Illegal Immigration
 

I am a ham operator, and I just participated in a conversation about the issue of illegal immigration. One of the participants feels that the best solution to the problem would be to round all the "Mexicans" up and ship them back to Mexico. Another person thinks it would be a good idea to clear our jails of all the illegal immigrants, and he also thinks that illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from even those with college degrees.

With the one who thinks we should round them all up and ship them out, I tried to make the point that, from a logistical standpoint, it would be a nightmare to round up the 12-14 million illegal immigrants we have in this country and send them back to Mexico, not to mention how much it would cost. He went on and on and on about how they're not paying taxes, contributing to our economy, etc., etc. We need to seal the border, etc., etc. I told him I agreed with him that we need to seal the border, but a better solution would be to offer amnesty to the illegals who are already in the country once we get the border sealed. That way they don't have to live in hiding, taxes taken out of their paychecks will actually find its way into the system, they would have more of an incentive to learn English. I also tried to point out that, even though they are illegals, they are still contributing to the economy because they buy food, gasoline, cars, and shop at Wal Mart for clothes and their necessities just like the citizens do. Rounding them all up would eliminate 12-14 millions consumers from our economy and how can that help us?

The more this guy talked the more I began to suspect that he's really a racist. The thing that got me to thinking this way was when he resorted to complaining about how the Mexicans send some of the money they make back to their families. I basically told him that it was their money, they earned it, and, if they want to send it back to their families in Mexico then who am I to condemn them for doing it. I asked him if he thought anyone should have the right to tell him what he should do with his paycheck and that pretty much ended my conversation with him. LOL!

I don't think the other fella is a racist. He did make a good point about sending illegal aliens back to their native country upon being convicted of a crime. I don't have any argument against that. What didn't make sense to me is when he tried to blame illegal immigrants for taking jobs from Americans with college degrees. They're not coming over here and landing jobs in corporate America! They, the illegal immigrants, are working on farms, in restaurants, in construction, at meat plants and other factory type jobs. that part of his argument didn't make any sense to me.

So, my question for all of you is what do you think the solution to the immigration problem is? Should we seal up the border, round them all up, and send them home? Should we seal the border, clear our jails of illegals, and give amnesty to those already here? Do you think illegal aliens are taking jobs away from college educated Americans? What's the answer?

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Virginia (I'll have to find the article) is now setting the precedent to ship back anyone that has any type of criminal record. I think that's great.

The only problem is, in some instances, people are afraid to report a crime because of gang related issues. They feel threatened. Therefore, some crimes will go unreported.

My daughter had her cell phone stolen off the table in a restaurant by an "illegal" bus boy. The Managers refused to do anything so she called the police. They came in, did a search. One of the waitresses saw him take the phone in the bathroom and hide it under a trash can. It was retrieved, although scratched up.

The police wanted her to press charges because he had a few things on him and this would put him in jail. She was afraid his gang member friends would come after her, so she settled on getting her phone back.

I don't think fences, etc. are going to help. We need to come after the employer that hires them.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Periodically the "feds" go to places where a lot of illegal's work. I have actually witnessed a business owner round up all their workers that are not citizens and take them somewhere else until it is all clear. They were left understaffed and everyone that was left had to do 2 or more jobs. What happened was the first place that was hit in town called all the other places so they could be warned. On the one hand they are very hard working people but just like any other part of society there are some good and bad. I say just let them go through the naturalization process and become citizens. If they are not willing to do that, then send them home.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

...you know if it were only that easy................... if they wanna be here, become a citizen.....! but it's not that easy is it???? :tissue

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

BTW, if we rounded up all 14 million of the illegal immigrants and used buses to ship them back to Mexico, it would take 184,615 busloads, assuming that each load was 65 people. I wonder how much the fuel alone would cost, not including feeding and lodging the illegals while on the trip, and the wages the drivers would earn.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Perhaps we could do some Exodus Moses-esque type thing and walk them all back in one crowd. :ursofunny

Or we could do a 10% amnesty situation.

Each illegal which turns over 9 other illegals which results in deportation will then earn amnesty. :ursofunny

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

No it isn't. And some that I know personally are the most wonderful people. But for whatever reason they come their very first act is illegal. That means they are criminals. Let's say I decide to illegally enter your home and expect you to let me stay and work for you and reap the benefits of whatever you have to offer. Would you graciously allow me to stay or would you call the authorities and have me arrested. I don't think we could send all of them back home even if we wanted to. Costs aside the burden of finding them all and doing so is too great.

disclaimer....LadyC this post is not speaking directly to you.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

I say round em all up, put em in chartered buses, make a pass through the Taco Bell drive through for lunch, then drive em back across the border.

However don't do this until you actually build the cotton pickin 700 mile border fence that was already supposed to be built.

