US Ed Secretary makes last-ditch push for DREAM Act
I participated in a quick media call Friday morning with U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan who is making a last-ditch effort to persuade the Senate to pass the DREAM Act when it votes today. Duncan called it an historical vote and said he was hopeful that the bill will pass.
The Senate, in an unusual Saturday session, is taking up two controversial bills today, the DREAM Act, which is being debated now, and the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military.
Duncan’s call with reporters was part of an overall White House push this week for DREAM Act passage. The House passed the act last week, a vote that Duncan said shifted the momentum in favor of the controversial legislation that creates a path to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
It applies to illegal immigrants who entered the United States before their 16th birthday. To qualify, they must graduate from high school, enter college or into the military, and stay out of trouble.
The DREAM Act was written by both Republicans and Democrats. Saying he has made a number of calls to senators, Duncan argued that the DREAM Act is “important to our nation” and “a very personal battle” because of the undocumented students he met while CEO of the Chicago public schools. In fact, he said he and his wife created a small scholarship fund for such students who now face many obstacles in affording college.
“The door of opportunity was basically shut to them,” he said. “It was devastating to see those dreams go away. These are young people who have done everything right, who have played by all the rules.”
Duncan said the act would affect 65,000 high school graduates each year. “To have their energy, ingenuity and entrepreneurship unleashed first through the chance to go to college and then in the workforce will not just change the fortunes of them and their families in their communities but will be a tremendous benefit to the country. It is not just the right thing for the 65,000 students, it is the right thing to do for our country. ”
The act faces opposition because of the costs it may entail and its access to U.S. citizenship for children brought here illegally. A report issued by the Center for Immigration Studies states, “Given the low income of illegal immigrants, most can be expected to attend state schools, with a cost to taxpayers in the billions of dollars. As both funds and slots are limited at state universities and community colleges, the act may reduce the educational opportunities available to U.S. citizens.”
The center contends that “1.03 million illegal immigrants will eventually enroll in public institutions (state universities or community colleges) as a result of the DREAM Act. That is, they met the residence and age requirements of the act, have graduated high school, or will do so, and will come forward.On average each illegal immigrant who attends a public institution will receive a tuition subsidy from taxpayers of nearly $6,000 for each year he or she attends for total cost of $6.2 billion a year, not including other forms of financial assistance that they may also receive.”
A close vote is expected this morning in the Senate.
–By Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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135 comments Add your comment
Cindy Lutenbacher
December 17th, 2010
10:54 am
Before all the hateful messages start appearing here, let me say that I hope those who oppose this act will understand how much good it stands to do for the whole country.
And for those who may start screaming about unfairness to kids born in this country, I ask that you consider the children who came here without a choice and have since chosen to do everything that good citizens do. It’s time they get a fair shake.
South Ga Teacher180
December 17th, 2010
10:56 am
What I dream about as an educator is that I wish some of the illegals would learn to speak English. I also would like to dream that Ga was not in 2 billion dollar short fall. I would also like to dream that the health care law, which is expected to cost 6.5 billion from GA taxpayers, would not take away from the rest of the budget. The reality is, with these short falls hanging over our heads as GA taxpayers, there is no way we can afford all of these “dreams”. I have been cut and my classroom has been cut. The last think I need is more cuts and more students that cannot speak the language to pass courses.
Lee
December 17th, 2010
10:59 am
“In fact, he [Duncan] said he and his wife created a small scholarship fund for such students [ILLEGAL ALIENS]…”
So, we have the US Secretary of Education on record admitting to aiding and abetting CRIMINALS.
There are already paths to US citizenship for those outside this country who wish to immigrate. For years, the federal government has abdicated its responsibility to secure our borders and now wants a mulligan.
Don’t let them get away with it. Call your Senators today.
NoDreamAct
December 17th, 2010
10:59 am
The Dream Act has special waivers that enable Obama, Napolitano, and Holder to grant conditional non-immigrant status not only to the 10 – 30 million illegal aliens currently present, but also to any and all who might penetrate our porous borders in the years to come.
ALL the strict requirements are for receiving citizenship in 10 years. There is nothing required more than filling out a form.
The effect on jobs would be immediate. Tens of millions more in competition with 22 unemployed American citizens.
The effect on higher education would be immediate: Millions more competing for 2 million 4-year college seats in the whole U.S.
The effect on future immigration would be immediate. Already immigration lawyers and visa agencies are advertising the “Dream Act Amnesty”.
What if
December 17th, 2010
11:13 am
An anecdote of one: my other half, in her final few years of her career, teaches gifted and AP English at what is apparently one of Gwinnett’s strongest high schools. One of her very best students is actually from an African country, having been brought by her parents at an early age. She is not a citizen. Her family is FAR from well-to-do. Before all this noise in Georgia, her 4.0+ gpa and 2300+ SAT would have walked her into a slew of very top schools. Fortunately, she’s found a very good college that doesn’t have to listen to Georgia’s bigots. But the Dream Act would do no harm for her future – and America’s. (Give us your tired, your poor, your hungry, etc. – how does that go?)
Sam
December 17th, 2010
11:15 am
South Ga Teacher, they do have the learn the language. In order to graduate, you have to pass GHSGTs (including writing). The tests are only offered in English.
kgolden
December 17th, 2010
11:16 am
All this hatred and vitriol directed towards individuals who did nothing other than hold their parents’ hands when crossing into the U.S. Last time I checked, children could not be charged with crimes because they lack the specific intent to commit a crime. So spare me all the “amnesty for lawbreakers!!!” excrement.
I know that we as a country are going through difficult economic times. I get that. But it is inexcusable to level blame at illegal immigrants ESPECIALLY the children who had no say in whether or not to come to the U.S. Has anyone seriously thought about the benefits to this country, i.e,, harnessing the work ethic and creative drive of a segment of our population that is itching to fully assimilate and contribute to this country but cannot because current immigration law provides NO OPTIONS to fix their situation? After all, this country has made an investment in their high school education, correct? I would rather see dividends for that investment paid to the U.S. than to their home country.
Lastly, how someone views this position says a lot about what type of heart and soul they possess. The America that I love and value will find a way to give these children an opportunity. They were brought here by their parents because for many years U.S. businesses were hiring without regard to legal documentation and our U.S. immigration system lacked a generic and usable guest worker visa program like other first world countries. For years all of us have benefited from lower cost groceries and housing by virtue of the presence of illegal immigrants. If Congress had the cojones to acknowledge that our current system works poorly and would just focus on a solution that incorporates much stronger border security then it would be in our best interests rather than propping up this dysfunctional immigration system we currently have.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:19 am
HOw will this allow more undocumented people to come over here? That really doesn’t make any sense. This about it guys, the bill says it allows “children who came here under the age of 16 and who have gone to highschool here and graduated, must have resided in the US for 5 consecutive years” So think about it, anyone new who did come here would not fall under this law because you do have to show proof of education whether it be your middle school, highschool records, etc. Im sure immigration will be looking into these school records to make sure they are not false. So in reality, this really isn’t hurting anyone. Would you guys rather have these kids just be useless to this country and just continue to do nothing? I hear students contimplating suicide if this law doesn’t pass because their future will be nothing and they can’t even go back to their country only because they do know it or the language. Guys, I’m American, but seriously I put myself in their shoes, I think to myself “what if this was me and my children couldn’t do anything with their lives all because of my mistake?” I personally, would hate myself for making my children pay for something I did. As a human being we should always have sympathy for children. We can not blame them for what their parents did.
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South Ga Teacher180
December 17th, 2010
11:20 am
Duh..I know that, but many cannot because of the technical language in some of the subject matter like science. The point is WE NO LONGER HAVE THE RESOURCE TO THINK WE CAN CREATE DREAMS FOR THESE ILLEGAL FOLKS…WE NEED TO INVEST IN OUR OWN CITZENS. The cow has no more milk and this is no longer the land of pleanty!
