Voice Of The Migrant - Latest Comments

Re: Illegal Immigration in the U.S.: State-by-State Totals – Graphic – Pew Hispanic Center

Joseph Law Firm, P.C — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:56:24 -0000

Illegal immigration has really become a problem in the US. One thing I think about this is people should think about how it would be easier and smoother to migrate legally with professional help.

Re: Georgia’s House Bill 87 & That Pesky ‘Rule Of Law’ Problem

Guest — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:38:29 -0000

If the opponents of HB87 really believed in the primacy of the rule of law, then they would agree that breaking the law to arrive in the United States in equally unconscionable, wouldn't they? Or is it simply a matter of picking and choosing WHICH laws should be obeyed? Like obtaining fraudulent Social Numbers to gain employment illegally. Or stealing the identities of others to fake residency and credit history. Or driving drunk with a fake driver's license. Or moving kilos of drugs over the border and into our cities.

Trotting out sad and fearful migrant workers in front of the cameras for all to see provides a poignant narrative of the humanity of it all, but it hardly touches the surface of the myriads of negative consequences that illegal immigration itself has set into motion. What part of "ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION" don't you understand? Yes - it's the purview of the Federal Government to enforce/secure our borders. They have REFUSED to do so for well over a decade. Meanwhile, individual states are being burdened by accelerating social costs by a group of people who sneaked in and now are demanding their "fair share" of the American Dream. I'm sure all those tens of thousands of people around the world who are paying good money, filling out paperwork, and playing by the rules to get here are really excited to see the reward for their honesty…

Georgia's actions haven't been taken lightly or out of a desire to promote a divisive racist policy. Rather, it's in response to watching themselves and their neighbors being undercut in the labor force in the Service Industry, Construction Sector, Trade Sector and virtually everywhere else in the labor pool INCLUDING the migrant Agricultural Workers who, for reasons unknown to me, seem to be the only ones being held up as poster children from what's wrong with HB87. To add insult to injury, study after study has shown that 10s of Billions of dollars earned by the illegal immigrant workers are wired "back home" every year, thus decimating the local US economy by not continuing to circulate locally as it should. The fact that the money is wired "back home" tends to show where these groups of peoples' allegiance really lies, doesn't it?

Add to that the inevitable small group from within the illegal immigrant population who engage in criminal activity and are straining our justice and penal systems. Similar strains are being felt in our education systems just as they are seeing sharp drops in revenues and resources due to the economic downturn. The impact on our social "safety net" systems are equally negatively impacted. I have no problem with those in need turning to these programs, but I would like some degree of confidence that the illegal immigrant worker is paying in to these programs, just like I am. I see absolutely no evidence that this is the case.

Georgians and Americans must do whatever it takes to protect and defend our rights as Americans without depriving the rights of others. But seriously, to use one's decision to come to this country illegally as a shield to protect them from the law is truly Orwellian in its approach…

It's time that Georgia, Arizona, Ohio, Alabama and all the other states and municipalities that are standing up for themselves share a little "tough love" with those who have taken advantage of our goodwill over the years. We also need to distribute this "tough love" to the business community who has as much as admitted that it's been operating illegally lo these many years as well. They need to become a part of the solution, and stop being part of the problem.

America has always been and will continue to be welcoming of immigrants from around the world. It's also always been a nation that has operated under the rule of law being superior to the whims of men. To be consistent to these values, Georgia and all the others who are fighting for these values must move forward to fill in the gap that has been left by what I consider to be a traitorous Federal Government when it comes to the issue of Border Security and Immigration Enforcement. I strongly support Georgia's Tough New Anti-ILLEGAL Immigration Enforcement measure known as HB87.

Re: Why Advocates Of Free Market Politics Are Only Encouraging Immigration

Nelson — Wed, 25 May 2011 10:45:28 -0000

This is a terrible article. Free trade and social welfare are two different things and it doesn't help to confuse the two. If anything, free trade creates more wealth that can be used for housing, healthcare, education and sanitation. Everyone who believes in freedom should be pro-trade and pro-migrant.

Re: Tucson, AZ. Students Occupy School Board Meeting to Defend Ethnic Studies

Michael Orion Powell — Thu, 05 May 2011 03:54:03 -0000

Hehe, I had to post this. Keep it up.