I am all for legal immigration but our nation is being overrun with illegal immigration and a hard line stance needs to be taken to stop the flow.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

This is why no fence or the "paid under the table" border patrol is going to keep them out. We need to hit the employers and hit them hard.

Now, that gets into an economic issue and is what makes the whole thing hard to deal with and solve.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Funny enough there are illegals in this country from every nation in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Middle East ... and *gasp* even Europe ...

I know most come from Mexico ... but it never fails that this type of discussion only focuses on them and not the thousands of others ....

It's overt racism in my opinion.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Whatever Daniel. We have criminal issues with them in Texas!

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

I grew up in the south and the illegals from Mexico are all I have ever known of and I believe it is safe to say that the vast majority of illegals are from Mexico. Especially in the south.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Percentage on how many illegals from Mexico are here or percentage of posters that are actually prejudice? :killinme

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

I will get them in a few ...

Most who want the Mexicans out can't differentiate if they're legal or illegal based on appearance ... as they can't differentiate between an illegal El Salvadorian ... illegal Dominican ... or Colombian ....

Illegals in the minds of many has one face.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

The percentage of posters who are prejudice would vary from poster to poster as some are more willing to pre-judge others as prejudice than others are.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Finishing the fence would accomplish the stopping of the flow, for the most part. What benefit would rounding them all up, putting them in chartered buses, making a pass through Taco Bell (a racist comment, imo), and driving them back across the border solve, compared to giving them legal status, issuing them legit social security numbers, and letting them make lives for themselves and become part of the tax base in this country?

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Well personally I am have a stance of equal opportunity no matter what nationality any illegal might be.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Dan, that is why I put quotes around "Mexicans" in my first post. I've been waiting to see who point out what you just pointed out. ;)

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Commendations.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

That's because an illegal in the minds of most has one face ... even if they got a green card or not.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

i dont have a problem with anyone that is in this country legally, i have a problem with all that are here illegally, no matter where they are from, dt

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

I don't respect dishonest or lazy white people, blacks, Mexicans, yellow, pink or polka dotted people.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Well let's start w/ rounding up the illegal European au pairs, then. I don't think we should foot the airplane flight ... give 'em a dingy, one paddle and von boyage.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

More commendations.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Dan, one of these guys actually tried to blame the entire healthcare crisis in this country on "these Mexicans!" When I pointed out that yes, illegal aliens are part of the problem with healthcare in this country, but the real problem is that the whole system is profit based and being run by money hungry HMOs and insurance companies it went right over his head and under his feet.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

If the European is not here on a Visa, then yes - send them back! It's easier for a Mexican to get into America or wait, since China has the Panama Canal - anyone can get through, via South America.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Maybe he no comprende ingles.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

No. That's what needs to be done with the Cubans that have taken over Miami!! LOL!

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Gasp, I just noticed your LAST NAME!!!!!!!!! I can't post with you anymore. No, wait, it was your picture! It wouldn't be ethical!!! :tease

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

no need to act smart dan, but if that is how you get them out of here, then do it, i believe in immigration, LEGAL immigration, so should you, dt

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

We go with what we know and that is not racist. Texas is overun by illegal immigrants that usually arrive here via Mexico, doesn't mean they are all from Mexico. But then if anyone says anything then someone's defensive racism comes out. It goes both ways.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

You're sounding a little prejudice yourself, Dan the man. That's the type of comment that white people see as racial toward us. Just thought you might want to know that. :D

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

very true, sis, i live very close to several indian reservations, and know many of the people, they are more prejudice toward the non indian people than the non indians are to them, it is just silly, and sad, dt

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

I've always wondered if the outrage would be as vehement if the "illegals" all had blond hair and blue eyes.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Well, I guess the cat is finally out of the bag. The reason I started this thread is because I believe the root of many people's opinions on illegal immigration is prejudice. Everything revolves around rounding them up and deporting them when that option obviously isn't feasible. There are better options than that. I agree, we need to seal the border, and not just because of Mexicans. Anyone can cross the southern border relatively easily, including terrorists. Let's get the border sealed, get the illegals already here legalized so they can be added to the tax base, and let them pursue their dreams like the rest of us, so we can move on.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Got a Dorito on your shoulder? :ursofunny

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

Hold on DT ... who says I'm smart?? or even don't believe in LEGAL IMMIGRATION.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

No ... tostones ... fried green plantains .. typical from the Caribbean.

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

i apologize dan i meant smart aleck, lol, i hope you do beleive in legal immigration, lol, i think rico is on the right track, get r done, lol

Re: Illegal Immigration
 

I dunno maybe.
Oprah did a show about that once and it was really brought home when all light haired/eyed people were treated differently than the others. And I mean it was emotionally shown how they were effected to the point of tears for some.