Does anyone know the history behind the crackdown on immigration? It seems to me that it happened in the 1940s or so - about the same time the U.S. started creating its welfare state. Are we excluding people from the American dream because our government has created a system where we can't afford to pay for people? Does anyone know why there was a push to limit immigration?
This entire immigration debate pisses me off (to put it lightly). When my ancestors came here 100 years ago, they didn't have to worry about green cards. America was founded as a refuge for people who wanted a better life. I think that we are screwing up exactly what has made America successful in the past by drastically limiting the new blood that we let into this country.
Yesterday we met two Mexican families while fishing. They were here illegally. They were working to support their families and paying U.S. taxes. The mother started crying when my roommate asked her what she thought about the entire immigration debate. The thought of returning to Mexico devestated her.
I'm embarassed that America's superiority complex has created the problems that we are experiencing today. I don't think we're too good for anyone who is willing to come here and work hard to make a better life for themselves.
I guess my point is that any changes in immigration policy need to be accompanied by changes in the welfare policy so that America attracts people who want to WORK and CONTRIBUTE to the economy - regardless of their current conditions.
This entire immigration debate pisses me off (to put it lightly). When my ancestors came here 100 years ago, they didn't have to worry about green cards. America was founded as a refuge for people who wanted a better life. I think that we are screwing up exactly what has made America successful in the past by drastically limiting the new blood that we let into this country.
Yesterday we met two Mexican families while fishing. They were here illegally. They were working to support their families and paying U.S. taxes. The mother started crying when my roommate asked her what she thought about the entire immigration debate. The thought of returning to Mexico devestated her.
I'm embarassed that America's superiority complex has created the problems that we are experiencing today. I don't think we're too good for anyone who is willing to come here and work hard to make a better life for themselves.
I guess my point is that any changes in immigration policy need to be accompanied by changes in the welfare policy so that America attracts people who want to WORK and CONTRIBUTE to the economy - regardless of their current conditions.
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door"