Even after all of this debate in class, I'm very unclear on my decision about illegal immigration into the United States, because it is a touchy subject with several key points, be it pro or con, that make perfect sense in the context of the debate. Personally, I think that a more moderate program based on political compromise may be more beneficial than a plan that drifts towards extremes.
What I would have in mind if I had any say politically in the issue is beyond me. It just seems to me that the issue has been polarized in a political arena to such an extent that it is broadcasted as a black and white issue, rather than one that could be solved with some common ground in the middle. For example, I believe that laws such as the ones in Hazleton that penalizes those that offer basic necessities and jobs to illegal immigrants are too harsh, for they strip them of their ability to live at all. However, other laws, such as the one that governs our policy on native-born children which gives illegal immigrants incentive to sneak across the border should be abolished.
Other areas come into play as well. The US economy is reliant on migrant workers to provide some of our labor forces and immigrates, both legal and illegal, contribute to our labor pool. However, with a continued flow of illegal immigrates coming into the United States, there is the side note that native born citizens are losing their jobs to illegal immigrates who will work for lower wages. While it is not an easy issue to deal with economically, other solutions such as globalization may prove to be the long-term solution, allowing for some of the wealth of our country to flow into the coffers of other countries where living conditions will improve as well.
I really think that most of this just went around in circles, with me chasing my own tail. I think I'm just going to stop trying and do something else...
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Why is this so hard?
Illegal Immigration and Such...
700 of the 1,951 miles of US - Mexcan border will be walled. What kind of wall? I have no clue. Could be a thirty foot embattlement, or it could be a picket fence. Hell, I'd say, save the money and go ahead with the picket fence idea. Either way, it'll be about as effective. You're covering a little more than a third of the border. That's like a medieval castle having a moat to go around 3/4 of the city. This wall will not be the immigrant-stopping juggernaught that I'm sure it's made out to be. Um, hi? The people will just WALK AROUND IT. If they're willing to walk illegally across our border to get into the country, they'll take the extra time to go around our obstacles. And, if this 700 mile area is the heaviest illegal immigration spot, why don't we just send a few bombers over the border there, and nuke the towns on the other side? That'll send a message to Mexico, right? Come on people... if you're going to do something, do it right... build the damn wall all the way across or continue to do nothing. The way I see it, illegal immigration needs to be brought to an end as much as we can help it (note that I do not offer a solution for this) and legal immigration needs, from what I understand, to be made a little less difficult. If the people can come here legally (and would benefit from doing so, from what I know) then why wouldn't they? On the other side of the coin, we could pass legislation to make illegal immigration punishable by death, and set up patrols to shoot anyone who tries. Crazy, huh? It's just as outrageous as doing nothing. From my perspective, building a wall that covers only 36% of the border is as good as doing nothing. Which, I think everyone understands as unacceptable.
ps - Andy, I'll smack you with my pimpcane!
ps - Andy, I'll smack you with my pimpcane!
USA all the Way
Hmm. So let's see. My thoughts on Immigration. When it comes to serious issues such as this one I find myself having a very neutral opinion. I tend to agree partially with both sides of the argument. I find it really hard to make up my mind when it comes to this issue.
For instance I completely agree that in no way should we delegate English as the one and only language of the country. It to me is unfair and unjust. We should welcome other languages and cultures with a warm and understanding heart. English is a very difficult language that takes years upon years to master. I myself still am discovering things about the language I was born and raised to know. America wouldn't be American without a wide variety of people that we have. We all blend together to made the USof A. Although some immigrants might travel to America for the wrong reasons whether it be for illegal or criminal uses, along with these bad come many more good. Immigrants are completely stereotyped and we fail to relieve them of this burden. In no way do I think we are better than these people. I would say we are more fortunate to live in a place with so many great opportunities.
On the other hand I agree that immigration is a growing problem. I agree we must find some way to stop illegal immigrants from coming to the US. Along with this I believe it would be so much better if the process of citizenship was easier. It seems that the tests they must complete are long and hard. I want immigrants to become a part of this country. I want them to take advantage of the privileges that we have and they have not yet experienced. In no way am I saying that immigrants shouldn't be apart of America. I want them to become legal and enjoy their stay here and not have to live in isolation because they are scared of the consequences of getting caught.
America is continuing to grow and change daily. We as Americans must choose if we want it to change for the better or for the worse. This is our homeland and we have to embrace new citizens into the arms of our nation.
