not file their income tax because they have no SS#. We pay for their services. You didn’t answer that question. That crap you just referred to you is THE REAL BLABBER. Stop sugar coating it they are a strain on our services period.

By same ol song and dance

March 29, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Army SPC, yes Uncle Sam says you can die for our Country because you are a legal citizen, that dosn’t however aford your illegal family members an open door to our great country. Why should they be deserving of citizenship just because you are serving in the military? They can take legal steps if they want to stay. As for us having clean toilets, eating tacos etc…I can get all that from legal American citizens, I don’t need illegals doing that for me. Sounds like your the complainer.

By Emily Branan

March 29, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

In response to dissent against “illegals” who are “crowding our country,” this attitude overlooks the continued demand by U.S. employers for Latino workers (particularly those undocumented, who are thus more vulnerable to the employer). These are workers who work long hours in conditions that often fall below the standards of the EEOC, including minimum wage. They do not come to impose upon our country and reap benefits distributed by the government, they do not have either the power or the access to accomplish these. A majority of the Latino workers come to the States with the intention to earn money to send back to their families, and then return to their homes after a certain period of time.

By karen

March 29, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Georgia doesn’t need Illegal Immigrants to work Jpbs no one else wants because we have enough People moving here from ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES TO TAKE CARE OF THAT!!! I’m Formally from West Virginia..the 49th poorest state in this country. SO ARGUE THAT ONE BLEEDING HEARTS!!!

By Merry Writer

March 29, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

THE BILL IS A SHAM. Voters are mislead. Employers get to keep their illegals presently here and those in the near future. This will cause MORE illegals to come to GA. Only when the bill kicks in will there be any sanctions on employers, the real source of the problem - besides the illegals themselves.

Perdue shouldn’t sign this bogus bill.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

KC…you’re too illiterate probably to do research to back up your facts. Do you know what percent of “your” money goes to serve the illegals.

No doubt, the illegals HAVE to make an effort to learn English, converse in English and learn to live like others in the culture they have entered into. That’s why make learning English mandatory at the workplace, labor halls, etc. where they gather. Why, if we live in any other non-English country, we’d be forced to learn the language and follow the dominant customs and traditions. Churches could take a leadership role in this matter.

By Gartrell Robinson III

March 29, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I would like to interject, for your reiview a little applied common sense to this debate. It seems to me that the core of this problem is that the people who control poor countries cannot or will not provide work or educational opportunities to the poor of those nations. The people who control this country wish to increase the profits of their enterprises via low wage work performed by illegal imigrants, and do not care at all about the financial strains on the rest of society. No intelligent person can dispute that one result of employment of undocumented workers is the suppression of wages for the rest of the society. These imigrants require substantial amounts of educational, medical and housing resources. Federal, state and local Social services have been strained to accomodate them along with the working poor native American citizens as well. I think that most Americans, including myslf view most of these folks who come here illegally to be good honest hard working people who are just trying to better themselves and the lives of their families. The U.S. has been and will always be a haven for immigrants. With the exceptions of Native Peoples and captives from Africa, everyone else has been willing immigrants to this country. Also, America recieves more people from around the world (documented-legal and undocumented-illegal) than all other nations combined. But the problems caused by millions of undoccounted for people whose allegience is not greatest to the U.S., and do not learn English is mid and long term problem that will cause even greater problems for our society than we have now. Ask Canada about Quebec and how divisive different language and culture can become. This is why the legal imigration process is so important to orient and integrate new citizenry into our society. No person can be a patriot to more than one country at a time or should want to be. America has the right to control it’s borders, just as Mexico and other countries around the world do. America has the right to define laws affecting those borders, no matter what politicians in other contries desire. I hope Mexican President Fox and the puppeteers that control Cheney-Bush Whitehouse are listening. It has been said that undocumented-illegals will do work that Americans will not do, but the fact is that Americans have and will do any and all work that will pay them a fair living wage. This class warfare scenario has been a long time comming and has come at a time where we are in a real shooting war, the Federal debt is at NINE TRILLIAN dollars, energy costs are at an all time high and growing, and honest, truely effective, competent political leadership is no where in sight. If laws were passed and vigorously enforced where employers were fined $ 20,000.00 per illegal-undocumented worker, along with a failsafe annonomous tip program, the problem would cease to exist at all. The real problem is how to rid our state and federal our governments of politicians who are bought by business owner lobbyist money, that will not enact the best legal and moral legislation in order to correct the problem as suggested above. The soulution is to ultimately do this:

THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THE MIDDLE CLASS MUST VOTE OUT THE POLITICIANS WHO CATER TO THE BUSINESS AND CORPORATE INTERESTS WHO DO NOT SUPPORT THE BEST INTERESTS OF AMERICA’S MIDDLE CLASS!

By karen

March 29, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Please sign Gov.Perdue so that my family memebers who ARE LEGAL CITIZENS may come and find jobs here

By GoodGuy

March 29, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

I would like to interject, for your reiview a little applied common sense to this debate. It seems to me that the core of this problem is that the people who control poor countries cannot or will not provide work or educational opportunities to the poor of those nations. The people who control this country wish to increase the profits of their enterprises via low wage work performed by illegal imigrants, and do not care at all about the financial strains on the rest of society. No intelligent person can dispute that one result of employment of undocumented workers is the suppression of wages for the rest of the society. These imigrants require substantial amounts of educational, medical and housing resources. Federal, state and local Social services have been strained to accomodate them along with the working poor native American citizens as well. I think that most Americans, including myslf view most of these folks who come here illegally to be good honest hard working people who are just trying to better themselves and the lives of their families. The U.S. has been and will always be a haven for immigrants. With the exceptions of Native Peoples and captives from Africa, everyone else has been willing immigrants to this country. Also, America recieves more people from around the world (documented-legal and undocumented-illegal) than all other nations combined. But the problems caused by millions of undoccounted for people whose allegience is not greatest to the U.S., and do not learn English is mid and long term problem that will cause even greater problems for our society than we have now. Ask Canada about Quebec and how divisive different language and culture can become. This is why the legal imigration process is so important to orient and integrate new citizenry into our society. No person can be a patriot to more than one country at a time or should want to be. America has the right to control it’s borders, just as Mexico and other countries around the world do. America has the right to define laws affecting those borders, no matter what politicians in other contries desire. I hope Mexican President Fox and the puppeteers that control Cheney-Bush Whitehouse are listening. It has been said that undocumented-illegals will do work that Americans will not do, but the fact is that Americans have and will do any and all work that will pay them a fair living wage. This class warfare scenario has been a long time comming and has come at a time where we are in a real shooting war, the Federal debt is at NINE TRILLIAN dollars, energy costs are at an all time high and growing, and honest, truely effective, competent political leadership is no where in sight. If laws were passed and vigorously enforced where employers were fined $ 20,000.00 per illegal-undocumented worker, along with a failsafe annonomous tip program, the problem would cease to exist at all. The real problem is how to rid our state and federal our governments of politicians who are bought by business owner lobbyist money, that will not enact the best legal and moral legislation in order to correct the problem as suggested above. The soulution is to ultimately do this:

THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THE MIDDLE CLASS MUST VOTE OUT THE POLITICIANS WHO CATER TO THE BUSINESS AND CORPORATE INTERESTS WHO DO NOT SUPPORT THE BEST INTERESTS OF AMERICA’S MIDDLE CLASS!

By j.t.

March 29, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

There is a very real need for the people who are in this country doing the construction, poultry, cleaning, etc. type of jobs. That these people are immigrants, largely from Latin America, is of no consequence. I am glad to have them do the work.

HOWEVER, we, as a nation MUST get a grip on our borders and control the influx of illegal immigrants to this country. How many are here? The estimates range from low millions to hundreds of millions! So what’s the big deal, right?

No! If we are going to support these illegals, then we are putting undue burden on our medical, government, housing, and economic sectors. How do you budget for people you don’t know exist? Can you imagine having a sit down dinner party and not knowing how many people are going to come? How much china do you need, silverware, food, drinks, etc? Now, put that on a scale where you’re looking at hundreds of millions of people….and do we want all of them?

Juan Corona was an illegal immigrant. He is now on death row in California for being a horrible serial killer. Legal immigration is designed to weed out people based on specific criteria. Without legal methods in place AND BEING UTILIZED there’s no control and we might as well just abdocate the country here and now - because it will not get better, but worse.

Finally, I don’t understand why we are debating the issue. Illegal means illegal. Is anyone debating whether drunk driving should be ignored….how about corruption…or drug use…? No. All of those are illegal too. So why are we even entertaining illegal individuals DEMANDING they be given citizenship?

The lunatics are running the asylum!

By kalini

March 29, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

It should be left to feds.It’s not reasonable to complicate things for employers or businesses as these are the people who pay most of the taxes around 50%.already many of the small business men are shutting down their businesses and taking up jobs.Fed Govt should either catch these illegals(estimated 12 million) and send them back OR let them live and work legally.Checking a national database system for legals and then hiring is complicated.there’s somethin called humanity and americans are the most generous people in the whole world.if govt tries to cause problems to one illegal by not letting him work, his whole family will suffer including small kids.They will be forced to either starve or steal.If govt really wants to remove the word”illegal” then it should catch them, see that they board the plane personally not just arrest them or give deportation orders or anything.

By Rick Krause

March 29, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Immigration should be left up to the local governments. After all the Fed is allowing the influx and the states must pay for the up keep of these free loaders. Medical expenses and other welfare programs are stretched and the middle class American is forced to pay when they cannot afford to see their own Dr. because of American Corporations putting their profits in front of their employees benefits.

By June

March 29, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

These are not immigrants. My husband is an immigrant, a green card-carrying “legal” resident of this country. We had to pay a great deal of money in fees to the INS - now called by a new name. He will have his first opportunity of applying for citizenship next year (6 years the legal way). He pays taxes, even though he is not yet a citizen and has for the past five years. He respects our laws and lives by them. He speaks English very well, even though it is not his first language. He chose to learn it since that is our language in the United States. He does not take his US dollars, earned legally, and send it back to his native country.

Why do these illegal aliens think they have any right to protest their right to remain in our country. They have no rights. They are leaches. They take, and take, and take. They take money they have worked for, but guess what, it’s tax-free! My paycheck isn’t.

And politicians - aren’t really worried about their vote - What are they doing now, they aren’t supposed to be voting. Why are they even being listened to!!!! We have enough anarchy in Miami with the signs and people speaking Spanish and wanting to declare Spanish the official language.

Get a grip politicians. You need to please the people - the citizens - they vote. But, you are also tasked with making sure our laws are enforced. I vote they don’t need changing. If we don’t stand up for our laws and enforce them, this country is going to be so segregated that we will no longer be strong. It’s time the majority ruled. Today the majority is still the citizens of this country. Thank you!

By RetiredLTC

March 29, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Every single week I sign the payroll and the individual checks of each employee in my company. I can guarantee you that every Latino employee pays the same taxes that the native borns do. The tax argument is total BS. Maybe you “send em backers” should scream for legislation that goes after the “good ole boys” that pick up day laborers and pay them under the table. That makes more sense than throwing a blanket over the whole issue.

By Joe

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

Come on Mexico send us some more of the misfits, crimminals and rejects you don’t want; send them all over here, much like Castro did when he opened up his prisons and asylums and let them go free. All we are getting are the uneducated, uninnoculated…welcome back leprocy and a host of other third world diseases. Why are we having an arguement that we should pardon criminal behavior? The liberal press is fanning the flames here. If you are not here leagally the First Admendment or the Constitution does not apply to you, what should apply to you is jail time for breaking the law. If the police can pull me over and check my drivers license and my insurance, check my legal status too. SEND THEM BACK AND BILL THEIR PRESIDENT FOX AND MEXICO FOR EXPENSES.

By gerry harkins

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

Why are 11,000,000 foreigners here? The vast majority is here to work and to enjoy the opportunities of our capitalist system and culture as it has been since we were founded. Sure there are some dead beats, but a very small number compared to the total, and I suspect that the percentage of dead beats in our citizen population far exceeds the percentage of dead beats in the immigrant population. It takes a lot of gumption just to get here in the first place.

