How illegal immigration is dividing a town's business owners
In Riverside, N.J., a crackdown that drove away a third of the town's population has some businesses struggling to survive the loss. Tell us your thoughts.
From Lawrenceville fyi I am a doctor in the US.
And because of my job
I would take care of you and your family members and also anyone even if they don't have money.
So get a life "A HOLE"..
PS I am an immigrant also
From James DeAnza The United States has become one big boarding house for the rest of the world's poor and illiterate. They treat our country like a prostitute, using us for their own selfish economic gain, but have little regard or respect for our language, laws and culture and demand their 'right' to break the law. Their love and respect lies with their home country. We have too many immigrants, both legal and illegal. It makes no sense to talk about conserving oil and gas, and saving the environment in one breath, and then import millions more every year that negate any gains in conservation or saving the environment. I think its time we put a halt to immigration and admit only the most highly skilled workers, their spouses and minor children.
From Mike R. I am as pleased as punch with Riverside's law. I would love to see all states and cities follow suit resulting in ILLEGAL immigrants leaving the US or applying for legal citizenship.
I believe the short term ramifications of driving ILLEGAL immigrants out of our country will include rising prices for consumer goods. Ultimately, this will be offset by a reduction or stabilization of healthcare costs and tax increases required to provide the services enjoyed by illegals.
Those who fight for these law breakers to remain ILLEGALLY are profit driven. I see them as sell-outs to our nation.
From Tran , Fountain Valley, CA The article was wrote with the implications that all the peoples called anti illegal immigrants are racist. Especially with CNN policy of cause sentially reactions aimed to selling its own products had failled to mentions the differences between the immigrants from Ireland, germans and many others countries were LEGAL immigrants that showed respects to our Laws.
From JOSEY M. Patton- Pearl River, New YORK YES !! NOW WE ARE MAKING PROGERESS IN GETTING RID OF ALL THE ILLEAGEL IRISH IN PEARL RIVER.
From Michael Train The last time I checked we were a country that valued its legality. Please tell me the rule of law still matters. Indeed, that there remains a clear difference between a US citizen; and some poor sole confined in a totalitarian country who must rely upon who he knows to find relief; or some dirt floor farmer stuck in some third world economy like Mexico who must buy, bribe, etc. his way around a sticky situation; or the unlucky bloke who missed the last flight out of some banana republic, and must rely on his marksmanship to save his skin. And what kinds of government, economy, or country are these illegal immigrants trying to leave behind? Do I blame them, certainly not, but I will not compromise our laws just so I can continue to consume products and services at a relatively lower price. In similar fashion, I will not break the law because I cannot find a legal employee to get -r-done.
Union or management, small business or large, I don't give a rats a–. Follow the rules, obey the law. It is not a matter of culture, colour, creed, language, or any kaleidoscope variation on this planet, the law is the law. Even if the enforcement of the law is inconsistent, such is no reason to break it or rationalize oneself around its definition or application. Benjamin Franklin said in reply to an inquiry about what type of government had just been formed, "I give you a republic, if you can keep it."
As long as we are free to choose the economy will adjust. Maybe not fast enough for some, but it is precisely the complicit and illegal behavior of so many that delays the honest progress of supply and demand.
For twenty plus years, I have employed hundreds and hundreds of individuals, no other way but legally, in the commercial cleaning market, i.e., janitorial. I could add 25% – 30% straight to my bottom line by illegally issuing 1099's or hiring illegals. And consider that my market for labor has all but dried up – 10 years ago! The average American in our entry level positions cannot slap their a– in a dark room, if I tied both their hands behind their back or they typically just won't work preferring the milk the system – the dole, work comp or taking advantage of some other sort of other socialistic redistribution of wealth program. Nevertheless, I remain legal. If I cannot compete legally even against those who I know are functioning illegally, I'll get out.
You know what some of us do for fun in Florida on a busy Friday or Sat. night? Don blue wind-breakers, bang on the back doors of restaurants, stick our heads in and yell, INS – EVERYBODY FREEZE. Five minutes later you would think God parted the waters behind the restaurant.
From Steve Kraus Regarding your May article “How Illegal Immigration is Dividing a Town’s Business Owners”, it is hard to understand how people still do not realize that the genie was released from the bottle decades ago and can never be put back. This is mainly because the concept of citizenship itself was devalued long ago.
Controlling borders and deciding who can come and go has traditionally been the right and responsibility of a government that represents the full spectrum of its inhabitants, rich and poor. The US has increasingly become what I call the world’s first true free economic zone, shifting from the outdated concept as stated in the preamble to the Constitution to “promote the general welfare” to a purely business beneficial model. This happens to be why personal issues such as a failing health and education system will always be trumped by business oriented activities such as war.
Furthermore, for those opposed to illegal immigration, it is often noted that the word ‘illegal’ is dropped such that it is reported that being opposed to illegal immigration is equivalent to being opposed to all immigration, a clever and manipulative trick. One question that must always be asked is who benefits and who loses from illegal immigration which is what then determines law under our current system, not the Constitution.
As business supported by the US government are focused only on the bottom line, their customers as well as the source of their raw materials, including labor, becomes irrelevant as long as profits can be maximized. That is what illegal immigration is about and without a government committed to “promote the general welfare”, discussion of illegal immigration is a non-entity, merely filling up magazine pages for diversion and amusement.
From Veronica, McAllen, TX To many of the people on this board: You talk about how Mexicans and Hispanics refuse to learn English. Here's my question: Have you looked at YOUR OWN English? You misspell some of the words, you don't use proper punctuation, you forget to use apostrophes for possessive words requiring them, you forget to put in hyphens where necessary, and you even misspell other countries' names. Honestly, I have a hard time understanding what some of you have to say. It's not because I can't understand English; on the contrary, I understand it perfectly. I only understand PROPER English. Apparently, you guys are so busy hating my people that you don't even bother to notice what you're writing. If you want Mexicans to learn English, I suggest you join them so that I'll be able to understand what you're saying.
From Bob Smith, Pearl River, New York Why is it that most articles deal with how illegal immigrants are being treated? Occasionaly, the article deals with how someone hires illegal immigrants and undercuts the competetion. Why doesn't someone write an article that can explain why immigrants do not stay in the country legally? Why do people feel they must support immigrants that do not have any intention of being here legally? Let's face it, most people do not object to immigration but they do resent the immigrants that do not want to take the steps to be legal.
police equipment
From Floyd Scott My Names Floyd Scott . I'm an independent Painting and Handyman contractor
in Riverside .I own "Honey-Do" Services and I started my business 15 years
ago and it's very successful. My company has had tough times but I keep
restructuring my company to suite the needs of the people . We pay attention
to what peoples needs are and I create the service they need .
Resturaunts and businesses in riverside should offer stuff to americans too
and they will get more business .
My customers love the fact that I change my company to suite whatever they
need .
From B.J.Khalifah I have no sympathy for the small business owners of Riverside who bemoan a decline in business due to attempts to stem illegal immigration. They were profiting from illegal immigration for their personal short term gain while the rest of the US takes the long term hit. It’s like selling your daughter on the street. In the short term you make money. In the long term she is destroyed. I applaud Joey Vento; he is smart enough to think long term.
From Bobbie Shropshire, Riverside, NJ Once again, I'm amazed at what constitutes journalism. My name is Bobbie Shropshire and I am a 2nd generation Bookseller in the township of Riverside, NJ, the very town your magazine reported on and as usual didn't even bother to get half the story right.
My Mother has had a bookstore on Scott Street (think Main Street) since 1968.
In 1984, she bought the larger of the two Worth and Worth buildings (13K sq ft) and we are presently restoring this Victorian Building.