For instance I completely agree that in no way should we delegate English as the one and only language of the country. It to me is unfair and unjust. We should welcome other languages and cultures with a warm and understanding heart. English is a very difficult language that takes years upon years to master. I myself still am discovering things about the language I was born and raised to know. America wouldn't be American without a wide variety of people that we have. We all blend together to made the USof A. Although some immigrants might travel to America for the wrong reasons whether it be for illegal or criminal uses, along with these bad come many more good. Immigrants are completely stereotyped and we fail to relieve them of this burden. In no way do I think we are better than these people. I would say we are more fortunate to live in a place with so many great opportunities.
On the other hand I agree that immigration is a growing problem. I agree we must find some way to stop illegal immigrants from coming to the US. Along with this I believe it would be so much better if the process of citizenship was easier. It seems that the tests they must complete are long and hard. I want immigrants to become a part of this country. I want them to take advantage of the privileges that we have and they have not yet experienced. In no way am I saying that immigrants shouldn't be apart of America. I want them to become legal and enjoy their stay here and not have to live in isolation because they are scared of the consequences of getting caught.
America is continuing to grow and change daily. We as Americans must choose if we want it to change for the better or for the worse. This is our homeland and we have to embrace new citizens into the arms of our nation.
immigrants...
So .. I don't know how I feel towards this whole immigration thing. I agree with things on both sides. I feel like it is definately a problem, but I also feel that the war in Iraq is a bigger problem. I don't think they should have taken the huge lump of money from the funds in Iraq to build a wall because in reality if people want to come to the US they are going to find a way whether there is this big wall in the way or not. Also, the government says how big of a problem illegal immigrants are and that there is soo many of them in the US, but maybe if they made it just a little more easy to be here legally then this wouldn't be such a huge problem. I also don't think its fair to question or card everyone that may be an illegal immigrant because what about the ones that are legal? They are going to be put through this inconvenience on a daily basis just because others are violating the law. Its not their fault, they did things the right way therefore I don't feel like they should be put through this just because our government didn't do their job in the first place. In the end I guess I don't really side a certain way but thats what I think!!
Perhaps a little too impartial...
I have always been an impartial person. I see the pros and cons to both sides of any issue... I can put myself in another person's shoes and understand why the feel a certain way about an issue. Perhaps I am a little too impartial. I often wonder if this gets me into trouble, because I have a hard time finding how I feel about many a topic. But I am beginning to digress...
Immigration- it's tricky. I feel that, despite certain negative images we possess in others' minds, America is a pretty kick ass place. We are free to do whatever we want, whenever we want. We are successful, diverse, and living it up with that American Dream. I know that if I were struggling in another country, I would want to come here. In fact, I would probably do whatever I had to do to get here. So, in that aspect, I can relate to these immigrants. In fact, I want them to have every opportunity that America can give them. And as I sit here, spacing out, blaring my Humble Pie cd, I realize how trivial my problems are compared to these immigrants. Many face persecution and tremendous hardship, while I'm sitting here wondering what to wear to the club tomorrow night. So from that perspective, I feel that we should be helping these people out instead of trying to keep them away, as if they were disgusting vermin.
But then there is the flipside- I cannot help but be influenced by others such as my family, and how they view the subject. In all honesty, I come from a very racist family. If the topic of immigration comes up in conversation, the first thing said will be something awful. I am not saying that i feel this way... but I am saying that another side of me thinks, "This is our country, we work hard to keep it this way, and now they are going to come in, steal our jobs, etc." I feel horrible for thinking that way sometimes. So from this perspective I feel that if they are going to come in, fine, but the government should really crack down on who comes in and why, yadda yadda.
Like I said... for me, it's a tricky subject. And based on other blogs I have read about this issue, I would say it is tricky for many others as well. Issues like this make me realize that a lot of our world's problems could be fixed with a little more Peace, Love, and Understanding.
Immigration- it's tricky. I feel that, despite certain negative images we possess in others' minds, America is a pretty kick ass place. We are free to do whatever we want, whenever we want. We are successful, diverse, and living it up with that American Dream. I know that if I were struggling in another country, I would want to come here. In fact, I would probably do whatever I had to do to get here. So, in that aspect, I can relate to these immigrants. In fact, I want them to have every opportunity that America can give them. And as I sit here, spacing out, blaring my Humble Pie cd, I realize how trivial my problems are compared to these immigrants. Many face persecution and tremendous hardship, while I'm sitting here wondering what to wear to the club tomorrow night. So from that perspective, I feel that we should be helping these people out instead of trying to keep them away, as if they were disgusting vermin.
But then there is the flipside- I cannot help but be influenced by others such as my family, and how they view the subject. In all honesty, I come from a very racist family. If the topic of immigration comes up in conversation, the first thing said will be something awful. I am not saying that i feel this way... but I am saying that another side of me thinks, "This is our country, we work hard to keep it this way, and now they are going to come in, steal our jobs, etc." I feel horrible for thinking that way sometimes. So from this perspective I feel that if they are going to come in, fine, but the government should really crack down on who comes in and why, yadda yadda.
