OT - can someone please explain immigration to me?

I think the same things about the jobs.  But on the other hand, I think we s hould be paying those workers minimum wage (or more, really) so in that case there might not continue to be jobs that only immigrants were willing to take.

 Many out there  will not post ... because of "FLAMING".  I am one of the Non posters .... because of this fact!
On this subject ... I felt like I  needed to  risk being FLAMED!  Since I BLOCKED most of the posters that love to Go against  OH's TOS agreements.... I will  not see most of the nasty comments!  So I'll take the risk! 

Nfarris -  Be Proud , Stand Tall!

 Unless those that  complain were  born of  Native American Heritage .... They are (and we are mostly )   ALL  basically " Immigrants" !  History  tells many stories about life and this Great Country... look back  to the  late 1800's and early 1900's . Now , think about  how ...  those that were once  "Immigrants" felt  ( perhaps  looking down there nose? )  as "those" new  Immigrants  came thru Ellis Island .  Many of the new " immigrants" labors built  our city's, sub ways &  buildings that still stand today. Many of those jobs the established  "immigrant" "American"  did not want to work ( How fast we forget).  Not  to mention , those that  toiled picking  and harvesting the very food that nourished this Nation  and our fore Fathers! Is  there good and bad in life  every where very race, creed etc ? YES!   Those that  desire to  work hard , make a better life  , do better ....   I think a few people that begrudge need a trip to Lady Liberty (She is closed for repairs).  Maybe a little  history review may be helpful for some. 

I  am English, Swedish, Dutch .... Not a bit Native American. I am an " Immigrant"! Maybe several generations down ..... I am an also an  AMERICAN!  I stand Proud!  Every Generation  has made better for the next. I do not begrudge a soul that wishes to do that legally. 

Is there issues in America , sure...  Do we know  who will cure Cancer? Nope!  Could it be  a so called " Immigrant"?   Maybe!  Take a look at Americas Best and Brightest , take a look at the  kindest most decent  people in your life... ask your self  were their ancestors "immigrants"? This may change your thought process. 

 A smile and kindness go along way folks... so does tolerance!  How do we know  what is in every persons Soul? How do we know  and what their abilities and possibilities are?  And  finally ,who are we to judge?  
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I don't think there are many among us *****sents legal immigrants and what they bring to this country.  I think where we often differ is our views with regard to those "immigrants" who enter our country illegally.

When you enter this country illegally, you are a criminal, not an immigrant. 

I believe there are very few Americans whose ancestors did not immigrate from somewhere, but the difference is that in past generations immigrants entered the country legally, and they did not live off the backs of the taxpayers.  They worked hard and they contributed.  They also assimilated into American society and did not expect American society to cater to their language or culture. 

Put simply, they were proud to be AMERICANS... 

 I'm Canadian.

We have an immigration problem: American criminals with guns.  At the time I last worked with Corrections Canada, there were more American hardcore criminals in the penn than Canadians.

In Washington State this year, there were no takers for premiums being paid to pick apples. They were advertising everywhere.  Yet, people stayed on unemployment rather than work in the orchards. 

More people where I currently live are on some form of assistance than are not. And the underground economy is strong (and tax free)  

I do not accept the arguments that people who came here to make a better life should be sent
deported.  Criminals should always be treated as criminals. Women in labor who look like they are from XYZ should not be shackled to the beds and isolated. It's inhumane, and in a case or two, HS jumped the gun and made assumptions.

Read the inscription on the Statue of Liberty.  Then, if you are not a Native American (first people), ask yourself where you would be and who you would be if your great great grandparents  did not pass through Ellis Island.  

The only people I think who have causee to complain about immigration are the first people.

t

It's true almost all of us are immigrants.  And I bet the only reason it was not illegal for many of us to immigrate to America is because the Native Americans had not passed laws against it because it never occurred to them that a bunch of people would immigrate from other lands and give them small pox and kill a bunch of them and force them off their lands and take away their children to send them to schools where they would not be able to speak their own languages, etc.

And if they had made laws against it?  We would have immigrated anyway.

So if it was OK for us to do that, why is it not OK or others to do it now?  At least they aren't purposely giving us small pox!

Standing ovation for Tee!!!

... and thank you for INADVERTENTLY opening my eyes WIDER on yet another issue.... I have the lyrics of The Temptations Smiling Faces ringing in my ear....

... and for-ever thank you! for making my baked salmon an AWESOME and Delightful experience!!! 

You should live in southern CA to get "the real experience" of your topic.  I live in a community of around 2500 homes around 28-30 years old. Home on half acre lots.  Due to the "poor economy", many of the houses are in foreclosure. Guess who buys the houses?  The majority of the houses are purchased by one of two sources. One is a person *****nts them out--usually to a multitude of illegals, who end up with 8 cars or more on the lot.  Previous renters have even had bedrooms set up in the garage of that home.

The 2nd buyers are a pool of illegals who pool their money. This is still a blight on my area, with poor yard maintenance, 6 or more cars on the street, increased gang activity, etc. etc.  Property values have gone lower than they were 15 years ago. 

There are many facets to your question other than jobs.  Citizens are people born here or who have immigrated legally and gone through the citizen process.  The majority of citizens have far more pride in our country and their local region, than someone who just walked over the border.  The illegals also have a major issue with local and state law enforement.  There have been many instances of "macho mentality" that has caused many deaths in southern CA.  Some idiot illegal, 5'9'' and 150 pounds, just shot up a night club last night, as reported on the news a few minutes ago.  Whenever I go to the US Post Office on the first of the month, I see too many illegals getting money orders to send money "south of the border".  This is one of the reasons our economy is hurting--much of the money earned here is not being spent here on US goods.  I'm not a bigot and have no issue with people who have immigrated legally.   Dave

Do you check documents personally to determine whether your assumptions are correct?

Southern California was once Mexico.

Look at your map and count up the names of locations, including yours. What language is that?

Property values have tanked everywhere. Illegals are not the problem, fraudulent banking practices did that in.

What documents?  There are arrests noted on the news for major immigrant document fraud in this area.  Banking has been an issue it's true.   I'm not just looking at this posed question from my personal viewpoint. My wife worked directly with the local school district for over 25 years. She has too many stories of dealing with students of illegal alien parents.  Yes, there are many names of cities in southern CA with Latino type names.  I put part of the blame on the US government over the past couple of decades.  Allowing illegals that were currently here to get citizen ship just opened up the flood gates for more to come over--anticipating the US would do this again, which they did.  Normal family units do not habitat these foreclosed homes. Even the previous owner got tired of renting to one family, only to find another 8-9 people living there, creating issues with neighbors reporting public intoxication, theft, vandalism, etc.  He sold the home at a loss to get rid of his problem. I've had thefts of a cement mixer, a pressure washer, and other items from my back yard since this home was a rental.  I did not bring up the topic, just listing a few of my expereinces. DAVE

I work as a federal law enforcement officer. I understand your perspective as it is what you see daily. However, you must realize that issues in your area are not a national problem. There are only a few border states that have some of the unique issues you mention. And still, the people are not the issue it is our countries financial situation that is at the base of many of the issues you mention. You have to think about this issue far more broadly.