Our Bookstore is open in a new incarnation and business is great. Each week we do better than the week before. There's a trend I'll take. Our customers consist of all flavors and all flavors are welcome. I can find books in ANY language and our speciality is hard to find books: the ones that Barnes and Noble tell you that are out of print, no longer available, etc. because they only have access to their own database.
This little bookstore in Riverside,NJ has access to the databases of all major booksellers as well as booksellers in all English speaking countries. We are cultivating relationships with booksellers in countries speaking different languages as the people come in and educate us as to what they want.
3 new businesses have opened on Scott Street in the last 2 months and they are doing just fine along with the the other businesses in town.
The Pavilion BarBQ that you mention is Brazilian owned and yes, their customers have dropped off. I'm a member of the Riverside Business Association and we have weekly lunch meetings in their dining room.
Gotta roll with the economy, stupid. If your customers drop off, my best advice is to quit griping and figure out a way to get more. We've done that with an independent bookstore and all is well. That's pretty amazing considering Borders (a large bookselling chain) took out a 83 Million dollar loan just to keep the doors open.
We're all pretty sick of the one sided reporting and I'm writing this just to 'keep you honest' to paraphrase CNN's slogan.
Journalism 101. Get the facts.
All my Best,
Bobbie Shropshire
From Harry Edmiston Orlando Florida If you are an American employer who hires illegals for any reason then you are truly not an American at all but just someone who cares only about himself. You disgrace the very word American and should by all accounts be fined and even put out of business because you serve no purpose to America other than breaking American laws.
From evelyn lincoln Yet another article suggesting that it is okay to break the law if it helps business. But look at our schools and our prisons, both jammed with illegal immigrants costing American taxpayers a fortune every year. The flood of illegal immigrants brings new poverty, illegal drugs, and the risk of terrorism. Beyond that, what part of "illegal" don't you understand?
From Livia Alexander It seems to me that the old cliche" Your cutting your nose
off to spite your face " fits very well !!!
From PEGGY A WEBB THE CITIZENS OF RIVERSIDE NEW JERSEY DID THE RIGHT THING. ALL AMERICANS MUST PROTECT THEIR PLACE IN THEIR TOWNS AND CITIES, OR THEY WILL BECOME LIKE LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA WHERE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM MEXICO HAVE TOTALLY TAKEN OVER THE CITY, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT – THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ALL THE FAST FOOD, CASHIER, AND SERVICE JOBS. THEY WORK UNTIL THEY GET THE AUTHORITY TO HIRE, THEN THEY DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AMERICAN CITIZENS AND HIRE AND PROMOTE ONLY HISPANICS. UNSKILLED PEOPLE, SOME NOT SPEAKING MUCH ENGLISH TAKING HIGH PAYING JOBS FROM AMERICAN CITIZENS. AND IF ITS NOT THEM TAKING THE JOBS, IT'S THEIR CHILDRENS. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME COME AND SEE. THESE PEOPLE ARE TAKING FROM AMERICAN CITIZEN EVEN IN TERMS OF SOCIAL WELFARE. WHEN IS ANYBODY GOING TO CONSIDER THE AMERICAN CITIZEN. AT MY JOB, THEY HAVE THE BEST PAYING JOBS.
From mark kelley your article fails to make enough distinction between LEGAL and ILLEGAL immigration. The debate is not really about immigration….the issue only exists because of the masses of folks who broke the law to get here and flaunt their ability to openly break the law. I suggest that if there were no illegals here there would be no issue…except how to get cheap labor so rich people can get richer. If penalties were enforced against all employers of illegal immigrants, the immigation problem would go away.
From keith jordan I noticed that the music store owner opposes the ordinance on principle.What principle is that?
From jose Im concern about the people not the businesses. Obviously immigrants are not appreciated and they may never be. I cannot wait for the latin american economy to level so all hispanics leave this hypocritical country. You need to write about all the good and the opportunity cost advantages these immigrants bring to the United States.
From Bryan Here is a story you may consider.
I live in Jupiter Florida.
The Mayor and City Council of Jupiter were getting alot of pressure from Citizens of Jupiter to do something about all the Illeagal Guadamallins hangling out on a certain street. Companies were comming by and picking up some everyday to work and they pay them Cash, thus avoiding Taxes.
So the Mayor and City Council bought a $2 Millon dollar building with Tax Payer money and rented it out to a Illeagal Immigrant non profit group.
They rented the building to them for $1:00 a year.
It is called EL_SOL and can be found online and numerous videos on youtube of people protesting it.
Veterans are there protesting it every Saturday along with other Citizens.
One Councilman even donated the left over campaign money to this place.
Everyone is pissed about it to say the least.
Now West Palm Beach want's to do the same thing so they can get all the Illeagal Aliens out of public sight.
Local Sherriff and Police department's or Custom or Immigration Department's will do nothing.
One guy even went and picked up a load of them in the back of his pickup truck and told them hje needed them to worok on his house and would pay them cash.
Instead he drove them to the Immigration office and of course no one in the Immigration office would do anything about it and all the Illeagals took off running.
Of course the Governor of Florida will not sponsor an Employee Sanction law like other places have.
Jupiter and West Palm Beach Florida are Illeagal Alien Sanctuary Cities.
Sure would like to see a story about this.
Thanks
From ruby When are people going to get a life this country was native american indians hello mexicans are indians they are a mix breed the spanish -american war mexico lost several states ca.,az.,tx.,new mexico,ok.,ka.thats over half of us.they been here before jesus was born they are not and i'm glad they work 3x harder than any body in my county they have the lowest crime rate i seen several of their pay checks they pay taxes and they pay childsupport on children they don't even have they have every right to be here first this land belongs to god but mexicans have been here before us.God says love thy neighbor as you love thy self all over the bible you know the the native indians were here first and they were takin into salvery first but but you don't hear them crying about others do here
From Mary Alice Carter Your article states anti-immigration, and THAT IS INCORRECT. IT SHOULD BE CORRECTED TO STATE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. The people were not anti immigration, They were ANTI ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. GET THE STORY CORRECTED. THEY WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAT LEFT. THE IMMIGRANT HERE LEGALLY PROBABLY STAYED. HOW ABOUT REPORTING THE CORRECT FACTS.
From Aaron Picard Hi, It would be helpful not to use the terms "anti-immigration" and "anti-illegal immigration" interchangeably. Most of us are immigrants, or the children of immigrants, and we welcome people of all cultures who want to contribute to and integrate into American society and realize the American Dream. We have a serious and understandable issue with people who violate our borders, flaunt our laws, drive down wages, and otherwise live outside 'normal' society. If immigration laws are to be ignored, what other laws are next, and can anarchy be far behind? If the immigration system is broken, there is a process for government-by-the-people to fix it. Thank you.
From Hin wai Is it so difficult to call illegal immigrants as they are? Why confuse your readers with the term immigrants? I am an immigrant myself. I had plenty of chance to come here illegally before I was able to emigrate to the U.S. legally. I chose not to because I respected the law of this country. Those laws or bills you mentioned in the article are not anit-immigrant laws/bills/ordinance. Most Americans including myself do not object to immigrants. What we do not like are ILLEGAL immigrants. Please call them what they are and not to confuse the issue. I believe that is not a difficult thing to do. Sincerely Hin Wai
From Alicia All I will say is: "GO BACK TO ITALY JOEY."
WIth today's immigration laws I am sure we can prove you are here illigaly.
From Don Being a person of a little bit of Inteeligence,
Once again the key word is "Illegal"
If someone sells an Illegal Drug then the proffit is Illegal.