Re: Why The Left Should Rally Around The California DREAM Act

nvader1201 — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:23:15 -0000

Nate, Immigration does not need to be addressed, The law NEEDS TO BE ENFORCED. What do you think New Zealand would consider you if you over stayed your visa there? I don't think there is much doubt they would consider you “You'll be what's known as an unlawful non-citizen. As such they have to toss you into a detention centre where you will stay until you apply for a visa to allow you to leave the country. And when you try to leave - unless you swim east from Bondi Beach - the immigration officer at the airport is also obliged to detain you.” There are not many countries that would not consider it a breach of their sovereignty, MEXICO included. (just ask a Guatemalan) about their experiences in Mexico.

1. My friend, you have apparently read the text of the “California Dream Act 2011”. Since 2002, AB 540 has already allowed illegal immigrants to attend Schools of higher education:
California Assembly Bill 540 (signed into law 2001)
Tuition rates are now more affordable for immigrant students interested in attending California's accredited public community college and universities. Under AB 540, students who meet ALL of the outlined requirements will qualify to pay in-state tuition.
To qualify a student must:
Attend a California high school for 3 or more years;
Graduate from a California high school or receive the equivalent general education diploma (GED);
Register or be currently enrolled in a California Community College, California State University, or a University of California;
Sign a statement with the college or university (NOT with INS) stating that he/she will apply for legal residency as soon as he/she is eligible to do so.
THIS IS ALREADY THE LAW OF THE LAND LAW

AB 130 requires California State Universities and California community colleges to offer
financial aid programs to students who are not citizens of our state or nation. AB 131
expands the eligibility to take advantage of these programs as well as resident tuition
rates. The University of California must also provide similar aid at taxpayer expense if
Regents approve. In addition, AB 131 allows students in the country illegally to receive
taxpayer-funded financial aid, scholarships and grants.
As a California taxpayer, I find these bills very troubling. It would provide yet another
magnet for illegal immigration. We already have millions of illegal aliens in this state,
causing a severe financial burden on citizens and legal residents.
It is simply and grossly unfair that an American student from Virginia or North Dakota or
Oregon has to pay the out-of-state tuition at any of the University of California campuses,
while those students who are illegally present in our state are heavily subsidized by
California taxpayers

2. THIS NARROW segment is not as narrow as you might think. Especial if you reduce the requirement to just one year in a California High School. I can see the planes lining up to land at LAX already. They haven't harmed anyone, is that a joke? Just look at LA, Salinas, Modesto GANG central. After investing 15k per year on these students what do we have? Crime ridden, over crowded jails, increasing unwed mothers, 93 hospitals closed from unpaid bills....HAVEN'T harmed anyone ! We don't have to deport them, we can agree that it would be an insurmountable task. Enforce e-verify, punish EVERY employer who doesn't use it. Take away their contractors license, Business license, have actual consequences for violation of the law. They will self deport. This would be humane, to allow them to go back home on their own, NOW. While there they can work on reforming policies of their own corrupt government.

Re: Why The Left Should Rally Around The California DREAM Act

Nate P. — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:45:06 -0000

nvader1201-

I think you and I can agree on one basic thing: immigration is something that needs to be addressed.

We obviously disagree as to whether it's appropriate to judge another human life as "illegal" simply because they were born within adjacent borders, but I've shared my thoughts on that elsewhere and don't see it as the primary point of contention here.

http://www.voiceofthemigran...

Two points that are worth making:

1. The California DREAM Act is for college-eligible undocumented youth. It's not a vast attempt to "save" everyone stuck in what you might consider a "vortex" (e.g. those whose schools failed them in the form of dropping out). So for the DREAM Act eligible youth that come here with their parents and know nothing but the U.S., they a) did not choose to break any laws by breathing within U.S. borders and b) have done what they could to make a better life for themselves to the point of facing the opportunity to attend college.

2. Treating this (unfortunately) narrow segment of youth as criminals accomplishes very little, if for no other reason that they haven't harmed anyone. But taken a step further, everyone from state/local police to academics to advocacy organizations have said time and time again that it's counterproductive to have a unilateral arrest/deport policy for illegal immigrants. I would suggest taking a look at this document for more on that:

http://www.immigrationpolic...

I will be the first to agree with you that we need to develop more robust immigration policy - what we're doing right now is not sustainable. But if we're not going to include significant reform of U.S. Latin American policy (particularly that regarding Mexico), then at the very least it's imperative that we treat the youth that have had their formative years within our borders humanely.

