May 1st Immigrant Rights Protests
By emarie
@emarie (5442)
United States
May 1, 2007 7:45pm CST
Alright…a year ago I ranted about this and I didn’t even know they were going to do this AGAIN. Lets start off…this IS in the debate section and of course this is all opinions….flaming is fine, but name calling is not. So please be adult about this.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1006042726701
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=3080988
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=56028
To day, May 1 2007, immigrants took to the streets all over the US in protest for equal right for ILLEGAL immigrants. Now, I have no problem with immigrants. Hell, we’re all immigrants in the US. But does anyone notice the word ILLEGAL?? Stating the obvious, many different people come here from other countries and not just Mexico, but they have the largest voice in this matter…why…because a good deal of them DO NOT try to get themselves legalized and that’s their first mistake. I have no problem with the quote, “give me your tired hungry and your poor” but times have changed and the government has implied new laws and yes, because of 9/11 we were forced to now enforce them even more. I do not always agree with that the government say, but I think complaining about it without PRODUCTIVE action isn’t the best way to settle a conflict. I agree, if you have a problem, write in to your senate and tell them. ALSO, I’m not sure what stops people from becoming Legal citizens. A LOT of immigrants do it, why should the hard work of others be thrown in their faces just because a whole bunch of people decide to make an effort in risking their lives to come here but not make an effort to become a legal citizen. Not all cases are the same. I have NOTHING against immigrants in general. My family were one immigrants, coming over to work in plantations like most immigrants and they worked hard, got their citizenship and now here I am.
I think the thing I have a problem with is having these elementary to high school kids walking out of school and hurting their education. Adults can protest like adults, but Children should stay in school and GET an education. I know they have their rights and they believe in something very strongly but they should figure out other ways to help. Maybe even help their family, parents, grandparents get legalized so they don’t get deported. To do that they could do research on what their parents need to know, and if they’re any government places where they will help them go through the long process of citizenship. I know its hard, you have to first know English, then learn the laws and the history of the country and that’s completely understandable…These children are our future and you should teach you’re children that becoming a member should be one of the top priorities. Yes, a lot of immigrants do manual labor because they can’t get hired. Also, illegal immigrants who work, don’t pay taxes and normally have FAKE documents. ANOTHER illegal act! What’s so hard in getting citizenship here? Please let me know if you’ve immigrated to the US and got your citizen ship. I would love to hear views on immigrants, illegal immigrants, and of course born US citizens of all background.
People are saying that they’re standing up for their rights to live, and like I said…what about ALL the others who worked like hell to make a difference, get the citizenship, and earning a respectable living for themselves and their families? What about the LAWS of the country you decided you wanted to live in? Should they be disregarded just because you say you want to live here? Do I have the rite to go to another country and decide to live there and expect ALL the benefits of a regular citizen of the country without following their laws, paying my dues, and in some cases learning their language?? C’mon what rationalization can you possible see in that? They’re coming here to making something of themselves and their family, to give their children a chance in the world and I applauded that. But wouldn’t look better to your children and of course yourself in the long run if you did it the proper way? Or am I wrong? Should we teach our children its okay to break they law because we work hard and don’t have much?
I AM happy that most of the protests have been peaceful and the fact that the presence of American flags over Mexican was far more then last year. But still…its this something necessary?
...alright, its your turn. Let everyone know your opinion on this matter, good bad, I want to hear it all...but remember, keep it civil.
2 people like this
4 responses
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
2 May 07
I pretty much agree with you. I have no problem with immigration either, it's doing it illegally that I have a problem with. My grandparents came here, learned the language and loved every second they had in this country, they worked their butts off and raised their children with the understanding that they were fortunate to be able to live here. I think it says a lot about the people that go about coming here the right way, the legal way, and not taking the "easy" way out. Or in as the case may be. I can't blame anyone for wanting to provide a better life for their family, but with the amount of illegals in this country it is starting to appear as though they are getting better lives and the citizens here are paying the price by having to foot the bill for the welfare system. So now who is being affected? We will never rid ourselves of every illegal immigrant, but I don't think a blanket amnesty is the answer, nor are easier immigration laws. It's time we as a country start taking care of our own. We may pass all the laws in the book, but until we start funding and enforcing them the situation is just going to get worse.
3 people like this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
2 May 07
I agree with all that you said. I'm for immigration when they come here legally. Once they break the law and come in illegally then they should be rounded up and sent home. If they are willing to break the laws to come in here then who knows what other laws they will break. My thought also is if they are going to have a parade and protest then INS should be right there as well. Check each and everyone and deport anyone that is illegal. Show them that the law is there and it will be enforced.
I'm really tired of our country and it's citizens being expected to cater to those who come here, not correctly, not legally but by sneaking in like a theif in the night. I don't respect them, does anyone for doing such things? If they want to become citizens, fine and dandy. Fill out the paperwork, pay the fees, learn the language and everything else required and then come in. I think it's great when we gain new citizens.
@muppetsnap (229)
• Canada
2 May 07
I think the protest is more about the political posturing that goes on around immigration. It's basically a nod to blaming societal problems on 'them' rather than 'us'.
The reality is that there are scores of people living productive lives in the US who are there illegally. Yet the economy would suffer very badly if they could be magically returned home. So there needs to be some kind of renormalisation for those who are already embedded in the nation. Enforcement is vital - but the realities can't be ignored, and 'rounding up' (nice phrase) all working illegals would send the economy into a tailspin. So people need to start dealing with the now, rather than posturing.
And, as a closing, let's not pretend that the US doesn't make it staggeringly hard to enter and work legally - because it does.