If someone gains by employing an Illegal then that proffit was gained Illegally.
I am sorry that an economy has sufferd from setting things right but its not that the economy is faultering its just adjusting to where it should have been had we not had these Illegal people here in the first place.
Please do not try to Candy Coat the Issue.
Theses Illegal people have been and will continue to be a drain on the system.
Now I ask you how many of theses 25,000 Hispanics for example have paid their share of Taxes, State, Federal, City or School wich O by the way their Children attend.
And how much of a drain has their Medical been?
Come on guy, if your gonna report on something get the whole story in there not just the slice of pie you want to eat.
From Lynn McIver Comments on the Riverside NJ article about illegal immigrants. America is a nation founded on Laws, and America has always taken pride in the statement "We are a Nation of Laws, not of Men", meaning everyone is held to the same standard, not influenced by who you are or what influence you might have. But, by choosing not to enforce our immigration laws, what other conclusion will people come to except that if you don't like a law, you don't have to obey it. One small step backwards, one small step towards further lawlessness by a public who doesn't care because they don't have to. Enforce it now or pay the piper later.
From Kris Anderson How can any pro business magazine be so supportive of illegal immigration? It is absurd to say that we need a “uniform national policy on immigration” when we already have laws on the books that are not being enforced by anyone. What we need is respect for the law and the citizens of this great country. If you hire a illegal worker, you are breaking the law and hurting every business in your industry. If you open a business in an area of immigrants hoping to profit from them, you deserve to go out of business. We all need to stand up for the laws we have or America will disappear.
Owner
Estimates NW Inc
Vancouver,Wash.
From John Taylor The problem is that American sovereignty is at stake. We already have 12 million illegal immigrants. That represents an enormous underground — and illegal — economy. Who pays for that?
Who pays to educate the kids of illegal immigrants? Legal taxpayers do.
Why did my father fight in WW II, and why did I fight in Vietnam, if not for some notion that America is a special place, a worthwhile culture, something worth preserving. Today, the word "America" increasingly means nothing. Our borders are a joke and the English language is an option.
I'm a capitalist, and I love business profits. But businesses have a whole lot to answer for with regard to this lust for cheap, illegal labor. Both political parties have gone whoring after various special interest groups on this issue too.
Fortune could do much to improve this situation, but it won't. Your article makes it seem as if obeying the law is just another option which might impede profit growth.
From Betty in Atlanta, GA I am an U.S. Citizen, and I am an accomplished professional with a bachelors degree. My husband came here from South America over 15 years ago, He was LEGAL,he went to school, has a Master's degree, he's fluent in English, he's paid taxes every year, and has acted as a responsible, respectful person and does not even have a traffic ticket on his record. He is a very polished and professional person.
However due to circumstances, he was unable to re-new his visa or change his status. We are essentially being forced to leave this country.
This situation with immigration should have people in the streets rioting for a FAIR resolution. The system is horribly broken, and anyone who has tried to navigate it understands what I mean.
There is a stalemate with legislation, no-one wants to give up ground on either side, and I'd have to say it is based on ignorance. The current system doesn't allow people to have a logical understanding of it, and it is bogged down with so much bureacratic paper and red tape, that people, sadly, get unfairly lost in it.
At this point, my husband and I are both giving up and leaving, together. The sad truth is The U.S. may lose many more qualified and professional people like us.
Remember NOT EVERYONE crossed a river in the middle of the night, paid a cayote to smuggle them in, stole someone's identity, social security number….
From Walt, Dallas, PA Illegal says it all. Want to stop illegal immigration? Give out severe fines and then draconian fines for first and subsequent offenses for using illegal immigrant labor, period. It's pathetic that our president Bush has done nothing but allow the problem to grow. Some village in Texas is missing their idiot!
From CAB, Queensbury NY I wonder if McCain, Clinton, or Obama know what the penalty is for being an illegal immigrant in their respective home states.
Of all of the back-and-forth that I have read/heard about illegal immigration, I have not heard what the penalty is (or ranges from) for being an illegal immigrant. All laws that are broken have penalties (jail time, fines, etc.).
I am against illegal immigration, but I would like to find out the penalty if one is caught for committing this crime.
From Stephen, Las Vegas, NV. AWESOME!! I hope Nevada and California follows suit to get rid of these unwelcome guests. Business based on illegals should be illegal to begin with!
From los angeles, california A lot of people forget that at one point they or a family member was an immigrant to this land.
please don't forget.
From Mark, Alexandria, VA yes illegal immigration is bad, but so is our current LEGAL immigration policy.
- Last year we gave legal status to 1.4 million people! That is more than all other countries accept Combined!
- Why do we need to force such a population explosion in this country?
- Shouldnt we have a responsible immigration policity that respects both legal immigrants AND citizens!?
- How is greater than 1 million legal immigrants helpful to citizens? It strains our education system, our public works, hurts gas prices – it only helps big business – not hard working, honest american citizens.
Its time Americans demanded an immigration policy that respects them as well as legal immigrants.
http://www.numbersusa.com
http://www.fairus.org
From JBG Maryland This is the 2nd time I've read a bleeding heart story about illegal aliens on CNN. If CNN is so pro-illegals, I am no longer a CNN viewer or reader, nor will I be supporting CNN's advertisers. I will begin writing to CNN's advertisers and letting them know why I am no longer buying their products.
I have no desire to live in the United States of Mexico. Every area that is inundated by illegals quickly becomes a cesspool like their home countries.
From Michael, Indpls IN The United States government picks and chooses which immigrants to allow into the country and whether they are 'illegal' or not. When economic times are good and money is being made, then there is no problem. The minute that times become difficult for citizens then the government and the people want to eliminate immigrants. Taxes being paid or not, the government realizes that if they can use more affordable labor to build and maintain the country, i.e., building the White House and the railroads, then what do they care. Only a small percentage of the HUGE pie is not being contributed to.
From Susan, Apex, North Carolina Many Americans are not bothered by LEGAL immigration. We’ve always been a melting pot and generally open our arms to people who want to come here legally. The problem is illegal immigration. It is simply illegal. Those who choose to come here illegally are breaking a law. Most Americans do have a problem with that. Those who come here illegally should be dealt with just like anyone else who breaks a law. I also believe there should be laws making it illegal to hire an illegal immigrant and it should be illegal for them to apply for or receive American government assistance programs. We need to discourage others from coming to this country illegally.
Illegal immigration has gotten out of hand because so many people have made money off this crime. Business owners have made money by not paying illegals minimum wage, providing benefits and paying taxes. It’s also enabled them to undercut businesses who hire legal citizens. Not all business owners who have saved money via illegals have passed that cost onto legal citizens. Many have simply put the extra money in their own pockets which have made them rich. I do not believe it is ethically or morally correct to become rich off the back of an underpriviledged person regardless of their legal status; however, the modern day illegal rich have the upper hand just like the old slave masters of the south. I believe in 200 years, people will look back on American’s greedy dependence on illegal immigration and be deeply disturbed just as most people now look back 200 years and are deeply disturbed about legal slavery.
Illegal immigration has changed the job front for legal residents. Most citizens are not willing to break lease agreements that allow only one family per dwelling so they require a higher wage. They are not sharing living expenses with one or two other families so it requires more for them to live at a minimum standard. Most low and middle class residents simply can’t afford to live on the wages paid to illegals and still live legally. Legals require the minimum wage. Most legal Americans would gladly work any job for a fair wage but business owners will not hire them when they can get an illegal to work for less. This is causing many legal immigrants and born American citizens to be unemployed.