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:24 am
#How will this allow more undocumented people to come over here? That really doesn’t make any sense. Think about it guys, the bill says it allows “children who came here under the age of 16 and who have gone to highschool here and graduated, must have resided in the US for 5 consecutive years” So think about it, anyone new who did come here would not fall under this law because you do have to show proof of education whether it be your middle school, highschool records, etc. Im sure immigration will be looking into these school records to make sure they are not false. So in reality, this really isn’t hurting anyone. Would you guys rather have these kids just be useless to this country and just continue to do nothing? I hear students contemplating suicide if this law doesn’t pass, because their future will be nothing and they wont even be able to go back to their country only because they do know it or the language. Guys, I’m American, but seriously I put myself in their shoes, I think to myself “what if this was me and my children couldn’t do anything with their lives all because of my mistake?” I personally, would hate myself for making my children pay for something I did. As a human being we should always have sympathy for children. We can not blame them for what their parents did.
p.s. Sorry for the misspelling, sent from my phone.
Sam
December 17th, 2010
11:27 am
South GA teacher – at our school, 100% of our ESOL students pass GHSGTs eventually. Most come to us with no English. They are very hard workers.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:28 am
I mean I see what your saying. But I heard and read somewhere that the economy would rise if this law did pass. I read somewhere they would charge over $3000 dollars a student to make this happen, how much money would the US make off hundres, thousands, of kids. There are over 65,000 undocumented students who graduate highschool a year. Thats a lot of money. Plus, Obama is signing the tax cut bill today. So I’m sure the cow will start producing more milk =)
catlady
December 17th, 2010
11:33 am
I think a number of folks are embarrassed because some of these kids out-work and out-achieve their own kids.
HS Public Teacher
December 17th, 2010
11:35 am
I am not at all trying to be mean or say anything hurtful, but….
Why cannot these children apply for citizenship the standard way? Is there something standing in their way of doing this?
If there is no obstacle for them, then I really would disagree with the “dream” act. Must we create more levels of government and more paperwork?
Atlanta Media Guy
December 17th, 2010
11:37 am
If the illegals get the dream act, what do the legals get? Higher taxes? More difficult chance to get into a state school? My family has paid their fair share for generations. How about the folks that came here legally, what do they get. See how this goes?
I’m sorry these illegal kids were forced to come here with their parents. This is a silly grab at power by the Dems and more voters for them. Just think every election we’ll have to hear the Dems talk about how evil the conservatives are, since they will want to take the Dream Act away. It’s a power grab by the left and they are trying to ram it down our throats as the holidays approach and in a lame duck session. The Dems know there is no chance of this Act to pass once the new congress is sworn in. This is by far the worst lame duck session ever! I’m for an act that says once an election is held in November, congress does not meet again until the peoples choices are sworn in. Between the feds and the DCSS interim super wanting a 40% raise in one day, there is no hope for this great country, THERE IS NO MORE MONEY TO SPEND! THE TAXPAYERS HAVE BEEN TAXED AND WE VOTED ON NOVEMBER 2ND, HAS ANYONE HEARD THE VOTERS YET?
Atlanta Media Guy
December 17th, 2010
11:39 am
Tack on an amendment in the Dream Act that states, every illegal must gain legal citizenship and pay taxes, ALL TAXES! NO MORE HAND OUTS!
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:42 am
HS Public Teacher: Some kids can’t apply for citizenship the standard way because they have no status to adjust. I am a Highschool teacher and I had one girl break down in tears. She is top of her class, in honor society, in all the clubs at school, but she can not apply to college because she has no social security number. The reason for this is, her parents came to the US undocumented. She was only 1 yearsold. She didn’t realize what her “stauts” meant in this country till she was about 15. She had no visa, no nothing. How can a 1 yearold talk or tell their parents what to do? it breaks my heart to have to see this girl who was only 1 years old and to see her dream of wanting to go to college because she wants to become a pediatrician, and not be able to follow through with her dream, makes me more upset. If she was able to adjust her status in this country so easily, then this wouldn’t be called the “Dream Act” this would help kids just like her. She is practically American.I mean come on guys, really, 1 years old? What decisions can a child really make? especially a baby? I vote for this law because of her. She is a great person who does not deserve this.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:44 am
Remember, we our not giving Residency to the parents.
kgolden
December 17th, 2010
11:48 am
To HS Public Teacher:
So these kids should just apply for citizenship the standard way? What a great idea but that is impossible and I cannot believe that you could write something so ignorant, with all due respect. Don’t you think everyone would have tried to fix their situations if they could have done so?? A little lesson…current immigration law does not have any remedy for Dream Act beneficiaries. None. If they leave the U.S. to apply for a student visa then they are slapped with a 10 year reentry bar for having been illegally present in the U.S. for more than one year. It doesn’t matter that they never choose to come to the U.S. – the reentry bar is automatic. So please take all this into account in your thought process. Put yourself in their shoes and I guarantee you would be pleading for a just little understanding and compassion.
Maureen Downey
December 17th, 2010
11:49 am
A note to “I hate red necks,” You may have the record this week of eight words in a single blog post that won’t pass the blog filter. You are welcome to post your outrage, but you have to restrain your language.
Maureen
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:53 am
Kgolden: Yes!!!!!!Thank you! I think there is a lot of misunderstanding with the legality behind this. A lot of people don’t understand how hard it is for these kids. The girl I spoke about earlier is praying every night for this law to pass, she told me if it doesn’t pass there is no point in living. My hearts just broken and I’m helping my making calls to all the republicans who oppose this, there are democrats who oppose also, but we can make a change in someones life if we make calls too….especially being American citizens.
Dalis
December 17th, 2010
11:54 am
I support the DREAM Act, this is the right thing to do for our Country. Many US Citizens do NOTHING for their lives, these young kids only want to have a chance to show the world all the potential that they have, this would contribute over 1.3 Million dollars to the US economy over the next decade. This is NOT a reform, we are talking about smart and good young people, who have to meet especial requirements and won’t be able to obtain any financial aid or bring their families, because this BILL is only to open the path for them to be able to make those DREAMS a reality.
We are not talking about just immigrants or illegal aliens, we are referring to the best of the best, these are smart young people and deserve the right to SHINE.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:56 am
Atlantsa Media Guy: Do you understand, if this law passes there will actually be many votes for Republicans because the bill is in their hands right now. If they pass it, this large community of kids will vote for them .
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
11:58 am
Dalis: Lets make these kids shine! They deserve it!
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
12:04 pm
as Teachers and Americans we can help these kids all we have to do is call.
Senate Democrats:
Conrad (ND) – 202-224-2043
Pryor (AR) 202-224-2353
Manchin (WV) 202-224-3954
Hagan (NC) 202-224-6342
Senate Republicans:
Brownback (KS) – 202-224-6521
Voinovich (OH) – 202-224-3353
Snowe (ME) – 202-224-5344
Collins (ME) – 202-224-2523
HS Public Teacher
December 17th, 2010
12:13 pm
@kgolden -
Don’t be rude. I was not being mean. There is no reason for your response to have such a tone.
Again, what I suggest is NOT to create a NEW anything. Rather, if needed, modify the CURRENT path to citizenship for those special circumstances. I don’t see how this is a bad thing. If these children cannot complete citizenship the standard why, then simply change/add a clause that would allow it. The general path to citizenship really should not be THAT different….. take a test, live fruitfully in the US for a while, etc.
I do not want to see a sudden creation of a “Dream Act” branch of the federal government with 10,000 employees and 5 new federal buildings in DC. It just won’t make sense.
Sean33
December 17th, 2010
12:16 pm
#1. It sounds to me like most of the opposition is due to politics. I can’t drive more the 10 min in any direction before I see a “Hiring” sign. Realty?? There isn’t any jobs. 2. If applying for citizenship was available for these people then they would have done it by now. If any of them tried to apply the would just be deported to a country they don’t know. With a language they don’t know and so on… 3. I bet that any parent out there would do anything in their power to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their children. So don’t blame anyone for doing everything and anything they can for their children. Ask yourself… Would you have the guts to go through the dessert for a chance to work and prosper. Or would u collect unemployment?