Like I said... for me, it's a tricky subject. And based on other blogs I have read about this issue, I would say it is tricky for many others as well. Issues like this make me realize that a lot of our world's problems could be fixed with a little more Peace, Love, and Understanding.
Head? Meet desk. Again, djf;usDG;DJK.
Okay, so the more I think about immigration issues, the more I want to kick something, because, well, it's making my head hurt and I can't verbalize exactly what I think, and it's just frustrating me in general, 'kay?
And of course there's the fact that I should care about it, if only for the fact that it's a decent-sized issue that will be dealt with politically, whether it should be or not, and I'm trying to be politically active and informed and all that good stuff. I... just don't, really, when it gets down to the nuts and bolts. On the large scale, I'd say that yeah, lessen the hoops immigrants have to go through to become citizens so they can to it legally, find a way to legalize those who are already here and really want to be citizens, help those who just want to earn money for their families to do that and do more humanitarian stuff globally so they don't have to come here to make money, but.
Maybe I'm just too jaded to care, because real life is rather lacking. As the cliche goes, life isn't fair, and hey, what I'd like to do would end up trying to make it more fair. Everything that sounds good in theory will probably fail in practice, because of first people, and second chaos. Y'know, butterfly effect and all that? Nothing is a vacuum, "right", "wrong", and laws are just social constructs maybe made more permenent that they should be, and wow I'm a bitch.
Ohgodsthisisnotcool,can'twriteapaperlikethis. *flails*
And of course there's the fact that I should care about it, if only for the fact that it's a decent-sized issue that will be dealt with politically, whether it should be or not, and I'm trying to be politically active and informed and all that good stuff. I... just don't, really, when it gets down to the nuts and bolts. On the large scale, I'd say that yeah, lessen the hoops immigrants have to go through to become citizens so they can to it legally, find a way to legalize those who are already here and really want to be citizens, help those who just want to earn money for their families to do that and do more humanitarian stuff globally so they don't have to come here to make money, but.
Maybe I'm just too jaded to care, because real life is rather lacking. As the cliche goes, life isn't fair, and hey, what I'd like to do would end up trying to make it more fair. Everything that sounds good in theory will probably fail in practice, because of first people, and second chaos. Y'know, butterfly effect and all that? Nothing is a vacuum, "right", "wrong", and laws are just social constructs maybe made more permenent that they should be, and wow I'm a bitch.
Ohgodsthisisnotcool,can'twriteapaperlikethis. *flails*
------Imm's------
I sit in the back--I see it all, I hear it all--I take it all in, think about it, analyze it. I had an opinion on the topic a few weeks ago, and after all this talk, I realize......
I still have the same opinion.
Something needs to be done about illegal immigrants--Sure, some of them are coming in--intelligent, pure, longing for a better life for them and their family--but some of them are coming with bad intentions--bringing crime and gangs and terror....
SIDEBAR: I feel like I've said all this before, and I'm feeling slightly ho-hum today, so if this post is less than inspiring, I apologize.-------
Anyway, I don't care how long and difficult the legalization process is--if you're really that excited about coming to America, to start a better life, you'll plug along, you'll go through with it--and I'll respect you for that. But the true illegals--coming to smuggle drugs or take our jobs, invade our innocent towns and cities (i.e., Hazleton,) need to leave. Get 'em out. Build the fence. Make the US English-Only. Ship 'em back. My "frame" might sound harsh, but it's my opinion. I'm conservative, old-fashioned, and prefer a simple, direct resolution to the whole thing.
Which is probably not realistic, possible, feasible, or even imaginable for some, but hey!
You never....
ever....
know.
I still have the same opinion.
Something needs to be done about illegal immigrants--Sure, some of them are coming in--intelligent, pure, longing for a better life for them and their family--but some of them are coming with bad intentions--bringing crime and gangs and terror....
SIDEBAR: I feel like I've said all this before, and I'm feeling slightly ho-hum today, so if this post is less than inspiring, I apologize.-------
Anyway, I don't care how long and difficult the legalization process is--if you're really that excited about coming to America, to start a better life, you'll plug along, you'll go through with it--and I'll respect you for that. But the true illegals--coming to smuggle drugs or take our jobs, invade our innocent towns and cities (i.e., Hazleton,) need to leave. Get 'em out. Build the fence. Make the US English-Only. Ship 'em back. My "frame" might sound harsh, but it's my opinion. I'm conservative, old-fashioned, and prefer a simple, direct resolution to the whole thing.
Which is probably not realistic, possible, feasible, or even imaginable for some, but hey!
You never....
ever....
know.