Some are saying that all these people could have become citizens, but declined. The fact is that it is very difficult to get your citizenship in less than a decade or more. Our government annually allows less than 200,000 work permits for all countries. How many of us would wait when our families were suffering, when there was another way?

Most of us see the stereotypical immigrant as someone who works for less than minimum wages for an employer that keeps them in virtual bondage. Again, this is the exception. The vast majority of immigrants are working for small, medium and large businesses and paying the same taxes as citizens do. The Social Security Administration reports a net $7 Billion gain from immigrants per year.

Are these immigrants taking American jobs from willing citizens? The unemployment rate in the U. S. is less than it has ever been. Who is out of work? If we did not have immigrants would wages rise to the level where citizens would do all the jobs? Possibly, not probably, but if it happened shortages would occur and prices would go up quite a bit. Who would pay? The consumer pays for everything now and that wouldn’t change.

Should we eliminate jobs as a way to eliminate the demand for immigrant workers? For every ten immigrant jobs that we eliminate at lease one or two citizen’s jobs would disappear.

Should we arrest and deport all illegal immigrants? If we did it would be unprecedented in our history and extremely difficult if not impossible. It would take 220,000 bus trips at 50 immigrants per trip. If each trip tool 4 hours, then it would take 1000 busses nonstop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accomplish this.

By creating a way for the willing to get legal work permits, we will segregate the workers and their families from the dead beats and then we can identify and deal with both groups.

I believe that the demand for immigrant workers has been created by the strongest economy in the world. The illegal nature of the immigrants has been created by a system of immigration that closed the borders to legal immigrant workers and left but one alternative.

The mayor of a small Arizona border town was called at 3:00 AM to come down to the river. On the American side of the river lay a family of four, mother, father and two children, who had been drowned in an attempt to cross the Rio Grande. The mayor wondered why people would risk their lives for a job. Would you?

By JM

March 29, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

The fredral government won’t do anything because of Bush, his sister in law is Hispanic, the weasel is afraid to anything against his own personal family beliefs.

By K. Best

March 29, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

I believe that this bill is a joke. First of all the Federal gov’t could have stop illegal immigrants from coming to the U.S. a long time ago. The governor of Texas, who was George Bush, could have assist also when they were coming across the border. Every rich person who lives in the downtown area of every major city is the only one who benefitted from this.

By KC

March 29, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

NParry: There you go again diverting the attention from the real issue. Answer the question. Are you saying that illegals pay income tax? Are you saying that we do not pay for their services. You said it is blabber. Now who is the uninformed citizen. Blabber? Good one. Answer the question.

By insane in the membrane

March 29, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

since its so difficult to become an american citizen the legal way, let’s just let them stay. It’s not their fault it’s too hard. Throw our laws away. It’s hard for me to drive the speed limit. It’s hard for me to try not to beat the crap out of someone that upsets me, it’s hard for me to not just walk in a store and take what I want. I’m tired of hearing that they want to be legal citizens, its just too hard. Wake up and get a life. If you want to be here, follow the laws, if not, don’t come, simple. i’d prefer you didn’t come anyway.

By KC

March 29, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

NParry: There you go again insulting and diverting the issue. I looked up illiterate on dictionary.com *il·lit·er·ate adj. Unable to read and write. Having little or no formal education. *

If I was illiterate I wouldn’t be able to read that BS you are writing or be able to write on this blog or the university I attended wouldn’t signed my college degree I have on my wall. Nice try. Do your research on what the word means before you start insulting people with it.

ILLEGAL MEANS ILLEGAL. Why is that so hard for you to understand?

By JM

March 29, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

NParry why don’t you take your liberal black give- me- something -for- free agenda and march up and down Cynthia McKinney Blvd. or go save an idiot sitting on a roof in New Orleans. The church take a role? Which church? The Catholic church, the same one pimping out ten year old boys to old priest. You learned well from Jesse Jackson who has never held a real job but is rich off other peoples money. Give away your own money not mine. Go to hell.

By RWH

March 29, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Illegal Immigration remains at the federal level because in falls under the “Immigration and Naturalzation Act”. State level must also adopt the same to meet the compliance when those inter the state(s) illegally. When it comes to the state level; they to must comply with the same act. State govern their state bywhich they have a say in all of the illegal things that take place within it. The federal laws help state by continuing its highest level of justice ensuring everyone meets the fedral guideline and laws to enter this country and become tax-paying citizens. We must not divide our Immigration Laws that is set for one state and not for all states. Work programs will be the easy way illegals come and be given rights to obtain citizenship verse waiting like every other person who have did just that. We cannot just drop the long-arm of the law and give some the easy way other than; giving them the lawful way. In 5 years or less, America will not be reconized as America…rather, it will Latin-America.

By cb

March 29, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

It is a state issue because they are in every state. It is also a federal issue because they are in the country. The USA should enact no reforms easing restrictions on illegals until MEXICO enacts SWEEPING REFORMS easing restrictions that suppress these people and also enacts laws with teeth that vigorously places corrupt govt officials in prison.

These demonstrations should be calling for Mexican government reforms, not American government reforms. People on both sides of the debate need to wake up to the real perpetraitors of this debacle. The Mexican government.

By By Disgusted

March 29, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

I think this should have been done a long time ago. We all have to follow laws and rules and why should we let someone who is not a citizen come over here and live as we do and do nothing to earn it. It takes away from us as a nation. We have troops risking their lives for us while people that are here illegally are absorbing the benefits. I also blame some americans for letting this go on for so long because of their greed to make and save more money by using illegal immigrants to work for cheaper labor is us killin ourselves. Most hispanics where I live are rude and look at you like you are the outsider. I am tired of feeling like the illegal immigrant in my own home town.

By Taz

March 29, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

The illegals do pay taxes, but they are able to claim dependents that live in Mexico, or whatever country, so many in fact they are allowed to file under a low income tax return and receive a larger refund than they paid in. The ones with jobs defer the option to get insurance, because medicade will pay for their health needs, at an emergency room no less. But I don’t see a solution to the problem, but if you come into this country, leave the one you are coming from there, if it was all that, why you leaving? Learn the language, celebrate American holidays. But if you feel it is being unfair and Georgia doesn’t want you and you feel the need to leave, the bus is ready when you are.

