Ruby_Slippers

Hi everyone!

I wanted to start a thread about U.S. immigration because I think it will be an important issue for the upcoming 2008 election but more importantly it is the very thing that makes up our country. We are a country of immigrants.

I believe immigration has become such a “hot topic” recently due to the influx of illegal immigrants. Recently, immigration has become synonymous with illegal immigration. And illegal immigration has become synonymous with Mexicans. An estimated 12 million or more undocumented immigrants live in the United States, and more arrive each day---putting a strain on health and education services, but also filling low-wage jobs in key sectors of the U.S. economy.






Rules: I hope that we can all discuss this topic calmly and stay on topic.

So, why do think immigration has become such an important topic recently?

Do you think it has anything to do with the Mexican immigrant minority becoming the new majority?

How should illegal immigration be handled?

Do you agree or disagree with the Bush Administration's stance on it?

Just a few questions to get people started…

migamoo

So, why do think immigration has become such an important topic recently?
People always want something to gripe at. But then again, with the way the economy has been, a steady job is a steady job and people are starting to take any job they can get. If someone comes here illegally and gets that job, it takes away from someone else, equally capable and willing, who is a citizen. Not to say immigration is all about illegals though. I think another reason it's come up a lot is because of terrorism. People see persons walking around who look different from them and that might worry them. Especially if they look to be from the Middle East.

Do you think it has anything to do with the Mexican immigrant minority becoming the new majority?
Yes, but not the only reason.

How should illegal immigration be handled?
Personally, I think they should all be deported, but that's not always possible. There's a process to get into any country and they should be followed.

Do you agree or disagree with the Bush Administration's stance on it?
I agree that something should be done, but I do not agree with any amnesty programs.

S.A.S.H.A.

Last time I expressed my disapproval of any amnesty programs for illegal immigrants I was called a fascist, so all I will say is that I agree with your response.

Sasha

migamoo

I don't see how that makes anyone a fascist, but okay.

S.A.S.H.A.

Beats me, too, but that's what I was called among other things!

Sasha

Ashleigh

Hm. Well, I will say that my views on immigration have changed drastically over, say, the last year, so let me see if I can come up with some thoughts.

Immigration is an important topic recently not just because of the overwhelming influx of international guests coming in and not so much going out. I also think it's closely tied in with the state of the American economy.

Six months ago I would have said that all illegal immigrants should be either be tossed in jail or deported. However, I'm now in favor of granting nonretroactive citizenship to those who have come here and do not have criminal records - come forward, take the citizenship test, and you face no repercussions for coming here illegally. After, say, two years of "open enrollment" so to speak I believe we should begin punishing those who haven't come forward.

I honestly have no clue what the Bush Administration's stance is. I am not keeping up with his royal highness George II these days.

Indian Summer

How do you guys feel about the situations where an illegal immigrant has a child who's an American citizen and then he/she is deported? There was a case recently in Chicago, I think it was. A woman who'd been seeking haven in a church for a year was arrested once she stepped outside, planning to attend an immigration march in LA.

jerkstore

We should round up all the illegals, send them back and repeal the Anchor Baby provision. No illegal should receive any type of social service funded by the taxpayer and all employers of illegals should be jailed.

However, this will never happen because the Democrats want the hispanic vote and the Republicans want cheap labor.

Jacob1983

So, why do think immigration has become such an important topic recently? Because we have ignored the problem for years and it has finally caught up to us in America.

Do you think it has anything to do with the Mexican immigrant minority becoming the new majority? Yep.

How should illegal immigration be handled? I think illegal alliens should be deported with the possibility of applying for American citizenship in the future if they are willing to learn the language, pass the test, and pay taxes.

Do you agree or disagree with the Bush Administration's stance on it? I didn't figure he had a stance on it since he's worried and obsessed over Iraq.

My philosophy is that if you want to be an American citizen, you have to become an American citizen the proper legal way. No short cuts or gimmes.

Jerkstore, it does seem like that the Democrats won't do anything because they want the Hispanic vote and that Republicans don't want pay people a lot of money for labor.

Lexis

I always thought Hispanics were important for both parties, especially in swing states like Florida. Also, don't a lot of states which are solidly red have large Hispanic populations?

Jacob1983

Hispanic voters tend to side with Democrats because Democrats are very supportive of affirmative action. Some red states do have large Hispanic populations but that doesn't mean that they will vote Republican. Historically, the majority of Hispanics usually vote Democrat.

America just needs to wake up and be tough on illegal immigration. It's hurting this great country.

ceilirose

We have illegal immigrants working in this country because they're doing the jobs that some Americans don't want to do.

Hispanics are a swing vote. For instance I don't think you see a candidate from either party propose normalizing relations with Cuba. If he or she did then there goes the Cuban-American vote in Florida.

I think what Ashleigh suggested - at least some type of amnesty program will work. Sending them home isn't going to cut it.

Ashleigh

I've been keeping track of story (though I thought it was California... shows how observant I am), and at the root of it I don't believe in separating children from a good home. I also believe it's important in recognizing the history of our country and the future of the nation by leaving the so-called "anchor baby" provisions in place.

I agree, and that is one of the things that made me change my mind about immigration. There were some great stories via CNN lately that discussed the unwillingness of Americans to do jobs involving hard labor. The general consensus is that Americans wouldn't work the fields for less than $45k a year - something our teachers out here in Alabama don't even make. I don't think the economy can stand a $5 orange.

JohannafromIHJ

Quite frankly, as long as the US continues to suck Mexico and South America dry, they'll have to deal with people coming to the US for work. Same goes for European and American exploatation of Africa.

What a lovely way of generalising the political leanings of a very large group of people. 'Cause, obviously, the only way Hispanics can get a job is through affirmative action. Not like they have any skills, intelligence or education. Nope.

TheAngel

Umm, to be honest I don't think the illegal immigrants are a huge issue for democrats or republicans since they can't vote. I think it's more financial. To do something about illegal immigration will take billions of dollars, be it to assimilate millions more into our population as citizens or to kick them out of the country. And people hate, no matter how good the reason, to give money to the government.