Your thoughts on Illegal immigration?

Question

Me and my father have always argued other this because he was an illegal Mexican immigrant in the 80's. Now he is legal and also a successful business owner. He met my mother in this country and started a family here in the u.s. So me and my two brothers are half mexican and half irish american. I know that me and my brothers are 100% american. I feel alot of patriotism for this country and strongly about it's weel being. That's why I feel irritated when my mexican family members discuss how wonderful mexican is even though they have chosen to have kids here and make money here. I just wish that mexican people could turn the government around so they wouldn't have to come here to have a decent life. Do you think i'm wrong for siding with the stricter side of the illegal immigration debate. Mexicans some at least claim that they are just taking back stolen land. Spanish conquistadors are the ones that took all of their gold but you don't see 10 million of them living illegally in spain

Answer 1

This is a really complex issue that does not allow a short answer, but I'll try to be brief and just hit the high points.

* People throughout history have either tried to improve their situation in life or moved to a place that promised a better situation for them. Immigrants come to this country because it promises them a better life. I'm not making a judgment on whether that is right or wrong, merely stating a fact.

* Coming to this country legally is extremely difficult, as our current immigration system is inefficient and ineffective. I'm not sure if we just need to fix what we already have or scrap it and start all over, and that's a big part of our current debate.

* Illegal immigration is now a national security issue. Some groups and some people want to use the issue to further their own ambitions and goals under the guise of national security by singling out and targeting specific immigrant groups. That does not make the national security part of the issue any less important, though. We must figure out how to protect our national security without singling out specific groups of immigrants.

* Other countries that have improved the quality of life for their people have experienced drops in emigration. Why pursue a "better life" somewhere else when you are doing well where you are? Your point that Mexico should be trying to improve the quality of life for its people is a valid one. The question is how do they do that? Do we in the US offer them aid to do this? What should our policy toward Mexico be on this issue? Do we try to force them to take the steps we think are best?

Some people have a very good reason for coming here illegally, but I don't believe there are that many good reasons for staying illegal. Did your father explain why he came here in the first place? I know a lot of people, now legal, that came here because even the life of an illegal here was better than the life they had in their home country.
I guess what I am getting at is that we have to really understand the reasons for illegal immigration if we are going to tackle the issue effectively.
As for your note about being 100% American, I like your attitude!

Answer 2

1. True 2. Not true, Native born Americans still commit more crimes, not saying illegals don't some do. 3. A few are and they are the ones smuggling drugs, etc. 4. Some do some don't, but the main heads are always for the Hispanic community, The white Majority will become the minority because they are not breeding as much as Hispanics. 5. Again some do some don't. Some do want to be part of this nation, just couldn't do it the legal way. Again I'm not supporting this, in fact, I'm quite against it. 6. Invasion would be a ton of people coming in with the intent to kill, rob, etc. You name it (basically war). It's illegal immigration, simple as that.

Answer 3

You are honorable to feel that way. I have known a lot of people who came here from Mexico; the overwhelming majority worked hard, raised families and are a credit to themselves, their community and to the U.S.
While the U.S. has a very corrupt govenment and its society is always giving a hard time to any one who does not measure up (mostly those who are above-average intelligence or those well below average intelligence), it is still the envy of the world.
The problem is that many other countries could do much better: that includes all other countries in the Americas other than the U.S. and Canada; Spain; the Philippines; all of the Middle East other than Israel; all of Africa except South Africa.
If these people had a pride in themselves and their countries, most of the world's woes would go away.
As to Mexicans feeling we stole their lands away, many knowledgeable Americans feel the same way towards Mexico and Canada.
As to Illegals...well, the name says it all. We are the third most populous country in the world: we do NOT need more people here, legal or otherwise. While we have millions of acres of idle land, unfortunately is is non-arrable. We have water shortages all over the country. We do not need more problems that aliens bring here.
I do not bear animosity towards any group of people: I am descended from Mexicans, Spaniards, Filipinos, Indians (native Americans) and so many others. As far as I am concerned, we are all one.
But, hey, every one should stay in their own turf!
It is too bad that things are the way they are in Mexico: Mexico is rich in silver, gold, emeralds, oil; beautiful beaches and mountains, a rich culture. They could do a lot better in Mexico if they would get together.
Having said all that, I am pleased to make your aquaintance.

Answer 4

If it weren't for US corporations going into third world countries there wouldn't be so much illegal immigration. The US is the one that is creating poverty all over the world.These US corporations are displacing people out of jobs in the US by taking their companies overseas. Blame the corporations for taking away many American jobs not illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants do pay taxes because they buy things here in the US and still contribute to the American economy.Did your dad ever tell you that? When he was illegal did he buy his things in Mexico or in the US? have you even been to Mexico??? i bet your dad lived in a poor little community and that's why he came here. Mexicans don't go to Spain because many of the Spaniards decided to stay in Mexico and besides most of the US is NATIVE LAND which should give them the right to come here because of their NATIVE BLOOD.

Answer 5

all i have to say is that no matter how u view immigration u should at least respect people fore BEING people and not judge them as a whole. Yes there are some illegal immigrants living in this country, they don't pay taxes, there is some Americans who don't pay taxes neither and they are not illegal.What I'm trying to say is yes there is some bad "immigrants' but there is also bad "Americans" who don't even deserve to be citizens and they should let immigrant who actually, do work hard and would pay their taxes if they were legal.And think about this, if u were a mother and had a few children, lived in Mexico with ur husband, u have barely anything to eat, would u let ur children die of hunger, or would u go look for a better future in another country? its not a hard question to answer is it?

Answer 6

Your brave for sticking to your opinion. I agree with you . I feel I am 100% American "first". This seems to be a concept immigrants do not see. This country has opportunity. But at what cost? When there is an illegal it cost the American public countless dollars all across the board. Just ask your father why he felt the need to illegally obtain the American dream when it is my birthright (14th generation) to have the American dream and I still struggle as a single mother to make ends meet. And don't get me started on affirmative action. That concept has tainted the workforce. I have no problems with other nationalities. I just have a problem with them going for the American dream ILLEGALLY!

Answer 7

It's a difficult topic. I appreciate that your father worked hard and now is getting it in return, and also that he is legal now. I don't think you're being a "traitor" or anything to Mexico because you were born here and are an American. Those that come in illegally and sneak around, and deal with drugs or things like that are not okay with me. This country has laws, and if you go around the law, you deserve nothing but the consequences. Continue being proud of your country!

Answer 8

Having lived in both countries, I understand both side.
The USA hasn't done anything positive to assist Mexico nor the rest of Latin America. On the contrary, the USA has always treated Latin America like crap.
They install puppet governments. All of whom are ruthless and oppressive dictators.
[Oh yeah, we are all about freedom & democracy.]
NAFTA hasn't helped the average Mexican at all, it has only helped the rich fat cats on both side of the border.
One days salary in Mexico can be earned in about 2 or 3 hours here in the USA. This is why they come here to work the jobs you and I do not want to do.
The wealthy will not allow these illegals to cease since their bottom line is PROFITS no matter what.
I can only put the blame on the USA for this problem.
Happy Holidays

Answer 9

Illegal immigration is one of the top ten problems of America today. The good news is that we are finally taking steps to deal with it. Google the SAVE act now working its way through congress. This is the best bill to come along in years.

Answer 10

We have only had passports for 100 years (approx) so before that there was no such thing as an illegal immigrant. What I find more worring is countries (such as canada) exploiting people who are desperate to leave their country of birth "for a better life"