Should kids be separated from parents based on immigration status?

[...] Should kids be separated from parents based on immigration status?Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Her family claims they were told Emily would either have to be sent back to Guatemala or put in a juvenile facility in the US where she could end up in foster care. US Customs and Border Protection claimed they did offer the Ruiz family an opportunity …and more » [...]

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ScooterKat – I am writing this reply with full respect for your feelings.

You see Sir, the ONLY reason most of the illegals have come to USA is for a better life.If they have come from Mexico, Chile, India, China, or wherever….they would have gone back long time ago if there was something worth going back to in their home countries.

Take for example, all those people in Japan living near the nuclear reactor,,, they have all moved out of their homes and have NO INTENTION of returning because radiation is there right now and WILL BE even years later…so if they had a chance to come to USA they will stay here no matter what.
They fear for their lives and many illegals are in a similar situation… they are not all running away from radiation but are SICK AND TIRED of living wherever they were because they would have a meaningless life there.

Just being able to provide a modest home and being able to buy simple things like milk, eggs, bread, cooking oil etc, for their families from what they EARN WHILE WORKING SOMEWHERE is just a blessing from God for them.

IF you have never been out of USA or have not taken time to understand WHAT EXACTLY POVERTY IS then you will talk the way you are talking.

It is all about COMPASSION my friend….the economy of many countries have gone to the dogs and there is VERY LITTLE HOPE for a better life.

I grew up in a country in Africa. When that country was newly independent everything was available and there was political peace,… people were happy and there was no crime at all. The economy was booming. But after the Gas prices rose in 1975 and prices of exports fell the economy of many countries went down too.

After some 20 years, the Government had messed up the economy and simple things like milk, bread, eggs etc, were not easily available.
Due to inflation everything was unaffordable and unemployment was high too. SO the crime increased and there was increase in murders and home invasions, robberies, looting and corruption and the police force was totally weak because the Government had no money to make it work.
My mother who was over 65 years of age stayed at home while my dad still worked at a Government job.
One day he went to work in the morning and when he came home at lunch time he found my mother stabbed to death and our home was robbed.

POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE does not guarantee ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE.
Many people have come to USA and not gone back when their Visas expired simply because they had nothing better to go to. Some have been here for years and have been MODEL CITIZENS where they live and now it is ONLY RIGHT to allow them to live here permanently.

YES … WE MUST SECURE OUR BORDERS… but there are those who have been here for many years.. what should we do about them???

Where should we look for an answer ??
DO you think we should look for answer in the Bible ??
I think if we do WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO then we cannot go wrong… and the Bible says that those aliens who have been living amongst you … make them a part of your nation.

Our God is a Compassionate God… and if we do what is right then WE KNOW THAT GOD WILL BLESS THIS NATION EVEN MORE.

Unless you do not trust God !!

Sam Ina

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Mr. Ina, here is a biblical argument from Rabbi Spero:

Though the Bible does not outline a specific immigration plan, it does have a lot to say and thus for us a lot to consider when pondering the nuances of the immigration problem facing us. Those demanding amnesty for the 12 million illegals and possible swelling of that rank to 50 million due to future family reunification, often cite the biblical verse: “Thou shalt not afflict the Stranger, as you were so afflicted while in Egypt”.

To so broaden the phrase “not to afflict” to mean a requirement that society suspend its own laws, open itself to a sudden and perhaps inexorable transformation of its very own culture, be exposed to new strains of disease and crime, and mortgage its financial future for the upkeep of those strangers is not only absurd but a deliberate and obvious miscasting of what the Bible actually means.

This country, unlike Muslim countries, does not afflict its strangers. Our streets and stores are open to them as well as our own and their own houses of worship. And unlike the ancient Israelites held in Egypt, we do not enslave our strangers nor allow them to be beaten and, in fact, would not sit idly by while a stranger of any background was being robbed, or raped, or denied any of the humane amenities, absent citizenship, of civilized life.

Our sense of justice and “man created in the image of God” would be sickened by cruel behavior. Most of the ancients did inflict the stranger and many countries outside of the West still do today. But even with the exhortation not to afflict, the biblical alien was not a citizen but remained, in matters of citizenship, a stranger. There was no magic amnesty and automatic road to citizenship.

