Do any of you even know an illegal immigrant?

Question

Isee all this hate talk ..do anyone of you know one on a personal level?
This is a serious question..

Answer 1

I know several illegal immigrants on a personal level. I've worked with them, played sports with them and have socialized with them. I have had some very interesting and enlightening conversations with them. The illegals I know are all good, hardworking people, almost all of them have families, there children being American. Most are from Mexico, El Salvador or Guatemala and one from Ireland. Some have been here 15-20+ years, a few have completed the application process and granted US citizenship. It was odd to hear one guy explain "when he was illegal, he would return to Mexico several times a year. Since becoming a US citizen in 1999, he's only returned 2-3 times total.
I've gotten into some heated debates over the illegal immigration issue. Many seem fearful of being deported. I try an explain the speed at which our government moves, they'll most likely have died from old age before the government ever gets around to it. I do encourage them to take the necessary steps to become legal. Especially for their kids sake, who are American, but often side with illegals because their parents are illegal. As illegals continue to cross from Mexico, the future of their kids continue to suffer. The longer illegals keep professing their "Mexican Pride", the longer they will hinder these American kids. The older Mexicans I know who had kids and now grand kids(2 generations US born), don't have the same love for Mexico, as illegals that haven't been here as long.
Some 1st generation Am-mex visiting Mexico, say "they aren't treated the same", and have been told they're American, not Mexican.
I see frustration growing in these 1st & 2nd generation Americans. They are being lumped in with illegals, partly because of their parents holding onto their Mexican pride, partly because the media gives illegal-mexicans demanding amnesty all the air time and in part because this is America; we all want to hold onto our roots, every minority puts a label before "American". Mexican-American, Asian-American, African-American... for some reason, European-American hasn't caught on?
When it comes to Amnesty, I tell everyone of them, "You don't want Amnesty", however, some say "they'd rather have Amnesty, and don't really care if they ever become a US citizen." "There's more job opportunities in America and they're "just" here to work" I'll usually respond with "you'd be better off going back to Mexico", "if you're "just" here to work, then "just" go back across the border at the end of the day." "If you are "just" here to work, why did you also "just" have kids?" "No, If you were "just" here to work, you wouldn't "just" be doing all this other stuff."
I look them in the eye and tell them "going back, will be the best thing. If you want to come back, do it because you want to be a citizen. "Those Americans talking in your ear, telling you "they will help you stay, give you amnesty and keep you in your job, don't really care about you and if you stay, they're going to hurt you. I'm looking you straight in the eye, as a friend, and saying "Going back may suck, but it's what's best for you." You knew from day one, you might have to go back. Being given amnesty will ruin your opportunities in this country and upset a lot of US citizens, because you don't want to do the work to be an equal citizen, but rather settle for 2nd rate amnesty. I don't want you here with the mindset, you're doing the jobs Americans won't do. Which by the way is completely false and is very inconsiderate to Americans, namely your American kids. Work hard and work your way up.
Anyway, the discussion continues...

Answer 2

Yes, I am married to someone that used to be an illegal immigrant. I know a lot of illegal immigrants are they are the hardest working people that I know. There aer a lot of American that I know that will probably never work that hard in their entire lives. My husband since he came here has worked two jobs, never gotten anything from our government, and has always paid his taxes and never gotten a refund. He also didnt steal anybodies social security number. Neither did anyone else I know. Obviously all the people who are insulting and stating all these ridiculous comments dont really knwo an illegal immigrant on a personal level. THey also dont have any of thier facts straight before the go spouting off about these people. My advice, research something if you are going to have such a strong opinion on it.

Answer 3

Yes, I have met about 8 of them and at least 4 of them on a personal level. I am still as against illegal immigration as ever. In fact, I hadn't really thought about illegal immigration much UNTIL I met these people and they made me aware of this issue and after meeting them, I want ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DEPORTED ASAP, I want the borders closed up tightly, I want employers of illegals penalized to the full extent of the law, I want ALL social services stopped for illegal immigrants. I feel only more adamant about this as time goes by! The May 1st fiasco only firmed my stance, in my mind. Get them OUT! They are a drain on the economy and a major deficit to society. They need to go home and fix up their own countries!

Answer 4

Yes where I live I see them every day. And work with some as I am in agriculture. I don't hate them,but I believe that we need to go by the laws of our country in dealing with them. But I think it's too late for that so maybe the solution to this problem is to make Mexico a part of the US then I can go down to Guadalajara and retire soon. It is a beautiful place.

Answer 5

Yes I do. I worked with several of them. Just think if all of them stopped working for a day or 2. America would be lost. They make up alot of the economy and do the jobs some of us lazy Americans wont do because we would rather sit back and collect disability when you dont need it. I wonder why I wont have Social Security when I am old enough to retire? Cause lazy bums are using it all up.

Answer 6

On a personal level, no. From experience, hell effing yeah. Is it hate, no. i believe the illegal problem is the fault of the US government. Still, I have had experiences that makes me a firm person against the illegals. I want them out. You are free to debate me. My yahoo messenger is on my profile. I am not about hate, I am about fixing a problem

Answer 7

1924 was the first year that any immigrant was required to get a visa, or permission to be in the US. Everyone claims that their grandfather, great grandfather came her legally, what does that mean?
They decided to come to the US and just crossed over at Ellis Island. If it was b-4 1924 they just signed their name on a ledger. Is that really considered legal--they came over without having to pass any background checks, etc! so for all we know your 'grandfather' could of been a criminal in another country and just came over here signed his name and walla your a us citizen, its not that easy today. THINK ABOUT THAT!

Answer 8

Are you kidding? I live in California, My In laws and their families, my local grocery store owner, the best Mexican restaurant in town ...the local pizza delivery guy... should I go on?
It should not be hate talk but I can see with the current situation why we need better control over our borders. But Bush does not know how to go about anything peacefully.
We either have to support our politicians or toss them out

Answer 9

yes i just moved from florida , there is an enormous influx of illegals there. they seem to be hard working friendly people (mexicans) they do the backbreaking dirty jobs no one else seems to want. my only problem is they don't try to assimilate the language, if i moved to a foreign country i would at least do that.

Answer 10

Yes I worked with some and they were helpful and they know where I stand on the law. They have no problems understanding that.
Follow the law--no excuses.