By Bridgett

March 29, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

I think there is so many population in this country and half of it is illegal immigrants, I really think that the illegals should go home, I understand that they came here for a better future but no in the right way.

By LHK

March 29, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

I have two serious, unironic, non-rhetorical questions that I haven’t seen addressed on this topic:

1.) What happens to the children of illegal immigrants who were born in the U.S. and who are, technically, U.S. citizens? Do the parents get sent home while the children stay? Do the children leave the U.S. to become illegal immigrants in their parents’ home country? It seems like a very sticky situation either way.

2.) A lot of people are clamoring to “send them home.” But how do we make this happen? Is the federal or state government going to hire out a bunch of school buses and drive all the way down the Pan-American Highway, dropping people off in their respective countries? What about illegal aliens who come from overseas? Seeing as the U.S. government is already dealing with a massive debt, where’s the money for all this going to come from?

By LaKeishsa

March 29, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

All I know is that I’m sick & tired of supporting illegal immigrants. These girls havings babies at 13 & 14…who pays?We, the legal American citizens! They kids get free education, health care, breakfast, lunch, after school help, Saturday school. It’s got to stop somewhere.Any little thing goes wrong & they running to the emergency room & we paying for it.

By ATLien4Life!

March 29, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

I understand those of you with heated emotions toward those who are in this country illegally. However, let’s look at this situation more logically, and it’s really a simple case of supply and demand. Regardless of their motivations, those people are here because there is a demand for the type of cheap unskilled labor that they provide. Now why is that? The fact is that there is room for them in our workforce because of the laziness and arrogance of many American workers who 1) believe those jobs are beneath them to do, or 2) Will not accept the low pay that these non-revenue producing jobs can pay, or 3) are part of the millions of welfare recipients in this country that would simply rather do nothing, and have you and I pay for their food, shelter, and clothing.

That third group is a far bigger drain on our this country’s budget than the illegals, and they’ve been doing it to us for generations. Furthermore, those in that cycle have no interest in getting out. At least those who are here illegally actually bring something to the economic table.

When are you people going to realize that this is nothing but an election year smokescreen??? Neither the Federal Government nor the State Governments have any real interest in “ridding us of all the illegals”. The large and small businesses that have much more influence on them than you or I do will simply never allow that to happen, and they hold all the lobbying money. Plus, they realize the long-term economic impact of it would paralize this great state of Georgia and the entire country. Besides, do you really think that employers are going to stop there? None of them are above moving operations abroad to equalize the bottom line for themselves. And I truly don’t think any of you really relish the idea of paying $5 per pound for apples, do you?

How many of you are willing to put your money where you mouth is and choose only landscapers, painters, carpet-layers, and cleaning services, among others, that hire legal immigrants only, and pay the higher prices they would charge you? My guess is not many.

The real solution to this problem which most of you are ignoring, is to simply open up a mass amnesty, to get these people out of the shadows so that they can get themselves into the system, and start having their paychecks hijacking by the government just like the rest of us, thus evening out the “huge tax burden” they place on us. In the meantime, you could place a much stronger emphasis on patroling the borders, which is up to the Feds. I’m guessing not too many of you will go for that either, since your opinion is mostly a bigotted hatred of all “BEANERS”. So, America, are you up to it?

By TES

March 29, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Gartrell- You said a mouth full. I have never seen so many corruptive and self-serving politicians in one presidency.

By dee

March 29, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone will have to worry about this being a state or government issue because it’s likely to NEVER come to fruition.

Let’s talk facts. The majority of companies listed as “Big Business” are either actively seeking ways to export American based jobs overseas in order to exploit the cheap labor market. Or have already done so — leaving thousands of Americans unemployed. Big Business already states that American labor is expensive, (health care, vacation, labor, unions); that’s their main rationale for sending jobs overseas, (saving themselves trillions of dollars, tax paying dollars, per year), what makes anyone think they’d lie back and take this assault on their coffers?

It’s not about black or white or brown or red it’s about GREEN. IMO Big Business will find a way, through lobbying, bribes, campaign donations, etc.; to make this “illegal alien” issue go away or go their way. They will come up with a compromise that will keep money in their pockets, their profit margins soaring, and illegal aliens working for virtually nothing on their production lines.

Cheap labor is BIG BUSINESS. Ask WalMart. (They say they’re passing the savings on to you!).

By ATLien4Life!

March 29, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

LaKeisha, sweety. You don’t honestly believe that the majority of teenage girls having babies are illegal immigrants, do you? C’mon, now. Anything but that.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Big business always wins. No matter, how much you rant and rave, and tear your hair apart, come summer you’ll be looking for some “Mexicans” to clean out your gutters or fix your yards. That’s the way it’s going to be, make no bones about it. Meanwhile, a few pig-headed nuts will continue to exhibit their stupidity and low level of common sense.

This issue will get a quiet death until the next elections… so y’all chill out.

JM..can’t believe you’re such an idiot! And you too, KC!

By Spock

March 29, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

I feel it should be both, state and federal. I am also tried of supporting them. Now, if they are willing to give part of their wages to the goverment (but you need a social sec. Number)like I do every pay day, then I would say let them stay. Because it might taken the burden off of those of use who pay taxes. If not send them packing.

By insane in the membrane

March 29, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

NParry, I don’t need a Mexican to do any of those jobs for me. I’ve never hired a Mexican, and I won’t ever hire a mexican. I mow my own yard, my wife cleans our house and watches our kids, and yes, she even cleans the toilets and makes tacos when I feel like mexican food. we don’t need mexicans to do anything for us. i’ll clean my own gutters, at least then i know the job is done right and don’t have the mexican leering at my wife and daughter.

By Sandra

March 29, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Exactly ATLien4Life-not only 13 or 14 year old ILLEGALS are having babies. This is a nation wide problem that is now affecting any ethnic race. At times these pregnancies come about through rapes in the immediate family.