I wish...
I know a lot of people have strong opinions on the topic of immigration, but personally I find it hard to side with one side or the other. I feel like I’m in the middle. I’m the type of person that always wants to help everyone. I feel that this makes me side with those who say we should get rid of immigration laws and make it easy for people to enter our country. Since I also know two people who are trying to obtain US citizenship I feel greatly for all those immigrants who are stuck in this long and complicated process. These reasons make me believe that instead of the US making it harder for immigrants to come here we need to make it easier. We need to help people in other countries who don’t have the amazing opportunities that we have here in the US. If people are fleeing for religious or economic reasons I believe we should welcome them.
But then the realistic side of me kicks in and says, “NO!” I see the potential problems that this openness to immigration could cause. If immigrants come to the US and many of them end up staying here and never returning home that could lead to some serious over population problems. The US can’t take on all the problems of the world…I realize that. I just wish we could.
But then the realistic side of me kicks in and says, “NO!” I see the potential problems that this openness to immigration could cause. If immigrants come to the US and many of them end up staying here and never returning home that could lead to some serious over population problems. The US can’t take on all the problems of the world…I realize that. I just wish we could.
foreign affairs
On this issue I’m still torn. Something must be done about illegal immigration, if only due to the large number of illegal immigrants in the country. The process of getting a green card should be made easier so that less people feel inclined to get here in a illegal fashion. However, this doesn’t solve the whole problem of how our country deals with foreign affairs, which is part of the problem itself. Although we are focusing on illegal immigration from Mexico, there are illegal immigrants from other areas too. In order to change the consistency of illegal immigration, we must try to communicate better with other countries and possibly help countries that have a problem with all their citizens fleeing to increase their standard of living. However, I don’t suggest doing through a war, which tends to pit countries against each other. This won’t stop illegal immigration from happening, but it may decrease the number of illegal immigrants per year. As for what to do about the illegal immigrants already here, I’m still unsure about what would be best. We can’t just break up families and tell them to get out, but letting everyone stay may make give the wrong idea to more people that want to immigrate to the United States. For now, I think that the known plan that will work the best is trying to find and document all of the illegal immigrants correctly including the amount of time they have been here, the illegal immigrants that just came to the United States within the last few months would be sent back and the others would be allowed to stay. Using this method, people that have been living here for long periods of time won’t be thrown out. I think that we need to get rid of the born on American soil and you’re an American idea, because many illegal immigrants risk their lives because they want tier children to have a better life.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
If I Ran For Office
I know am a more informed citizen on the issue of illegal immigration; however, all that I have learned has not done much to change my opinion on the situation. I have more information at my disposal now with which to defend the opinions I do have though. I am not a supporter of complete compassion towards people who come here illegally, but nor am I in favor of the complete absence of compassion. I don’t think that people who have not come here through the proper channels should be able to enjoy the same benefits as those who have. I don’t agree with major league baseball players who set records using steroids, and I am a strong supporter of tightening regulations and stiffer penalties for those who break these laws, but I also don’t feel that it would suit any purpose to try to go back through and take those players who cheated out of the record books. In my opinion, what’s done is done; it’s more important to work to change things in the present and not dwell on the past.
I don’t think that this wall will do to much to keep out illegal immigration; however, it is a strong sign that the United States is getting serious about fixing this problem. That alone is a step in the right direction. I also am not in favor of anything that will negatively affect those immigrants who did come here properly. If these immigrants will suffer as much from these new regulations as illegal ones will, then that is not a good solution to the problem.
Illegal immigrants shouldn’t be sought out once they’re here. I agree strongly with the new laws that were implemented in Houston; that if someone is found in violation of another law, police have every right to find out if they are here legally or not, but as long as they follow the other laws of this country, I feel that it would be a violation of personal rights to arrest someone just on suspicion of being an illegal.
I don’t think that this wall will do to much to keep out illegal immigration; however, it is a strong sign that the United States is getting serious about fixing this problem. That alone is a step in the right direction. I also am not in favor of anything that will negatively affect those immigrants who did come here properly. If these immigrants will suffer as much from these new regulations as illegal ones will, then that is not a good solution to the problem.
Illegal immigrants shouldn’t be sought out once they’re here. I agree strongly with the new laws that were implemented in Houston; that if someone is found in violation of another law, police have every right to find out if they are here legally or not, but as long as they follow the other laws of this country, I feel that it would be a violation of personal rights to arrest someone just on suspicion of being an illegal.
