my bleeding heart and immigrants

[blissedmistake]

this was my response to another post comparing illegal immigrants to theives who break into your house.

---

i don't think any of you(meaning those against illegal immigration) really understand the degree of poverty and the corruption of the mexican government these people come from. living in what we americans consider poverty is like a kings ransom for many immigrants.

"The fact that illegal immigrants pay taxes at all will come as news to many Americans. A stunning two-thirds of illegal immigrants pay Medicare, Social Security and personal income taxes. Yet, nativists like Congressman Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., have popularized the notion that illegal aliens are a colossal drain on the nation's hospitals, schools and welfare programs — consuming services that they don't pay for."

the fact that so many people cross the borders goes to show you how horrible their government is. if we want to stop illegal immigrants i think several things must happen. since the American government loves to take on the role of Big Brother we shouldn't turn our head to our southern neighbors. make it easier to become a LEGAL immigrant. look up how hard it is to come here. the time and money involved will amaze you. think about if YOU could afford that.

you probably don't know this but my grandpa and dad used to farm. i can remember many migrant families coming to work during the summer. they would come from mexico to work in fields during the farming and go back for the rest of the year. they were grateful for any help they received and just to have the chance to make a little bit of money. there's also an ugly side to all this. not all men are good as my father or grandfather. since they're not "legal" they don't have workers rights. some farmers would(and do) practically work the migrant workers to death and pay them poorly. but they still work. you know why? because they need the money to feed their family.

they only difference between them and me is my family came on a boat to ellis island and theirs crossed a river. when my family first came here they had to hide because people thought they were nazi's when in reality they hadn't lived in german for many years because catherine the great promised them land in russia. we were seen as dirty theives because we were new. we were someone to blame the problems on.

i'm not asking you to open your arms to illegal immigrants but remember they're not that different from you and me and please don't perpetuate ignorant myths.

Comments

[kawaiinochan.livejournal.com]

My only objection to illegal immigration is that I feel like its unfair to people who do things the right way. Adrian stood in line, did the paperwork, danced the dance for the INS to get in and then to get his conditional status released ... its unfair to people like him that people just walk into the country.

And I lived in Mexico. I know how bad it is. But I feel like the treatment they get here is only slightly better. I feel like theres got to be some sort of program that gives migrant workers some sort of status as temporary employees so they dont get abused by people who take advantage of their illegal status.

Of course, those who say get buses, round them up, and send them back are just idiotic. The illegal immigrants who do contribute to society should be allowed to go through some sort of process to stay. I just wish theyd do it BEFORE they came in the first place.

[blissedmistake.livejournal.com]

i think it's the system that makes it unfair. you have to have money and resources to become a citizen. you and adrian of all people on my flist understand the dance you have to do. there is an obvious need for immigration reform. the abuse of illegal immigrants in the US is one of the many reasons i think there needs to be an easier way from them to be documented without fear of being deported and/or allowed to become permanent residents or citizens. i think people are taught to fear mexican immigrants because they are the newest wave of people coming to the US.

[kawaiinochan.livejournal.com]

I disagree that it takes money -- well, it takes a little, not THAT much -- and resources. It takes research to know what to do right and time to let it all happen. Im not saying that reform isnt needed. Im saying that there *is* a system in place is people take the time to actually try to use it.

[blissedmistake.livejournal.com]

it's not THAT much for someone who's standard of living is the same as ours it a lot for someone who's standard of living is lower. if i had to choose between a passport or fee my family. i'd choose feed my family every time.