2007-10-29 13:07:59 · 14 answers · asked by BrendaC 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
It's mostly due to the recent high-profile violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Because of the heavy amount of media attention, there is now a renewed focus upon illegal immigrants.
It should also be known that whenever there is a downturn in the economy, many Americans will look for some scapegoat to single out as the cause for every social ill. Illegal immigrants make the most convenient target; they lack legal representation and rights, they are easily exploited by unscrupulous contractors/employers, and, thanks to the collective paranoia due to terrorism, immigrants are even deemed to be a national security risk. During times of relative economic and social stability, immigration is merely a blip on the political radar.
Most of the "evidence" regarding the rates of crime and disease amongst the immigrant population (illegals in particular) is anectdotal at best and thus, inconclusive. A lot of the problems that plague the immigrant community are also apparent within American society as a whole. Singling out a certain segment just shifts blame and does little or nothing to actually remedy the situations.
2007-10-29 13:41:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that's true. There are millions of immigrants in this country that are here legally but there are many more millions that came here knowing that they were doing so illegally. Those people know that if they are caught, they are open to criminal charges of breaking the law and or deportation. They also believe chances are they won't be caught and so far they've been right. Our government hasn't been enforcing the laws already on the books so in my opinion the government is just as criminal as the illegal immigrants are.
2007-10-29 13:39:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Americans don't think that. Unfortunately, there is an intense campaign on the part of the minority of bigots and racists to label immigrants.
This isn't new. There have been waves of immigrants coming to America for over 150 years. In evry single case, they get here, start with low-paying jobs and little knowledge of language or American customs. They learn English, assimilate, and make good citizens.
And in every single case, the bigots of the day attempt to smear them: they are "criminals," "lazy," "taking jobs away from Amricans," "depressing wages," "costing taxpayers money," "taking over," etc., etc. The exact same litany of smears, lies , and prejudice.
The majority of americans don't feel that way. It's long past time the bigots were told--loud and clear--that they are the ones who are out of step. They are the ones who don't belong in America, not the immigrants.
2007-10-29 13:17:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some people do think of 'immigrants' as a single, monolithic group, and make judgements about all of them at once. Since many immigrants are here illegal, and thus, by definition, criminals, the impression that all immigrants are 'bad' can be proppegated.
As long as you take the time and mental effort to differentiate between legal, law-abaiding immigrants, and illegal, criminal, ones, though, you won't have that problem.
2007-10-29 13:19:37 · answer #4 · answered by B.Kevorkian 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I believe you mean illegal immigrants, don't you ? These are the people who break our immigration laws by sneaking in the back door. This makes them criminals, not necessarily bad people, but criminals just the same !
2007-10-29 13:22:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Once they cross the border illegally they are criminals.Doesn't make any difference what kind of people they are they are still criminal that have broken the law.
2007-10-29 13:20:31 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ Mel 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most people do not believe that, but people who come her illegally are criminals as soon as they cross the border.
2007-10-29 13:13:13 · answer #7 · answered by MY NAME MICHELLE I HATE AMERICA 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Illegal immigrants are criminals. Immigrants are not...who's been brainwashing you?
2007-10-29 13:14:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because they are. They are over represented in crime statistics. If there are laws in America and I want to see our laws enforced, how does that make me a bigot and racist? The real racists are those idiots who want to pick and choose which laws our government should enforce.
2007-10-29 13:19:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
for one example, the MOST dangerous of all the gangs in America is made up of Mexicans...check out the stats!
2007-10-29 13:46:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