Also LHK, those are some interensting questions that I would also like to see someone answer, in a logical way; they should answer knowing that the children are not to be held responsible for their parents actions of coming to the States illegally.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

The state of Georgia has positioned itself at the forefront of true immigration reform. They have decided to do the job that our Federal government won’t do. I applaud them heartily and will vigorously work for the defeat of EVERY politician that opposed this measure.

I am one of those Americans doing jobs Americans won’t do. If you want your yard kept, CALL ME! I’ve got 3 boys to raise and could use the extra work. I spend so much time trying to compete with people that will work for PEANUTS I’ve had to take food stamps to make ends meet. Criminal employers who flaunt the law deserve the HARSHEST penalties. Don’t cry about people wanting a better life to me! I want a better life too, but I go out and WORK for it.

I’ll tell you what. All you pro-illegal folks just post your addresses here so I can come help myself to YOUR stuff. I’m just trying to make a better life for my family.

If you came home and found me rifling through your silverware drawer, would you give me the location and combination to your wall safe, as well?

Maybe you should post the location of your local bank, so I can go make an ‘undocumented’ withdrawal.

By concerned Georgian

March 29, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

God Bless you Pinestraw guy. I’m sorry you even have to compete. I hope people will open their eyes and start hiring AMERICANS. This whole issue makes me ill.

By GW

March 29, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Some in Congress say it would be too difficult to deport all these illegals back to Mexico. From what I see there are 10-12 living in one house trailer, shack or car. That should make rounding them up easier. We might as well face the facts. Politicians don’t have the guts for it because it will get turned into a racial issue. After the young illegals get educated for free in our schools they will then start to take middle class jobs too.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

ATLien4Life,

You asked, “How many of you are willing to put your money where you mouth is and choose only landscapers, painters, carpet-layers, and cleaning services, among others, that hire legal immigrants only, and pay the higher prices they would charge you? My guess is not many.”

Unfortunately you are probably right, because there’s no centered like SELF-centered. Those jobs are done EVERY DAY by legal US citizens, as WELL as legal immigrants, but most SUV-driving, psuedo-intellectual, alien ABUSING people out there don’t care about this country or it’s citizens.

As for the big business argument that our economy would collapse without illegal labor, they said the same thing about SLAVERY and CHILD LABOR. Americans didn’t buy it then, and they shouldn’t buy it NOW!

By MOC

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

Fortunately for you anti-immigrant morons, common sense is going to prevail in this issue. Otherwise your desire not to see anymore Mexicans would result in a massive instance of “the law of unintended consequence.” You whine about your taxes without thinking what you will pay if every illegal is gone. Let us count the ways. 1) higher property taxes to offset the loss of revenues from empty rental properties and the homes that these people no longer are here to buy. 2) Higher prices to offset the higher associated costs of doing business. 3) Higher sales taxes that will go along with the increase in the price of goods and services. 4) Higher taxes to offset the loss of federal funds for our schools and other vital services. And the list goes on and on. So you guys that are so worried about your tax dollars…bend over, because you ain’t seen nothin yet. I also wonder how many of you “tax whiners” get massive tax refunds or qualify for the Earned Income Credit. As for you who argue so vehemently about the “illegality”, I am sure that you are overjoyed to pay for the privelage of not having to see Mexican people anymore. I guess after they are gone, we will have to listen to you whine about higher prices and taxes. And if you think that your taxes will actually decrease or things will stay the same after these people are gone…you are truly idiots.

By GW

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

How does RETIRED LTC withold taxes on someone without a SSN? I guess he puts it back in his company’s pocket, or his own. The illegals can add that to their protest. Some are paying taxes to a country they don’t belong.

By ATLien4Life!

March 29, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Pinestraw Guy, you are absolutely right. What I will ask you to consider is what’s next on the horizon? Even though the economy “survived” getting rid of slavery and child labor, the bottom line is that they were simply replaced by something else, ultimately cheap, illegal labor. Big Business will always find a way to have cheap labor for those jobs that require it, and until you have Americans who are willing to do those jobs, you are always going to have this problem. I say again, the biggest threat is their willingness to outsource or move altogether. I for one would rather have them here where they can at least add to the consumer force and pay sales tax at least, than lose that altogether. The bottome line is that they should be legalized, just like alcohol was in the late 30’s. The government finally realized that regulation of alcohol was much more profitable than outlawing it. Eventually, the Moonshiners went the way of the dodo bird. If we legalize the people already here and contributing, it will ultimately have the same effect.

By KC

March 29, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

NParry: There you go again insulting people to make yourself look good. You are the one who said I was illiterate but is still scratching your head on how an Illiterate is able to read and write and earn a college degree. Learn what the word means before you call someone illiterate, duh? You are the idiot. I am not hiring anybody I do my own lawn. The people on this BLOG are the last ones to use mexicans dumbass.

By your worst nightmare

March 29, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

MOC, take the mexicans away and i’ll gladly pay more for anything I need. that’s a tired argument. the cost of our goods won’t go up as much as you liberals want us to think. for the better of my country, i’ll pay more. try living in a neighborhood of hispanics, they bring your property value down, and thats not just my racist self talking, it’s a fact. my mother lived in a very nice neighborhood for 30 years, the hispanics moved in, it became unsafe and it was nearly impossible to sell. it was an immaculate house, very well maintained, the minute the realtors would bring lookie loo’s to see it, they would have to drive by the hispanic homes that were run down, dirty, groups of mexican men standing outside with their mexican tunes cranked. no one wants to live near that, except other mexicans.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

Great insights, MOC! Someone has to work and pay taxes in the future to support the new “Serenity Diaper-wearing” generation that’ll flood the hospitals and retirement facilities. It’s prudent to legalize the 11 million now, get them on the tax-rolls and be assured of some tax revenues to support those who are ranting against them now. The multiplier effect of these 11 million would be enormously beneficial to the aging demographics of our beloved society, assuming we don’t go searching for non-existent WMDs everywhere!

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

MOC,

Let me take these one at a time…

1) higher property taxes to offset the loss of revenues from empty rental properties and the homes that these people no longer are here to buy.

Works for me, man. Home prices go DOWN for a change meaning I’ll be able to AFFORD one.

2) Higher prices to offset the higher associated costs of doing business.

That works for me, too. I’ll be making more money without the illegal competition, so I think I could afford the ‘upward adjustment’.