Re: Why The Left Should Rally Around The California DREAM Act

nvader1201 — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:31:53 -0000

Mr Powell, That is precisely the point. IT NOT THEIR CHOICE TO MAKE. They chose to break the law and now they feel they should be rewarded for cutting in line. Do you honestly believe that the ones that are legally waiting in line have any LESS desire to come here? That perhaps they feel any less a desire to provide for their families? Or that “they just don't want it as bad”, come on give me a break. Unfortunately the ones that are coming over illegally are MOSTLY the least educated people. The ones in the worst position to properly raise their kids. In the WORST position to help their kids succeed in this country. Consequently perpetuating more of the same, Just look at the statistics. In LA 52% don't graduate high school, are more likely to become single mother's. They are stuck in this vortex that we cant get them out of despite how much we spend “TRYING” to educate them. Education starts at home NOT at school. How many people do you know that have been here for over 10 years and still cant fill out a simple form? They have become complacent. Content living in there little barrio living amongst themselves. That is OK they can do that in MEXICO or where ever else they came from, ADIOS, no more tax dollars.

Re: Why The Left Should Rally Around The California DREAM Act

Michael Orion Powell — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:52:58 -0000

Nvader -

Let's forget about racial elements and cast those all aside. Imagine immigration to the United States is like a really sought after item - like milk. If tomorrow, the government created tons of restrictions of milk, there would still be a massive demand for it. However, with a gallon costing $42, people decide that it would be easier to buy milk from a guy who knows a guy who knows a dairy farmer.

This is the case with illegal immigration. Restriction after restriction has been placed by politicians at the behest of people like yourself on the immigration process, making it take literally years to become a citizen. Ask a recent immigrant about this and they will attest to what I am saying. Due to an impenetrable legal immigration system, migrant workers are placed with the prospect of waiting upwards of a decade in a process that might not pan out and getting easy access to work that pays triple what they get at home by coming in illegally. Imagine yourself in that position. Which route would you pick?

That is why you have huge numbers of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Don't you think that the vast majority would want to arrive legally, if only for their own self-preservation?

Anyways, thank you for leaving a comment. We don't get nearly enough.

Re: Why The Left Should Rally Around The California DREAM Act

nvader1201 — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:18:44 -0000

What part of ILLEGAL are you not understanding ? If someone breaks into your house you do not adopt and support them. You Call the police and have them arrested. What little they do pay in taxes does not begin to pay what it costs to TRY and educated their many children at 15,000 per year. It's not a racial issue its an economic one. Would you invest in "Bernie" Madof investment firm, NO because you know it's a PROVEN loosing proposition. You know you don't have a chance in life if your parents have a "PIOLIN" sticker on their car.

Re: An Immigrant Reader Sounds Off At Little Green Footballs

Tesseliot — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:17:00 -0000

I think in bad economic times, the dummies start looking for scapegoats. Outsiders everywhere are always the first targets (in any country--not just here), no matter how irrational it is and no matter how everyone American forgets that they came from somewhere else, excepting the Native Americans. You can't let conservatism affect how you feel, and all immigrants need to stop and realize that they can't take that hooey personally. The founders lived in a small world of prosperity where everyone was white, and many owned slaves. They did share a strong desire to keep any and all churches out of political power (on paper), which was smart and forward thinking. It wasn't perfect. It's up to us to keep at it--all of us.

Re: Extreme Racist Jokes Get Voiced On The BBC

funny jokes funny — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 07:14:41 -0000

on bbc oh yeah right said must be happy i like this post

Re: Extreme Racist Jokes Get Voiced On The BBC

Mitch — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:51:26 -0000

I think you mean "are busting they're balls working for minimum wage and try repeat there stereotypes their. I’m sure those workers would love to be informed of their laziness."

Re: CENSORED NEWS: O’odham: Border Patrol protesters call for more action

Frank Capoano — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:36:17 -0000

Sure, we'lll do anything you say. Anything else?

Re: The Challenges Of Migrant Education, Part 2: A Brief Legislative History Of Migrant Education In The U.S.

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Re: MLK March & Rally At Garfield High School: Where Blacks And Latinos Can Find Common Cause

Wsteffie — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:19:02 -0000

I have to agree, it's silly and tasteless to speculate or worse make a claim about what Dr. King would think about some of todays problems. Unfortunately some politicians and the MSM do not agree on that. After all, they try to sell something and are quiet ruthless when it comes to exploiting the living as well as the dead.

