Hope Springs Eternal...
1 year ago
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
ILLEGAL Aliens. What now?
Ok, so we are faced with a real problem. We have over twenty million people living in the United States that are here illegally.
Perhaps one of the things that makes our Country one of the greatest in the world is the fact that people from every nation can become a permanent citizen and raise a family here. I love this. What I do NOT love is the lack of adherence to a very appropriate naturalization process.
When I say I am against illegal immigrants staying in this Country, I am not in any way suggesting I do not want people from other nations becoming my neighbor. In fact I encourage it. I buy groceries, legally. I drive my car, legally. I vote, legally. Why? Because there would be penalties if I stole my groceries, ran someone over, or tampered with my ballot. Penalties.
We do understand that penalties prevent behavior and rewards encourage that same behavior right?
-TRD
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Couple of comments:
ReplyDeleteFirst, immigration is important for lots of reasons. Not the least of which is population stabilization and work force and military growth. There was a really great recent article put out by the Hoover Institute on immigration to put some of this is perspective: http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/61533932.html
There are plenty of similar stories about US immigration/population. But this was a recent article I read.
Second, we (TRD and RAG) both know someone that was here illegally. (He how has a green card and is employeed legally) I try to frame my opinions around what I would expect/want to happen to him. I think its easier to have an opinion about something when you can personally see it. I'd put it to you....what penalties would you have imposed on him? How would you want him treated?
RAG,
ReplyDeleteI looked for the article you referenced but was unable to find it with the address you provided. I would be happy to read it through if you provide a new address. I am always looking to find new information on any given topic we may be discussing.
For me, this topic hits very close to home. I know and have know many people (some of which are very close friends of mine) who are/were here illegally. I am openly saying I do not have a clear solution to the nearly twenty million people here illegally.
My concern for this issue stems from the overwhelming number of violent crimes that come from this demographic.
• "In Los Angeles, 95 percent of all outstanding warrants for homicide (which total 1,200 to 1,500) target illegal aliens. Up to two-thirds of all fugitive felony warrants (17,000) are for illegal aliens."
-City Journal (Heather MacDonald)
Mind you, our friends and colleagues have absolutely nothing to do with this issue. However, their behavior and contributions to society represent only a tiny sliver of of this population.
My concern is for those who have come here to harm (which is a great number). Hence, the naturalization process (I believe) exists to screen these individuals to make sure their intentions are to positively contribute to society.
Moreover, I believe we have lost (over the last 30 or 40 years) the understanding of what it is to be American. When I say this I mean the identity of America has been lost. Again, one of the greatest things about our nation is that anyone can become part of it. Unfortunately, when an increasing number of people arrive from other nations, they refuse to become "American"; whether it be learning the language, starting small businesses that contribute to economic growth, develop a sense or patriotism etc..
We are now a nation of "individual" cultures that have no desire to become "American". I am 100 percent in support of each and every person celebrating their individual cultures. For example, I am Scottish and embrace my heritage but I am an American first. My loyalty is to this Country and its people first and foremost. I think American is being "used" by people who do not share this ideal. Am I misled in my thinking?
I welcome your thoughts as always...
-TRD
http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/61566267.html
ReplyDeleteIt’s the story about Europe's demographic challenge. Like I said, it’s a very recent article, but if you want me to post links to older ones that tackle US specific issues for context I’m happy to.
Also, this is a topic I actually know something about from a theoretical and practical viewpoint. What you are talking about is the issue of what is called acculturation, which is the process of assimilating a culture (person) into an existing one. There are huge issues that exist with this right now in the US, not the least of which is based on language. However, there are ethnic issues as well (including diet, religion, family structure, etc).
This topic was the basis of my graduate thesis, which I fell short (and SWC can back me up on this as she attempted to edit it several times) in making a strong argument in addressing the pressing changes taking place in Mass. and the US with latino immigrants. My failure was that the reviewer was a latino and didn't feel as though I should be making comments on the subject because I wasn't. O well, sh-t happens. And yes, where I live, I am the minority in more ways than one.
I would agree, we need a stronger national identity so that we can attract the immigrants which we need so desperately to continue to grow and success as a nation. I have not idea what the process looks like, but I know that the one we have right now isn't working for those that are here (natural or otherwise) and those that want to be here.
-RAG
Rag,
ReplyDeleteGood points all around. I certainly do not have nearly the knowledge you do on the subject. However, when I see things like the violence, I get angry. Further, when I find out these people should not even be here legally I get REALLY angry. Should I not be?
Also, I look at the mayoral race in Lawrence, Ma for example. When I see the candidate(s) doing their adds in Spanish versus English I see it backwards. Lawrence is nearly ALL Spanish speaking. This is a town in the United States of America. To become a US citizen you MUST speak English and pass a Naturalization test in English. Puzzling how nearly 65 percent (maybe higher) do not speak English at all.
I believe it is the US that is at fault for not mandating certain requirements of its newly arrived occupants. If a minimal requirement such as learning the native language of the Country cannot/will not be met, then how interested do you think that individual will be in becoming "American"?
We certainly should be selective with who is allowed to become a citizen. Just as if I wanted to become a citizen of say, France (not that I would), they should be thorough in their review of me.
If Harvard were to lower their admission standards and "open" their doors to all, what do you think would become of this pinnacle of higher learning?
I am sure some would argue, "lucky for you, you were born here. You don't have to pass any tests". And they would be correct in their assumption. That's how it works. Every citizen has a birth right to the nation in which they were born. I happen to be very, very lucky to have been born an American. Don't think I don't appreciate this every day.
Call me naive, but I want to get to the point in my lifetime where people are proud to be American (not ashamed). It should be a challenge to become a citizen and the US should stop worrying about if people are offended by the challenge.
-TRD