Honestly I could go on and on like this about how illegals have had a negative impact on legal citizens and also on themselves by selling themselves short of wages and benefits they would deserve if only they would become legal. It’s created a moral and ethical problem as the rich get richer off illegals and our social systems become overwhelmed by those who do not make enough to pay for their own expenses in this country. Of course the cost is passed on to those of us who can pay, even if we can only barely pay. All humans deserve respect but nobody wins with illegal immigration. This is not about race. It’s about those who have against those who don’t and illegal immigration just makes this whole situation worse for most involved…the middle class, poor, and illegals. A civilized society has to have rules and laws in place and they should be followed and enforced. The love of money should not override those laws and money should not be able to buy silence from those who are bothered by illegal activity.
From Gary Berard, Albany NY I only have 2 requirements for admission to America.
1. Speak the language
2. Pay your taxes
Every other immigrant (Italians, Germans, etc.) group does both.
If you are born here and can’t conform to the rules you can get out to.
From Fred P. Bridgewater, NJ I don't have an argument against honest people trying to earn a living, even if they are illegal immigrants. However, if the illegal immigrant population costs the legal taxpayers additional tax burdens to support education, healthcare and housing funded by the government for illegals, then I object, and strongly.
Permitting folks, any folks to ability to earn a living is the American way. Government support is not. Legal citizens don't get that kind of break, why should illegals? Many people think this may be "heartless", in fact, it is not. Our realtives coming over from Europe had to fend for themselves (e.g, school, medical, housing) and they made it, so why can't the new generation. Oh by the way, our relatives were legal.
From Sarah, New York, NY The majority of the people on this blog seem to believe that they are better than illegal immigrants. Since when did God destinguish between nations. We are all human beings created EQUALLY and we should be treated that way regardless of where we were born. America is suppose to be a country of opportunity. It seems that many of us forgot why our grandparents came to this country. If everyone would work as hard as the illegal immigrants in this country the USA would be unstoppable.
From Bill, Rancho Mirage, CA If you can't survive without hiring illegal immigrants, you should be out of business. Find a new career–a legal one. Business owners hiring illegals should be penalized far more severely than the illegals are.
From Justin Allen Phoenix Az The fact of the matter is that Americans are fat and lazy. I am in construction and if it weren't for the Mexicans nothing would get done. Period.
1. The fact is that despite what anyone thinks these guys pay taxes. Is it on a false social security number? Sure, but since when does the government complain about extra money. 2. While everyone in the country was making money hand over fist on the run up in real estate, it was the illegals who were doing the actual work.
3. The truth is that Americans see brown guys moving into there neighborhoods and they get offended. They think "how is it possible that this guy can live in my neighborhood?"
Americans are lazy and illegals have fire in the belly. Get over it. We had the same bunch of crap when the Germans came in in the 18th century, the Irish and Chinese in the 19th Century and the Jews, Italians and Eastern Europeans in the 20th Century. Now in the 21st Century it is the South Americans. I am sure that Joey Vento's family was on the up and up when they came here. When Joey's family came here (and my family for that matter) there were no immigration laws. You were deloused and given an American sounding last name. That was it and anyone who contests that needs to read a flippin book. Have a nice day.
From Andy, Miami, FL If you've ever been to Riverside, you would be pro any immigration. The residents should be deported and the Brazillians given full status. Boost and pizza is not a balance diet.
From Chris Howlett, Deerfield Beach, Fl. What part of "ILLEGAL" do people not understand? not only should the citizens of our country be offended, but the immigrants who played by the rules, went thru all the paperwork, put in the time to be here legally, they should be even more offended!! what makes these Illegals special? why cant they play by OUR COUNTRYS RULES? what do they have to hide? by the way people, I'm a general contractor in Fl. and I DO NOT hire Illegals, PERIOD! its ILLEGAL!!! just the fact of entering our country Illegaly to me means your starting off a criminal! I think that it interesting that in this election, none of the canidates a uttering one word on the Immigration problem, oh and by the way people, whats the benefit of the "Illegals" being here when most of them a straining our welfare, foodstamp and medical programs, intended to help AMERICANS in trouble,and then, send the money they earned Illegally to their home country!! lets take care of AMERICANS FIRST!!! then we will see if we can help the rest of the world if there is money left over!!!!
From Missy Phillips, Columbia TN What is your motivation CNN? To reward illegal behavior, to make good citizens who believe that laws apply to everyone out to be the bad guys, to put the almightly dollar above principles and the good of the country? No one is against legal immigration, but these so called hard working people lie about their names, steal social secuity numbers, forge documents, drive without licenses and insurance and force those obeying the laws to pay, the illegal immigrants do not care about this country or its laws and your short sided news reporting reflects your own lack of respect for your own country's laws. God Bless the USA.
From yoichi,dallas TX Illegal residents make business owners illegal. Why not make people using those services offer by illegal business illegal also. And then make those people make illegal law make illegal also. If politic get into someone's business, that destroy business.
So in the end, those very people pushing regulations, have to build, clean, produce,fix.
I am sorry for immigrants and businesses cought on this.
From Terrell, Loves Park, IL A business that requires unlawful immigrants to be in business shouldn't be in business – and $2000 and some jail time is not enough. The penalties for knowingly hiring illegals should be severe.
From P. Rowan, Knoxville, TN Just like all the other NY Times/CNN/Fortune stuff trying to put a good spin on ILLEGAL ENTRY into the USA. The writer of this piece (David Hothouse)trys to make the reader sorry for the ILLEGAL immigrants and the busineess owners that hired them ( probably cheap labor dollars and NO benefits.
From Lajaw, Alabama "Since then, immigrants have fled Riverside in droves"
These people are not "immigrants". They are illegals and need to be dealt with accordingly.
From Daniel, Bethlehem PA I think businesses are hiring ILLEGAL immigrants to save money, and that is the only reason. There are so many LEGAL immigrants and US citizens who need jobs, but these companies and businesses are just trying to save a buck. 1. Its wrong to take advantage of an ILLEGAL immigrant who shouldn't be here in the first place and 2. It is also wrong that LEGAL immigrants and US citizens who can work can't get the jobs because of ILLEGAL immigrants. To say that these laws are biggotted is wrong, ILLEGAL immigrants are breaking the law and so are the businesses that hire them and they should both be held accountable. I am for this type of legislation. I don't care who you are or where you're from or even if you're a three headed purple dragon. Just be here legally, is that too much to ask? NO its not.
From Jerry Rios, Los Angeles, Ca. I work in the San Juaquin Valley and I see Human Beings bent over all day long with the sun beating down on them and bugs flying into their eyes and nostrils. American citizens that are out of work are sitting in a section 8 apartment that we pay for living off of welfare that we pay for. Sorry, but I choose the illegal immigrant
From George, Geneva IL. We must secure our borders. We must know what foreigners are among us. Instead of using the microscope on citizens of this Great Country, the Bush/Cheney administration should be spending taxpayers money on border controls, id's on foreign visitors, visual inspections on foreign goods, testing foreign goods to ensure no harm to our children. Illegal foreigners should be physically removed and banned from legal entry. Illegal foreigners who have children born in our country should have no legal status of citizenship. I am not aqainst legal immigration. Legal immigration is a process where foreign people understands and shows that they want to be in our country and are will to follow our laws to live here. Illegal foreigners have no such notions. Sanction businesses who hire illegal foreigners. These people do not deserve to be called immigrants. Legal immigrants and their sons and daughers have made sacrafices for the United States and other countries. Not just for themselves.
