My thoughts on Immigration

[cushla_machree]

I am been reading and listening to the whole immigration debate, but a few things are bothering me.

One is the whole comparision of this debate into the civil rights movement. My problem with that is, black protesters in the 1960's were American citizens.

My problem is mostly as follows:

I would never go to another country and demand citizenship just because I lived there for an extended period of time. I would never expect to travel to france, overstay my Visa, and then demand that I be granted full citizenship.

The issue is definitely that people will go to where they can survive and find jobs, and i don't blame anyone for wanted to come to america. I just have a problem with the idea that they somehow deserve instant naturalization. I don't have any easy answers, but I do not believe they should be punished, the problem is with the people who HIRE them. But i just don't agree that they should be granted status unless they go through the proper channels.

Is this a minority view here?

[brmdp3123]

1. Probably is a minority view here,

but I agree with you.

[Selatius]

2. The problem is people are always shouting

The big picture tells me I should not hate immigrants for taking jobs Americans used to have.

It tells me I should fight the people at the top who sent the jobs away and encourage illegal immigration to bring down wages in affected sectors.

I reserve my greatest ire for those people. Paying a worker 2.50 an hour to wash cars at a carwash business under the hot California sun with no job security, no labor standards, no health care, nothing...absolutely disgusting.

[Bill Wiltrack]

3. You sound compassionate cushla...

Your post is articulate, short and level headed.

[Bridget Burke]

4. Nobody is asking for "instant naturalization"

A punitive Republican proposal caused the protests. For one thing, all undocumented workers would have been declared Felons. As would anyone helping them--including those who fed the hungry & treated the sick.

Many of those demonstrating are legal workers or citizens who are showing pride in their origins. Any "crackdown" would involve demanding that all folks of the non-Anglo persuasion produce their green cards at any time. Which would be impossible for people born in California or Texas.

First, one becomes a legal resident of the USA. In my grandparents' day, that involved showing up at Ellis Island in reasonable health. Now, it's much harder. The process of naturalization may follow. I repeat--NOBODY was asking for instant citizenship.

You will find many who share your views here. Just check any of the numerous threads on the subject.

[muntrv]

5. I've another thought.

Those same politicians who rail on illegals for driving down wages are the same politicians who oppose minimum wage laws. They are hostile to unions on the grounds of "free enterprise." These politicians don't make the connection between being anti-worker and businesses hiring Mexican workers for low wages. It's easier to be a demagogue.