3) Higher sales taxes that will go along with the increase in the price of goods and services.

I don’t know how you arrived at that conclusion. Without the multi-BILLION dollar drain on our taxes that illegals create, they MIGHT even go DOWN!

4) Higher taxes to offset the loss of federal funds for our schools and other vital services.

Why would we lose federal funds? And would it be a BAD thing that we no longer have to shoehorn our children into trailers and force them to deal with 35 kids in a class?

Sorry, I’m NOT convinced.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

From the advent of labor laws the United States saw the greatest growth of the Middle Class in the history of the WORLD. It’s taken the Globalists the last 30 years to tear down the protections of the working class, and the illegal alien invasion is just their latest tool. Their ultimate goal is a 2 class society. The Uber-rich, and the REST of US.

I don’t see myself giving up that easily. I’d like a little bit of America left for my grandkids.

By J. Painter

March 29, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

I believe that the word “illegal” means something against the law. They (illegals) are in my country unlawfully, eating up welfare funds and not giving back. It makes me mad to see hispanic signs in my Georgia. When I travel abroad I at least try to learn the basic emergency/pleastries of the country I’ll visit. You know; “when in rome” — why should American citizens have to pay for their babies, their medical expenses,etc.

I bet if all of the freebies and bundles of money they get because they are Hispanic, would dry up; they would go home.

By npd

March 29, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

The state of Georgia had to step up and do the job that the feds failed/refused to enforce the borders. It is a federal crime to enter the US illegally. Title 8 Section 1324, 1325. I’m glad that our legislature took the bull by the horns and got serious about illegal immigration.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

NParry,

I’d call you names but I doubt you’d understand ANY of them. What you are advocating is that I consign myself and my family to the same SLAVE CLASS that big business has created with illegal labor. You are absolutely insane if you think that kind of liberal BS is going to go unchallenged.

And if you think it’s all about jobs, think again. Take a look at the pictures of the recent L.A. MARCH

Or some video of last years marches in California

By R Bush

March 29, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Interesting article that though statical seems more factual than much of what I am reading here. Check it out:

Illegal immigrants expanding footprint WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Lindsey Graham hears about illegal immigration whenever he travels his home state of South Carolina. And for good reason. South Carolina, a state with historically few illegal immigrants, saw a 1,000% increase in their numbers from 1990 to 2004.

“Are we going to run this workforce off?” asks the Republican lawmaker, quoting constituents. “And what are you going to do about broken borders?”

With 55,000 undocumented residents, South Carolina ranks far behind the nation’s leader, California. But the issue is boiling throughout the country as illegal immigrants make their way to more cities and states than ever.

The Senate is debating legislation this week that would tighten border security while enabling illegal immigrants to eventually become citizens. (Related: Follow the immigration debate)

The Pew Hispanic Center, a research organization in Washington, estimates there are as many as 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States, though researchers acknowledge they are difficult to count. Other organizations have put the number at 11 million, but all agree the total is rising quickly.

Illegal immigrants are more likely than American citizens to hold jobs but less likely to have high school diplomas. They tend to be younger, and many have children who were born in the U.S., making the kids citizens.

Less than half fit the profile of young men sneaking across the border to find jobs and send money back home to their families. Today, most bring their families with them, according to an analysis by the Pew center.

“There’s about 6.5 million adults who are in families, either couples or couples with children, and there’s another 2 million children,” said Jeffrey Passel, a senior research associate at the center. “The vast majority of this population is families.”

In 1990, almost half lived in California, the Pew analysis said. By 2004, California’s share had dropped to about a quarter, even though the state’s illegal population had grown from 1.48 million to about 2.45 million.

They are moving to states like North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio and Georgia as they seek jobs and establish communities. North Carolina has nearly 16 times the number of illegal immigrants it had in 1990, the Pew analysis said. The state had 390,000 in 2004, the most recent state numbers available.

About a quarter of them arrive in the United States legally and simply overstay their visas, Passel said.

“We have about 30 million people per year come here on temporary visas, either tourists or visitors for business,” he said. “With 30 million folks coming here a year, a very small% who stay adds up over the years.”

Members of the Georgia congressional delegation said that reforming immigration policies would provide better border security and ensure a pool of workers for jobs that many no longer wish to do.

“The people of Georgia want our borders secured. I think those who depend on labor want a system where they can get labor without violating the law,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

“This issue is the most emotional, most sensitive, most politically charged issue I’ve seen during my 12 years in Congress,” said Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.

Adult men make up the largest share of illegal immigrants, followed by adult women and then children.

Many families include relatives of differing immigration status. Nearly two-thirds of the children were born in the United States.

Illegal workers make up about 5% of the U.S. labor force. More than nine in 10 males illegally here are in that labor force, compared with 83% of men born in the United States.

Illegal immigrants tend to be younger than American workers, which helps explain why they are more likely to hold jobs, researchers said.

Female illegal immigrants, however, were less likely to work than their American counterparts, perhaps because most have young children, the Pew analysis said.

Illegal immigrants are concentrated in construction, agriculture and cleaning jobs. They make up 36% of all insulation workers, 29% of agricultural workers and 29% of roofers.

The Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates restricting immigration, recently issued a report saying that immigrants compete for jobs with less-educated Americans, especially high-school dropouts.

About half of adult illegal immigrants have not graduated high school, the Pew analysis found. About a third have less than a ninth-grade education.

About a quarter of illegal immigrants have at least some college, with 15% holding at least a bachelor’s degree.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Pinestraw, I doubt you stand any chance, not even a whiff, in the face of big business lobbying your beloved Congressmen.. so confine/consign yourself to whatever class you think you belong. That’s a whole lot of empty bravado…wake up and smell the coffee (Waffle House)!!!

By Jason

March 29, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Anyone who’s not 100% Native American has no ground to stand on when it comes to immigration laws. My grandmother was an immigrant, and my great great grandparents from the other side. Open the doors and make everyone legal so we don’t have to worry about them paying taxes or receiving free public service. It’s so simple.