Sunraynews | Top US news
December 17th, 2010
12:17 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
kgolden
December 17th, 2010
12:22 pm
HS Teacher:
Sorry if I came on a little strong. The lack of basic knowledge on most individual’s part on how the immigration process works is a problem because too many go off half cocked when they do not know what they are talking about. Just to answer your question, there would be no creation of a Dream Act branch of the federal government. This entire application program would fall under the U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS).
The Dream Act actually is a modification to the current immigration law. There is nothing simple about this though given that it was introduced back in 2001 and has never made it through. What you advocate in your last post is exactly what I would love to see. By the way, the path to citizenship is THAT difficult (unless you receive the green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen). For children in these circumstances, citizenship is a pipe dream without the Dream Act.
South Ga Teacher180
December 17th, 2010
12:26 pm
It must be remembered that, for the most part, illegal households using programs like free school lunch or Medicaid are receiving these benefits on behalf of U.S.-born children, who under current law are awarded citizenship at birth. Of course, the costs of providing services to these children are very real for taxpayers and result from illegals having been allowed to enter and stay in the country. And having the federal government feed or provide medical care to their children is an enormous benefit to illegal aliens. Thus, in considering the consequences for public coffers, counting the costs of these programs is necessary; otherwise one would gain a very false sense of illegal immigration’s present costs.
Georgia ranks number 5 behind states that have the highest drop out rate…California and Florida are in the top 4. Do we want to be like FL and CA? We squawk and balk about keeping the HOPE grant viable and I wonder how many of these illegals have taken advantage of that situation. Entitlements, such as HOPE and “free” medical care should be for citizens of US, not illegals. Frankly, the “entitlement cow” has dried up!
Local school districts are estimated to educate 1.8 million undocumented children. At an average annual cost of $7,500 (averages vary by jurisdiction) per student, the cost of providing education to these children is about $11.2 billion.
The impact of some illegals not speaking and writing the language just touches the surface of the real issue…we cannot afford it anymore!
GNGS
December 17th, 2010
12:30 pm
If we want to have a rational discussion on the topic, we should have all the facts. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the DREAM Act would reduce the federal deficit by an estimated $1.4 billion over ten years.
In state of Georgia, I am not sure how an undocumented child can get into public school since we need birth certificate to register for our public school.
South Ga Teacher180
December 17th, 2010
12:35 pm
“documented” or not…we cannot afford them any longer…GA is looking at a 8.5 billon dollar short fall and we are no longer solvent for economic growth…that is the reality.
shaggy
December 17th, 2010
12:35 pm
You know what? I just don’t care anymore. Sorry their parents made poor choices and broke the laws of this country, instead of getting in line to do it legally. Deport them, along with their parents. I hear the cartels are hiring and provide free medical care.
South Ga Teacher180
December 17th, 2010
12:42 pm
Oh…found this: it is estimated that GA spends 17-22 million dollars a year on tuition for illegal aliens in the University System…wonder how much of that was HOPE money.
ATF
December 17th, 2010
12:48 pm
Even Newt Gingrich has said that we will not deport 11 million people. He, too, is looking for a path to citizenship that is not just amnesty for all.
This is a path that says go to college or join the military. Sounds good. Sounds reasonable. Gives us an option to the whole “kick the bums out” mentality that isn’t going to happen.
If not the Dream Act, what?
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
12:48 pm
HS Public teacher: Before you make a comment about the “Dream Act” or about any law for that matter, you really need to be educated in it.I read up on everything as soon as the student came up to me and class and broke down in tears. I also did not understand at one point. But now I do.
Again, if it was that easy everyon would do it. Call an immigration attorney and he will fill you in if your interested. But really, if you have no profound knowledge of the topic, then I wouldn’t state an opinion. Not trying to be rude by any means.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
12:53 pm
Shaggy: If you are a man of faith, then how can you say such a thing. I hope one day, you are not in a position will people will oppose your rights. I know you feel that way because your American and so am I. But these are kids, a lot of them are great students. THEY ARE NOT CRIMINALS. Have a little sympathy.
Madre
December 17th, 2010
12:57 pm
HS Public teacher-
This would be called Immigration Reform….. What the Federal government should do. People have to realize that it is not easy to get in the back of the line when there is no line. And for those of you that say “we pay for their education” please know that being illegal does not exclude you from paying taxes. If you look around theses “illegals” are shopping, drive cars, and yes even buying property, so guess what they also pay taxes and.
South Ga Teacher180
December 17th, 2010
12:58 pm
It has nothing to do with them being criminals and showing them sympathy…it is about longer-term economic solvency and we cannot afford them any longer.
Mr. Grinch
December 17th, 2010
12:59 pm
Those Illegal kids can go back to their home country and apply to come to the United States the correct way. It will show their illegal parents the correct way to enter a country.
Plus, I have a real “Dream Act” for you….
A). Earn a College Degree, (not just attend college for two years….what is that?) or
B). Serve in the Military for Twelve (12) years (Honorable); (not two years of service)…
C). After completing one of the above requirements, then the young illegal much serve four (4) years in the U.S. Peace Corps.
D). Pay a $10,000.00 fine
After completing said requirements, the young illegal can apply for Conditional Residency. (Conditional Residency will last for five years).
Must NOT have a criminal record; and CANNOT sponsor anyone once the young illegal becomes a citizen.
Now, that is a Dream Act….
Mark
December 17th, 2010
1:04 pm
I believe the Dream Act is well intended. However, I am concerned about the lack of language that precludes these individuals from eventually “sponsoring” the very people who brought them into the Country illegally in the first place and the cost.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
1:08 pm
OK. The US is made up of immigrants am I wrong? Your parents, or your grandparents, or great grandparents unless you are Native American. Mr. Grinch what if your ancestors chose not to come here, you would be a foreigner and probably struggling in another country, wishing you could come to the US, the land of opportunities.
AlreadySheared
December 17th, 2010
1:08 pm
The DREAM act, while being “fair” to children who are currently here illegally, would supply another powerful incentive for illegal immigration.
45 years ago, LBJ’s “Great Society” initiative started a host of programs which marginalized traditional family structures and fatherhood in the name of fairness and economic justice. In 1960,
5,3 percent of all children were to unwed mothers; today, well over one third (33+%) are.
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/greenbook2003/AppendixM.pdf
We need to be aware not only of the immediate effects of our government policies, but also of their long term implications.
Doc Killian
December 17th, 2010
1:09 pm
I feel that besides all the other arguments, A FACT that gets ignored. 85% (the Gov’t figure) are Hispanics. What about those who have been standing in line LEGALLY from over 50+ different… Countries and Cultures? Are we simply going to open the doors and forget about those who went by the RULES and I Might ADD, Have been Paying Taxes because they OBEYED THE LAW. No other country allows you to walk in and demand that THEY change THEIR laws to suit YOU…An example is MEXICO who is currently building a wall to keep Guatamalans OUT !
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
1:13 pm
ALready Sheared: very interesting point, but ok. Lets say we don’t pass the law, you do realize these kids aren’t going anywhere right?? and lets say that we tried to track down the millions, which would require lots of money and time right??especially during this time, do we need that? NO! lets just help thses kids move forward with their lives.They never did anything wrong.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
1:14 pm
either way we’d be spending money right?
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
1:15 pm
We are not opening doooooorrrrsss for the last time this isn’t amnesty its only for kids who have entered under 16. READ READ READ!
Realist
December 17th, 2010
1:15 pm
As always, if you agree to serve the bloodthirsty empire you can be one of its subjects. Just another way to avoid the reality that most americans are sick and tired of the illegal and immoral wars. The Romans used to offer the same kind of incentives in the final days of their empire. How history repeats itself.
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
1:17 pm
Realist: True
shaggy
December 17th, 2010
1:20 pm
Shelby,
Sorry, I just don’t care anymore. Let them pay for the sins of their parents. Let them look at THEM, and know that THEY are the ones responsible for their mess.
