Atlanta Forward readers responded to last week’s immigration columns from a restaurant owner, Republican Congressman Rob Woodall and the CEO of Georgia Lutheran Services. Here are some select comments:
Starik: America needs to remain a county that welcomes immigrants who come here to work hard and become good citizens. If we don't let the illegals stay, we're cheating ourselves.
An observer: The Senate-passed immigration reform was nothing more than a gift to business by allowing more foreign worker visas to undermine U.S. workers. It did nothing to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, or to help those who are already here illegally.
Whirled Peas: The restaurant owner above wants a perpetual supply of cheap workers. What he does not know, or at least won't say, is that illegal alien workers are cheap only to their employer. Many of their costs are picked up by the taxpayer — costs like health care, food, cell phones and education. Not voting for immigration reform does not mean we want the existing system. We want the existing border enforced and the jobs of illegal immigrants given to legal residents — things not being done well now. Without jobs or stuff provided by the taxpayers, illegal immigrants will return home. Let's give these jobs to people here legally.
Collegeballfan: Voting "NO" on immigration reform means you are voting "YES" on keeping the current system. The reverend abhors illegals getting free medical care at hospital ERs. ObamaCare would stop that practice, but it appears the House will vote to not fund that part of Obamacare. So we will keep free medical care for anyone in the U.S., legal or illegal. A vote of "NO" on immigration reform means voting "YES" to keeping the current system of open borders and cheap illegal labor. It appears Congress is determined to keep the status quo on immigration and medical care. Remember what Reagan said about the status quo: "Status quo, you know, is Latin for 'the mess we're in.'"
Road Scholar: So the Senate passed its bill in June. What exactly, Mr. Woodall, has the House done on immigration? Let me answer for you … NOTHING! Combined with doing nothing on everything else (trying to gut Obamacare is nothing since you voted on that 41 times and it won't pass in the Senate), why should you be paid let alone have health care and health club memberships? Why should you keep your job?
Dusty: I see that illegal immigrants are protesting in Washington. May I ask why they are not being carried to the gates of Mexico and sent home? Yes, one said she had children who are legal. That does not mean she cannot take them with her. Do we make laws so people can ignore them? Will bank robbers be next, saying they need the money to feed their hungry children, so it should be OK to rob the bank?. It seems the Democratic-controlled Senate is thinking in these terms — change the laws to favor these lawbreakers, and they will vote for Democrats.