By hot

March 29, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

The federal government should take care of the problem, the fact is that America was caught with its pants down on 9/11, before 9/11 if you told an American that someone would be flying planes into the world trade center and the pentagon, they would laugh at you. Why? Because this America it could not happen. But sadly now that it has happen and securing our borders is now a priority for Homeland Security, it is the poor hardworking illegal immigrants who are been chastised and demonized. Ask yourself how many time have heard some one said how hardworking these people are, they are here trying to make an honest living. There were no Mexicans involved in 9/11 but they are the one feeling the American wrath, while The UAE where some of the 9/11 terrorist have connections was about to be given control of Americans ports. It there something wrong with this picture

By ml

March 29, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

Emily Branan….WHAT FANTASY WORLD ARE YOU LIVING IN???

“They do not come to impose upon our country and reap benefits distributed by the government, they do not have either the power or the access to accomplish these.”

WHAT?! are you a hermit?

“A majority of the Latino workers come to the States with the intention to earn money to send back to their families, and then return to their homes after a certain period of time.”

EXACTLY! they come here to leach off the system with no intent on staying, so they can live like kings back home. meanwhile, not contributing to the economy fairly, flooding our schools and roadways demanding everything be in spanish….and all for what? stirring the pot here and creating all this havoc FOR WHAT? so they can just up and leave when they have enough money? how can you (and you advocates in general) even begin to think this is okay??? this truly baffles me!

RetiredTLC:

i do payroll too. 4% of my hispanic employees pay full taxes. roughly 6% pay reduced state taxes and nearly-zero or completely zero federal taxes. the other 90% (read: NINETY PERCENT) of the pay no federal or state tax. they all pay medicare and FICA, but i’m willing to bet an entire paycheck - hey, let’s make that 3 paychecks since my pay is so low - that most of the SS#s are not legit.

By Steve

March 29, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

How can anyone argue the fact that anything that is called illegal be justified. The last time I checked, anything that was labeled illegal was a crime. These illegal aliens should be rounded up on the street corners and the parking lots and deported immediately. They are like a cancer eating away the Government’s resources that should be available for U.S. citizens that deserve them. If these illegals want to live in the U.S., then it is imperative to go through the proper process to do so! This is not a racial thing, it is fact!!!

By Dick

March 29, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

State man State. We don’t want a bunch of Teddy, can’t swim, Kennedy making laws that deal with us second and third class citizens. I say each state should take care of and make feds stay away, far away.

By TD

March 29, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

I didn’t realize that there were this many disciples of Tom Metzger and David Duke in the entire country. Much less in one blog.

By fighting the fight

March 29, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

step up to the plate Georgia..let’s take our state back, then our country.

http://www.thedustininmansociety.org/index.html

By firghting the fight

March 29, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

stop the reconquista http://michellemalkin.com/immigration/

By Kevin

March 29, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Ive only got one thing to say on the issue:

REMEMBER THE ALAMO?!?!?!?!

By ATLien4Life!

March 29, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

To all who are using the word ILLEGAL with such flare: When was the last time you drove the speed limit? You’re committing a crime that you should be jailed for.

Also….. let’s just say most of you do things regularly in the bedroom that are still against the “law” in Georgia and most other states. You wanna go to jail for that?

Lastly….. LAWS CAN CHANGE!!! These people are only “illegal” because of this country’s pigheaded refusal to handle things another way and make it easier for them to become fully integrated members of society. Only when that happens can we then attack illegal immigrants for doing things “underground”.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

NParry,

You should be really thankful that you are either independently wealthy or job secure. What you are advocating basically says, “F**K ME, ILLEGAL ALIENS are more important than U.S. citizens. Man, I can’t WAIT until they come to YOUR neighborhood. All the liberal A$$-KI$$ING in the world won’t do you ANY GOOD THEN. In the mean time, i9f you love the ‘Mexican way of life’, carry your sorry socialist A$$ down there!

By ArmySpec

March 29, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Illegals do pay taxes. IDIOTS. Have any of you heard of tax Id. It’s just like a SS#. Uncle Sam catagorizes them as illegals but when it comes to their taxes it’s all good. And to the person that say’s my family should not be here because they are illegal. Maybe you should go and take the place of all the HISPANIC GI’s oversees keeping you safe from terrorism. We are only welsome when it is convienient for yall racist americans. Hispanic legal or not is still Hispanic. Yall are trying to do the same thing to illegal immigrants as the African American people keep the race PURE WHITE.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

ATLien4Life,

I don’t want **these people ‘to become fully integrated members of society.’ I want them out of MY COUNTRY!

By cb

March 29, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

ArmySpec, you are wrong. Go here http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/

to the editorial page and read the letter to the editor. Lots of legal hispanic immigrants want the illegals GONE. Find some other lie to tell.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

[These people](http://www.wehategringos.com/index2.shtml

By Nel

March 29, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

ml, you said “but i’m willing to bet an entire paycheck - hey, let’s make that 3 paychecks since my pay is so low - that most of the SS#s are not legit”. So you are saying that you are taking SS our of their checks with what are probably bogus SS#, did you ever wonder what is happening to all the money you are collecting for the government? Where is it going? Also, how many native born people do you process that pay about the same amount? How many native born won’t work a day because thay are too darn lazy.

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Got me so mad I can’t even type right. One last time…

These people who have no desire to be Americans and no desire to assimilate the way EVERY OTHER immigrant wave has done throughout our history.

By NParry

March 29, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Pinestraw… I am independently wealthy and job secure…correct guess on your part for a change!!

By Michael

March 29, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Hoorah! The state legislature has finally done something about the immigration problem. As I see it, these individuals have made a great contribution to this state and the nation by helping shore up our economic recovery following the disaster, economially, after 911. However, it would have been much more impressive if they had done it while paying the taxes that citizens must may. If we could come up with a way to allow them to stay, while paying their fair share of taxes, and while on record as being in this country, I would welcome all of them. I doubt that they are taking jobs away from our citizens. Face it; we have loads of freeloader citizens as well. They wouldn’t get off their duffs to take many of the jobs the illegal immigrants do on a daily basis. I think George Bush is right (a rarity for me) that we do not need to deamonize illegal immigrants. The sincerely, on the most part, are here for the same reason our forefathers came here—freedom and the ability to live well. Lets work with them and give them our confidence—-as they begin to pay their way.

