Should immigration reform include a pathway to citizenship? Last Thursday’s blog asked that question. Here are some reader comments posted with their chosen screen names.
Hacimo: American citizenship is priceless. Our ancestors gave their lives and blood to build this country. It's disgusting that Christians and "loyal Americans" want to sell American citizenship for a few votes. Notice how the cheap labor aspect and the chance to collect some tax money has not escaped their notice? I will not see citizenship defiled by politicians, regardless of how many elections might be won as a result.
James: It is just such a shame we have elected politicianswho think that offering amnesty is a smart economic way to go. Are the elected leaders that far out of touch with the working-class people of this country? I work at a factory that is 90 percent Hispanic. Reason being: We can pay them less. This exact situation is occurring in businesses all over the country. Wages will not get raised when there are millions upon millions of illegal immigrants ready to fill positions at a low wage. I also personally know people in the construction industry who lost their jobs to illegal immigrants. The American dream is not for law breakers. What about the millions of people waiting in line to get into this country legally? Politicians need to get in touch with the legal citizens of this country.
Shamehia: "Pathway to citizenship" is nothing but a euphemism for amnesty. Most of us understand that. At the end of the day, it rewards people who knowingly broke our laws by entering and remaining in the U.S. illegally. The best approach to "reform" is to secure the southern border and to vigorously enforce immigration laws. Immigrants who are unwilling to make the effort to go through the naturalization process should always be at risk of apprehension and deportation.
Mangler: I love all this "secure the southern border" nonsense. As if everyone who is here illegally walked north from Mexico. Most of the undocumented here were legally allowed in as tourists or guest workers. When their visas expired, they stayed. Building a bigger, stronger, thicker, more fortified wall from the Gulf to the Pacific, and having gun-toting (guards) walking it every 1,000 feet, may prevent a few families from scurrying across the desert; but it won't do anything for the people who are already here and who will continue to be allowed in based on tourism and work.
Catlady: I don't mind a pathway to citizenship if we set high standards as part of the requirements, standards such as English fluency — to show you are dedicated to self-sufficiency, employability and joining the mainstream; participation in children's education — attending (school) conferences, providing supplies; repayment of benefits gained — free lunch, etc. , and payment of a substantial fine for each year of illegal residence. I agree with a focus on the border. The border and employment are key.
