Rethugs and Dems push for Amnesty for Ilegal Immigrants.

[Disturbed]

Most American are not in favor of that.

I feel that this encourages immigrants to come into the US illegally.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I believe one reason why the dems are joining the rethugs on this law is

if it does get through (likely, remember who has the majority in both Houses?), and citzenship is inevitably granted, which party do you think will benefit from all this? Not just the "new citizens", but the ones who conveniently forgot the hoops of fire and the long waiting periods they had to endure when they APPLIED for their U.S. citzenship. They can vote right now. Dems want to get the potential votes but appearing less antagonistic toward this demographic.

[Iris]

2. I would be in favor of that.

If they are already here.

The immmigration this is another gay marriage sort of issue. Republicans have never been against illegal immigration. In fact, there has been a movement from the farming industry for years - they want to be allowed to hire illegal immigrants - "guest workers" - during their peak picking seasons.

[bowens43]

3. Where do you get your info?

Most people I know ARE in favor of amnesty for undocumented workers who are already here. I certainly am.

[SujiwanKenobee]

5. Where do you get YOUR info?

Most people *I* discuss this with do not want to see unrestrained border crossing and they aren't conservatives. I'm afraid that trying to put the onus on employers won't work unless everyone's neighbor starts to rat. There are lots of Mom and Pop businesses who are employing 2-3 illegals under the table, not just big businesses. They are doing it because they can keep more money in their own pockets and there is less complaining than from Americans.

If you are in favor of amnesty into infinity then I guess that means you are also for worldwide leveling of wages and living standards since free flow of labor will do that. Maybe that is what is ultimately what is supposed to happen, but it is going to make for a very long and hard come down for Americans on top of all the other crap with global warming and peak oil, water wars, etc.

The overwhelming numbers of people from south of the border retaining ties to that area and influencing politics is not what prior immigration was about. Is their allegiance to their ethnic group and to south of the border issues or to the U.S.? Is is their allegiance strictly on economic terms? I'd like the areas south of the border to become attractive enough to offer opportunities.

Hell, this country is so messed up now, who in their right mind would want to come. Maybe people's attitudes have to do with how recently their own families immigrated... But I still contend that immigration before the 70's was different than today.

[bowens43]

7. Who said anything about unrestrained border crossing???

Reading is fundamental. The issue being discussed is whether or not undocumented workers here today should be given amnesty. Personally I have no problem with undocumented workers. I have nothing but respect for those who risk legal action to come here in attempt to improve the lives of their families but that's not what we are discussing.

Yes, I am in favor of leveling of wages and living standards world wide.... by increasing the wages and standards of living of others.

The workers are here. They are contributing. They are needed and they should be recognized as citizens with all of the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

[SujiwanKenobee]

8. Don't see it that simply

I'm looking at one of the larger pictures. There will be no end to "the undocumented workers here today". What, amnesty every x number of years? I think their presence comes at a cost to *someone* and to the system in lowered wages and employment. I am not convinced that the workers are "needed" as much as you imply. I think instead that wages offered are lowered to the point where it is difficult for anyone except someone in dire straits to accept them and still pay their bills or get ahead. And getting ahead is what everyone coming here wants, right?

Would you be for totally open borders across the world? (not being snarky, just curious)

[leesa]

9. You have no solutions then, except something silly like a fence, right?

You say you can't fine or imprison corporate owners or employers to make it stop because neighbors would rat on neighbors...this is such crap. This is the ONLY way to stop illegal immigration and it would stp it in an instant, but you would rather play border cop.

[John Barrett]

12. Put their head in a hand basket

How you stop it is to enforce laws that require employers to only hire American or employees that are legal. Once several of the employers have their head handed to them in a handbasket (maybe figuratively) the process will end and so will the carrot that brings them here to take jobs from Americans. How you make 12 million illegal refugees go back home is to give them, say a year to require them to go home and reapply for work papers with a verification of their criminal and work history. If it checks out then let them back in with their old job and papers.

[John Barrett]

11. OH ... I wouldn't call that most people.

Most people I know see illegal immigration as a real threat to Americans that work for a living, yet have no special skills. It used to be that Americans had their citizenship and only had to compete with other Americans. Now that citizenship or legal work status means nothing they must compete with illegal immigrant and counterfeit American workers.

It's the same deal as Microsoft or Sony Entertainment competing with illegal bootleg CDs. Business doesn't tolerate it. But when it comes to illegal competition for wages for working Americans at the bottom of the ladder, business expects those poor souls to deal with it.

What it comes down to is this....the desire for more profits for these businesses requires Americans to live as in a third world country.

Sorry I don't buy it.

[rodeodance]

4. This applies to the ones already here--and I believe it is a worthy

proposal. They are here, many have families here--many pay taxes, etc etc.

[mrgorth]

6. You're right

but Richardson is the only person who can run with this. There is a battle going on for the hispanic vote right now.

[Disturbed]

10. "leveling of wages and living standards world wide"

Capitalist Corps. are pushing for that. Problem is that they (don't want) unions, worker's comp., Enviro regs, OT, worker's rights. They do want to level pay to the lowest amount possible.

[rodeodance]

13. The amnesty is for people already here who have jobs, families, pay

taxes. etc. It does not include 'new' people.

[paul_fromatlanta]

14. The litmus test for illegal immigration

When I point out that cracking down on illegal immigration will create a need for a million or more new legal immigrants - I look at their face. If this horrifies them then I doubt that their concern is really about border security or people jumping the line and displacing legal immigrants - I suspect they simply don't like brown skinned people.

[mdmc]

15. It should be legal to come to America

We should encourage legal immigration.