Conservatives, would you deport an illegal if she was married to a soldier in Iraq? Why or why not?

Question

Missing Soldier's Wife Faces Deportation
While the U.S. military searches for a soldier missing in Iraq, kidnapped by insurgents possibly allied with al Qaeda, his wife back home in Massachusetts may be deported by the U.S. government.

Army Spec. Alex Jimenez, who has been missing since his unit was attacked by insurgents in Iraq on May 12, had petitioned for a green card for his wife, Yaderlin Hiraldo, whom he married in 2004.

Her husband's request for a green card and legal residence status for his wife alerted authorities to her status, Kolken said.

She now faces deportation, reports CBS station WBZ correspondent Beth Germano, and would be barred from applying for a green card for 10 years.

Her attorney is seeking a hardship waiver, which so far the government won't grant.

Some of you advocate blindly following the law no matter what. What do you think now?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/20/national/main2956093.shtml?source=mostpop_story

Good to know not all of you are heartless!

Answer 1

I would advocate living within the law, and there is not enough information quoted about this situation to establish her rights under the law. I would say that the wife of an American should be granted citizenship, but there has been many abuses of such rights. I don't doubt that if he were found alive he would be able to petition to have her made legal, if he doesn't come back then she has the same rights as any other immigrant. The status of illegals in the US is a difficult question and the culpability of the government in this situation is exacerbated by the presidents comments and by the selective crackdowns on immigration, which are sending mixed messages to everyone. It is easy to understand how strong feelings could drive people to extreme views given the situation. As an Australian I have to own a Government which is struggling with its own immigration dilemmas and scandalous behaviour, making illegals out to be villains one day and lauding what they can do for the country the next. All western economies are going to let more people come in, and only because they know that is the only way they can put a downward pressure on wages and save their economies, we should remember that it is people we are talking about here.

Answer 2

lol it doesnt matter you aren't looking for an answer you are looking for someone to agree with you. Thats what you did on the last question you asked. anyways here's my answer: DEPORT THEM It's not like they're fighting in Iraq, it's their kids who are risking their lives. Therefore, their kids are the ones who should be given benefits, not the mothers. If you are a criminal, you are a criminal and you should be punished no matter what your kid does. Thats like releasing a serial killer from jail just because her son is a soldier. It makes me sick that people can ever justify keeping illegal immigrants here. They have been taking money in social services for years. Taking it away from the American citizens who actually need them. These are citizens who have been paying taxes into these social services their whole lives. And for what? A bunch of felons, who haven't contributed a dime to aid programs, to take all of the money away from them? And what about all of the immigrants who came here legally? They went through all of the trouble because they knew it was the right thing to do. And what is their reward for trying to follow the law? They actually have to pay income taxes now. Weee! Meanwhile their illegal counterparts are income tax free. How is it that this country rewards bad behavior and punishes good behavior? It's because thick-headed people like YOU support it.

Answer 3

Not at all; and I do not believe my views contradicts my conservatism at all.

I am not against immigrants; especially the ones who are serving this country. If I had my way anyone who served in the armed forces would be granted automatic citizenship at the end of their 4 year hitch (spouses as well)

These are the types of immigrants that we need. I do not think conservatives are in favor of blindly following the law; isn't zero tolerance a liberal idea. Besides the law does make exceptions for hardship cases. Hopefully shining a light on this woman's case will help her.

Answer 4

No, she shouldn't be deported because she is married to an American! He is in Iraq and cannot be home to take care of his wife's papers but I think under these circumstances an exception should be made. He is serving his country, and I pray to god that he is OK, and his wife is a military dependent which plays a very big part in any type of war and that is as a morale booster. With our boys and girls over there I know that when they receive a letter from their spouse it makes their days.

Answer 5

It's shameful and a NATIONAL DISGRACE.I saw his poor mother on the news and she used an interpreter.How can anyone say she should get deported?His poor wife has enough on her mind with him missing and presumed dead.He is only legal by birth.When are they going to deport his parents?Who evidently raised a fine young man.Sickening case all around.Shame on America.

Answer 6

No matter what the situation,she still broke the law and should be punished.
There are many American citizens who don't get a break for special circumstances. Sorry if this seams heartless but I don't believe in inequality.

Answer 7

I would assume that it was his deployment, then being MIA that complicated matters for this soldier's wife. Surely, if he had been available to complete her paperwork and fulfil the interview requirements, she would have been granted status.
This is the exception to every rule, she should granted permanent status, military benefits, etc.

Answer 8

NACHOMAN, ¡usted es un stalker homosexual obsesionado y cada uno puede ver que mi amigo!

At any rate, all stalking from 13 year old star trek fans aside - this is a tough one. But the answer should remain the same.

If you know you are here are ilegally - you know you are breaking the law. It doesn't matter who you are married to - by this point you should have gone through the proper channels to get on the path to legal citizenship - as sad as the story is THE LAW IS THE LAW.

Answer 9

I'm very Liberal... just want to throw my 2¢ in...

It is one more disgraceful act by conservatives... i hope more and more blue collar conservatives see this vileness for what it is...

ppl saying she should be deported!! she is the WIFE of an american citizen! and a serving front-line soldier at that... WTF are u sick twisted ppl talking about...

SHE IS AN AMERICAN IF HER HUSBAND IS AN AMERICAN... the GOP is a sesspool...

Answer 10

There will always be special circumstances, and that is why there is a pardon, for those few, rare cases. Like this one.