How did the ancient Commonwealth of Judea assimilate its strangers? It was a two step process. The first was to apply the designation “ger-toshav” — a resident-stranger; and, thereafter, the title ‘ezrach” — a full citizen. Both steps had to be earned; they were not simply granted.

A “resident’ had to agree to live by the civic rules of ancient Judea. He did not, however, have to fully adopt its religion, Judaism. But when explaining what those rules were the Talmud makes clear it entailed allegiance to the country’s many civic laws, its safety, the sharing of various tax burdens and fidelity to the country’s main cultural theme of monotheism. To prove that allegiance, a once-a-year pilgrimage to Jerusalem’s Holy Temple was expected. As a resident, the alien was offered dignity but not provided the manifold benefits of citizenship, nor was he an equal in civic matters.

Much of this would horrify many among today’s multicultural left, which promulgates that residency in America demands little in the way of adoption of American ways, culture or language. Indeed many of us would be less apprehensive if we were certain of a melting-pot desire by this crop of immigrants as was found during previous waves in which ” to become American” was an animating impulse stronger even than finding a land where one could make money.

The “resident” status of ancient times would in our terms be similar to someone entitled to a Green Card, with temporary status. Many of today’s Latino illegals are genial and display a penchant for two classic American virtues, namely, hard work and self-reliance, and their emigration from a Christian country supplies them with a strong basis for internalizing the Judeo-Christian ethic that founded and still suffuses our culture. Our future with them will be made better by not allowing ourselves to be influenced by organizations such as La Raza whose goal appears not for assimilation into our culture but an angry retention of Mexican culture with the hope of co-opting America.

Being a resident-stranger in the Promised Land did not yield full citizen benefits. Full benefits and equality were provided only to the citizen, the “ezrach”, one who totally committed himself to his new land. In those days, that commitment was manifest by conversion to the country’s religion, Judaism. And while religion is no longer the litmus test for citizenship, the act of any form of “conversion” means a coming forward from one’s old society into one’s new one, a public coming out, with a new and proud allegiance to one’s new country.

In those days, this took courage for it made one proclaim to his family back home that he was now identifying with a different land, a different people. And today as well, true and meaningful citizenship requires courage since it must entail a form of renunciation of the old land and the exclusivity of its race.

Many of us are still not sure this is the case with all 12 million being granted amnesty. We cannot grant amnesty and citizenship carte blanche, nor simply on a hope that all will turn out all right. The would-be citizens from the ranks of the illegals must first come forward and prove themselves, one-by one. In the Bible, “conversion” was not simply accepted but first tested — a knowledge test of what it meant to be a part of this people, and a loyalty test to the adopted nation-state.

Many of us want this issue to be resolved, but can not accept any plan until America’s borders first are secured. We cannot take a leap of faith for a plan that defies the historic concept of rule of law, especially when those forcing this law on us have not even shown a willingness to do that which will end the tidal wave and danger of unchecked immigration: plugging the dams at the borders.

The open border proponents feel, it seems, more compassion for those here illegally than law-abiding citizens in border towns whose property, hearth and home, as well as their schools and hospitals, have been brazenly assaulted or exploited. Where is the compassion for them? We seem to pay more respect to political groups manned by illegals than our own people. Those who raise a voice in their own behalf are demonized as racist or bigots. Perhaps that’s why there is no faith, no confidence, in our lawmakers. Is this simply a quick fix?

That borders are an imperative to a nation’s cohesion and survival is amplified in the Bible numerous times: “And if you shall follow My ways, I will protect your borders so that the strangers and enemies will not fill your camp and be a thorn in your side.” As a compassionate but sensible book the Bible understood that any country wishing to preserve its culture and way of life is one that must be able to manage its borders. Those who neither understand that nor give it credence simply no longer value the historic American culture. And they most certainly are not led by a compassion greater than mine or yours. They seem to be guided by an indifference to the citizenry.

