WomenCo.

I think it's really simple; in theory, perhaps though not in the inplementation - set up a guest worker system. Find a way to allow our neighbors to the south to come and work legally! Think of how much money we'd save in enforcement, more taxes coming in, less identity theft, less crime,...and more dignity and less fear for the workers themselves.

I don't know what else you'd expect Quinones to say.  If he wasn't a natural born citizen, he was either sponsored a visa or came as an immigrant.  Why is it wrong to admit having come as an immigrant?  It would be weird and awkward of him to hide that fact and make something else up.  You also may have missed the whole point of him talking about it.  He came as an immigrant and not only worked hard to support his family ack home, but he actually bettered himself and achieved the American Dream.  He came with nothing and is now a successful doctor.  The whole point is that he was an illegal immigrant.  Our government doesn't turn the other cheek, but immigration is quite necessary, so they only do so much to prevent it (building a fence for instance is a RIDICULOUS measure to take in my opinion).  How else does anyone make it in to support a family in poverty somewhere else.  We don't just grant visas to people who need them.  They come in illegally, and they wait to obtain residency.  They can still be deported when trying to obtain residency.  We aren't turning our cheeks, there's just a line for when anyone's case will be heard for residency.  If you make it in, you can eventually make your case to stay.

I think it's strange that you're so bothered by someone admitting that they came into this country illegally when this country is made up almost entirely of immigrants and immigrant descendants.

It amazes me to knowing that people think it's so simple for people from a country, such as Mexico, to come here legally. Whether they come legally OR illegally, it's still hard work!! When a family is starving w/ no hope in making it in your own country or coming to a better legally (bc of rediculous stipulations/requirements such as owning land/property/business and having large sums of money) ~ they'll do whatever it takes to get the basic necessities - as would we! If these people could've come legally, if it were feasable, most of them would. When they are here - those who are good "citizens" still live in fear of deportation - but it's a hell of alot better than where they came from in most cases. Again, it's government issues (not the individuals).

As long as they are behaving themselves, I honestly could care less if they are breaking the law by illegally immigrating. Fact is, there may be losses when it comes to immigrants, but  there are many gains as well. US Immigration & Economic Growth Consider the individuals and their circumstances - don't look down on them for providing basic necessities to them & their families.

The vast majority of over-crowding in emergency rooms is due to  legal citizens of this country who wait until they are desperately ill to seek medical care or use the ER as those of us who are more fortunate would use a doctor's office because the do not have and cannot afford insurance or health care.That's a whole separate issue.

There have always been illegal immigrants. People who live in the southwestern US may be more troubled by this than people in some other geographic areas because they are  more exposed to the resultant problems. But, it seems to me that this has become a hot button issue post 9/11. Mexicans did not blow up the World Trade Center. I am most definitely NOT accusing anyone of racism, but I do wonder if we would be so animated about it if the illegals where white and spoke English. It's a complex issue. Legal or not, these are desperate human beings and a little compassion would be a good thing.

BTW....LOOK CLOSELY AT MY PHOTO.

IT IS THE FIREMEN AT GROUND ZERO , COVERED IN DUST -RAISING THE AMERICAN FLAG.

IT IS  POSTED ON MY DESKTOP AS WALLPAPER.

Dana, everyone has a choice. If I rob a bank because I am hungry, the consequence is that I will land in jail for breaking the law. The judge will not care that I committed a crime to feed my kids. I will still do the time. Then, is it okay to for illegal immigrants to break the law for the same reason? No, it is not. Both the bank robber and the illegal immigrant broke the law. By making exceptions to the law for some people because of humane reasons weakens the very tenet and strength of the law.

The Mexican government is purported to be corrupt, but the American government is more adept about whitewashing its scandals.  As citizens, we know there is so much that goes on behind closed doors. All governments are corrupt to some degree.  Whenever you have a group of the elite running the country, the chances for a true democratic process lessens. Although we can vote and have rights, American citizens do not have carte blanche to exercise their free will. For the supposed good of the people, government will always exercise its right to control the masses. Otherwise, there would be anarchy. Why does our government turn a blind eye on illegal immigration?

Illegal immigration is such a hotbed for discussion because there are two sides to the coin. There is the humane side and the legal side. The generosity of our government toward people from other countries is unmatched. Rarely is there reciprocity.

As citizens, if we break the laws, we are punished. However, illegal immigrants are allowed to stay here without redress from the government while they break our laws. There is an inequity in this belief. Congress has not addressed the concerns of our citizens. The debate will continue until someone in Congress drafts a comprehensive plan to assuage those fears. I do not feel comfortable allowing any foreigner with a fake ID, whatever his motive, to jump the fence and live free without consequence. 9-11 is too fresh in my memory to allow this breach in security. The US is a great country. It is a privilege to live here, not a right for all who choose.