From Jonathon Doeland, Baghdad, Iraq After living in Baghdad for a year and witnessing what happens to people when they decide their culture is better or "more legal" than their neighbors, I've had enough petty bickering over race and culture. Immigration laws make sense systematically, and are usually cruel individually. When I get back, this white guy, trained in the use of heavy weapons and counterinsurgency operations, will be be eager to find a racist. My newly-honed communication skills will be put to good use.
Good luck, racists.
From Rodney. Cape Town. South Africa. When the illegal immigrants are more numerous than indigenous Americans they'll take over the country and kick the white man's ass.
From Janet, Cottonwood, CA "What's your view on Riverside's anti-immigration legislation?" That question is completely wrong!!!!! It's not anti-immigration; it's anti-ILLEGAL immigration. Why can you not see the difference? What kind of media is it that can't even get the question right? Oh, that's right…it's a BIASED media! Silly me; I thought you wanted a real discussion, not one in which you are being dishonest about the type of laws that Riverside residents want to have passed. They want one thing: relief from those who flaunt and break our laws on a daily basis. I hope they get it. As a resident of what has become Mexifornia, I've been watching illegals entering our formerly wonderful state for 50 years. S.California will soon be one giant Tijuana, complete with numerous gangs and more murders/crimes than you want to know about. My ancestors came to this country legally through Ellis Island; asking the new immigrants to come legally is only right. Shame on your organization for using such a blatently biased question in regard to the town of Riverside and their fight against those who daily break our laws.
From Dody My husband can't find a job and these businesses are closing because they can't find workers? More like they aren't willing to pay their taxes to get legal workers. They are legit businesses if an American is a disadvantage to their work place.
From steve Loudon, TN My son is an ICE agent that participated in the raids on ILLEGAL aliens working at Pilgrims Pride. These guys steal identities so they are not just some poor hardworkers who come for an honest living…they continue to break the law, steal identities….ICE figures it cost a person about $17,000 on average when their identity is stolen….who hears about the people, who ARE AMERICANS, and they no longer get their SS checks or their bank accounts are robbed by these criminals..In the sweeps they also find about 20% of them are wanted for felonies in their or our country…ship them back after they do the time in Federal Prison.
From MDM, Phoenix, AZ All of my grandparents were immigrants to this country. My parents worked hard, sacrificed and put my sister and I through college so that we may have a better life than they and my grandparents before them. I am a physician and my sister is a teacher. Both of us work in underserved inner-city areas. I would consider this a success story, the American dream, wouldn't you? By the way, we are Latinas and proud of it!!!! I know many more people who's parents and grandparents have come here from other countries with this dream in mind, and who have succeeded. We Latinos have in the past, and are continuing to add and strengthen the American Experience.
From Donna Smith, Brooklyn, New York Illegal and legal immigration swings the door of the US population both ways — into a Caucasian and Black blight!! This country belongs to Caucasians and Blacks, period — end of discussion. If we have to take a hit from NOT hiring Mexicans at the one end and NOT hiring Asians at the high end, for God's sake, let's do it.
Why do white people ONLY think it's a Mexican problem — guess what, it isn't. How many times have you heard the crap about "we can only hire Asians because they are so smart." What about US — who taught them — US..
We need to petition this administration and stop ALL immigration — H Visas and illegals.
Get back to our own people. We can do this, people. We can hire educators and start over and be America the Great.
Let's all petition Congress. Stop the influx of Asians taking away high-end jobs and stop the influx of Mexicans, bringing the standard of living down.
Thank you.
From Kathryn Burbank, CA Aren't the business affected by illegal immigration laws just the business that are primarily catering to the illegals? Obviously those businesses would be hurt, question is if business in the larger area are affected, and I suspect not. The media always overblows these types of things. I remember when the illlegals did their boycott during their Day Without an Illegal protest, the media droned on and on about how empty stores where, but there coverage was just in areas with large immigrant populations, everywhere else it was business as usual. I
just see this as businesses only want cheap labor, they don't care what illegals cost to tax payers, they just refuse to pay Americans to work. There's no reason Americans can't flip burgers, mow lawns, or clean hotel rooms, they just won't do it for minimum wage. Start offering living wages and see how much Americans are willing to do. In this economy, Americans need to come first, not foreign nationals who are breaking the law by just being on US soil. Send them all back and bring back law and order.
From Gerard Prevot, CA Illegal immigration does affect us, this is obvious and in my view there needs to be an enforceable law that tackles the problem in a disciplined and humane way. The fact that we have illegals, does not mean that all of them are bad or evil, it means that these people in their quest to come to America, the land of freedom, equality opportunities, freedom of religion and oppression did not follow the law. It is evident that the millions of illegals in the U.S. must be dealt with, I aggree with the path to legalization, why? because, it is the right thing to do. I support our re-enforcing border and better immigration programs i.e. guess worker programs, temporary employment for foreigners…like Mccain and Huckabee have said this can be done in a humane way. Reality is we need this kind of labor to compete in world market economy… I believe that America is a compassionate nation, a Great nation, that has in my opinion the best people from all over the world, some were here before the first settlers, some came here legally and illegaly and thru time were able to form a part of the fabric of this great nation. Today we face new challenges, Illegal Immigration, Immigration reform is at the heart of our great challenges, can we resolve it? can we rise to the challenge? or is it easier to say, deport all illegals? or shut our borders down?…remember that many of these illegals are good people, many of them already with roots, children, some of them are part of our armed forces. I don't deny that there are also illegals that are bad people and have committed crimes. But, this is the issue we America have before us. I despise people who claim that "3rd world countries are dumping their poor people on us…" 3rd world countries in my view have failed their compatriots and have created a diaspora that in its majority is looking to better their family's standard, have a chance at better life. Live free from oppression and dictatorships, live free from civil wars, abductions….We tend to forget that not all countries are as grand as the U.S. and I believe that we have been sheltered from the atrocities and human rights violations that occur daily in the world, not to mention worker's rights violations, child labor violations, exploitation of the middle class, Oppression of religion!!! that's right today ther's still persecution and death to people due their religious belief…I have seen these, first hand in Angola, Salvador, Guatemala, Vietnam, Laos, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon…Finally, many of these illegals have come to become legals, and become succesful business owners. My hope is that America does what is right, because we're still part of that beacon of light, in a very dark an oppressive world.
From Paul Finestone, Los Angeles, California We do not need and do not want illegal immigrants and foreign invaders. We can get all the talented, first class immigrants we want by setting standards and admitting them. What sick decocratic party hack decided that the law doesn't mater and Americans don't matter if a buck or a vote can be bought.
Let get 15,000,000 Great, bright, young, talented, fully educated and productive immigrants in legally, and lets throw out the trash. As for illegal hiring, those employers should all face prison time immediately for their crimes.
From BBastan – Culver City It is a matter of the "rule of the land". This is what creates civilized society to great or good nations. We do have to process the illegal immigrants humanely and in a timely manner (maybe give them 60-120 days), so that they can get their business together, ready to go back to their country of origin. Of course, we will allow them to file before they go back; First come, first serve just like other immigrants waiting in line to come in. Then they can wait for that phone call or letter patiently wherever they may be from U.S. Dept of Immigration or is it Homeland Security now.
From Chuck, Monroe, NJ I believe the underlying issue is that illegals come to America not to be Americans. They want to make money and live in their own enclave. When my parents immigrated here they wanted to become Americans, it meant something to them. Look at all the ethnic groups these days, they don't want to learn English and they don't want to assimilate. They want to remain whatever they are living in America. If I moved to any other country in the world I wouldn't expect that country to publish everything in my language, hire teachers who spoke my language or expect that Country's heritage to change for my sake. That's what is happening here.
