Immigration Debate... my two cents

Hey all, I was just wondering what you all felt about the whole immigration debate. I, personally, feel that these illegal immigrants are NOT criminals, for the most part. Most are just trying to survive, to give their families a better life. Aren't we all? These people that successfully come to the U.S. should not be deported [as long as they don't have a criminal record] because just by going through all the trouble to get here, they have proven that they are willing to be good United States citizens. However, the government has all the right to try to limit this illegal immigration. After all, it is against the law and can be detrimental to the safety of out country.

I'd like to conclude that I'm not Mexican or an immigrant for those who may think this view is biased.

1. True, but that does not mean they did not break the law to cross the border, without proper documentation and in accordance with the processes many others wait and pay for. They are not hard core criminals, but did commit a criminal act to get here.

My response: When i said criminal, i meant bad people. They are generally trying to survive and live a better lifestyle rather than try to harm the United States. Poor wording on my part


2. Just because they got over here means that they are qualified, or should be rewarded with citizenship? No, what it demonstrates is that the economies of their home countries are in shambles, and they would rather export this problem to our markets so that these undocumented/illegal immigrants can find ways to help support their home infrastructure by sending money back to help their families survive. Nothing here on its face shows that these people will be good or bad citizens. It only shows that they have been abandoned by their country of birth and see the only true opportunity here in the US. We it demonstrates a desire to also look to the US as your home is a whole different discussion.

My Response: OK, that wasnt a very good reason for why they shouldnt be deported. I feel that they shouldnt be deported because they are here for humble reasons [for the most part]. They would like to live a better life, as we all do.


3. a)The Bush Administration has no long term plan to realistically deal with this problem because the one sector of the US economy that benefits from the inflow of illegal/undocumented workers is big, manual labor businesses. Trucking. Farming. Meat packing. They want to keep wages low, so they encourage a free er boarder in order to continue to suppress wages.

My Response: Why are you implying that I'm for the Bush administration? I am presenting my views without stating whether im a democrat or republican. I feel that picking sides is the wrong approach to this debate.

b)In most cases, illegal immigrants are not doing jobs that most Americans will do. No, they are doing jobs that most American would do for a wage that is below the poverty level.

My response: Most of the time, these immigrants are performing jobs that ordinary americans (that can easily obtain legal jobs) would not do. For the most part, they don't have a constant job. This does not hurt the economy as much as you would think. All Americans have the ability to find work. Another major point is that we are not running out of jobs. All you have to do is go to McDonalds and fill out an application...

c)No one is giving an honest debate about what is going on, the costs, benefits and viable solutions. Just more puffery and further evidence of the ongoing failure to protect our southern borders.

my response: i couldnt agree more.

Updated On: 4/12/06 at 02:59 AM

You joined a Broadway message board less than 3 hours ago, just to start political discussions on the off-topic board. I mean, my god, you haven't even posted who your favorite Elphaba is yet.

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orangeskittles
I was getting really bored with this thread really fast, but you made my night!

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shall I enlighten him, LOLOLOL

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"The attitude so many Americans have to make them speak english or send them home is so damn ridiculous......they also have a right to speak their native tongue....just as I have a right to observe my heritage......"

Everyone has a right to observe their heritage and speak their native tongue, but if you're going to move to this country, you should learn English and be able to speak it somewhat well. It is, after all, the most commonly spoken language in this country, and if you're going to live here, you should know it. I don't think immigrants who can't speak English should be deported solely because of that, but I do think that in order to obtain citizenship, you must be able to speak English with some level of fluency.


My personal opinion on the actual issue at hand...
I think that illegal immigrants shouldn't be deported, but should have to become citizens (after they learn some English, of course). Right now these people are living in our country tax-free, using all the benefits we as Americans get after paying our taxes. There is no reason for the government to be spending money on the healthcare of these illegal aliens when they're not paying them back. They should have to become citizens so they can pay taxes, like real Americans. That would also provide a benefit to them, as it would be illegal for their bosses to pay them under minimum wage.

Why is anyone engaging this poster who only joined BWW to annoy liberals?

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That's right. Either speak Broadwayish, or go back home.

i hereby christen bwaysinger, the one and only "tap turn homo."

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You also have to pass the citizenship test. Questions like:

Ali MacGraw is:
a) One of the greatest actors of all time
b) Pretty, but untalented
c) The basketcase chick from The Breakfast Club
d) A cartoon horse that maintained law and order in the Old West

(eta -- I guess my name must have cosmo somewhere in it )

Updated On: 4/12/06 at 10:35 AM

Correct! Look -- RobbO even took a fan photo with her.

Quickdraw - Ali McGraw

...same nostrils.

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No, that was Gavin McCreel.