Wow, did this topic get hairy or what. Ok people, if we are woriied about our homeless and poor then look to the corporations that are deliberately shifting money to other countries to avoid taxes ( that could help mllions).  Look to our own government that gives tax cuts to the most rich!  I don't care who you are you don't need two houses, five cars and designer purses that cost hundred to thousands of dollars when did we lose our humanity? 

We can no longer view our selves as individual countries it's time to think globally people! Sometmes people need help a little somethng to get them going.  Remember, If the mexican economy were to get more competitive with us prices would be more competitive, because corporations wouln't hold monolopies on industry. 

While,we as americans have it pretty darn good, we are also ridiculous in our obsession with material things.  Next time you are spending hundreds of dollars for Christmas think about having a simpiler Christmas, enjoy family instead of gifts and donate the money would have spent to help a family actually have food and shelter for the holidays.  It's time to stop thinking of ourselves and how things affect us and worry more about our local and global comminities.

The Global economy: One reason why manufacturers changed to production in China is that the cost of doing business in Mexico increased too much. You get what you pay for: Tainted prescriptions, toxic paint on toys, and dog food infested with salmonella. The best example I can use is the former Huffy Bicycle Company. Huffy was an American company that employed American workers, but it was bought out by a foreign concern. Production shifted to China, and American workers lost their jobs, healthcare and security. Manufacturing is all but gone in the US. Tech products are designed here but made in Asia and Russia, more lost American jobs. 

Nothing is manufactured in total in the US today. DH worked for an established company, which disappeared during the Christmas break. This was the fourth plant where he worked that closed in five years. (Yes, he has gone back to school, twice for a new career.) The owner sold the business abroad, skipped town, and left hundreds of workers unemployed and uninsured. This has happened repeatedly in the US. to the steelworkers, auto and factory workers, IT jobs are shipped overseas; our credit, medical and financial information is coded overseas. Banks and real estate are owned by foreign concerns.

The image of every American who owns an SUV and shops to excess is a media fabrication. The rumor sells magazines and ad space on TV. Most people I know are squeaking by on less real income than 1999. That is correct. With inflation, our income is equivalent to a salary in 1999. It is not materialistic Americans as we have been labeled, but US women and US men who are trying to support their families who are hurt by the global economy. America is being sold off piece by piece. If the last few years are an indication of what is to come, economically, we are all in trouble. It is a myth if you become ill or disabled in America, you will be covered. Medicaid recipients die before they get to use their medical benefits. Oh, well, the attitude is, "It is better for the bottom line!" 

I listened to a conference of world economists on C-Span who fear that the US is headed for a decade-long recession financially worse than Japan suffered in this century. So yes, I bristle when my taxes pay for freeloaders and bailing out fraudulent bankers when 50% of my taxed pension is spent on medical premiums and co pays. Now we are living on 22% of the income we earned in 2003, and the cost of living has spiraled upward. I have a mortgage thanks to the weak housing market, a car payment due to a serious accident, and DH's initial job offer fell through. To date, 200 applications in 3 months later, he cannot get a job because he is over 60. He does not care if he sweeps floors, he just wants to work, but there are no jobs. Two interviewers this week told him that the companies are not sure if they will hire a new employee because of the economy. Why are they putting ads in the paper then?

We are full of false security that the economy will improve, and every day the picture is gloomier. I want to protect whatever little I have left so I can afford to eat and heat my house in the winter. I do not want my taxes paying for someone who does not belong here legally so he can send the money to his own country. We are in survival mode now, and greed or fancy gadgets were never the name of the game for us. I am sorry if I sound doomerish, but I have saved money since I had my first job at the age of 12. It is very disheartening to know that next year we could be living in the street. Sadly my story is not mine alone, but it one shared by many Americans who want to make it to tomorrow.

If I could climb a fence, Mexico would not let me enter illegally. They would bill the US government for my return, plane fare home. Before the US helps those who enter illegally, the government should worry about the taxpaying citizens who have lost jobs to other countries.

stgreg11 says ...

The Global economy: One reason why manufacturers changed to production in China is that the cost of doing business in Mexico increased too much. You get what you pay for: Tainted prescriptions, toxic paint on toys, and dog food infested with salmonella. The best example I can use is the former Huffy Bicycle Company. Huffy was an American company that employed American workers, but it was bought out by a foreign concern. Production shifted to China, and American workers lost their jobs, healthcare and security. Manufacturing is all but gone in the US. Tech products are designed here but made in Asia and Russia, more lost American jobs. 

Nothing is manufactured in total in the US today. DH worked for an established company, which disappeared during the Christmas break. This was the fourth plant where he worked that closed in five years. (Yes, he has gone back to school, twice for a new career.) The owner sold the business abroad, skipped town, and left hundreds of workers unemployed and uninsured. This has happened repeatedly in the US. to the steelworkers, auto and factory workers, IT jobs are shipped overseas; our credit, medical and financial information is coded overseas. Banks and real estate are owned by foreign concerns.

