How many people believe we are debating immigration, or are we debating criminals hiding behind immigrants?

Question

I have very little problems with immigration, or the immigrants of America. We have revised our immigration laws to make the process easier. Yes, it takes longer now but immigrants must learn our language, and our laws, and because there are so many millions entering the country every year we have to be able to protect ourselves through serious background checks.
Illegals whether they come from Mexico, the Arab nations, or Canada, of from somewhere else are criminals. They believe because they broke the laws, risked being captured they have earned the right to be in America. And, they have no right claiming to be immigrants. Our country takes in Millions of legal immigrants every year, and the mass majority are in far worse shape than the largest group of illegals in our country, the Mexicans. Why should someone who comes across the border illegally be able to call themselves an immigrant, when every day real immigrants are joining the millions of Americans in Poverty?

I live in Texas, if many of you want to know how close I really am to the problem

Answer 1

You're right - immigration isn't the problem. It's people willing to overlook the illegal aspects of it. Our country was built on immigrants but when people come here and step on the laws and expect to get rewarded it really gets me going.

Answer 2

I live in LA where I see illegal immigrants on a daily basis... and I have to ask.. Where do you live? Because in LA where most of the population is Hispanic, and a very large number of them are illegal.

I have NEVER seen a mexican or any other south of the border illegal immigrant panhandling. They are selling oranges, selling flowers or even bottles of water at freeway entrances. They are cleaning toilets, working at fast food restaurants, washing dishings, and taking care of our kids. Some of them are in gas stations, and will pump your gas and wash your windows for a quarter.
BUT THEY RARELY PANHANDLE OR BEG FOR MONEY.
They believe in a honest days work.
I see American Citizens, born here with the priveledge these people are dying to have... for the opportunity to be called Americans... Yet these American citizens are the ones panhandling... They're the ones living in Skid Row or the homeless shelter area in Downtown LA... If you go to Skid row, which is right near the fashion and toy districts... If you see a hispanic man, he is pushing trolleys, breaking down boxes, working for the few dollars he gets... but the American Citizens... they're the ones on the corner, with a bottle wrapped in brown paper...

I have seen a great many people that live in the richer areas of LA... Especially Glendale, these people who are Immigrants, legal, I will NOT mention the race... but they drive in BMW or Mercedes, Carry Louis Vuitton bags, and wear 200$ jeans, yet they will buy groceries with food stamps, and redeem WIC vouchers...

We are born with the luxury of something that we sometimes do NOT realize. We were born into a country that has freedom and opportunity, and a great many of us waste this by not contributing to society, and not voting.

I agree, legalizing every illegal is NOT the answer, but condemning them to have no dream of becoming an American Citizen one day... is also NOT the answer.

Also consider this, maybe the politicians are afraid... Imagine there are 60 million illegal immigrants estimated to be living in the US... They will each pay 500-1000$ to become legal, that will create new jobs within the Department of Immigration, as well as generate revenue. But WHY not? Because imagine how many new people will be voting... Voter turn out is lower and lower each year, but imagine getting 60 million new prospective voters. However they are Hispanic or Asian... Imagine how THAT will change the demographics of Washington D.C. You can count the number of minority members of congress... The equal opportunity senators. Our country was founded on Immigration, we are alll immigrants, and we did NOT ask the American Indians for Visas and Citizenship 200 years ago... so in a sense we are ALL descendants of illegal immigrants.

Answer 3

While it can be said all illegals are criminals. They haven't followed the laws of the US. Where do you come up with the statistics most illegals are fugitives from justice in some other country?

Those 'real' immigrants may be joining millions of Americans in poverty. But they don't plan on staying that way. And most of them don't stay that way.

Answer 4

$ue forgot selling drugs to pay the coyote. I will agree that you do not see too many south of the border immigrants panhandling but they do take jobs from our uneducated and under educated because they are willing too work for low wages. ALL PEOPLE WHO CROSS OUR BORDERS ILLEGALLY ARE CRIMINALS....
I do not care if they are trying to better their life's so are the people who rob banks, break into homes, steal cars etc. Someone stated that Americans are lazy but if you knew what you were talking about you would not have made such a sweeping and wrong statement. The American workers as a whole (of all races) have less time off as a country than any other country as a whole.

Answer 5

I think even the stupidest person knows the difference between an illegal and being an immigrant.And so far,I've never met an illegal person who claims to be an immigrant.I think they know the difference.

And if we Americans got off our butts,we wouldn't have such a problem with poverty.Our country is lazy,thats our problem.Not some ppl coming into our country.If they all leave,we'd still have poverty b/c we are the laziest country in the world,no one wants to work(atleast not while they can get welfare).

Answer 6

You question was bit misleading due to the wording. <<>> After reading your tome, it becomes clear you meant to ask "or, are we debating criminals masking themselves as immigrants.

Your question, as I first read it leads one to think you are referring to the employers in the US who hire these people. It should be fairly evident that if one cuts off the supply (jobs for illegal immigrants provided by US companies), then the demand (illegals pouring over the US border seeking employment from unscrupulous, careless or at least undiligent US employers) will dwindle. It is American companies that benefit from this arrangement, and the illegals pouring into this country are getting sub-par wages. Despite this inequity, they continue to risk their lives with great hardship (crossing a desert with little to no water or food; subjecting themselves to coyotes who charge them large amounts of money to transport them, etc), to provide for their families.
Seems to me, if they can withstand these kinds of challenges, maybe we want this kind of person in this country.

Answer 7

We mistakenly have labeled them 'illegal Immigrants', when in fact, they are 'illegal aliens', not 'immigrants'. Immigrants come here 'legally'. We first called the 'illegal immigrants' 'migrant farm workers'. Thinking they came here with permits to work during harvest and went back afterward. We 'thought' wrong! They came and 'STAYED'. Then were labeled 'illegal immigrants'. It is infair and a slap in the face to those who come here 'legally', they are the true' immigrants', the LEGAL ones.

Answer 8

I too believe we are becoming a sanctuary for the criminals of other countries. They come in illegal but become citizens with benefits as soon as they can find the first welfare office.

Answer 9

Down with immigration!

Answer 10

Law breaking aliens does that sound better? Who cares. If they are breaking the laws-go home and do it somewhere else.

And I think we have too many people here period-I don't care what race they are.

And law breakers go first--sorry.