Legally Summing it Up
To try and put together my final thoughts on the topic is going to be difficult, but I feel from all the discussion I have put together a concrete opinion. I do feel safe stating that I believe the immigration process needs some sort of ammending. I also feel safe stating that the current system is very flawed, especially when it is estimated that as many as 12 million people live in this country undocumented, unlawfully, and dangerously. It is unlawful because the law states to live in this country you must be a citizen or a documented guest operating under conditions the Government states. It is dangerous because who knows who these people are? Yes the average illegal immigrant (a term I use only as what it states, someone who immigrated here illegally) likely means no harm to anyone, but out of those 12 million people the number of drug traffikers, terrorists, murderers, and everyday criminals who the government doesn't have any record of is enough for alarm. I think it is only fair to everyone if all people are regarded to under the same system who live inside the country border, and the only possible way for that is to overcome the immigration issue. Steps to be taken to resolve it are not as easy to come up with. It is likely impossible to gain documentation on everyone in the country, but the number 12 million definitly needs reduced. Everyone here illegally has in fact broken the law and needs to be dealt with accordingly. That doesn't mean they shouldn't be offered citizenship, but they must be punished. And if my view seems to be one demensional, I have personal experience involving an extremely close relative who to my knowledge worked around the system to gain citizenship, and I know that dealing with this problem would prevent that from happening in the future. It does sadden me that honest people like that may be denied access to the land I love, but if nothing is done there won't be a land to love much longer. This issue is a rising hurdle in the future operation of this country, but with enough thought, creativity, and compromise, an acceptable solution is likely. In conclusion, something must be done, the current system is terrible, people cannot live here unknown to the Government.
Law and Order: MBP (Mexican Border Patrol)
*dun dun* (Law and Order sound) October 17, 2006 10pm North Campus
haha Sorry, I had to. (On a side note, I have NEVER watched Law and Order once.) Okay, here's my stance on the whole illegal immigration debate for this paper. If you cross the US border from any country in methods that are illegal by the United States' standards, then that is illegal and is a crime. I do not believe that an illegal immigrant should be immediately deported if they are found out to be living here but they should be given time or fair warning first before getting deported. Jobs ARE being taken by American citizens by illegal immigrants. You cannot tell me otherwise because they have to be taking them from somebody, aren't they? The best way that I can think of changing this is for those who want to come to the US to better their lives to find the legal ways of coming here and not trying to sneak in.
There should be ways for immigrants to gain citizenship in a more time-efficient manner. I know that marrying a US citizen automatically makes you a citizen but at the same time, that can be illegal if it was done for the sole purpose of gaining citizenship. 7 years is somewhat of a long time to become a citizen. 5 years is just as long to receive benefits from the government. I would cut the time at least in half but that is just me. I am not the one creating the New Berlin Wall in Texas. There better be graffiti on it like Germany's wall in a month, that's all I gotta say.
haha Sorry, I had to. (On a side note, I have NEVER watched Law and Order once.) Okay, here's my stance on the whole illegal immigration debate for this paper. If you cross the US border from any country in methods that are illegal by the United States' standards, then that is illegal and is a crime. I do not believe that an illegal immigrant should be immediately deported if they are found out to be living here but they should be given time or fair warning first before getting deported. Jobs ARE being taken by American citizens by illegal immigrants. You cannot tell me otherwise because they have to be taking them from somebody, aren't they? The best way that I can think of changing this is for those who want to come to the US to better their lives to find the legal ways of coming here and not trying to sneak in.
There should be ways for immigrants to gain citizenship in a more time-efficient manner. I know that marrying a US citizen automatically makes you a citizen but at the same time, that can be illegal if it was done for the sole purpose of gaining citizenship. 7 years is somewhat of a long time to become a citizen. 5 years is just as long to receive benefits from the government. I would cut the time at least in half but that is just me. I am not the one creating the New Berlin Wall in Texas. There better be graffiti on it like Germany's wall in a month, that's all I gotta say.
NOT Procrastinating! [And finally reaching an opinion.]
Even after all of the research and discussion we've done on this topic, I am still a little confused about my own feelings on the subject. I feel like it is not my place to judge. However, there are some things that I do know. I think that people should be able to come to this country to make a better life for themselves. I think the working conditions for immigrants are terrible; yes, many Americans don't want the jobs that immigrants take on, but it is mostly due to those conditions. I think that our system right now is at fault for making it so long and so difficult for immigrants to become citizens. But when it comes to who exactly is admitted and other such circumstances, my opinions become fuzzy. Morally, it seems wrong to turn away someone who is simply seeking a better oppurtunity (at least, it does to me), but the well-being of everyone else has to also be taken in to account. How can you create a filter for who can enter and who is rejected? I don't know. People say that immigrants take up tax dollars and such, but the points have come up in class that immigrants do not see the benefits of taxes for the first five years they are here. I think all in all, everything evens out. Sure, not all immigrants are good people, but not every American is all that great, either. Sometimes, people will blame anyone and everyone else but themselves.
So, I guess I've realized where I stand.
So, I guess I've realized where I stand.
Immigration Shmimigration
I was in desperate need of a catchy poetic title and the only thing that came to my sad, tired college mind is Immigration Shmigigration, I give Dr. Mahoney permission to beat me for lack of originality.
Anyway as far as the whole immigration issue is concerned I am more on the progressive side. I am against illegal immigration because after all it is illegal. However I feel that becoming a legal immigrant should become a much easier process. We should of course continue to filter out the criminals but as of now unless you marry an American citizen or are a student, it is very difficult to obtain a precious green card and this needs to be changed. People should be allowed to come over here and given a certain amount of time before they are forced to get a job. I do not see a problem with this since they will be paying taxes and will be earning equal wages therefore they will not be "stealing" jobs. Many people who want to come to the United States do not want to come to commit acts of random violence or steal our jobs, they want to come here to earn money to help support their families. As far as people saying that illegal immigrants take jobs that no one else wants, this is not true. They take jobs with poor conditions and wages so that legal citizens will not take them. So I disagree with people saying that illegal immigrants taking these jobs is ok. I sympathize with these people and I feel that they are entitled to the same rights. Also rather than soley punishing the illegal immigrants, we should put a lot more emphasis on punishing the employers of illegal immigrants. I think that no matter what we do illegal immigration will be a problem however by opening up our borders we can help to ensure that people with positive intentions come into our country rather than criminals and terrorists.
Anyway as far as the whole immigration issue is concerned I am more on the progressive side. I am against illegal immigration because after all it is illegal. However I feel that becoming a legal immigrant should become a much easier process. We should of course continue to filter out the criminals but as of now unless you marry an American citizen or are a student, it is very difficult to obtain a precious green card and this needs to be changed. People should be allowed to come over here and given a certain amount of time before they are forced to get a job. I do not see a problem with this since they will be paying taxes and will be earning equal wages therefore they will not be "stealing" jobs. Many people who want to come to the United States do not want to come to commit acts of random violence or steal our jobs, they want to come here to earn money to help support their families. As far as people saying that illegal immigrants take jobs that no one else wants, this is not true. They take jobs with poor conditions and wages so that legal citizens will not take them. So I disagree with people saying that illegal immigrants taking these jobs is ok. I sympathize with these people and I feel that they are entitled to the same rights. Also rather than soley punishing the illegal immigrants, we should put a lot more emphasis on punishing the employers of illegal immigrants. I think that no matter what we do illegal immigration will be a problem however by opening up our borders we can help to ensure that people with positive intentions come into our country rather than criminals and terrorists.
US, Mexico, and those who know everything
There are many things about this immigration debate we have been having in class that really unerve me and others that really confuse me. What i enjoy the most however, by far is the amount of US born 18-19 year olds that feel they have the right to decide who has the right to a "good" life. What pains me is that all of us in class have not had to work for our rights or much of anything else yet in our lives. Yet somehow we have this right to put down those people who aren't born so lucky? i imagine this point of view is one that strictly exists on the subconcious basis of, "if it's not me i dont care". some people believe that naturally born citizenship means they know everything. nice.
of course i understand the point that if there is crime happening here because of the illegal entering of the country, but perhaps instead of attacking the individual for the problem we should attack the country allowing and lets just say it, PROVOKING these people to come. First of all we have thousands of employers offering jobs to immigrants over americans for pretty obvious reasons...they can pay them WAY less. When the conditions in another country are so bad, wouldnt we just naturally assume that people would try to get out of them? instead of blaming those people luring in immigrants, the only option people see fit is to deport many of the hardworking people who just want a better life for themselves and their families. We also need to reavalute our system of citizenship. if every person born here is automatically a citizen without a second glance, then why is it so hard for people outside of the country to become citizens? it's f***ing ridiculous if you ask me. Sure not every immigrant is a "good" person but not every american is a good either. again that goes unnoticed.
of course i understand the point that if there is crime happening here because of the illegal entering of the country, but perhaps instead of attacking the individual for the problem we should attack the country allowing and lets just say it, PROVOKING these people to come. First of all we have thousands of employers offering jobs to immigrants over americans for pretty obvious reasons...they can pay them WAY less. When the conditions in another country are so bad, wouldnt we just naturally assume that people would try to get out of them? instead of blaming those people luring in immigrants, the only option people see fit is to deport many of the hardworking people who just want a better life for themselves and their families. We also need to reavalute our system of citizenship. if every person born here is automatically a citizen without a second glance, then why is it so hard for people outside of the country to become citizens? it's f***ing ridiculous if you ask me. Sure not every immigrant is a "good" person but not every american is a good either. again that goes unnoticed.