By Steve

March 29, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

ArmySpec: Do you still not understand what ILLEGAL means?

By karen

March 29, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

HOORAH FOR OUR LEGISLATOR’S:

By Reilly

March 29, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

The question is will the Fed and state efficently execute the new laws?

By PinestrawGuy

March 29, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

I’m not demonizing ANYBODY! Don’t you people realize that the job that gets taken is MINE! I DO the work! I BUST my A$$! I deserve some RESPECT, instead of the condescending DRIVEL I get from NParry! I AM A CITIZEN! Is your cheap gardener and illiterate baby-sitter worth shafting ME and MY FAMILY?!?!? And the thousands of others LIKE me and my family who have to scrap like dogs just to stay EVEN?!?!?

Where’s your F**KING compassion for AMERICANS!

I’ve seen TWO types of people on this thread that are PRO-ILLEGAL.

By karen

March 29, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Thank You Pinestraw for everything you said!!! TOO bad for you PRO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS… HA HA HA majority rules and 86% of Georgians want this law.

I personally intend to become an activist on this issue on the federal level. 2008 is around the corner and I’ll bet this issue will still be alive and well that year. MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE!

By karen

March 29, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

BOOOO..NPARRY…BOOO

By Hawk

March 29, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

It’s both a federal and state issue, but it needs to adressed all over the nation too, which includes Georgia and all of Buford Highway.

By Pat

March 30, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

Since the Federal government can’t be counted on to do anything, the individual states must do something. I applaud the Georgia lawmakers who had the intestinal fortitude to do what is needed. The Federal government and the President are failing in their Constitutional obligation to the citizens of this nation to protect the borders.

By Nicole

March 30, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

I agree with the very 1st posting; The ball was in the Federal “court” and they never addressed it; Now, I am hopeful that we will see legislation passed in Georgia protecting true American rights. It’s not fair that honest, law abiding foreigners are on a waiting list longer than I can imagine… trying to gain American citizenship through legitimate means… and these “illegals” feel that they’re privileged and above the laws that govern citizenship when they pass our borders illegally. I would like to see the illegal immigrant issue solved swiftly. I would like the issues surrounding the effort to crack down on illegal’s addressed without “spin.” I feel that since I am an American who pays federal and state income tax, property tax; I pay without choice- towards Medicare, social security, I am also paying a lot for my own car, house, and health insurance. All are required to be paid when you work and live in the US; illegal’s may do the jobs that others don’t PREFER to do; but, they are eligible for welfare, discount housing, paid under the table, and receive free medical. That’s ludicrous. I feel that if they want to be treated equally- let’s see them assume the same responsibilities of all able-bodied & hard-working Americans. I hate to see Military Vets put on a waiting list @ a VA hospital and the illegal immigrants can walk right into a hospital for anything (emergency or not) and receive prompt, free care. That’s a travesty.

By Missy

March 30, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

I’m a 7th generation Georgian and what our state is becoming is very upsetting to me. I want my kids to have the chance to grow up in the Georgia I knew and loved, but it’s changing drastically, and not for the good. Let’s clean it up, take it back, and turn it into the Georgia we all know and love WITHOUT ILLEGAL ALIENS trying to change our beautiful state into Mexico. I’m so saddened when I see these Mexican work crews out EVERYWHERE, and I’m sure many of them in the groups are illegal and taking a job from an American Citizen. I’m saddened when I drive down Buford where they’ve just turned it into Tijuauana (I know I didn’t spell that right but who cares) and made it all trashy like their own country and I can’t stand to see their spanish language written on anything in my country. Call me a racist, I don’t care. My ancestors worked hard to make this country and Georgia into what it was, and I’m sure they are turning in their graves seeing what it’s become. Kick them out NOW! Stop hiring illegal aliens. Y’all are just as much to blame, the ones hiring the criminals.

By Missy

March 30, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

ArmySpec, you sound like you have a chip on your shoulder. You think that since you are serving our country through our military that your illegal family members should just be able to hop on over and be an American Citizen. Sorry, it dosn’t work that way. There are alot of foreign born people serving in our military and I thank them for it, and you. My husband is retired after serving in the USMC and is a veteran of Desert Storm. MANY of my ancestors, and his, have all been in the military defending out country and our rights as Americans, so don’t give me the song and dance that just because you are in our military your illegal family should be automatic citizens. Dosn’t fly here.

By L.R.

April 6, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

It is about time somebody did SOMETHING! At least we can do some kind of change here in Georgia. If you think illegals just take the jobs we don’t want think again. I see them everyday with vehicles announcing their new “company”. I never knew you could own your own business if you were an illegal immigrant who doesn’t pay taxes or social security and had no business license.

By Nikole

April 6, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

LR- Did it occur to you that just because someone is Mexican, does not mean that they are illegal? How can you possibly know that someone with their own business is an illegal immigrant. If they have their own business, it is highly likely that they are legal.

By Nikole

April 6, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Missy-Your ancestors did not work hard to build anything, this state was built on the backs of slaves. Take that self-rightousness attitude elsewhere, it has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

By meme

April 10, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Since my ancestors were immigrant Irish men and women, I know for a fact that they worked to build this country and state. The black worked, I am not saying that they didn’t, but they were not the only ones.

By Todd

April 11, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

If all the people here that are worried about illegal immigration, get off your butts and do something about it. We are having a Stop the Illegal Immigration March on April 17th at the Ga. Capital. Listen to your radio stations for further updates. This is NO joke, April 17th at Noon. This has been orchestrated by D.A. King. Please come and let your represenatives and senators KNOW you do NOT like illegal immigration. It will be a crying shame if we can’t get at least as many people as the immigrants had.

By student

April 18, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

To ArmySPC: I found this information of the Department of Homeland Security website… Derivative Citizenship - Citizenship conveyed to children through the naturalization of parents or, under certain circumstances, to foreign-born children adopted by U.S. citizen parents, provided certain conditions are met. and: Naturalization - The conferring, by any means, of citizenship upon a person after birth. So if I interpreted this correctly this means basically if you have become an United States citizen, your “citizenship is conveyed” to your children.