Re: “Latinos in US politics: Sí se puede!”

Nate P. — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:45:22 -0000

Hmmm.... "They choose to remain culturally separate..." ???

Two books that might help to understand this misunderstanding:

How the Irish Became White
http://www.amazon.com/Irish...

How the Jews Became White
http://www.amazon.com/How-J...

Re: ‘Arizona is the new Birmingham, Alabama’: The Climate Of Hate Underlying The Giffords Shooting

Nate P. — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:35:44 -0000

Great comment - and you're right: I'm being very idealistic in hopes that eventually people move in a direction toward a higher vision, even if they never reach it.

That's what's driven our world's greatest social movements. And you're also right to point out that in a country beset by apathy, nobody's going to lift a finger to do what's necessary to make that happen.

Re: ‘Arizona is the new Birmingham, Alabama’: The Climate Of Hate Underlying The Giffords Shooting

Wsteffie — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:10:46 -0000

I would go so far and say that most people simply do not care about others, especially those that have a different cultural background and/or the poor. A lot of people do not even try to figure out what might have brought this on since it is much easier to place blame. The general public seems to learn well from politicians on both sides. Why act responsible if you can blame someone else?

Pre-Tea Party sounds kind of funny. The bigots always have been around, not just as vocal. Quiet frankly I do not see them as the only problem though. There are the elected, corrupt politicians (on both sides). In an ideal society schools would teach acceptance or at least tolerance. There would be universal healthcare and corporations would not get fines for outsourcing jobs instead of tax breaks. The money used for all the wars would be better used to establish social justice. Politicians would lead by example and be always honest.

Let's be realistic, that's not going to happen if not some decent caring Americans get of their butts, organize and start to protest.

Re: This is my first blog I am writing it from a jail cell

Peter Breitholtz — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:42:55 -0000

Been there done that and feel for ya brother. Obviously you're making the best of you situation as I did and when I did it was bearable. Know that others will read (have read this account) and identify. We are fighting.

Re: ‘Arizona is the new Birmingham, Alabama’: The Climate Of Hate Underlying The Giffords Shooting

Sorrowscards — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:41:51 -0000

Hate is a part of humanity and will be there until the end of it. The more one tries to 'force' people to get along the more hate that is created.

Re: ‘Arizona is the new Birmingham, Alabama’: The Climate Of Hate Underlying The Giffords Shooting

Michael — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:23:08 -0000

Yes! Thank you, Nate, for posting this.

Re: Why Advocates Of Free Market Politics Are Only Encouraging Immigration

Nate P. — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:46:18 -0000

I don't think Schaeffer or Parsons were talking about free market policy *inside* the U.S. (although, I can point you to plenty of people who think "free market" education and health care are good ideas). Schaeffer was speaking specifically about NAFTA, which free market advocates are often behind and by Parsons was directly addressing slums in other countries affected by it.

In any event, this was more about the implications of advocacy than existing policies...

Re: Why Advocates Of Free Market Politics Are Only Encouraging Immigration

PunkJohnnyCash — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 08:32:06 -0000

If you believe there is a free market policy anywhere in the united states then someone has lied to you about what a free market is.

Re: Why Advocates Of Free Market Politics Are Only Encouraging Immigration

Mopowell07 — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:23:36 -0000

This article really scratches the surface of something really profound here, which is the flaws of both protectionism and free market economics.

The like of Pat Buchanan have been strong opponents of NAFTA and other free trade agreements for some time, while the folks at Reason and the Cato Institute have been firm proponents of both open immigration and open trade. That consistency is rare except among those who think alot about it however.

It seems that with any market development, and this is a very Marxist analysis, there is a stage of development that is very much at the behest of a host or exploiter. Eventually the balance shifts, as we're seeing globally with much of the developing world outpacing the United States in growth. What is happening globally is eventually going to happen within the United States, and that will result in a good deal of anxiety for the country's indigenous rich and poor, both of which simply are not motivated to work as hard as the immigrant population.

Re: Backer of Virulent Anti-Immigrant Groups Is Finally Unmasked In Mainstream Media

Mopowell07 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:06:34 -0000

This is a fantastic article. The increasing level of white nationalist presence in the immigration debate could only occur with someone such as him consciously allowing them in.