The image of every American who owns an SUV and shops to excess is a media fabrication. The rumor sells magazines and ad space on TV. Most people I know are squeaking by on less real income than 1999. That is correct. With inflation, our income is equivalent to a salary in 1999. It is not materialistic Americans as we have been labeled, but US women and US men who are trying to support their families who are hurt by the global economy. America is being sold off piece by piece. If the last few years are an indication of what is to come, economically, we are all in trouble. It is a myth if you become ill or disabled in America, you will be covered. Medicaid recipients die before they get to use their medical benefits. Oh, well, the attitude is, "It is better for the bottom line!" 

I listened to a conference of world economists on C-Span who fear that the US is headed for a decade-long recession financially worse than Japan suffered in this century. So yes, I bristle when my taxes pay for freeloaders and bailing out fraudulent bankers when 50% of my taxed pension is spent on medical premiums and co pays. Now we are living on 22% of the income we earned in 2003, and the cost of living has spiraled upward. I have a mortgage thanks to the weak housing market, a car payment due to a serious accident, and DH's initial job offer fell through. To date, 200 applications in 3 months later, he cannot get a job because he is over 60. He does not care if he sweeps floors, he just wants to work, but there are no jobs. Two interviewers this week told him that the companies are not sure if they will hire a new employee because of the economy. Why are they putting ads in the paper then?

We are full of false security that the economy will improve, and every day the picture is gloomier. I want to protect whatever little I have left so I can afford to eat and heat my house in the winter. I do not want my taxes paying for someone who does not belong here legally so he can send the money to his own country. We are in survival mode now, and greed or fancy gadgets were never the name of the game for us. I am sorry if I sound doomerish, but I have saved money since I had my first job at the age of 12. It is very disheartening to know that next year we could be living in the street. Sadly my story is not mine alone, but it one shared by many Americans who want to make it to tomorrow.

If I could climb a fence, Mexico would not let me enter illegally. They would bill the US government for my return, plane fare home. Before the US helps those who enter illegally, the government should worry about the taxpaying citizens who have lost jobs to other countries.

 

WEll SAID !!

 

This most especially pisses off my husband.  He worked HARD to get his visa to come here; he himself is from a third world country (think Mexico is 'poor' go to Nepal!) and he has had people come up to his place of work and DEMAND that they get a job there and that he 'owes it to them' because they had a 'hard life' the NERVE!  My husband grew up with cast off clothing, dirt floors, undrinkable water (he told me you had to boil it twice before it was acceptable), strife everywhere where whole families were dragged out of their houses in the middle of the night and dissappeared!  Schools with inadequate teaching tools, and get this, you had to PAY to go to school!  Not just college, grade school, middle school and highschool all had fees you had to meet because they do not want to waste their time teaching those who do not want to learn.  The fact that he had a better education than I did living on a border town is discusting!  He was doing calculus in middle school ladies, in my HIGHSCHOOL we were bearly learning Algebra because the teacher had to teach in both english AND spanish which took alot of time AWAY from us who knew english, knew how to READ (yes read many in my highschool had no clue how to do this and thought we 'owed them' that time the teacher took to help them).  We had daycare in my highschool and they were thinking about putting one in the middle school because like everything else we 'owed it to them' now I am thuroughly sick of paying taxes that go to welfare because I have seen where it goes!  I have seen the girls show up 5 filthy, unkempt and not properly clothed kids in tow and themselves wearing Gucci and Baby Phat hair done jewels in the fake nails and picking up their monthly checks because the WIC dept was in the same building as you got your drivers license or paid a fine for your tickets!   Bottom line, if you are coming into the country do it properly, I do not 'owe it to you' nor should I have to pay what little money thatI have that should go to MY kids and MY family to take care of YOURS knowing full well they are 'just a monthly check'.  Some women DO need that help some women DO use the system correctly but far more are abusing it.  Food stamps are not to pay for you cigarettes, lotto tickets or your alcohol those are LUXURIES so quit trying to use them the WRONG WAY!

Upsydaizie says ...

The fact is that our country was built by the back breaking labor of our immigrant forefathers. My grandparents came here from Italy. When they came here, they needed a sponsor. They had to do things legally and they had to pay taxes. They did not get a free ride. Nothing was handed to them on a silver platter...or even a paper plate for that matter.

Just like your forefathers, they worked hard and long and for very little. They stayed here and raised thier families. Their legally earned, taxed money was spendt here.

They and others like them have built this country. It would be a grave injustice and a slap in the face to them to allow people to come here, and have everything handed to them, especially when the people here...whose generations of families have built this country, don't have the jobs or healthcare or education they need.

We fought wars for our freedom when we had nothing to start with. We didn't do it easy and we did it legally. We(immigrants of many backgrounds) faced much difficulties and discriminations. It took us over 200 years to build our country to what it is today..which is a relatively short time considering that many countries are thousands of years old and still do not have people in them who strive to build them technically or elsewise. They figure they will come here...its way easier.

HOW ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WAS BORN

A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS