Illegal Immigration

And I'm so glad to hear your viewpoint! I can't argue with what others have said, I do think the younger immigrants in particular should learn English but the should be given the time to do so. I've heard it said that English is a difficult language to learn so we shouldn't expect someone to become fluent overnight. And your so right about them doing the jobs we won't do and I've seen some of them do it and do it very well. The bad apples need to be weeded out, just like in anything else. I have a little bit of everything in me, including French, German, Irish and I think Dutch, my husband is part Native American, my son-in-law's maternal grandparents came here from Italy in their youth. We're the melting pot and always have been! That's what makes America great in my mind. Annie

hehe..I'm a real mutt...LOL. I'm part Zapotec, Mixtec, Wiccoccomico and Cree representing Mexican, American AND Canadian Indian bloods, also, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Irish, Welsh, Scottish and English...yeesh...a UN here--LOL

I remember those signs and they were more of a political gambit (plus cruelty). So yes, there should be some scrutiny of the government and other organizations in this matter. As for English, yes it is difficult for plenty of people. Even some homegrown stateside folks have trouble with it. Nevermind adults in the homegrown group that can't even read English. I've heard that joke several times too Pye. But as another joke a group of Paleolithic humans were actually the first illegal immigrants to America sometime 20-25,000 years ago during the Pleistocene times.

Well, I can't speak for all of the immagrants are even all of one nationality. But, there are many coming over and all they are bringing is trouble. And they are taking over and they don't even speak the language. I went to apply for a job at the Red Cross in 1995 and they said I had to know Spanish to work there.

Thanks so much for your comment! I knew as I was typing this discussion that I'd get some feedback from those who disagree and you've certainly made a good point that I, being from Pa. where there isn't such a problem, do not see firsthand as you do. As for those who are forced here against their will, I'm certainly not for that at all! I've seen some shows about human trafficing and I wasn't thinking of that aspect of immigration. Now, here's a thought - I heard a few years ago that the state of I THINK South Dakota was actually offering people money if they came and settled there for at least five years. Why not get some of the immigrants who are willing to learn English and to work for a living to move to places like that, where the population is very small and they're actually looking for more people? Once more, I'm not talking about the "criminal element" which I know does exist among immigrants as well as with every segment of the population. There should be certain benchmarks they must meet to be able to stay here, they should be willing to work and to learn. You live in California for you certainly know much more than I do, but in my experiences travelling I've met quite a few wonderful people who were immigrants and they were polite and respectful and darn hard workers. I guess I'm thinking of people like that most of all. Annie

Hope you don't mind my butting in here Rozie but I saw the comment you made later down and to quote you. .."Well, I can't speak for all of the immagrants are even all of one nationality. But, there are many coming over and all they are bringing is trouble. And they are taking over and they don't even speak the language. I went to apply for a job at the Red Cross in 1995 and they said I had to know Spanish to work there. .." This attitude has been that way since year one in this country unfortunately. We think in terms of the present where a vast majority of immigrants are of Hispanic origins (or Chinese, for that fact), but this country unfortunately has had biased and rather bigoted attitudes toward many immigrants. Don't forget, up until relatively recently there was no real status between legal or illegal immigrants, they just came here by the droves. In the early 1700s for instance one of the largest ethnic groups to come here were of German background, and you can bet they sure as heck didn't know the language. I know this as my one part of my ancestry is German and came to the Hudson Valley area of NY in 1710. Now zoom up...just how were Germans treated during the World Wars? Not very well, they were persecuted as everyone thought anyone of German background was pro Nazi. Then of course during WWII this gov't actually rounded up Japanese and were kept in the equivalent of concentration camps. Gee, was that nice of us? I agree with annie that so many people come to this country looking for the "dreamam" that has lured people to this country for a better life since this country's beginnings--to start a new life, and yes you may have some bad apples, but that is true regardless of what ethnic group, religion and so forth Now, since I'm also part Native American, geez...how were WE treated? WE were treated like illegal aliens in our own native born country..WE were forced to give up our native languages and religions, and did you know that Native Americans WERE NOT CONSIDERED AMERICAN CITIZENS until June 2, 1924?? Odd considering when our people only had been and lived here for something like 50,000 years?? How stupid is that? To our people anyone who isn't of Native American blood is considered an illegal alien..LOL

Oh did have to add here, while things weren't great (to put it very, very mildly) for those of African American blood throughout this country's history African Americans were granted citizen status in 1866 shortly after the Civil War..this predates when Native Americans were granted citizen status

Thank you for your input here, Worldwise1; I knew when I started this that there is much I'm not aware of when it comes to this issue. I live in a state where I don't see a big problem with illegal immigration, although I'm only a few minutes from Hazleton, Pa. which has made the national news lately with it's mayor taking a strong stance against illegals. I'm really at a loss as to what the answer is to this problem. And one thing I don't understand is HOW does someone who is here illegally get services from our government? Heck, it's hard enough to get some kind of help for a 90 year old who's never left the country! They want every kind of proof of identity and residency that's known to man. So, how do illegals get all these social services? If they're here illegally and have not been paying taxes they certainly shouldn't be eligible, trust me when I say I believe that quite firmly! Annie

Thanks for your comment, but that's rather harsh, isn't it? I'll admit to my ignorance here - I don't really understand why so many come here illegally. Is the "list" to come here legally that long that it takes forever or do they just want to get here now? I'm all for deporting or imprisoning those who break the law, I feel very strongly they should have to learn English and absolutely they should pay taxes! The thing is we have more immigrants here legally that we don't make pay any taxes for several years if they open a business. Why not give that opportunity to those of us who were born here? There's so much more complaining about those that sneak over the borders than what I just mentioned and that's something I've never figured out. Annie

What contributions did they make by living here illegally? Not paying taxes WAS their reward.

it might very well give rise to terrorism, you never know.

Don't worry xfahctor I for one am not cringing at it. In fact you make an excellent case. I do agree that there are too many flaws in not just the illegal side but the legal side of the immigration issue. And there are some dishonest people that are getting in (surprisingly on both ends). I'll have to save the story of Nuevo Laredo for another time/discussion, but that is one problem stemming from poor immigration and border management. Others are of course case by case but they do occur. While I was one to say English should be learned for some it is a hard language (even some homegrown citizens have problems with it). Yes the language should be learned and you are correct other countries do expect people to learn the language and abide by the laws. The last part, I say its a good argument. In fact there are some illegal immigrants and protests that aren't that civil and others that tried to violate existing laws (a couple were against the free speech of a citizen, other demanded "more equal than others" type rights). Yes you are allowed to come legally and integrate. Yes, do not lose cultural identity. But do not force things on others and do not try to take rights from others either.