The Key Word Is Illegal, Not Immigration
One year ago today, hundreds of thousands of people marched for the right of illegal immigrants to stay in the United States. One year later, protests are again scheduled to take place but far fewer people are expected to participate.
The atmosphere has changed dramatically in the past year, and not in favor of the illegal immigrants. Deportations are up 20%. Enforcement at the borders is much greater, and as a result fewer people have gotten into the country illegally. Raids have been conducted on factories that employ illegal workers. In short, the crack down on illegal immigrants has already begun, and has been successful.
The idea of the protests is mind boggling. Would anyone support protesters who were claiming that shoplifters had the right to steal? Would anyone support drunk drivers who protested for the right to be on the road while intoxicated? Of course not. So why do people feel that it is fine to break immigration laws with impunity?
One person who is in the country illegally was interviewed in the New York Times. He stated that he and his wife came here illegally because it is too hard to get into the country legally because so many people want to come here. People are literally dying to get into this country. What makes this man think he deserves to get in faster than anyone else? There are people trying to get into the United States who will be killed if they stay in their own country. They should have to stay out so that this man, whose only reason for coming here is to get a better quality of life, can come in?
While it is noble to want to provide a better life for your children, how is living like a criminal setting a good example for them? Everybody wants a better life. But the United States government has an obligation to the people who live here legally. Social services such as unemployment, social security, etc. are stretched as it is. The people who pay into the system deserve to get the benefits of the system. Illegal immigrants put a strain on emergency room care, fire and police departments, emergency medical teams, etc.
People are quick to point out that our country was built by immigrants. They're right, but it was built by immigrants who came here legally, learned English, and became citizens. The key word in this debate isn't immigrant, it's illegal. Come to the country legally and the welcome mat is out. Many illegal immigrants claim that they should be allowed to stay because they are law abiding people. They are not. They broke the law by entering the country illegally and they continue to break the law by staying illegally. Like any crime, they must pay the consequences. Then, they should be able to start over with a clean slate.
The atmosphere has changed dramatically in the past year, and not in favor of the illegal immigrants. Deportations are up 20%. Enforcement at the borders is much greater, and as a result fewer people have gotten into the country illegally. Raids have been conducted on factories that employ illegal workers. In short, the crack down on illegal immigrants has already begun, and has been successful.
The idea of the protests is mind boggling. Would anyone support protesters who were claiming that shoplifters had the right to steal? Would anyone support drunk drivers who protested for the right to be on the road while intoxicated? Of course not. So why do people feel that it is fine to break immigration laws with impunity?
One person who is in the country illegally was interviewed in the New York Times. He stated that he and his wife came here illegally because it is too hard to get into the country legally because so many people want to come here. People are literally dying to get into this country. What makes this man think he deserves to get in faster than anyone else? There are people trying to get into the United States who will be killed if they stay in their own country. They should have to stay out so that this man, whose only reason for coming here is to get a better quality of life, can come in?
While it is noble to want to provide a better life for your children, how is living like a criminal setting a good example for them? Everybody wants a better life. But the United States government has an obligation to the people who live here legally. Social services such as unemployment, social security, etc. are stretched as it is. The people who pay into the system deserve to get the benefits of the system. Illegal immigrants put a strain on emergency room care, fire and police departments, emergency medical teams, etc.
People are quick to point out that our country was built by immigrants. They're right, but it was built by immigrants who came here legally, learned English, and became citizens. The key word in this debate isn't immigrant, it's illegal. Come to the country legally and the welcome mat is out. Many illegal immigrants claim that they should be allowed to stay because they are law abiding people. They are not. They broke the law by entering the country illegally and they continue to break the law by staying illegally. Like any crime, they must pay the consequences. Then, they should be able to start over with a clean slate.
Labels: immigration, politics, protests
posted by Eric Lopkin at
9:36 AM
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