From Kevin, Ticonderoga N.Y. Illegal immigration is also about border security. You can't let every person that wants to come live here into our country. An open door policy will only lead to a scenario much worse than 9/11 .We do need some immigrants, HOWEVER!,it is the citizenry of this country who wiil determine who gets in. Not the illegals themselves. The U.S.A. can not be the sanctuary for every person that wants to get away from their countries own problems. It is time for them to stand up to the corruption that goes on in places like Mexico, China, Venezuela, and any other country that proselitizes its citizens.
From Casey, TX Pancho in San Antonio wrote, "Who wants to kill and pluck chickens all day? The doughnut store in Houston, do you want to wake up at 3 a.m. to mix doughnut dough? Do you want to pick fruits and vegetables all day? Who builds cattle fences in 100 F? Who cleans your offices and hotels?"
Pancho, if not for illegals the AMERICAN CITIZENS that are out of work could do these jobs and make a decent wage doing so. No company will hire an American citizen for $20/hr when they can pay an illegal $10 to due the same thing (under the table and not pay into social security either).
From Dave, Northern Virginia It's simple. Anyone who hires an illegal or rents a room to one or knowingly aids and abets one is a traitor to this country. Period. There is no gray area here. There is black and white only. These people have single-handedly destroyed home values in my city and I have not an ounce of compassion for them. They have all but ruined me.
From Bill F. Chgo,ill Not only are illegals costing americans billions every year,if wecontinue to allow them free reign, they will be the largest race in america by 2040. Then we will really be up the creek. Americans have to stop looking the other way and vote anyone out of office who does'nt agree.
From dick bohanon,la,ca illegal immagration was tolerated
until the immigrants began to bring their families with them.
most people dont want to pay the dependent costs that came with that.
if you support illegal immigration,are you prepared to pay extra for that
sympathy?
i for one would like to have a choice
about who or what my taxes subsidies.
From Enrique, Houston, TX I'm third generation Mexican/American wich makes me Hispanic. This is a racist comment. How do you know there illigal? I'm an AMERICAN citizen I pay my dues just like anyother AMERICAN. So if you see any hispanic here there illigal right? This country's foundation was built on immigration embrace it. I guess my only crime is looking hispanic.
I have tried to be open minded re: Illegal immigration. I’m an emergency services driver; easily 60 percent of people blocking access are Hispanic here in a community that boasts 15 percent. That inconsideration, and other things like urinating in public, boom boxes, and myopic behavoir tell me that they should not be here. We are actually robbing Mexico and El Salvador of their responsibility to do right for their citizenry by accomodating these parasitic scofflaws.
Posted By Bill Simmons, Washington DC : April 18, 2008 3:39 pm
From Steve, NC This article is ridiculous to even suggest that there should be any consideration for businesses that base their success on illegals. Illegal immigration is destroying cities all over the country and bankrupting communities, schools and hospitals. Businesses that hire illegals should be shut down, period. get with the program, preserving our laws is number one, not to mention the negative economic impact this has. let's off-set the loss of some fast food business with the cost of healthcare, law enforcement, unentitled benefits and see what makes most economic sense. the chamber of commerce never brings that up becasue its not their issue, its us, the legal tax payer.
From alma. ar the trouble is that all of them work hard, harded than american youth or adults..and they bid the construction jobs less because they will do 125%more labor…and we dont get the scum of these countries,,we get the most agressive, i can do it kind of folks..but i think the only way to stop the game is fine the employers of them….god i would pick peaches, strawberries for a fair wage,,,the problem there is the middle men make all the money…but with transporation prices.. it may be simpler to grow locally and pay kids 10 bucks an hour to pick,,, and i know a few adults who would work for that money,, except our fair govt gives them all food stamps, hud…afdc..so if uncle sam is providing i dont have to work that hard,,,the game is so fixed.
From San Francisco Why are we so rigid? What are "illegal immigrants" anyway? It's a game the lawyer and the politicains play. Walking to where you can survive, to make a living is not a sin in God's law. For those who have such hatred and vehements against people from a different place, or color are very angry people, selfish and dangerous.
From miguel We cannot be stopped!!! We call you racists and and you turn your backs like fools so that we can infiltrate your country and breed like roaches! Liberal journalists love us and that is all it takes for us to get our way. My 246 children will overwhelm your 2.1, and your decendants will all be brown, ugly as a mule and 5 feet tall, just like me!
From Milton, Anaheim California The fact that local economies will flourish when illegals are hired speaks volumes about how much burden government taxes and regulations place on businesses owners that follow all the rules. For the most part most illegals are good people, live cleanly, work hard and want a better life for themselves and their family. Orange County California has adjusted to the dichotomy of providing jobs and housing for illegal immigrants. The local economy has benefited from the arrangement. Illegals are perfectly content with piling eight or more people in an apartment that was designed to accommodate a family of four. The more the merrier as it reduces the rent cost per person. Compared to their home country, the living standard is still far better (no dirt floors, insulated walls, indoor plumbing, paved roads and sidewalks, etc..). Landlords are content receiving rent payments on time.
But the status of being illegal restricts the illegal immigrants involvement in the community or political affairs. I have seen the standard of living of whole neighborhoods fall due to a high percentage of illegals. Illegals are more likely to fall victim to crime and gang violence because they do not get involved due to the risk of deportation. Gang activities are on the rise. Landlords neglect their apartments because illegals are less likely to complain.
Like it or not this is a national problem that was created at the national level. It is also a problem of the imbalance of wealth around the world. We can’t live with them and we can’t live without them. Perhaps cities can increase taxes, in the form a fines, that would be levied yearly to businesses that do hire illegals. This would even the playing ground with business that don’t hire illegals. The additional city income could go to code enforcement to increase inspections of rental property and levy fines on Landlords that violate city ordnances, but temporarily lifting any limits on number of residences per rental unit. Cities can work with faith based groups and other institutions to help illegals not be victims to unreported crime. Illegals can be encouraged to be better neighbors so that they can contribute to improving or sustaining the standards of living in a neighborhood. Free classes to learn English should be made readily available. These actions at the city level are temporary measures until government at the national level can figure out a more permanent solution.
At the national level the solution needs to be a simple immigration initiative that doesn't send the wrong message that breaking US laws is OK. Accept as residents all illegals that have entered the US since a certain date and can prove it with photo ID. Levy a $10,000 fine per person that can be paid within 10 years. They would need to follow all laws and consistently pay income tax for a 10 year probationary period. The probation period could be reduced by two years by substituting it with community involvement that promotes living standards, such as involvement with a neighborhood watch program. National government would make arrangements with local government on the requirements for the two year probation reduction. If any of the requirements are violated the immigrant is deported. When all requirements are met they can become full citizens. The additional revenue provided by the immigration initiative shall be used to support the initiative and increase border security. Greater economic trade and political support is needed to elevate the economic standing of Mexico to reduce the economic imbalance. Also, remember that before the illegals the U.S. had other problems, such as corruption, civil rights, drugs, gangs, etc.. We just have to pray for God to give us wisdom through these trials.
From Kevin North Brunswick, NJ I live in North Brunswick New Jersey and we are seeing the effects of Illegals everywhere. My neighborhood has one family homes stuffed with three families. The local shopping center is littered with Spanish speaking people and garbage. The local hospitals are packed with non-paying non english speaking patients. I'm sick of it. No English No Service. Not Legal No Job. Not legal no Hospital.