If they had applied legally, in the first place, I would be fine with it. These are ILLEGALS we are talking about. Maybe these kids, along with their parents guidance, can help build their own countries? Deport them.
Oh and Shelby, just what do you think would happen to you if you did the same thing in…say Mexico, where (like many other Latin American countries) US citizens can’t legally own land?
Lee
December 17th, 2010
1:21 pm
Basically, what we have here is a federal government who has declared war on the rights of collective states.
For years, the feds have abdicated one of their few responsibilities in securing and protecting our borders. They have sat idle while tens of millions of ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS waltzed across our southern borders uninhibited. When a few states began to say “enough is enough” and passed laws against this illegal alien invasion [Arizona, et al], the feds knew public sentiment was against them. Instead of doing the job for which we elected them, they devised a back door attempt to grant amnesty to these lawbreakers and invaders.
There is a reason why it is tough to obtain citizenship through the legal channels. The supporters of this AMNESTY DREAM Act should be called what they really are, that is TRAITORS.
Lee
December 17th, 2010
1:22 pm
One more thing, Google “California Bankrupt” and read up on the effect of allowing ILLEGAL ALIENS to flood your nation.
Just A Teacher
December 17th, 2010
1:39 pm
I hate to take issue with this because it will probably come back to haunt me, but I do not support this bill. If you are classified as an illegal alien, it means you have done something illegal. You have entered our country without permission. We should not reward people for breaking the law. If they want a path to college, I would suggest that they return to that country from whence they came and enroll. Otherwise, forget it! Your pathway to U.S. citizenship ended when you (or your parents) decided to ignore our laws. You could have applied for green cards, but you didn’t! Now go home or go to jail!
Sean33
December 17th, 2010
1:40 pm
Another misunderstanding … Illegal immigrants do pay taxes. With every check they get and with every purchase they make. And when April comes they sometimes get a refund. Their refund is alot smaller due to their legal status. They have to use a tax ID number (TIN). So at what taxpayers expense are we talking about???
Lee
December 17th, 2010
2:04 pm
@Sean, this barely touches the surface of the cost of ILLEGAL ALIENS:
http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/mac_donald04-13-05.htm
Just a few highlights (lowlights?):
*In Los Angeles, 95% of all outstanding warrants for homicide in the first half of 2004 (which totaled 1,200 to 1,500) targeted illegal aliens. Up to two-thirds of all fugitive felony warrants (17,000) were for illegal aliens.
*Some private reports state that 83% of warrants for murder in Phoenix and 86% of warrants for murder in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are for illegal aliens. These reports cannot be verified, of course, because the feds discourage law enforcement agencies from releasing such statistics.
*At any given time, up to 75% of those on the most wanted list in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Albuquerque are illegal aliens.
*23% of all inmates in LA County detention centers are “deportable.”
*LA police estimate that violent gangs, such as MS-13 and 18th Street Gang, are “overwhelmingly” composed of illegal aliens.
Jennifer
December 17th, 2010
2:05 pm
Please pass the Dream Act.
Marc20
December 17th, 2010
2:08 pm
Hope the dream act would pass… it would help out country in the long run…to ga southern teacher…illegal students cant get hope scholarship due to there status so there is no way that they can be getting free money.
Michelle Malkin » Operation Buck Up redux: Stop the DREAM Act; Sessions’ last action alert
December 17th, 2010
2:08 pm
[...] leaders to lean on Senate Republicans who have supported DREAM in the past. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is also leading a last-ditch push to make illegal aliens’ education a priority while strapped [...]
Shelby
December 17th, 2010
2:10 pm
Shaggy Shag: did you know, well if you know history, we did take their land. I hate to say it, but it is true. For instance Texas, its just ironic to me cause it belonged to Mexicans until we grabbed a hold
Stop being so negative and hateful, enjoy life and take back your resentment. I didn’t know you could speak at age 1 lol? This is the real world and our future. I kind of feel like you are racist? thats the impression Im under. Yea I’m American and white lol, but still I support these kids. I VOTE FOR THE DREAM. Also, everyone is entitled to their own opinion right?
Ryan
December 17th, 2010
2:19 pm
These illegal students are not criminals, and deserve no fault with the situation in which they live. They did not choose to be smuggled into this country as a baby, toddler, or small child.
We educate them in the US, tell them they HAVE to go to school, pay for their learning, then when they graduate from HS or College, they have no chance to earn a wage or work a job that requires a SS#. That means no Lowe’s, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, etc. Definitely no coporate America jobs. But the thing of it is, many illegals are working for the fast food chains, gas stations, department stores, because employers don’t ask questions because it is UNCONSTITUTIONAL to discriminate, and the illegals create fake IDs and SS#s.
In turn, the government is so bad at tracking IRS tax claims and corporate taxes, these illegals are getting tax returns in the thousands each.
They are already here, already working. Give the kids who were brought here against their will a chance to use the education WE paid for. Let them be free!!!
Ryan
December 17th, 2010
2:25 pm
Did you guys hear about the 2 year old child who was jailed for sitting in the back seat of his father’s car when his father committed a crime and robbed a bank. The judge said the child was guilty because his father broke the law and the child was old enough to stop his father’s crime!
OF COURSE YOU DIDN’T HEAR THIS…because it would never happen by law in this country because a 2 year old can’t stop their father from breaking the law.
JUST LIKE A 2 YEAR OLD CAN’T STOP HIS DAD FROM BRINGING HIM HERE ILLEGALLY!!!
We invest approx. $80,000 for a legal or illegal child to get a K-12 education and diploma in theis country. Why not let an illegal child, who has been educated, Americanized, and outperformed their legal classmates, earn citizenship through good behavior, military commitment, or secondary education advancement?
We are hypocritical in this country.
Warrior Woman
December 17th, 2010
2:25 pm
The Dream Act is an economic disaster. Any economist can tell you that you will get more of what you reward. Reward illegal immigration through the Dream Act and you will get more illegal immigration. Give amnesty to these illegal immigrant children and then they can get legal immigrant status for their parents, grandparents, etc., through chain migration. It’s endless.
There is something very wrong when our administration is rewarding criminals over law-abiding citizens, and that is exactly what the Dream Act does. If children were brought here illegally, they have no one to blame but their parents. Don’t subsidize that illegal activity with my tax dollars.
And Shelby, yes, they are criminals. That’s what you are when you break the law.
scooby doo
December 17th, 2010
2:27 pm
All those in favor of the DREAM Act, chew on this. If passed, all those formerly illegal students now move to the front of the line for college admission. See, they are now minorities and they get special consideration over all the white students. Natural born citizens will get shut out of colleges while the formerly illegals take their spot. America – what a country!
Menace
December 17th, 2010
2:33 pm
Mostly a good, civil discuusion today. While I favor most of the Dream Act I would put military service or some type of public service as a pre-requisite for college attendence. There has to be some type os service for the privelege of American citizenship and attending our colleges.
It’s short sighted to only look at the immediate costs of these kids attending schools. Need to look at the big picture as they will be taxpaying citizens with good jobs rather than the permanent underclass some want to perpetuate.
Tom
December 17th, 2010
2:35 pm
Ok here goes, I have a question, how many illegal(undocumented, as liberals say) immigrannts have jobs that should go to American citizens first. Is it in the thousands, hundred-thousands or millions in this country?? I would really like an educated opinion on this?? This upsets alot of citizens!! Also another question, should illegals be allowed to attend K-12 public schools, seems like alot would leave this country voluntarily if this were to occur?? Just askin, not necessarily my opinion??
Menace
December 17th, 2010
2:37 pm
Please do some independent research before posting… see Factcheck or Politifact. These individuals are not getting special treatment, they’re being intregrated into American society. This is just the path. And they will not be bringing in the extended family either. The rules are stringent and specific.