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@ Sam Ina

There are people/nations all around the world that are in desperate situations but the other nations can not take them all in. It has nothing to do with a belief in God but everything to do with space and jobs. I do understand where you are coming from because my mom is an immigrant and came to the US after marrying my dad. They are still married and in love after all this time. I grew up on horrible stories about my mom’s child/young adulthood. One that sticks in my mind is of my mom when she was a little kid. She was little more than a baby herself when she cradled her baby sister in her arms as she slowly died while her mom was away working in the fields. When my grandmother came home she just dug a hole and that was that. Life was cheap in her family but being sympathetic doesn’t make a country develop more jobs or more landmass. There has to be a stopping point and enforcement of it.

On topic, I do think that the immigration official should have had the situation explained to the dad in Spanish if he didn’t understand English but I also think that the family, even if it had been explained in Spanish, might have chosen the same route because of deportation fears. Maybe the answer is a change in the law that doesn’t give automatic citizenship to children born in the States.

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Illegal immigrants (for lack of a better word) have committed wrong and the sooner people realize it the better. American citizens commit wrong and are punished for their wrongs. Legal immigration is fine, but illegal immigration is another matter and the illegals should be punished for crossing the border illegally, overstaying visas, using false social security numbers to work, stealing identities, squandering the resources of American citizens, etc. Are we now, into dual laws? one for the American citizens and one for illegal immigrant? Once a country begins to have dual laws, it becomes just another third world country. These people should own up to their crimes and, if deportation is necessary, be deported along with their children. as the parents are the culprits in this matter. Most advocates will bring racism to the table, but it’s not about race, it’s about the rule of law. Racism is their out, but it’s about the rule of law for all!

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Amen to Independent. The parents made the choice and if they are deported, they have the choice of leaving the “American born” children or taking them. Crime is crime, is crime. This whole issue of illegal immigration is strange to me because the USA already have laws in place and I don’t see where they are so broken!

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I have enormous sympathy for our illegal immigrant families. That they came here for a better life is undeniable. That they broke the law in doing so is also undeniable. Either change the law (everybody in!) or enforce the law. This half and half thing is not working–not ecoomically or socially.

I teach many children of illegal immigrants, They owe their US citizenship to an illegal act, and I believe therefore should not be citizens. Our laws do not reward people for breaking the law (ie, a bank robber doesn’t get to keep the proceeds of his robbery). The children I teach are almost without exception hard-working, well-behaved, and bright. Their parents, again with 3 exceptions I have seen, want their kids to do well and don’t drop the “race” card when their child gets into trouble. They may be unable to help them academically due to poor/no schooling themselves, but they support la maestra when there is a problem.

Many illegal immigrant folks in my particular community believe that “they can’t send us back if we have a US citizen child.” In fact, no matter how poor the family, one of the first things they do when a new baby is born is to get a passport for that child! Probably 90% of my children of illegal aliens have a passport. Compare that with less than 10% of the “regular” US children.

I believe if we are to have any credence in this world, we have to identify and repatriate illegal aliens as they come to our attention. This means in hospitals, schools, workplaces, or wherever. If they have citizen-children, then the parents must decide whether they are going to allow their child to be raised by a citizen here, or if they will raise the child themselves as a US citizen in the parents’ country of origin, with later repatriation for the citizen-child if they choose. All parents have to make important decisions regarding their children; this is no different.

Do I think the parent could have picked up his child? Yes. He had been here 15 years; he knew the rules and enough English to have been able to work. He was counting on our “justice” system to feel sorry for the child. While we should always be compassionate, we must defend our laws. It does not show compassion for those keeping the laws to allow others to break them.

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Many of the countries of origin of illegal immigrants to the US have much more draconian immigration laws than the US. I don’t know the laws of Guatemala, but at least for Mexico, if you enter the country illegally you go directly to jail for a long time. I hate that families run the risk of being broken up or legal US citizens that are children are sent with their parents out of the country. But I also recognize that we are a nation of laws – laws that are supposed to apply equally to all. Our immigrations laws clearly spell out what happens if you illegally enter our country. There are consequences for everything you do some of which are not real pleasant.

As too not offering a translator, the last time I looked, the language of out country was English. When I go out of the country, I understand that I might not be able to communicate with people where I am going. That does not absolve me from my responsibilities to the country where I am going. While it would have been nice if a translator had been available, one could argue that it was the responsibility of the grandfather to be able to communicate. If he cannot speak English, then he should have been prepared and brought his own translator. It sounds harsh but why do we have to bend over backwards to accommodate everyone when they make no effort to accommodate us. The grandfather had a valid work visa which implies a longer time presence in the US. Why had he not made an effort to learn English?