US, Mexico, and those who know everything
There are many things about this immigration debate we have been having in class that really unerve me and others that really confuse me. What i enjoy the most however, by far is the amount of US born 18-19 year olds that feel they have the right to decide who has the right to a "good" life. What pains me is that all of us in class have not had to work for our rights or much of anything else yet in our lives. Yet somehow we have this right to put down those people who aren't born so lucky? i imagine this point of view is one that strictly exists on the subconcious basis of, "if it's not me i dont care". some people believe that naturally born citizenship means they know everything. nice.
of course i understand the point that if there is crime happening here because of the illegal entering of the country, but perhaps instead of attacking the individual for the problem we should attack the country allowing and lets just say it, PROVOKING these people to come. First of all we have thousands of employers offering jobs to immigrants over americans for pretty obvious reasons...they can pay them WAY less. When the conditions in another country are so bad, wouldnt we just naturally assume that people would try to get out of them? instead of blaming those people luring in immigrants, the only option people see fit is to deport many of the hardworking people who just want a better life for themselves and their families. We also need to reavalute our system of citizenship. if every person born here is automatically a citizen without a second glance, then why is it so hard for people outside of the country to become citizens? it's f***ing ridiculous if you ask me. Sure not every immigrant is a "good" person but not every american is a good either. again that goes unnoticed.
of course i understand the point that if there is crime happening here because of the illegal entering of the country, but perhaps instead of attacking the individual for the problem we should attack the country allowing and lets just say it, PROVOKING these people to come. First of all we have thousands of employers offering jobs to immigrants over americans for pretty obvious reasons...they can pay them WAY less. When the conditions in another country are so bad, wouldnt we just naturally assume that people would try to get out of them? instead of blaming those people luring in immigrants, the only option people see fit is to deport many of the hardworking people who just want a better life for themselves and their families. We also need to reavalute our system of citizenship. if every person born here is automatically a citizen without a second glance, then why is it so hard for people outside of the country to become citizens? it's f***ing ridiculous if you ask me. Sure not every immigrant is a "good" person but not every american is a good either. again that goes unnoticed.
My Belief...
When it comes to immigration, I believe that our country should stop focusing so much on who is legal or illegal and focus on making everyone legal. There should be no illegal immigrants in this country. That sounds harsh but that's my feeling on the issue. They don't have permission to be in this country so they shouldn't be. I understand that they want a better life but they need to go about it the right way.
Immigrants shouldn't be outlawed from this country by any means. We should be a welcome home to anybody especially if their homeland isn't safe anymore. Now, I'll admit I don't know much about the naturalization process but from I gather it is not an easy process. I think that's where our efforts should be focused. We should work on getting immigrants legalized in this country in an efficient way. I don't know what that way would be but I am all for finding that way.
So, again, when it comes to immigrants they should be welcomed into our country if they do it the right way. Illegals need a better procedure to become legal and they need our country to aid them in that quest.
Immigrants shouldn't be outlawed from this country by any means. We should be a welcome home to anybody especially if their homeland isn't safe anymore. Now, I'll admit I don't know much about the naturalization process but from I gather it is not an easy process. I think that's where our efforts should be focused. We should work on getting immigrants legalized in this country in an efficient way. I don't know what that way would be but I am all for finding that way.
So, again, when it comes to immigrants they should be welcomed into our country if they do it the right way. Illegals need a better procedure to become legal and they need our country to aid them in that quest.
Monday, October 16, 2006
It is after all illegal
It is after all illegal for an undocumented immigrant to enter the country, isn't it? Isn't the government doing everything necessary since September 11th to make sure there aren't people in this country that they don't know about? That is a comforting thought, but apparently it is untrue. It is estimated that 12 million people live here illegally. That means they work here illegally, that means they drive here illegally, that means they aquired living space illegally. Fact is, if you are here illegally, you are technically illegally breathing our air. I know it is unfair to say just because they weren't fortunate enough to be born here they can't live here, but for now the law is the law, and that must be upheld. According to "Two kinds of immigration," immigration isn't hurting the economy, illegal immigration is hurting the economy. Legal immigrants have actually positively affected it. As said by Ray Martin of the Oklahoma Daily, "contrary to popular belief, the law matters." I agree, however, there is nothing wrong with ammending it. Let's see Democracy work, let's see America be the land of the free once again. No matter what someone is in this country for, the government should know about them.
Hey look, there's articles on this nearby!