DagnyT
December 17th, 2010
2:44 pm
It’s pretty plain to me. They are not US citizens. I don’t care how and when they came over here. They need to go back to their country of origin along with the illegal parents who brought them here and then apply for citizenship or go to college in their own country. Seems to me they would have an advantage in their homeland since they now speak English as well as their native language. A crime is a crime. Illegal is Illegal. Go get a student visa if you want to go to school in the US that badly. If they are angry about their situation, blame the parents. I’m not suggesting we send these kids to jail or anything. Just have them go home.
Operation Buck Up redux: Stop the DREAM Act; Sessions’ last action alert | Conservatives for America
December 17th, 2010
3:01 pm
[...] leaders to lean on Senate Republicans who have supported DREAM in the past. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is also leading a last-ditch push to make illegal aliens’ education a priority while strapped [...]
shelby
December 17th, 2010
3:04 pm
Ryan: Thank you for that well said, I really agree with you.
Menace: I agree with you 100% people need to do their research before they give input.
DanyT: Are you a happy guy? do you love your life? you and shaggy seem like you have a lot of hate built up in you and this may be a reflection of something else.
You know, I do feel comfortable saying this cause I am American, but to be honest…are you guys worried about competition? I mean the girl I mentioned previously is top of her class, she is actually #1….while there are a number of American citizens not showing up to classes, getting busted for drugs, etc.If these students are working hard, they should be given a chance.
Also, if any of you have seen the news lately, American is at the bottom of the bottom with education. That is really humiliating to me as a teacher. I believe China is number 1 but anyones…..we need to raise our statistics in education, we are at the pits. Its not only hispanics that are here undocumented but its also, French, Asian, Russian, list goes on. The girl in my class fled her country with her mother after her husband was killed as a result of medical malpractice. She had no family, was left on the street, just her and her daughter….NO ONE ELSE. Her mothers parents had both died from cancer, the government was corrupt and she feared her daughter was going to be kidnapped. So she fled, she thought of her daughter and wanted to give her a better life. She’s been here since she was 1 years old. This whole time shes exceeded in school and her morals/ethics are beyond most of the Americans I teach. The only reason I found out, was because I pulled her aside and asked her “why aren’t you applying for college? you ‘re at the top of your class?” and she just broke down and told me. I have 1 child and I can’t imagine how I would feel if I was both in the mothers shoes and daughters.
kgolden
December 17th, 2010
3:06 pm
To Dagny T:
Your comment cannot go unanswered. Being undocumented in the U.S. is a civil violation – not a crime. Coming here on a visa and overstaying is a civil violation – not a crime. When people are deported they are deported under immigration regulations not as a result of criminal violations (criminal cases would fall under the justice department). I’m sorry, but your comment is simply ridiculous. And for the 1000th time, THE CHILDREN WHO WERE BROUGHT BY THEIR PARENTS DID NOTHING WRONG. You evidently have virtually no knowledge on this issue otherwise you would understand that they cannot apply for a student visa.
Lastly, you should not make the moral equivalent of being in illegal status in the U.S. on par with carjackers, pickpockets, burglars, drug dealers, etc. When you say “illegal is illegal” that is essentially the message you are sending.
So you want to have these children go back to their home countries? And essentially blow all the money that our country has invested – very smart. There is one potential DREAM recipient named Eric Balderas who is a Harvard student studying cancer research (or something to that effect). I would rather have our country benefit from his talents then his original country of Mexico. But I think it is too much to ask those who find any reason to oppose the Dream Act (or fixing the immigration laws in general) to consider this point. Never have I seen an issue where people are so willing to shoot themselves in the foot just to get some satisfaction against those “dastardly illegals!” Not looking at the big picture and if you were honest with yourself you would probably admit this.
I have been surprised about all the positive comments about the dream act on this board. It shows me that there are more enlightened individuals out there than I had thought. Thank god.
stop the dream act
December 17th, 2010
3:10 pm
They are here illegally are trying to dictate how this country is run. Got to love that. Well when they register at least it will be known where all these illegal aliens resides. They have admitted to being here illegally so it should be OK to deport the parents right. Also if you can’t qualify or finish your studies right. Deported.
shelby
December 17th, 2010
3:10 pm
KGolden: Amazing well said….These kids are NOT CRIMINALS. People who oppose this need to get their facts straight. I stand strong and I would vouch for my student any day.
An American Patriot
December 17th, 2010
3:13 pm
Cindy Lutenbacher
December 17th, 2010
10:54 am
To Cindy and the rest of the DREAM Act supporters – Please tell me “What part of ILLEGAL don’t you understand”? Mr. Duncan is just following orders from a power hungry POTUS when he supports this.
joe
December 17th, 2010
3:14 pm
Instead of “Dream” acts, how about “Reality” acts instead. If you want something that you cannot afford, you tend to dream about it…but reality brings you back down to earth and makes you realize you have to WORK for it.
Just like the lady in Macon who cried to the Macon Telegraph today because she was denied some government funding to pay for her GA Power bill, and in the photograph taken by the MT, it shows a 50 in HDTV and Wii gaming system in the background. Before dreaming about owning a 50-inch HDTV and Wii gaming system, she should have looked to reality and realized, if I buy these luxuries, I won’t be able to pay my bills. Typical entitlement philosophy that is killing the USA.
And now we want to add up to 30 million more people to give entitlements to? Unbelievable.
shelby
December 17th, 2010
3:16 pm
At Stop the Dream Act: you must really hate your life. Sorry no offense. I bet your parents aren’t angels and you too. Im almost positive that most of the people who are opposing this are probably not the picture perfect American like the movie “PLEASANTVILLE” IT IS 2011. Yea Im American and my grandparents are of French descent, but I was taught to have morals, values, and sympathy towards people.My grandparents taught me so much and I’m so grateful that I am not as ignorant as most people posting hateful statements on this site. Are we taking this back to the days of Martin Luther king? You sound like a racist
stop the dream act
December 17th, 2010
3:39 pm
Wow calling people a racist because they don’t have the same beliefs as you do. Saying my parents are horrible people. They came to this country legally and raised me to love my country. Hell I wasn’t even taught their native language because they wanted me to learn English and did everything they can to abide by the laws of this county. What other countries are willing to even go to these great lengths to entertain the idea of amnesty. I have morals, values and grateful for what I have. I just don’t believe in the dream act. Sure there are some illegal students here that will be a great asset for this country. The numbers that have the ability to really do great things. Don’t think will be so great. Does that mean I’m a racist. No just a realist. I want to see our borders secure. Yeah I say deport the ones that are here illegally. Have them go through the immigration process.
Vickie
December 17th, 2010
3:43 pm
Even the Virgin of Guatalupe has been invoked in this most christian of causes; no the Democrats aren’t selling out this country’s future for votes:
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy questioned prioritizing spending money on this instead of other initiatives Friday. “It is a case of mixed priorities when Congress can find millions in funding for students who are not here legally, yet fails to find adequate funding to help our senior citizens heat their homes,” he said in a statement.
Beautiful Dreamer
December 17th, 2010
3:44 pm
Well I read all the posts here today. I don’t really have a dog in the fight but was just interested in some insights to help make up my mind. I believe the anti-Dreamers (e.g. South Ga Teacher180) make a more rational case for their position. The pro-Dreamers arguments are more emotional (shelby you really do need to adjust your hormone medication) but less substantial. I think it’s going to take more than a couple of high school kids crying about their situation to change the law of the land and hand legal citizen status to these guys. I realize it’s kids we’re talking about, but I also know the proposed law covers people up to age 29. Folks I’m sorry but 29 is not a kid.
Vickie
December 17th, 2010
3:46 pm
I cannot imagine the nerve it takes to go into someone else’s country and start taking social services and demand more all the time. It really is amazing.
shelby
December 17th, 2010
4:07 pm
Beautiful Dreamer: lol Hormone medication? I just strongly support it. If you don’t thats ok. Like I said everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you read my previous posts you can also see how I tried to look at it in a different way. Even if it wasn’t passed. It would take lots of time and money to try to find all the undocumented and deport them, time and money that we just don’t have. If you want to look at it logically it really a big issue with regards to money and our country, which I agree. But you can either take our time and money and help bring potential prospects for our country or we can take our time and money to try to hunt and deport….when in the end…they will still remain here. Their not leaving just something we have to accept. So we can incorporate them into our society and help the US grow or……..Also, yes you said 29 but if you read the bill they would have had to enter before the age of 16…this means these 29 year olds have probably been here since they were 1,2,5,7,14 etc. They have been here ever since. Its not like they came here at 29.
panola
December 17th, 2010
4:10 pm
If the DREAM Act is approved there will be 2 million less American kids going to college over the next several years because some politicians want to give those slots to illegal aliens.