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Duel citizenship should be ended now. Thats the other main reason these people come here. First is work and they do take our jobs. Second is to have a kid in the us and get on the social system, living off welfare and foodstamps, while they work for cash, live 5 families to one house and break the laws.

I believe in immigration, however, I do not believe that Americans should be out of work. 18 million americans are out of work and 18 million illegals are here working illegally and not paying taxes. If the government does not do something to control this then the Americans will have to do it themselves. All those in Washington that are against America and for Illegals will be voted out in November. WE THE PEOPLE ARE SPEAKING AND THEY BETTER LISTEN.

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Thank you for calling.

For Spanish press 1, for Indian press 2, for Japanese press 3, for Asian press 4, for English wait till after all out other non-citizens have been take care of.

Would be funny if its not the truth.

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Want to solve the budget problem, put the fair tax in play. Not only will it even out the income taxes but it will make every single one of these illegals pay for the services with social and medical that they use up in this country. Imagine the rise in revenue if the 30 million illegals started to have to pay their fair share in taxes.. We would have more revenue thats for sure.

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While I appreciate the calls for compassion, I think that the compassion of the American taxpayer is coming to an end where illegal immigrants are concerned. Illegal immigration costs us an estimated $113 Billion per year, and that figure is growing. Yes, they came to America for a better life, but at whose expense? The vast majority of the money they make here is sent back to Mexico, not spent locally, so they don’t contribute much to our economy. Instead, they drain it, and take advantage of every welfare and entitlement program they can, usually via a fraudulent social security number. They make little effort to adapt to US customs, but US citizens are expected to adapt to theirs. Why must we “Press ‘1′ for English” rather than insist that they learn to speak English? Why must we educate their young at our expense? Soon, as is the case here, you have the tail wagging the dog. Even Mexico’s president criticizes our immigration laws and Arizona’s stand against illegals, but why should we care what he thinks? He doesn’t want them back since the money they send to Mexico is that nation’s second largest source of revenue. I am all for legal immigration and for immigrants that adapt to our society, while paying proper taxes and staying off the welfare doles. Illegals need to be sent back and go through the proper procedure. One last question for those compassionate ones out there: Would you show the same consideration for someone who broke into your house, decided to live there at your expense, expected you to pay for their food, clothing and education, stole from you, and invited more of their friends to move in, too? Something tells me you would be calling 911 at the first opportunity. Oh, and don’t forget to press “1″ for English!

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On one hand, they are illegals, and broke the law to get here.
On the other hand, if I was subjected the same desperation, and I looked north to see the beacon of hope and freedom, I would have crossed…in a nanosecond.

I regularly Thank God that I was born in The United States of America, the Greatest country that has EVER been.

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First, he’s been here since 1996 and doesn’t speak English? Yeah right. No sympathy here. Being born here from illegal parents should make the child illegal as well. Sorry, but they all need to go back to their home country.

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There should not be automatic citizenship given to children of persons here illegally. That is one reason they come here. Send them all back and revoke the child’s citizenship status. Tired,poor huddled masses need to enter legally.

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All of these anchor baby children have stolen American citizenship and should never have been granted it in the first place. Every immigrant who goes to another country leaves family behind. DUH..that applies to all countries everywhere. They visit family through visas. The purpose of immigration is not to bring everyone you know from your home country to your new homeland. Same with this garbage about the DREAM ACT. There are colleges in every country around the world and illegal alien children have already raped the American taxpayer through funding of their primary and high school education. Send them all back to their own countries. The massive invasion of the Third World is not what America needs and certainly not what we want.

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1. The law regarding illegals giving birth and automatic citizenship for the child should be reviewed and changed.

2. Our immigration laws should be changed since business obviously has a need for their labor. America has in the past allowed for vast amounts of immigrants, let’s change the process to make it legal for the required labor to come to America.

3. Place a $10,000 fine on any business caught with an illegal working for them. If the “food source” for illegals dries up (jobs) the deman will no longer exist.

4. Deportation. Try going to any European nation and overstaying your visa time, you’re shipped out.

5. Every nation has to be able to control it’s borders.

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Gee I bet there are no leftwing extremists on the HuffingtonPuss.com staff, ya think?