I was looking around the internets and tried to find some articles on illegal immigration that were close to or in Pennsylvania. Suprisingly, I found such an article. In The Morning Call newspaper, located in Allentown, on September 29, 2006, there was an editorial titled "Illegal Immigration bill gets polished, but it's not getting any better" about the city council and a specific member (wow there were a lot of commas in the beginning of that sentence). Anyway, City Councilman Louis Hershman wanted Allentown to have strict guidelines on illegal immgration that would be nearly identical to that of Hazleton's laws created by Barletta. This editorial shows the views of policemen who would need to add forces to crack down on this problem and of other city officials' perspectives who believe that the immigration problem is too big for Allentown alone to handle.
Another article, this time from the Boston Globe (yay Boston), entitled "Two kinds of immigration (10/16/06)" reveal that people and politicians (there's a difference) should view both the benefits and the costs of both legal and illegal immigration. This article attempts to show that jobs are being lost by the American population to illegal immigrants but do a poor job at it. Their statistics have little validity and their information is vague at best. These authors should have never written this article and only hurt their own cause with their lack of information and semi-"pro-illegal immigration" points. And I thought better of a Boston newspaper.
Allentown Morning Call
Boston Globe
Another article, this time from the Boston Globe (yay Boston), entitled "Two kinds of immigration (10/16/06)" reveal that people and politicians (there's a difference) should view both the benefits and the costs of both legal and illegal immigration. This article attempts to show that jobs are being lost by the American population to illegal immigrants but do a poor job at it. Their statistics have little validity and their information is vague at best. These authors should have never written this article and only hurt their own cause with their lack of information and semi-"pro-illegal immigration" points. And I thought better of a Boston newspaper.
Allentown Morning Call
Boston Globe
IMMIGRATION
Although this may sound very stupid and naive to some, I never really knew about the huge controversies over Immigration until I began researching for this class. Its as if I lived in some cave, hidden from the outside world. It may be due to my unenthusiastic attitude toward staying current with global news. From reading about this issue I think it has sparked my interest in learning more.
I began searching and I came upon a website called http://www.immigrationdebate.com/ it was a very interesting website. The article I read was completely for immigration. This article completely slammed all the negative impacts of immigration. The author proved that these negative set backs were instead positive. For example, "The most convincing argument against immigration is usually their effect on wages, but current economic policy is already focused on fighting this wage pressure to reduce the threat of inflation and subsequent depression. As such, the chief argument against becomes an argument for increased immigration. Most importantly, let us not forget that these immigrants are people who simply want a better life, just like our parents and grandparents, who all came to the United States in similar situations. Helping them in their quest for a better life makes us rich in ways which transcend money. " What he is saying in this debate is completely true. In my opinion this point is a indeed a very accurate point. We are so worried about money that we forget that most, but not all these immigrants are coming to America for a better life. They have been taught that this is the greatest place and why must we insist on tearing there dreams apart? I do agree that not all of these immigrants are here for "the right" reasons, but we have natural born Americans who haven't made "the right" decisions either. We must not punish all the immigrants due to a few that aren't morally correct.
In this website there are a bunch of articles both positive and negative towards immigration. It was nice to sit down and read what these people have to see and read their opinions. I am so indecisive when it comes to this issue. On one hand I do agree with immigration and then when it comes something on the negative side, I somewhat agree. Its so confusing. I feel like i am stuck in a really bad storm when trying to decide whether i like immigration or whether I hate it. I am on the nuetral end.
I began searching and I came upon a website called http://www.immigrationdebate.com/ it was a very interesting website. The article I read was completely for immigration. This article completely slammed all the negative impacts of immigration. The author proved that these negative set backs were instead positive. For example, "The most convincing argument against immigration is usually their effect on wages, but current economic policy is already focused on fighting this wage pressure to reduce the threat of inflation and subsequent depression. As such, the chief argument against becomes an argument for increased immigration. Most importantly, let us not forget that these immigrants are people who simply want a better life, just like our parents and grandparents, who all came to the United States in similar situations. Helping them in their quest for a better life makes us rich in ways which transcend money. " What he is saying in this debate is completely true. In my opinion this point is a indeed a very accurate point. We are so worried about money that we forget that most, but not all these immigrants are coming to America for a better life. They have been taught that this is the greatest place and why must we insist on tearing there dreams apart? I do agree that not all of these immigrants are here for "the right" reasons, but we have natural born Americans who haven't made "the right" decisions either. We must not punish all the immigrants due to a few that aren't morally correct.
In this website there are a bunch of articles both positive and negative towards immigration. It was nice to sit down and read what these people have to see and read their opinions. I am so indecisive when it comes to this issue. On one hand I do agree with immigration and then when it comes something on the negative side, I somewhat agree. Its so confusing. I feel like i am stuck in a really bad storm when trying to decide whether i like immigration or whether I hate it. I am on the nuetral end.
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