Why do some politicians hate American kids so much???
However we American citizens do get one thing out of it… the bill. Yup the democrats want the American taxpayer to subsidize their education while cheating our own American kids.
The Nightmare Act has no cap, no end-date and no enforcement. Illegal aliens merely have to claim — not provide evidence — that they meet criteria. It’s simply a “mass ongoing amnesty”. In the future any foreign family with a school age child can sneak in the country and enroll their child in school to obtain automatic citizenship.
Why do some politicians encourage this corruption???
shelby
December 17th, 2010
4:18 pm
PANOLA: You do have to show proof such as middle school or high school records. I’m sure INS will look into this and be able to determine if anything is false or what not. Also, I hate to say this…but other countries hate us…just the way it is. I mean we do have the lowest education rate. What can we do? thats life.
NotShelby
December 17th, 2010
4:35 pm
Shelby. Your arguments do not address the fact that this applies to millions who are well over school age..30 yrs old (so far).
It will allow them to sponsor thier families….who WILL NOT LEAVE to get sponsored and YOU know it.
What proof do they have for any of the requirements? They are UNDOCUMENTED,remember.
Finally,have any of you seen the marches in 2006? Have you seen the ages of these marchers?
Have you heard what they have said?
Try searching for mexica-movement.org or look up AZTLAN which is taught in OUR COLLEGES!
Do we want more of that?
Howie
December 17th, 2010
4:35 pm
What benefits US if all the undocumented kids are deported? Pass DREAM Act is the best solution.
My Take: Christians should keep the Dream Act alive – CNN (blog)
December 17th, 2010
4:36 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
NotShelby
December 17th, 2010
4:38 pm
by the way,shelby…..IF the INS EVER did it’s job …none of this would be needed.
and YES they will be leaving…
So many citizens are sick of hearing “we ain’t going anywhere”. That kind of attitude is the reason they will never get amnesty again…ever.
shelby
December 17th, 2010
4:48 pm
“NOT SHELBY” I LITERALLY LAUGHED OUT LOUD FROM YOUR NAME. OK IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
shelby
December 17th, 2010
5:08 pm
@ “Stop The Dream Act”: “Wow calling me racist….. and saying my parents are horrible people” isn’t this the same accusation your making of these undocumented students?
Dream act supporter
December 17th, 2010
5:16 pm
Ok heres my story. I just graduated from high school last may. With an above average gpa. Im going to a community college, but unfortunately i have to pay out of state rates even though i have lived in CO for most of my life. But here is my question to all of you who oppose the DREAM act: my sister is one year older than me, but she was born here in the United States. So my question is what is killing you guys about this bill that will let me pay the same for tuition as my sister and eventually contribute positively to society if we are both immigrants but i just happened to be born elsewhere. Please consider this, this bill means THE WORLD to all of us law abiding potential beneficiaries of this act, so please support it and try putting your selves in our places or you children. Wouldnt it kill you to have your dreams shattered just because of your status, which by the way you had no say wether you wanted to move or not. Or even being called a criminal or thief just for wanting a better future and contribute to this great country we ALL call home, legal or not. So please lets have this dream become reality.
shelby
December 17th, 2010
5:22 pm
DREAM ACT SUPPORTER: I SUPPORT YOU AND I WILL TRY MY BEST TO CONTRIBUTE TO MAKE THIS A REALITY FOR YOU AND MY OTHER STUDENTS.
shelby
December 17th, 2010
5:23 pm
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
David
December 17th, 2010
5:26 pm
Access to this country is a not a right rather a privilege. Americans, not politicians determine how this country works. However, even though I am against the Dream Act I am all for the Unification of the USA and Mexico.
Politicians are out of control, Border is out of control, Deficit is out of control, and illegal is illegal.
Here is what I would propose. Revoke lifetime benefits of the politicians – reality will do them much good. If you are here illegally, and are not a criminal, you stay, however, you are NEVER able to vote or hold office. If you want that, then go to the back of the line and wait for a non-political group – (Private none Government) screening corporation to clear you based on a background check and the needs of the USA.
Then we clean up Mexico, so what we have is a common interest in law and order, commerce and freedom. Then the cultures can will blend quite naturally. Without a scenario like that, just trying to shove it down my throat when I have fought for this country, and seen brave men and women die in the line of duty I will dig in my heels until hell freezes over.
Dream act supporter
December 17th, 2010
5:29 pm
Oh by the way i am a tax payer immigrant for all the misinformed people out there who say ALL illegals dont pay taxes. Its called an ITIN which stands for individual tax payer identification number, so im just asking for one chance to contribute to this country!!!
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
5:38 pm
You deserve a chance! lets give it to them.
kgolden
December 17th, 2010
5:40 pm
To Not Shelby:
Please tell me where you get your information from….once a dream act recipient becomes a citizen it will be about 15 years. Once they are a citizen they can sponsor a sibling or parent – no one else. AND they will not be able to sponsor the parent for permanent residency if the parent last entered the U.S> illegally (i.e., without inspection). For the sibling, they will be ineligible to receive the green card unless thay have maintained status their entire time in the U..S. or are grandfathered by previous laws that called for the payment of a $1000 penalty to receive the green card in the U.S. AND the backlog for the sibling category is around 15-18 years.
Yet in your post you give the impression that as soon as this bill is passed the child will be able to sponsor his entire family for legal status! It just doesn’t work that way.
And as for your statement “what proof could they possibly have to prove they have been here since 16???” School records and medical records will bear that out, no?
I have no idea where you got the idea that CIS (INS hasn’t existed since 2003) will approve these types of cases just on the word of the applicant that they have been here since before they were 15. CIS will require persuausive documentation that the applicant meets the physical residence requirement, just as they do now for other cases where physical residency from a specific date is needed to apply for a green card under specific programs. Your comments simply come across as hateful not to mention completely ill informed.
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
5:48 pm
KGOLDEN: YOU ARE RIGHT, ALL THE UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL I TEACH AT, DO INDEED HAVE SCHOOL RECORDS. THEY HAVE SCHOOL RECORDS SINCE SOME OF THEM WERE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASWELL AS MEDICAL RECORDS. NO ONE CAN JUST BE AWARDED CITIZEN SHIP BY JUST SAYING “YEA I’VE BEEN HERE FOR YEARS” INS WILL SURELY LOOK INTO EACH INDIVIDUAL APPLYING.
“NO SHELBY”: YES YOU ARE ILL INFORMED OF THE CRITERIA
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
6:00 pm
MYTH VS. FACT ABOUT DREAM ACT
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/12/dream_myths.html
Dave Gorak, Wisconsin
December 17th, 2010
6:03 pm
Memo to Cindy Lutenbacher:
What is “hateful” about disagreeing with one point of view? Please use this link to see why the DREAM Act is not just “about the kids.”
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/december-17-2010/sen-sessions-10-reasons-oppose-dream-act.html
Dave Gorak
Midwest Coalition to Reduce Immigration
La Valle, WI
Dream act supporter
December 17th, 2010
6:06 pm
Thank you shelby for your support and all others who give real facts about the dream act rather than angry assumptions. Well here is my last point and it has to do with taxpayers who are concened that their money will be going to immigrants. While this may be partially true, like i said before some of us do pay taxes because it is a requirement that must be proven in order to obtain legal status. For those who havent payed taxes, they will have to pay taxes before becoming residents. There is a ten year wait before becoming resident with the dream act, so has it ever ocurred to you, that just lime every other citizen, every dream act recipent will have to pay taxes in order to get a green card? And also i dont know why taxpayers would mind their money going to an immigrant who more is more likely to value the priviledge of going to college than some other person who takes college for granted and parties his way through school. I am not judging anyone but i do know a lot of those people and i just ask you who you would like your money to go to. Thank you.