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The immigration issue has seemingly become the source of many of the alleged ills in America. Lack on jobs? Blame the illegals. Underperforming schools? Blame the illegals? High government debt? Blame the illegals. We are a nationis doomed to repeat our history (and not in a good way) because we have forgotten it.

A brief elementary school history lesson: This country’s founding fathers were “illegals”, all of whom fled England to escape religious persecution, etc. in their homeland. They promptly arrived and began “eliminating” the Native American population, as they began occupying the land. They were not American citizens; they made America their own. Through ingenuity and hard work, the America that is touted today by many proudly as “my country” was born. That is the history of our founding fathers. Now, compare and contrast that to the current immigration issue. Yes, there are some differences: 1) the majority of those who have come here are indigenous, Spanish speaking people, 2) most of them are here simply to work and are willing to take the lowest paying jobs, 3) the vast majority of them are not here commiting crimes, nor have they displaced any Americans from their land, possessions, etc. Just food for thought, simply my opinions. Do I think that there needs to be more aggressive border control? Certainly, it’s a national security issue at a minimum. However, this is an issue that has long been silently ignored for YEARS, and not just for the Spanish speaking illegals, but also for all of those who came here on student visas AND NEVER went home (the highest number of those in this country illegally statistically). I think the feds will have to look at this realistically. To deport 11 million people, to include children who were born here and are U.S. citizens is not feasible and is more costly than their “illegal stays” here. Yes, they should have to pay some sort of penalty (sizeable) for their illegal arrival, and go through a rigorous process towards getting legal residency. But here are some facts: 1) most illegals actually file and pay U.S. income taxes (the ones who work), 2) most of them cannot receive any type of federal/state benefit because they cannot prove citizenship, and 3) economy(esp. Ga. construction boom in early 2000s benefitted GREATLY from them as skilled, cheap labor. So know the facts first, please. Read. The statistics and information is out there.

Now to address the current question. If the child is a proven U.S. citizen, with birth certificate and passport, she should be allowed back into the country of her birth, period. The key question is whether she would have someone to care for her here, as her grandfatehr was taken into custody. The attacks on kids who were born here, have birth certifcates, and are U.S. citizens, is a complete red herring. When we as a nation start playing semantics regarding who is considered a U.S. citizen (either by birth or immigration), and in particular, when we start attempting to reinterpret and misinterpret the 5th amendement of the Constitution, a slippery slope begins.

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TWG,

You are going to get (already have) many “too long to read” comments on this topic. This is a polarizing issue that trancends the family aspect.

Oh, about the topic – what Photius said…I like his take on a going forward solution.

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Erica,

I need to respectfully disagree on your history lesson. For all we now know about human migration, EVERYBODY on the planet, except the Africans that never left (think Dinka tribe) are illegals…somewhere on the planet.
Humans did not arise in the Americas, Europe, Australia, Asia, Anarctica. They all, Native Americans included, came from somewhere else.

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I agree! If you are here illegally then the children you have are illegal. Imigration can work if everyone goes through the right channels. It is such a burden on our resources!

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Illiegal aliens need LOOK no further than what is going on in Egypt and Libya to get why Americans are so angry. They should have stayed in their country and fought for their freedom and rights for a “better life” on their own soil. Instead the US has been “used and abused” for decades by our “neighbors” and all of a sudden we are the “bad guys”.

I really don’t understand why we (US) keep having to defend ourselves on these talking points.

Again, families were “broken” when these folks snuck in, why do we continue to have to blamed for something they started by coming here illegally.

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@Lori, before you get so sad about the lack of compassion, think about what you normally see on this blog (from many of the same people). Perhaps it’s an indication of the issue rather than the people. I personally am a very compassionate person, but the abuse of the system has pushed my compassion past its limit on this.

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@Erica – this is not being directed at anybody but those here illegally. I suggest you understand what people are saying here before getting on your high horse. And no, illegal students do not deserve a quality education here, where neither they nor their family have contributed to the tax base that pays for it.

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Why should people be allowed to enter this country any differently than most peoples ancestors did?

They came through Ellis Island (or through another immigratin office), they were documented, and they followed the proper process to being here legally.