From Melissa-Houston I am against all anti-immigration laws. I believe the people should have right to migrate here and look for work. I know a lot of people state" Why don't they try to do it legally, etc. etc., but I believe it's the government that makes it so difficult. Applying for legal status isn't easy and it is very costly. Some forms cost a couple of hundred dollars each to file and some forms need to be filed in conjunction with other forms that aren't cheap.My husband came to this country legally, but when we filed for his residence I was really surprised at the cost and the time required to complete this process and we are not completely through it. Total we already spent about $2500.00 in fees filing for his residence and now two years later we are filing more forms one of them costing $450.00 with an additional fee associated with it. Now that I am unemployed it makes it harder to file forms that costly. And this is without using an attorney and me actually filing this on my own. But some of these forms and the instructions given for them are not always easy to understand. I believe there should be a more standardized way of doing things and tracking people who come here to work. And you also have to take into consideration that these people coming here are taking the lower paying jobs so working to support your family on little pay doesn't make it any easier to file these forms especially when there is no guarantee on having the right to work after filing. Filling with immigration isn't free and it's not cheap and there is no guarantee that you will be given the right to work here even after filing
From Mia, Temecula, CA I see illegal immigrants getting free hospital care everyday and draining our tax payers money, I mean millions dollars. They don't speak English, don't pay taxes, yet we have to provide free of everything. They don't believe in birth control either. They are multiplying in population.
From Greg Smith Huntsville Texas If Americans Think That illegal Immigrants don'tAffect Our Economy And Our Life Style,Just Venture Into The Ghettos Of The Cities That Are Just Across from The U.S.If You Are Not worried About These People Moving Into Your Neighborhood And Decreasing The Values Of Your Homes And Properties Then Wait a Short while And You will Have All The Low Life You Want As Neighbors.You Are Paying For Their Childrens Schooling,The Hospital Bills For The Herd Of Children That They have Or Will Have.I Say Let the n.i.s. Do Their Jobs And Put These People Back where They Came From,Then Let Them Fill Out The Right Papers And Come In Legally Then I will Say Welcome To America.
From WS6, Phoenix, AZ Im not for Illegals, but im for immigration within the law.
Why dont they just tray to become legal? Im not familar with all the red tape involved but its a fair question.
Everyone talks about how we need cheap labor in the U.S. It more like we need someone to do the jobs Americans dont want to do. What if cheap labor fell in the white collar field and all of a sudden the price of hiring an office worker goes from $15.00 per hour to $7.00 per hour. It still cheap labor isn't it.
We sit back a say we need cheap labor as long as it does not affect our job or pay scale. If more illegal office workers came to work in the U.S. how many will still be for defending illegals?
From John Phoenix Az Sounds we're not suppose to enforce laws if it effects the bottom dollar? Give me a break. The key word here is "illegal" immigrant. There is a reason we have immigration laws. The same way every country has them. If immigrants are needed so badly to fill jobs, then petition the government to raise immigration quotas. But keep in mind, those who come here legally don't work so cheap for long. Why do you think they are willing to work for so little? Because they broke the law and are here illegally! But I suppose taking advantage of a group of individuals who live in fear of deportation is ok as long as your lettuce and take out food remains inexpensive?
From Ed, boston, MA What if that illeagal uses public roads, public transit, public services without paying into the system…? What if they use hospital care but don't pay or their employer doesn't pay into the system…??? What if that illeagal drinks, drives, and smashes into your car, breaking your neck and putting you out of work for six months without pay and you can't sue let alone even find him….??? Have you thought of that yet???
From Mary, Dallas, Tx Illegal immigration affects us and them. 1) it costs money to become a legal citizen. 2) it costs money to live in America (rent, bills, car insurance etc..) 3) a lot of employers hire these people not only do they pay them under minimum wage, but some don't get paid at all. That being said we are all affected in the views you see plus the views you don't see. Tell me how many Americans are not struggling to put food on the their tables. These people not only have to put food on their tables, but also pay the immigration fees, which I may add since all of this rucus have gone up about 70% then before all the commotion. Please check all the resources available to you before you judge someone. Majority of us have migrated into the U.S.A., now these days it's all about the money and greed that seperates the good people at heart.
From Dennis ODonnell, Texas the only way illegal immigrants can divide a towns business owners is if some of those business owners had become dependant on people living there illegaly, or dependant on paying substandard wages to those illegal immigrants… But, that kind of dependancy seems reminiscent of an addiction to heroin or something… not a healthy thing….
From Machinist, Milwaukee WI "Any business that has to depend on illegals to survive is not a legitimate business."
I agree with this one hundred percent.
In fact I believe it does not go far enough.Companies that maintain profits on the backs of illegal immigrants are no better than slave owners, drug dealers and pimps.The people running these companies should be locked up and the keys thrown away, like any other common criminal would be treated.
If you hire illegal labor, you are a criminal and a parasite that the USA would be better off without.
From Adam Christensen, Salt Lake City, UT I think that the town is looking at it incorrectly. The fact is our economy is doing horrible. Worst since the great Depression. Therefore, it is not the immigration laws, but rather the housing market and the fact that we don't have any more money. We don't have any more money because we were getting it from the booming house markets. Everybody moves on to something else! For instance, after the dot com era people, put their money into the housing market. Now people are going to put their money somewhere else. Where? I don't know, but one thing is for sure. We are in for a bumpy road ahead.
Adam Christensen
SLC, UT
From NPB, San Francisco, CA Tear down the border, period. We pride ourselves on free market values, then let's live by it.
From Pancho, San Antonio, Texas Illegal immigrants do the jobs that nobody wants. Look at the raids this week at the Pilgrim's Pride plant. Who wants to kill and pluck chickens all day? The doughnut store in Houston, do you want to wake up at 3 a.m. to mix doughnut dough? Do you want to pick fruits and vegetables all day? Who builds cattle fences in 100 F? Who cleans your offices and hotels? Who helps keep housing affordable in this country? If you think inflation is bad now deport all illegal immigrants like some of you suggest. If you eat, travel or have a new home chances are that you have benefited from the labor of an illegal alien. Illegal aliens can't vote, so they're a convenient scapegoat, when the economy has been mismanaged by the politicians. Most of the unemployed whiners would not do the illegal alien's jobs.
From Tom. Lynwood, Illinois Illegal immigration is not an easy "black and white question. My grandparents can to the U.S.A. from Scotland and Denmark, around 1900. Were they illegal? I don't know, but I suspect they came through Ellis Island like most of that period.
Today, due to quotas, education requirements, and such, they come into the U.S. in many different ways, but they are here and need to be addressed in a way that can make them either legal or deported.
I believe that with any illegal immigrant, part of the law should be a way to get the illegal legal. Employers that hire illegals, if caught, should be made to pay for, and sponsor, that person's way to citizenship.
Immigration laws should be modified to include a way to legal citizenship.
From James It depends on your definition of what makes Illegal, Illegal?
Is it Illegal for Larger Corporation to Source Jobs Out to Foreign Countries; China, India, Japan ? Is It Illegal for the U.S. Govt. to allow Countries like Saudi, Japan, to Buy In and set Up Shop in the U.S.,? Where do all the Profits Go? What is really Illegal is the manner in which Humans are classified !
From Jason, San Antonio, Texas We need this to become a national law. If business are penalized for hiring illegals, they will stop. If there are no jobs, they will quit coming and there will be no need to build fences. Illegals are taking jobs away from unskilled Americans and lowering the wages they can get. In fact, without illegal immigrants, minimum wage laws would become obsolete.
From Vic San Jose,Ca "some businesses hurting" and we are supposed to feel sorry for them? The ones that either hired or catered to illegals? I say good, it serves them right!!!
From Mark Phoenix, Arizona The issue has many facets: Legit businesses are hurt by facing unfair competition. Legal citizens are hurt by having higher healthcare bills and pressure on lowering wages. Cities can be hurt by having to provide more public services,… roads, police enforcement, etc.
