I Support Amnesty (America, Zen)

jonny · #1 05-19-2007, 12:25 PM

I've been listening to the political debate about this immigration plan, and find myself wanting to just give people who are in this country working legal citizenship.

What's wrong with me? It seems like everyone is hating on immigrants. These people came here for the same reason that my ancestors came from Europe - because they wanted a better life. It's not their fault that the US Government decided to close off its borders and make it impossible for people to immigrate here.

Zephyr · #2 05-19-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny

It's not their fault that the US Government decided to close off its borders and make it impossible for people to immigrate here.

Impossible to immigrate here? Difficult maybe, but certainly not impossible. After all, my girlfriend's parents are both recent immigrants. They came here legally and while it wasn't the easiest thing to do, they seem to be doing fine here in America. If we're just going to give people amnesty, won't that just send out a big message to all other prospective illegal immigrants? "Come to America! If we don't catch you sneaking in we'll let you be a citizen if you whine enough."

Shadow Wolf · #3 05-19-2007, 03:28 PM

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If we're just going to give people amnesty, won't that just send out a big message to all other prospective illegal immigrants? "Come to America! If we don't catch you sneaking in we'll let you be a citizen if you whine enough."

I agree. Not a good message to send.

jonny · #4 05-19-2007, 03:55 PM

What is so bad about letting them be citizens? How many of us wouldn't be here today if the US had the same immigration policies then that it does now? I certainly wouldn't.

Shadow Wolf · #5 05-19-2007, 05:56 PM

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What is so bad about letting them be citizens? How many of us wouldn't be here today if the US had the same immigration policies then that it does now? I certainly wouldn't.

The difference is, way back there were no laws. Today there are, and I strongly feel illegal immigrants should not be granted citizenship just because they were able to sneak inside.

Booko · #6 05-19-2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny

What's wrong with me? It seems like everyone is hating on immigrants. These people came here for the same reason that my ancestors came from Europe - because they wanted a better life. It's not their fault that the US Government decided to close off its borders and make it impossible for people to immigrate here.

Funny, neighboring Doraville is full of immigrants. The Asians are here legally. Most of the Latinos are not.

So much for the idea that it's so difficult to emigrate.

Though I will grant you this much -- the INS is horribly broken and needs to be rebuilt. *And* our immigration policy needs to be completely reworked as well. It's ridiculous that it might cost as much as $4000 to emigrate. That's a lifetime savings in some places. We should up the numbers and make it easier. I'm all for that.

dawny0826 · #7 05-19-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny

What is so bad about letting them be citizens? How many of us wouldn't be here today if the US had the same immigration policies then that it does now? I certainly wouldn't.

Hi Jonny.

I feel that anyone living and especially working within the US should follow proper procedures to do so legally just as you or I would do if we were to live or work outside of the US.

I don't think that our country would benefit from pardoning individuals who arrived on our soil via illegal means.

If one has the need and/or desire to become a US citizen, they should be willing to do whatever the law requires them to do to legally become a citizen.

jonny · #8 05-19-2007, 07:10 PM

Americans aren't any more respectful of our country's laws. All you need to do is go sit by any road in America with a radar gun and see what percentage of Americans drive the speed limit. How about surveying the number of people under 21 who have been drunk. For me, this "they don't respect our laws" argument is moot. Who here hasn't broken a law?

dawny0826 · #9 05-19-2007, 07:15 PM

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Originally Posted by jonny

I suppose

I understand completely where you're coming from and I believe your heart's in the right place. I agree that we are who we are as a nation because our ancestors immigrated to the US. From the bottom of my heart, I would NEVER want for our boarders to be closed to people who want a better life for themselves and their families.

I just feel there's something to be said about someone who sneaks into a country, knowingly breaking laws. Further more, I think it's insulting to those who legally immigrated into the US.