Racism and illegal immigration in the United States?

Question

I have seen quite a few people who either assume that opposition to illegal immigration is race-based or state it outright, and it confuses me. Every country - including Mexico - has problems with illegal immigration, yet no one seems to be accusing them of racism. Heck, South Africa banned white immigrants for a couple of years. We heard a lot about apartheid, but nary a word about that.

Some of you will probably say it's because we are focussed on Mexico. It's true that Mexican illegals get a lot of press, but I think that's because they constitute the largest group and because both the Mexican government and Mexican citizens are so vocal about it.

So - can someone please explain to me why my opposition to people breaking the laws of my country automatically brands me racist? I really do want to understand your reasoning.

Oh - and if your answer is something along the lines of "it's obvious", then please don't bother. "It's obvious" simply means you don't know either

Ok - the Gadfly says it's because of the vitriolic hatred spewed towards Mexicans. I haven't seen any of that, but I don't really pay attention to stupidities so it's certainly possible. That still doesn't mean that most, let alone many, of us opposed to illegal immigration are racist. Still, full points to Gadfly for at least trying to answer the question rationally.

And we have a "it's obviously a race/religion/sex/something war" answer, which is a non-starter.

Anybody else? I really would like to hear from some of the people claiming this.

Gadfly - I can't honestly say I agree or disagree with your answer. Your experience does not mirror mine. However, you're the only one who appears to believe it to be race-based who bothered to give a coherent and, I must admit, reasonable answer. I do think you're wrong, but I'll give you the 10 points when this Prussian machine decides to let me do so.

Thank you all.

Answer 1

It's not so much that people are against illegal workers, it's the vitriolic hatred they spew against Mexicans. Even against Mexicans in Mexico. That's what's racist. It doesn't seem rational to me.

Diane: My major source for this conclusion was the questions and answers I see on this forum. I guess most of them are idiots, but it's a very prevalent attitude.

ArcLight: A lot of Americans do live and work here illegally, and use the social programs and virtually free health-care.

Answer 2

OK the real reason and listen up because this is the 100% honest truth.

1) Some people ARE racist and 2) the argument to allow illegal immigrants do whatever they want is so weak, shallow and devoid of good reasons behind it that the only way the pro-illegal side can argue effectively is to throw mud and confuse everyone away from the facts of the question. They get everyone all riled up, confused and angry because people are much easier to lie to and control when we are emotional and confused. In America today it is very easy to do using "racism" since we have become so cravenly PC that we would rather let someone rape and kill our families then be accused of racism.

There the 2 reasons that are the 100% honest truth

Answer 3

I don't like any illegal immigrants, no matter if they come from Europe, Australia, or Mexico. Many people pull the racist card when someone says something they don't like and they have to hit below the belt.
If disliking illegal immigrants WAS racist, I'd be a huge hypocrite. I go out of my way to learn about other groups and cultures so I won't stereotype and be racist to others, and yet I can't see how this belief against illegals is racist.

Answer 4

People will call you a racist because it is the social equivalent of a gag. It is simply a distraction from the real issue. You, by being called a racist, are being blackmailed into shutting up and not speaking your true opinion for fear of being branded. Don't be quiet.

The United States is not trying to keep out any specific race, religion, or color of people. We simply want everyone to be here because they want to be here, and not because they want a free ride or want to hurt us.

We have many people within our country here in the United States who could be getting much more support from us financially if we weren't spending our time and money on Illegals and terrorists. Stand your ground.

Answer 5

If you are in this country illegally then you are a criminal. Our world is based on following reasonable rules of conduct. One normally accepted rule is that if you are a criminal then there will be justice.

Some how that all gets lost in a 'rights' discussion and that is what I don't get. If you are not an American citizen how do you get off thinking you have American rights?

That's like me going to South Africa and saying "I know I'm not a South African, but since every South Africa is entitled to monetary compensation for land condemnation I want some too. Oh, and by the way, I don't own any land and have never done anything to contribute to your society except work as a laborer in your mines. But I am still OWED my compensation because I am entitled."

Everyone needs to get off of the entitlement bandwagon. Illegal immigrants should be entitled to nothing. Just like I campaign in my neighborhood for unwed mothers to go after their mates for child support. There is nothing that entitles you to sit at home and collect welfare and have the state take care of you AND your baby.

Other posters don't label me a bigot, I am talking about my own brothers and sisters right here in Detroit.

Answer 6

It is the Mexican Government behind it all.. They are worse than the terrorists but the American people and the American government are too dumb to see what is going on. The intent of the Mexican Government is to take over the U.S. government thru its political system.. flood the country with illegals(about 30 million right now.... NOT NOT NOT the 12 million that the Government is cramming down the people's throat) then the naive American Government (with people like anti-American John McCain behind it) will push for amnesty.. when amnesty is granted to all the illegals, they will be allowed to bring in extended family members and that will swell the population in the U.S. by an additional 150,000,000. Enough to put in their own Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Mayors, and eventually the President.. They have already taken over Los Angeles and the cities(El Paso, etc) along the border

Answer 7

Why don't we as American citizens , illegally enter Mexico ,work but pay no taxes do not learn the language but insist that all things be printed so we can read them, demand free health care, over burden the social care system, denounce the government, do the same things that the illegal immigrants do here , and see how the Mexican Government reacts. Not to mention it's citizens.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS,ILLEGAL. they don't even have regard for OUR laws. I don't care where you come from, as long as you come LEGALLY. Documented, background check, we as U.S. citizens have fewer rights than the ILLEGALS.

Answer 8

I was going to say "It's obvious they have no leg to stand on so they do the only thing they can - cry racism", but I didn't want to seem pushy....

Answer 9

For the 1000th time, it is NOT IMMIGRANTS most people have a problem with, it is ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. What is racist about that?

Answer 10

personally I have nothing against immigrants only the ILLEGAL ones.