The economy will not fail if we were to rely only on legal immigration, it would change and adjust. Those who think it would have little knowledge about how the economy works.
This is not a racial subject, though many want to make it so, it is about enforcing laws and allowing AMERICANS decide what we want in AMERICA. Living along the southern border it is disturbing to see rallies in which illegal immigrants are protesting and stating they have rights to be here and that it is not illegal to be here and steal identities because they are forced to. Once again, year after year Arizona leads the nation in identity thefts due to illegal immigration,…
What is the cost of identity theft each year? What is the cost of education for those who are in our public schools and shouldn't be each year? What is the cost of providing healthcare to those with no insurance and shouldn't be here each year? What is the cost of those obtaining food stamps and unemployment benefits for illegals each year? What is the cost of the population increase on city infrastructure each year? What is the cost of a citizen having to accept a lower wage due to competition with illegal workers each year? What is the cost for the crimes, police enforcement, judicial system and deportation each year?
Is all that worth allowing illegals to be here? It is time to say enough is enough after decades of turning away!
From Casey, TX First of all, how anyone can support something with "illegal" in its description is beyond me.
As for the econony needing illegals, that is the craziest thing I've ever heard. I live in Texas where the illegal immigration is out of control. Yes the illegals are good because they can supply cheap labor which in turn means cheaper prices for locally produced goods, but the illegals are taking jobs from LEGAL residents that would otherwise be doing that work. These US Citizens are now out of a job and HURTING the economy because there standard of living cannot be supported on the wages that the illegals are willing to work for. This has the making of not only a recession written all over it, but a DEPRESSION as well.
From Chris 90% or higher, of Americans support strict immigration laws, take out employers who directly benefit from cheap (slave) labor, i.e. general contractors, the percentage is higher.
Left, center or right, people want illegal immigration to stop, they want those here illegally, to go home, without government assistance, and then apply for citizenship!
From Dave Chandler, AZ This legislation is not anti-immigration, rather it is anti-illegals. Our country welcomes those who follow the proper steps to citizenship. Only recently has there been an outcry against those who came here improperly.
We forgave the 2 million illegals here in 1986. We will NOT turn a blind eye and repeat our mistake for the 20+ million illegals who are attempting to do the same thing.
From TimVorick Just exactly what do you not understand about the fact that ILLEGAL MEANS YOU HAVE VIOLATED A LAW!
From Karen, Lenexa KS FOR THE LOVE…all of you who expound virtues like "we are a country built of immigrants"…why yes we are…and guess what?
They came here legally, they learned our language and adapted to our culture.
I welcome all immigrants – just come here through the system – not around it.
From Kim, Port Saint Lucie, FL What part of ILLEGAL don't you illegal-immigration supporters understand? My family migrated here LEGALLY, the way it's supposed to be. And in contrast, I am proud to be an American.
Much of the loss of profits is due to the downward economy. Besides, most of the illegals send their money back home, it does not get circulated here in the U.S. I live in South Florida and am exposed to it everyday. They don't care one bit about being and American or contributing to our society.
America needs to suck it up, step back, and do what is right for our future, not what is convenient.
From Bill Simmons, Washington DC I have tried to be open minded re: Illegal immigration. I'm an emergency services driver; easily 60 percent of people blocking access are Hispanic here in a community that boasts 15 percent. That inconsideration, and other things like urinating in public, boom boxes, and myopic behavoir tell me that they should not be here. We are actually robbing Mexico and El Salvador of their responsibility to do right for their citizenry by accomodating these parasitic scofflaws.
From RD Dorchester, Ma As most have heard from corp. America. "We need more HB1 Visas". Why does the Gov't give in. There are more than enough young Adults to work in these areas. It doesn't take much skill to flip a burger or make a bed. The illegals take these jobs only to send US money elsewhere. More of their US Money is sent out of the Country. Take the time to become legal then this won't be an issue. Until then please leave so I have a change to get a job. I lost mine in 2002 do to outsourcing IT to India.
From Fort worth tx. I know that this is going on only because election and all the candidates promote emigration, people dont understand tha you pay only 1 dollar for a pound of tomatoes think about how much you are going to pay when this companies have to pay insurance, I,m dont want to pay the double on mi grociers live this people alone!!!
I would like to see all this people against emigration pick up tomatoes and lettuce from morning to night.
From Joe, Chicago, IL Since the Federal Gov't won't act, local gov'ts are leading the way.
I support legal immigration, but not illegal immigration.
From MANNY BUENDIA, STROUDSBURG PA A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE OLD SAYING "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR BECAUSE YOU MIGHT JUST GET IT".
From Martha, Los Angeles, CA The anti-immigration bigots are going to bring this country's economy down. It is already happening. The likes of Lou Dobbs nut-jobs at Fox News are responsible for doing the most unpatriotic thing ever: spreading a victim mentality accross America. In the meantime, they are selling lots of books and enjoying high ratings while believing their own hype. Ever notice how Lou Dobbs looks into the camera the same way Paris Hilton does.
Wake up America. With cheap labor, you never had it so good. You can't have it both ways, if you want the life-style you are accustomed to, you are going to have to live with people that don't all look like John Edwards.
From Jacqueline, Boise, Idaho I am sick of this racially motivated debate. You don't see "crack downs" on Canadians that come here.
And what about all the Americans who cross both the northern and southern borders to buy prescription drugs at reduced prices. Those reduced prices are paid for by the tax payers of Mexico and Canada!!!!!!
Americans, get over your bad selves. The reason we are the greatest nation in the world is because we are made up from people the world over!
Immigration is our strength and provides us with more opportunities than challenges.
From Brad, Mason Ohio I wish that both sides of the story were told on this issue. If you ask people who run a business that depends on illegals, then of course they will put a negative spin on anti-immigration laws. To have a business that depends on illegal activity is false growth in my mind, and few tears should be shed when the rule of law puts them out of business. For the city to have passed a law on this, there must have been complaints from residents about the immigrants, go talk to some of those residents and quit telling sob stories from one point of view.
From T Thomas I think it's about time people started doing something at the hometown level about illegal immigration. They are quick to complain about a loss of jobs going overseas, well here's the point where you "stand and deliver", stop hiring illegal immigrants. Don't you realize how much money gets sent out of this country by illegal immigrants.
From Bailey, Phoenix AZ Are they sure their down turn is from the illegals leaving? I thought we all have been experiencing a downturn, from the economy. Are they sure the illegals are leaving because of new laws? Perhaps they are leaving because jobs are fewer, i.e. construction jobs.
From Rob, Jefferson, Maryland I encourage the county where I live to enact similar legislation. Immigration is great, illegal immigration is well, illegal.
From PM Kick the illegals out PERMANENTLY. Upon repeated second offense, HANG THEM!!
From Michael Hughes, San Jose, California I find illegal immigration frustrating for many reasons. First, it makes a joke of our immigration laws. Second, the overwhelming majority of illegal immigrants have low incomes and can not possibly pay enough in taxes to offset the cost of state sponsored education, healthcare, welfare, that they receive.
Illegal immigration is turning the U.S. into a Third World country. We should not let Mexico and other Third World countries dump their poor people on us. If these corrupt Third World governments would reform their economies, they would not have so many poor people in the first place. But as long as you can dump your poor on the U.S., why bother with reform?
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I could not agree more with what James DeAnza said. its all true and illegal immigrants break our laws and show total Disregard to our culture and jobs. Its not the struggling Americans jobs to pay the bills of "Anchor Babies" because they want to stay in the U.S. the law of automattic citizenship should be repealed and I believe most good tax paying americans would agree with me.