Well friends, I have been enjoying my vacation here in Vegas (minus the scremaing kids and the driving around) and am sad to have to go back home and then back to the old grindstone on Monday. However, I have been trying to keep up on this whole "Immigration" bill that was recently signed into law in Arizona.
The opening section of the bill states: "The provisions of this act are intended to work together to discourage and deter the unlawful entry and presence of aliens and economic activity by persons unlawfully present in the United States"
To read the entire text, go to: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf
Now, it seems that this bill is not intended to be mean to Mexicans, and I don't think that the law enforcement in the state of Arizona are interpreting this law to be so. In my interpretation (now I have to admit, I didn't read the whole of the text... I am on vacation after all), this bill is meant to fill in the void of the inadequecies of the Federal Government in their role at stopping those that are in our great nation illegally.
What I would like to see, personally, is tougher enforcement of laws against HIRING illegal immigrants. It just seems that that would be exponentially more effective than trying to tackle the problem on an individual basis.
My least favorite argument in this whole situation is when people claim that if you support this bill, you are against immigration. WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!!! My great-grandfather came off the boat as a baby to Ellis Island in the late 1800's. He grew up, learned English, studied hard, became a doctor and lived the American dream. He didn't come to America, speak only Italian, ask the government for help and expected everyone to work for him; that wasn't why his father brought him here. OPPORTUNITY was the reason! Opportunity for a better life. A free life! A chance to enter in at the Golden Gates and live out a dream and pursue happiness.
Let us not forget that this country wouldn't exist without immigration. But let us also understand the importance of securing our borders. Do you not lock your doors to your home? Is your place of employment not secured by cameras and locks and passwords? WHY? Because those things/places are important and you want to keep them safe and secure. It's not because you hate your neighbors, you just want security and peace of mind. Our nation is a precious spot on this earth and it is certainly not arrogant to want to keep it safe and secure. There are certain steps that need to be taken to become a citizen in our great country and I welcome those from all over the planet that want to use the freedoms promised by our wonderful Constitution to make their lives better by pursuing happiness (and most certainly NOT to harm others or take away others' freedoms).
I suppose I can get off of my soap box now. I just get so frustrated with people saying that immigration laws are hateful and racist. It is simply a way for us to do what we can to keep our country safe and secure.
I would like to know what you think about immigration laws and what would be some ways to help solve the issues that face our country today.
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I strongly agree on the hiring policies of illegals. If companies REALLY got punished for hiring illegals then they would stop (or at least severely reduce) hiring them. But that is not going to solve things alone. I think that anyone who is here illegally, that doesn't have a criminal record, should have a chance to become legal. I am not just talking they be given citizenship, but actually have to work at things to become citizens. If I had my way, I would allow them the opportunity to come forward and admit they are here illegally. Then they would be required to return to their home country for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. At that time, they could apply for citizenship but they would be required to pay back taxes for the time that they were here illegally. Anyone that does not come forward, and is subsequently found to be here illegally, is automatically deported and has no chance of ever becoming a citizen. I feel that a plan similar to this, along with much harsher penalties for hiring illegals, would really help the problem.
ReplyDeleteJoe
A big thing for me and the illegals is all of the crime that goes around. Watch the news. If there is a murder, robbery, rape or drug bust, chances are it's an illegal Mexican! Thank goodness they are finally doing something about this.
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely nothing against the country of Mexico. My cousin is married to someone of Mexican descent. BUT I do have a problem with people breaking the law.
I like your analogy with securing our homes and work places. We invite people who don't live at our house in but we don't just allow any ol' person to waltz in! ESPECIALLY if they are killing the people that live in our home.
You know I heard a poll the other day about our new immigration crack down law and it turned out the about 52% of Americans (this was from all areas of the country) felt that the new law was a right on. So the argument is that that is only half. But the poll also showed that about 10% of Americans felt the new law is not strict enough and want to take it even further. So basically about 62% of the country feel we need stronger enforcement and only 38% (redicuously small percentage) feel we need the keep the same broken system we have. Those 38% are probably the ones helping the drug smugglers in or employing illegals because it is cheap labor. Why do the majority always have to give way to the minority? Isn't democracy basically founded on the majority rules? Of course that has to be monitored so it isn't abused which is why we have the checks and balances (or lack there of under the current administration).
ReplyDeleteJoe
You know, back taxes and six months out of the country seems like it could be a bit excessive; however I do think that would be a good punishment for those caught after an effective program is implemented. I was talking with a friend the other day about Ellis Island and what an effective tool that was to welcome immigrants to our great land. Now, it would have been nice if this program was set up in the 50's, but why not implement some sort of Ellis Island type program on the Mexican border to allow people that want to partake of the wonders of America a way to be an American citizen the right way?
ReplyDeleteAs far as public support for SB 1070, it is clear that there is an overwhelming majority of people who support Arizona's slap in the federal government's face. More states should step up and let the feds know they they are a sovereign state and that it is through the people in the states that give the federal government power.
I do have issue with the overpowering super-minority having such a large influence in politics today. How is it when thousands show up to a tea party rally, it is quickly dismissed as an astroturf movement. Yet when dozens show up to protest enforcing the law or gay marriage, it is perceived as genuine grassroots movement that should be listened to and obeyed.