Anti-illegal viewpoints lead to racism? what can be done?

Question

Hi. I know that everyone has a viewpoint on illegal immigration. But the line dividing anti-illegal views and racism is very thin.

One problem I always find with this... is that illegal immigrants don't carry a sign saying that they are illegal. Very often American citizens make these judgements based on physical appeareance ("that person looks like an illegal").

I am from LatinAmerica and live in the U.S. legally, however many times I've been treated as an illegal, looked at as if I were an illegal, insulted as an illegal, and denied oportunities (just because of my appeareance)

So, what can be done to stop this from happening. What's the thin line dividing anti-illegal views from racism? What's the line between political issue vs a personal issue.

What can be done about this?

Answer 1

wow people talking here as if the new civil war is going on. i agree with you that there are many racist people in our country and they unfortunately have this 'opportunity' to show their hate freely without the guilt of being 'evil. honestly, there is nothing we can do....people that i know here in Chicago including myself are sympathetic to legal Hispanics as well as illegals. i personally have nothing against the legal or illegal Hispanics. they haven't taken my job, they haven't done anything wrong to me or people i know, they obviously bring their costumes and culture to USA like pretty much any group of immigrants did (legal or illegal).
bottom line....i don't think you should be too worried....there are millions of educated and caring people in USA who don't judge people because of appearance. and i think to patch the gap here a little bit...the immigrant society should lobby the congress for tougher, more secure borders which should show the white America that we all want the same thing and that legal immigrants also don't support the illegals. but i don't think the 14 or so million illegals will go anywhere. if they are forced to leave, i don't think they will walk out of the country with a smile on their face....we'll pretty much have a civil war. so the smart thing is to give them amnesty after completely sealing our borders and kicking out all the illegal people who have committed crimes.

Answer 2

I am sure there is racism in this world, racism is by nature a human issue but I do not understand why people think it is racist to be against illegal immigration. The illegal immigration problem has become so huge that people are now starting to be angry and want to do something about it, unfortunately for all the good you have to take some of the bad also. You may have had a bad experience but painting everyone with the same brush is the same thing you are accusing the Anti's of isn't it?

Answer 3

It may be in some cases. As an American citizen I'm sure you see the problems of letting people illegally into the country, no matter their country of origin. The millions of illegals have a significantly negative impact on our schools, social services and health care even our language. Is that right? Should we just let it happen? I am totally for stopping the flow of illegals. However, with that said, I have nothing against the Mexican people as a people. I have known many both here and in Mexico and have always enjoyed their company. I do not assume that a Latin man or woman is necessarily Mexican and illegal, and like to think that I treat people with respect. What has happened to you may not be right, but surely you understand why it happens.

Answer 4

I think the race card has been maxed out too much. Anyways, I'm totally against illegal immigration no matter the race. My mother was born on Easter Island and she came into the country legally. I've had some static from my family in Chile but I've explained my point of view. I'd be upset about illegal immigration whether you're Irish, Mexican, Nigerian or Chinese because I personally think it's wrong. However, I understand your point, man. I'm no racist, I can't stand it. I'm really sorry for these problems. When I've been looking for a job, I've been looked as a rich snob who wants to take jobs away and that used to tick me off. But I've been raised in a middle-class family and believe me, it sucks when people judge you. Your point on the thin line between anti-illegal pov's and racism is right. I'm proud that our country has immigrants like you who follow the rules, stay in line and do it right because you're a great example and illegal immigrants should be ashamed of themselves. God bless you and I hope you convince others that you're a good guy. Thanks!

Answer 5

The only thing that can be done is to enforce the laws against illegal entry. The notion that everybody is free to come in and stay if they can sneak over the border is what led to this. The proper procedure is to apply at a U.S. embassy OUTSIDE the country and secure an immigration number from your own government. Each country has a quota and always did. But many who can't be bothered to follow the laws when entering this country often don't bother to follow the laws once they're here. It isn't racist to note this.

Answer 6

Well, human beings are just that human. People make snap judgments without thinking. However this issue goes deeper than that. If there was not such a problem with the amount of illegal aliens from latin america in this country, your problem would most likely be non-existent. People assume because you fit the physical profile of folks that are here illegally, that you too are here illegally. It's not necessarily rascim. I personally want everybody that is in my country illegally, deported. That doesn't include you and my reason for wanting them gone has nothing to do with you, or your's or their race.My reason is mainly economic and legal. I am no rascist. But I get a kick out of rascist jokes even about my race or ethnicity(Polish American).

Answer 7

I had never been called a rascist in my life until this issue arose.
Black people have never called me rascist. I think Rosa Parks, the Little Rock Nine, Martin Luther King are American heroes.
I am opposed to illegal immigration from any nation.
My friends include naturalized citizens and legal immigrants who haven't yet achieved citizen status. My stepson's wife is naturalized, born in Mexico City. My daughter-in-law is Frenchborn, but here legally awaiting citizenship.
I make no distinction about illegal entry to the US, it's wrong.
My ethnic heritage is half-Choctaw.
Why cloud this issue with the race card?

Answer 8

THats the problem these days. We can't Some of thsoe in your position took a stance to help identify the illegals and therefore illiminate the problem, but you will unfortunately suffer some racism even if that happen. Racist is using the illegal immigration arguement to justify their belief, but they are the minority. YOu could also side with the illegal immigrants and make them more acceptable. You need to be careful doing so, because you could attract more problem when you identify more with them. You also need to be careful doing this not to offend people. If you stay here and read some ofthe statements. alot of people are angry of illegal immigrants, because of the hateful statements they made.

My best suggestion is to educate your fellow hispanics on proper behavior. A lot of hatred is due to their lack of respect of our culture. If illegal immigrants didn't remind us they were here by protesting on may 1st and insulting us, their wouldn't be so much resentment.

Answer 9

Latin America isn't the only group of illegal. The British invasion just doesn't apply to music, but those illegals as well. In fact, the largest group of illegals in New York is the British. Sting even wrote a song about them.

One of the things needed is a national ID card. Many nations have them, just for that reason. The bill keeps getting shot down because nobody wants to pay for it or enforce it. I guess you can whip out your passport and ask to see their's and if they don't whip their's out then bash them for being an illegal alien from Canada if they are white.

Answer 10

The anger of illegals getting away with a criminal offense is appalling to most of us. They come here and claim we are unfair and expect the same treatment..sorry to hear about your encounters but that's whats going to happen..racism is used to loosely these days.
I can hardly believe you are denied jobs that way when you are articulate....you could be just falling into the excuse that they are profiling you as an illegal.
BTW I'm 1/2 Mexican..my family was incorporated into California when it became a state...I am the only one...other than my brother and kids who don't speaka spanish.