In the debate over illegal immigration and what to do, one point that is consistently raised is that they have been in this country for a period of time - ranging to decades - and that we can excuse that one trangression because they are established.
Even if they are going about their daily lives, raising a family, and working (although no company can legally hire them), there is no escaping the fact that at some point they broke the law and came into this country illegally - undocumented.
Let's put it in a another context.
Suppose someone decided to start practicing dentistry. They read up on it, bought some equipment, got some patients, and seemingly run a legitimate business. Only one thing. They aren't licensed. Everything goes along fine until they mess up or someone finds out. Do we just look the other way because of all the good service they have provided and the fact that maybe they were as good as a licensed dentist?
What about a self-proclaimed physician who treats patients and has a great bedside manner - but isn't licensed? Does it make any difference how good he is or how much people like him?
This is a black and white issue. It's either legal immigration or it isn't.
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Steve I am with you 100 percent on this. But there is one part of this issue that I cannot answer. People come here illegally , which is W R O N G . But then they have children here. Those children are American citizens. So if we catch the offenders we deport the parents and foster out the kids. I have a problem with that. I would love an answer to this issue , as I am with you about wrong is wrong
Good blog Steve. I feel the same way. Good information and I'm going to suggest your blog to others. Thanks
Steve, can you justify Manifest Destiny, which is the excuse our country used to take Mexican territory? I believe that perhaps California and Arizona and others were confiscated. Does the length of time elapsed since the conquest make it OK?
Given your examples, are you saying that the fake dentist and MD would have been fine if they didn't do something wrong that brought their lack of credentials to come into question? Wouldn't you also admit that, had the MD or dentist merely failed to pay a licensing fee to the government, their transgression would have been somewhat lower level than the fact that they didn't have the necessary training to perform the task? There are not a lot of qualifications beyond paying fees, completing paperwork and being granted permission for someone to become a legal alien. Unlike fake MD's and dentists, they don't endanger lives of others by being here. I think that the more accurate analogy would be the MD who didn't pay a licensing fee, not someone who was not really an MD. Still not black and white, but closer.
The immigration issue is a huge problem facing the United States and has been a problem for a very long time. It is TRUE that if you came here illegally, for whatever reason, you violated the law. We are a nation founded and guided by law. So, obviously, illegal immigrants must be subjected to the law and if deportation is the verdict so be it. But, the topic that will be most controversial and ONLY can be defined by the US Supreme Court is the issue of the children of the illegals that were born here. Most refer to them as "Anchor Babies". The 14th Amendment states that "All persons, born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States." This amendment was created in 1868 to address the slavery issue and has been used to apply to the immigration situation. It will be interesting to see what the Supreme Court decides because they will be the FINAL voice. Thanks for bringing up this issue as it is everywhere and needs to be resolved.
Charlie,
We have to amend our citizenship laws to preclude and eliminate what you cite. Right now we have an uglky situation. It's not the kids fault, but their parents are still illegal so by deduction they are as well. :)
Steve
Gary,
Thank you for your generous comments. :)
Steve
Mike,
There are many analogies, but there is one fact. They are illegal. It doesn't matter what went on hundreds of years ago. Nations are always fighting over land, and ceding it is often part of the treaty. :)
Steve
Freedom Mortgage (great name by the way),
You are right. When the 14th Amendment was drafted and adopted, you are correct. It applied to people born in this country who weren't already citizens as well as those who were or would be naturalized. A product of an illegal act is still illegal. :)
Steve
Steve, could you elaborate on the fact that it doesn't matter what went on "hundreds" of years ago? In your opinion, what is the time limit? 100 years? 20 years?
As you said, a product of an illegal act is still illegal.
Mike,
You were talking about the exchange of land between Mexico and America. What matters is current boundaries. :)
Steve
If we don't make immigrants enter the country, and stay legally, is there any reason to have borders? Every other country has immigration laws, often stricter than ours. One example; Mexico!
Jon,
Excellent question, and you are so right about Mexico. :)
Steve
I think of it as CRIMINAL. They have been here for YEARS means they are GOOD at being CRIMINALS. We need to start treating them as criminals PERIOD
Wallace,
That works. :)
Steve
Steve,
Your argument is so compelling, that I turned myself in for speeding down the road twenty years ago. A crime is a crime.
Two points, one the acts of a country are different than the acts of an individual. For those that compare the American west to illegal aliens, please cite the statute. That's right, there isn't one. And just because the idea is that illegals may not harm other individuals directly, which they do, they are causing irreparable harm to the country at large. You tell the citizen that lost his job and lifestyle to an illegal coming in that he didn't get hurt, he may hit you.
Dale,
You are correct. This is not victimless. Illegals require services because they are here - usually at the expense of taxpayers. :)
Steve