Just A Teacher
December 17th, 2010
6:18 pm
It’s just wrong to give someone who is only here because they did something illegal citizenship. There is a problem in America if we are even talking about this. No other country in the world would tolerate having millions of undocumented people invading its borders. I am very sorry for these young people, but their parents chose to put them in this situation. And Shelby, if you know this girl is here illegally, isn’t it your duty as a government employee to call the INS?
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
6:23 pm
Just A Teacher: I don’t have it in me to do that, maybe you would pick up the phone and have this girl sent back to a country she doesn’t know….but I don’t. Actually believe it or not, I have many friends who work for Homeland Security that support this bill.
Why are you saying “invading the borders?’ do you understand that if people cross the border lets say this year….they will under no circumstance fall under this law. Their are very strict regulations on the Dream Act.
Latino Leaders Press Senators on Immigration Bill – New York Times « Contacto Latino News
December 17th, 2010
6:40 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Francisco Canales
December 17th, 2010
6:50 pm
AMERICANS FOR HONEST GOVERNMENT
Dec.15th,2010
Fellow Hispanic Americans, Democrats in Congress done it again. Voting to legalized any one that is here in violation of our immigration laws is to void the rule of law. Obama refusing to secure our borders, enforce our immigration laws and suing Arizona for doing the job that he refused to do, is a betrayal to the American people and will affect us the Latino community.
We the people must hold congress accountable for betraying the American people.
“CONGRESS,LA RAZA, MALDEF, MECHA,LULA AND THE NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP”, Blind by their objective to gain political power, want to void our constitution and the rule of law. Their complete disregard for our constitution and the rule of law are the results of this huge invasion of Mexicans illegal aliens, including the drug cartels, this open border and immigration policies promoted by the Mexicans, Obama and the corrupt Democrats is destroying our country, our Latino character and values are being erode by corruption and crime, we come to this United States in search for a better future, free of Government corruption and we are making this country just like Mexico, corrupt and lawless.
We Latin Americans that opposed to any immigration reform are concern about the character and values of Latinos, we must take responsibility about our economy and welfare, clean up our communities from corruption and crime and support and up hold our constitution and the rule of law; we can not void, or be selective in the application or enforcement of our laws.
This open border policy must end and our immigration laws enforce, to stop this invasion of illegal aliens; no one can call us racists we are just loyal to our country the United States of America, this country give us the opportunity to make for ourselves and our families a future of prosperity and we can not betray our country, we come to be part of this Unite States, not to make here a replicate of the country we come from.
Obama and the Democrats immigration policy, cost the States billions of Dollars in social services, education, law enforcement and the war against the drug cartels criminal activities.
Obama and the Democrats must do what is right for America or they will be out of the job, no one that betray the will of the people should be elected to office.
Mr. politician this is what loyal Latin Americans want and what is best for our country, to fix your ill immigration policies and save our country from becoming third world country just like Mexico.
1-Build the fence and secure our Borders, enforce all immigration laws and revise our refuge and asylum policies, to insure their return to their country of origin when is safe for them to return.
2- Pass a legislation that will make every state part of the enforcement of the immigration laws and fund this obligation with the confiscation and sales of property from drug dealers, human traffickers and organized crimes, also by a sales tax.
2- Work on a immigration reform that will not allowed any family reunion clause or petitions for parents, siblings or any relative and exclude and deport any one with criminal record also deport any one that is given US residence upon conviction of any felony crimes.
3- Change our constitution to stop anchor babies (U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC Bill)
4- prosecute any employer that hire an illegal immigrant. The responsibility for compliance rest on the owner or the president, vise-president and human resources directors if the violator is a corporation. Violation of this law should be a jail sentence of the minimum of 5 years.
We the people will work to get the traitors out of Washington. We ask you that get inform and vote out of office the politicians that fail to vote for what is best for Americans.
Here is the list of the traitors that voted to void our immigration law and give amnesty to illegal aliens using political tools that voided the voice of the people.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/08/AR2010120807941_2.html
Stop the Dream act, call these Senators today.
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-219596.html
Francisco Canales
teapartyoftx@gmail.com
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/nusablog/beckr/december-7-2010/congress-votes-today-millions-10-year-work-permits-illegal-aliens.htm
OUR CHARACTER AND VALUES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COUNTRY. STOP THE EROSION OF OUR CHARACTER AND AMERICAN VALUES THROUGH EDUCATION.
Senate to Cast Crucial Vote on DREAM Act on Saturday – Fox News « Contacto Latino News
December 17th, 2010
7:01 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Extremes make me scream...
December 17th, 2010
7:03 pm
Once you teach a student that is the top of his class, brighter than his classmates but is unable to get into a college because of this residency status, it is heartbreaking. These children (some do not speak Spanish) only know the American way of life. To send them to Mexico is ridiculous.
I watched a documentary that talked about how other countries teach English in preparation to compete with our students globally. We do not want to retain our best and brightest bilingual students. RIDICULOUS!
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
7:05 pm
Francisco Canales: IM UTTERLY SHOCKED. YOU’RE A TRAITOR TO YOUR OWN CULTURE. IM AMAZED. IM THANKFUL THAT I AM AMERICAN AND I HAVE AMERICANS ON MY SIDE TO FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY AMERICANS GO OUT AND SAVE THEIR WOUNDED OR KIDNAPPED FIGHTERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES? MANY…AND YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE WE STICK TOGETHER AND YES WE ARE A STRONG NATION. BUT AS FOR YOU FRANCISCO, YOU AMAZE ME. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOUR GREEN CARD WAS REVOKED? THATD BE INTERESTING. ARE YOU MEXICAN?
DREAM Act for Illegal Immigrants Faces Key Senate Vote – ABC News « Contacto Latino News
December 17th, 2010
7:16 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
kgolden
December 17th, 2010
7:51 pm
To those that keep bleating out “Obama is thwarting the rule of law!!” consider the following:
Laws are not and never have been absolute. As society changes laws are updated, amended, etc. This happens especially when the law does not functions poorly or does not serve the purpose for which it was intended. It s a specious argument to say that the immigration law is the law and we all need to just follow the law, no questions asked.
Guess what – during the rise of nazism in the 1930s the German government passed laws requiring people to inform to the government if they suspected that a neighbor, friend, etc was jewish. This was done to try to register jews. We all know how that turned out, right?
Should we have all blindly followed the law? After all, If you knew someone who was jewish and didn;t inform on them you were committing an illegal act. Of course not, that type of law was an absolute abomination. So spare me the “rule of law” argument. When the law doesn’t work you look to change it so that it works better for society. That is a fundamental principle of our country and clearly too many people do not see this.
The current immigration laws are not really abominable, but they are a fiasco – grossly inflexible, unduly harsh and do not serve the best interests of our society. The immigration law changes that were passed back in 1996 really screwed up the system because it created harsh penalties for minor violations and Congress was supposed to (but never got around to it) create a sufficient legal channel for foreign workers to come and work in jobs that we need to fill in order to run our economy. For many years workers would come to the U.S, because U.S. employers were offering plenty of jobs. There was lax enforcement by our government for a long time and congress hasn’t been able to come up with a realistic workable solution that balances border security with a better functioning immigration system.
Burroughston Broch
December 17th, 2010
8:07 pm
To all posters pushing the DREAM Act for whatever reason, please take the time to review the citizenship requirements of Mexico. You will learn that they are much more stringent than our present requirements, much less those proposed by the DREAM Act. You should then realize how foolish you have been by pushing the DREAM Act.
