Which is more important to you?

Question

I'm torn on the issue of immigration between what I consider to be the decent thing to do, and the right thing to do. In this case, I don't think they're the same thing.

The decent thing to do would be to legalize illegal immigrants and make it easier to enter the country legally. America is a nation of immigrants, and to simply turn our backs on people who want nothing more than a better life is a betrayal of our own past and heritage. I've seen how people live in Mexico, and to be honest, if I were in that situation, I can see myself jumping the border to come here.

However, I believe the right thing to do is to deport illegal immigrants and punish those who hire and shelter them. Aside from being a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws. one of those laws says you can't enter the country illegaly. How can we trust in the rule of law when those in power can pick and choose which laws to enforce and which ones not to?

Which one is more important?

Answer 1

both very valid viewpoints. I chose to go with the legal side of the debate. The humanitarian issue can be resolved from the country of origin of the Illegals, also It is a question of individual choice. I believe in free will, yet there are responsibilities which go along with personal choices made.
From a legal standpoint, America is a nation of laws, not a dumping ground for the worlds poorest. Controlled, legal immigration along with true border security will insure that Americans can continue to enjoy the American dream which they have a "right" to enjoy, for they have paid for it. We have a vested interest in this nation. Lets do the right thing for America & Americans. Thank You for the good question.

Answer 2

The second is way more important to me.

There are two different points in your first paragraph.
First, we're the most decent country on this planet with the most liberal immigration policy already in place. If we want to increase the legal immigration numbers then that would be an option.

However, your second point of allowing those here illegally to stay is rewarding criminals for breaking the law. That is simply not acceptable for me. There are millions of people in this world that are poorer and in worse condition then most of those who came here illegally. I would prefer to let the others in legally and send back those here illegally.

Answer 3

I believe we first need to uphold the laws, not that I'm against people coming here for a better life but I have so many friends that had to wait a really long time to get over here, or to bring their families over here to join them, that it wouldn't be fair to just open the flood gates to let everyone else in. Why punish the ones who took the time to do it the right way? Also while I believe a huge majority of the people who live in America are immigrants don't forget we have some here that are not immigrants, they are native, like myself. why won't anyone ask us our opinions?

Answer 4

Lucky2balive is always right.
They are both the same thing. Misguided charity is neither decent or right.


We need to take care of the ones we have here first who are citizens. What good mother lets her children starve to feed the neighbors poor kid. When the ones here are taken care of than we can reach out. Tough Love. If it was a life or death matter that would be different. But we know that is not the case---read back posts.
You may adopted a family and pay all their expenses -no one is stopping anyone from that.

Answer 5

There is also changing the law to be more like the decent thing. Previous laws have been changed, and the people in power have ignored other laws.
Cubans can stay if they get to land, Haitians, no. I think the right thing to do would be to campaign to change the law to the decent thing, so they were the same.

Answer 6

What is more fair? To help foreigners, or to help our own citizens first? I say OUR citizens come first! The u.s. has 'poor' people,and people living on the streets in the cold and starving. Why is no one crying for these people? A lot of them fought in our wars.
Are we responsible for problems of the whole world? No,we are not! Maybe we feel sorry for them,but we can not take care of everybody in other countrys. There would be nothing left for us! Our country is overburdened now,because of the 30 million illegals we are having to subsidise with welfare!
Our country and our citizens need to come FIRST!

Answer 7

Bush has opened up our borders and by 2010 we will have no borders. Did I mention Bush has made it so we wont be called America anymore but the North American Union.

By 2010 Bush has made it so we will have no borders. We will be the North American Union and we will give up most of our laws over to the N.A.U.

Terrorists will have a free reign to travel anywhere they please. Neo-Cons say Bush sold out America. But don't take my word for it click on this Republican Conservative article and see for yourself. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=14965

Answer 8

holy crap!!!!!!!!!!!! is that really you, Born? this is the smartest question i've ever read you ask. i mean that.

the decent thing to do would be to take all the money that we're (America) is pouring into killing people who had nothing to do with September 11 (15 saudi and NO iraqi hijakcers) and use it to wipe out the corruption that is keeping these countries on their knees.

Answer 9

I can understand why they want to come here but there are ways to do it legally. I would love nothing more than to deport all the illegals and fire those who hire them but it would be a major blow to the economy. There is really nothing anyone can do since big business rules over all.

Answer 10

rather than following whatever it is laws "say" we should do, we should question things by acting as though our Creator was in our presence. would you be so willing to turn your eyes away if God (or whoever you believe in) were in your presence watching you make a decision? I would say, do the thing that doesn't make you feel guilty or look like an @ss