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
8:27 pm
@Burroughston: just drop it
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
8:30 pm
@Kgolden: Can you believe that guy Francisco? I’m amazed…..btw you bring up really good points
shelby "Dream act supporter"
December 17th, 2010
9:12 pm
Signing off guys. Everyone have a happy and safe holiday.
americanconservativenews.com » Blog Archive » Operation Buck Up redux: Stop the DREAM Act; Sessions’ last action alert
December 17th, 2010
9:31 pm
[...] leaders to lean on Senate Republicans who have supported DREAM in the past. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is also leading a last-ditch push to make illegal aliens’ education a priority while strapped [...]
GNGS
December 17th, 2010
10:09 pm
There are a lot of emotions on both sides of the issue. If we all step back a little and think a little, it should not take long to realize that the DREAM act is a good idea.
First of all, yes, they broke our law. The question is what should we do about it. I realize that 20 to 25 percent people in this country and probably higher percent people in Georgia are willfully ignorant. If you are one of them (how do I know, you ask, simple, if you think Iraq had WMD, the president is a Muslim, or you are not sure about whether the president was born in the US), please ignore this post. All sane people agree that deporting all undocumented aliens is not going to happen. There are many reasons for this. For one, “it is cost prohibitive” as acknowledged by the Fox news owner.
Since we are not going to send them packaging, and they are not going away. How do we deal with this? If your concern is tax, giving them a legal status is the first step to fully integrate them into our tax system. Think about it, many young and productive people (ones with a college degree or serving in military) will be paying into social security for 40 plus years before they see a dime of benefit. Incidentally, our social security is going to have a negative cash flow in about 10 years (depending on many variables of course). In fact, non-partisan CBO has estimated that the DREAM act has a net positive impact on our deficit. Thus, the DREAM act is good for us. There are other reasons to give them a chance to be a part of our society. Tax is just one of them.
Toto: speakin' the truth to power
December 18th, 2010
1:47 am
“To qualify, they must graduate from high school, enter college or into the military, and stay out of trouble.”
Arne Duncan supports SLAVERY! HOW ON EARTH IS THIS CONSTITUTIONAL? Martin Luther King would roll in his grave! This creates a new citizenship status. They must go to college? OH REALLY? Who will pay for it? We know that a larger number of illegals score lower, mainly because of language barriers; therefore, the main non-choice for most is TO GO TO THE FRONT LINES IN AFGHANISTAN! Folks, all the banksters are doing IS SETTING THE STAGE FOR A DRAFT! Never forget OHIO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI7-m919ynU
Obama makes calls for DREAM Act before critical vote today – Houston Chronicle « Contacto Latino News
December 18th, 2010
2:10 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Obama makes calls for DREAM Act before critical vote today – Houston Chronicle | Fourneau Bruleur de Graisse
December 18th, 2010
8:06 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Extremes make me scream...
December 18th, 2010
9:50 am
What angers me is the consideration for the political implications on both sides oppose to the future of these children. Of course Democrats supports this because more than likely they will have 65,000 new voters. The Republicans oppose it because the Democrats will have 65,000 new voters. The Republicans do not give a darn about cost (evident of the tax cuts for the rich, middle class entitlement (welfare) programs, and the ever expanding military budget).
Consider the future of these children.
TopPublicSchool
December 18th, 2010
10:47 am
This is how Atlanta Public Schools handles it on the Northside of ATLANTA…
Concealing Segregation/APS/Jackson Elementary
http://www.youtube.com/user/TopSchoolAtlanta
Blatant Student Discrimination/Jackson/APS Leadership
http://www.youtube.com/user/TopSchoolAtlanta#p/u/5/0tCFMSuQBTQ
TopPublicSchool
December 18th, 2010
10:51 am
This subject is a total embarrassment to all tax paying citizens in the city of Atlanta—APS—Under an umbrella of leadership directed by Superintendent, Beverly Hall- Atlanta Public Schools has more to hide than just cheating on standardized tests. Everything and everyone needs to be scrutinized carefully to make sure these unprofessional leaders are held responsible for their actions. They do not need to leave their posts with dignity. It is impossible to justify any support for their psychopathic, self-righteous administrative attitudes. How many additional corrupt administrators will be left in the upper ranks in decision making positions to “carry on” with business as usual in APS. Beverly Hall’s resignation will not cleanse this den of inequity.
http://www.TopPublicSchoolCorruptionAtlanta.com
Governor Perdue’s office takes ACTION with APS
http://www.youtube.com/user/TopSchoolAtlanta#p/u/4/7ykbZYUIHRk
TopPublicSchool
December 18th, 2010
11:02 am
Yes …on the Northside of Atlanta…they give the Hispanics an entire school and bus those children in so the high achieving schools don’t have to deal with them.
I think this was called the slave quarters in the days of living on the PLANTATION.
Should we do the same with our Asian population, too?
We’ve already separated our African American population on the North and South of Atlanta…
And it is covered up by the minority administration for LOYALTY AND POLITICAL FAVORS.
.Atlanta Public Schools officials use the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD for the connected “Black Folk” to attend these affluent schools. Turning a blind eye to zip codes that don’t live in the neighborhood.
First you gots to pass the test!
Can you keep a secret?
“SOILED HANDS” in the MONEY- No Consensus
http://www.youtube.com/user/TopSchoolAtlanta#p/u/24/dDSFPmcD3Tk
Senate tackles Dream Act, ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ in Saturday session – Los Angeles Times « Contacto Latino News
December 18th, 2010
11:23 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Senate fails to break logjam on DREAM Act – USA Today « Contacto Latino News
December 18th, 2010
11:50 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Senate blocks DREAM Act – USA Today | Z-YORK NEWS BLOG
December 18th, 2010
11:52 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Pattie
December 18th, 2010
11:59 am
Political ignorance & racism in this country must be stopped.
And all You dream act nay sayers – your lack of spelling skills match your ignorance!!
Vote for tolerance & acceptance- Give everyone a chance!!
And end to the DREAM for now. Senate nixes bill. | Get Schooled
December 18th, 2010
12:27 pm
[...] In his conference call yesterday with the press to urge passage, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that the Obama White House would try again but this was the best chance to gain passage of the DREAM Act given the Republican dominance of the Congress come January. [...]
Senate Blocks Bill For Illegal Immigrant Students – New York Times « Contacto Latino News
December 18th, 2010
12:28 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Just A Teacher
December 18th, 2010
12:32 pm
@Pattie
I find your categorization of anyone who is opposed to this act as politically ignorant or racist repugnant. I am neither. I am a government employee who works in a field directly impacted by this proposed legislation. I am also somewhat familiar with US Immigration law, having friends who hold dual citizenship and some others who have resided in the United States for many years while documenting their legal status with the federal government annually. I am opposed to this legislation because I know that these people could have entered our country legally and did not. I know it is difficult, but these laws were put in place to safeguard our country.
james
December 18th, 2010
12:49 pm
o.k. if we pass this bill, then what becomes of their parents? do we also grant them citizenship? surely we can’t have a divided family. also what about those students who do not do well in class but get a non skilled job. should they also qualify? it would seem unfair for those kids of illegal parents who do not graduate but maybe have a job to grant citizenship?
funny how no one wants to tackle a few of these issues.
Senate Blocks Bill for Illegal Immigrant Students – New York Times « zverit.com
December 18th, 2010
1:29 pm
[...] None Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Senate Blocks Bill for Illegal Immigrant StudentsNew York TimesThe Senate on Saturday blocked a bill [...]
kevin chang
December 18th, 2010
1:41 pm
It’s OK to help the illegal one If we got all the $, and don’t know what to with it?! How about to educate the legal one FIRST!!!
Video News Blog » BREAKING NEWS: DREAM Act Dies In The Senate 55N – 41Y – Hispanically Speaking News
December 18th, 2010
3:41 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Immigration Vote Leaves Obama Policy in Disarray – New York Times | entertainment and news portal
December 18th, 2010
4:32 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
TopSchool
December 19th, 2010
1:07 pm
@ Pattie…pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzze this is a blog…Spellin, corrict gramer, and puntuation…
People just expressin themselfs off the top of there heads…