One of my best friends is Irish. He has been here since 1978 when he was three. He now has two kids and a wife here….all American citizens. He still has to renew his green card just like any other legal immigrant.

How is requiring proper documentation being a bigot? You can’t even get into Canada for a visit if you’ve had a DUI in the last 5 years, but with no background on the people at all the United States is expected to just let anyone that can sneak into the country stay as long as they want?

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As to this particular issue -they should all be together -in Guatemala. I certainly don’t blame people for wanting to get to the USA so they can make a better life for themselves and their families, but we simply have to do something -NOW. Amnesty was fine when Ronald Reagan did it, so I think we should do it right now and become incredibly stringent from here on out -and that means repealing the amendment and no longer automatically granting citizenship to anyone born here. IF your parents are either legal or well on their way to becoming legal citizens (meaning they entered legally and are maintaining the proper channels to live here, work here and become citizens themselves), then you can be granted citizenship upon birth. Otherwise -no. IF you are picked up or detected after the amnesty date and you did not report to receive your green card/processing papers, then you’re automatically deported with no questions or explanations. Those two laws alone would drastically change and help the illegal immigrant problem. You should also be deported immediately if you are arrested and convicted or found to be in any sort of gang.

Before anyone thinks I’m all out of compassion -I’m not. WE are all complicit in this issue. Whether you’ve done so personally or are only one or two degrees separated from it, we’ve all enjoyed the fruits of illegal labor. I’m the first to point out to those wishing for a nation-wide “round up” and deportation that sure, that’s fine if you want to pay $5 for a head of lettuce or a tomato and $1.5 million for that house that cost you $300,000 a few years ago. We have allowed our agricultural and building industries particularly to go on for years using illegal labor because we all benefited from it. The insurance premiums and costs of ER visits, school costs, etc. for all of these illegals is how we’re paying for it. There’s no free ride! The only way to truly make any sort of change is what I mentioned above. The family in this article shines a bright light on several of the problems -grandpa somehow has a work visa but came here illegally and has been living here as an illegal; dad has been here at least 4 years (age of daughter) but hasn’t bothered to learn the language, so he’s using that as an excuse (sorry, our language is English -I love other languages and multiculturalism, but I wouldn’t expect Guatemala, Mexico, China, France or any other non-English speaking nation to automatically speak English for my sake if I were in their country); and ultimately the fact that both of the child’s parents are illegals -this is why people have lost their compassion over this issue. The illegals not only want to be here and pay no taxes, but they want to enjoy everything tax-paying full citizens do! We have enough freeloaders who ARE citizens without adding more to the mix. And yes, I’m aware that they pay sales tax, but they need to be taxed on their income, their property and every other freaking thing just like the rest of us. “Membership” has its “privileges.”

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-Automatic citizenship for these babies should be done away with, period.
-If you live in America, you should learn English. If I were moving to another country, I would EXPECT to have to learn their language. Why should English speaking kids have time in the classroom taken away because of those who don’t know English? Why are my taxes paying for this?
-And speaking of taxes, why should they pay for food and medical care of those who are breaking the law?

It’s so frustrating to those of us who work hard, do the right thing and abide by the laws of this country. Why should others get special treatment?

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Why do we have all these discussions of compassion surrounding Mexican citizens and none for Haitians? They get shipped back as soon as they look at the borders. I say ship the all “illegals” back if all “illegals” won’t receive the same compassion and “oh, they just come for a better life” argument.

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@Lori – go to gwinnettmugs.com – and see how many illegals are being “Held for immigration”.

These illegals are crowding our jails and costing us taxpayer money, yours and mine. They are tying up our judical system. They have brought drugs, crime and gangs to our area. They are major trafficers of heroin, cocaine. They are setting up “grow houses” and meth labs in some of the finer neighborhoods, your and mine. They are killing each other, and anyone who happens to get in their way. Innocent children are the victims, innocent elderly are the victims. They carjack, they kill and don’t think twice about their actions. How would you feel if something like this happened to one of your loved ones? I’d think twice about your earlier statement…..

We don’t have enough of our finest men and women (Police office, and other law enforcements) to combat this DISEASE. We must do something about it.

I’m all for rounding them all up and sending them back from whence they came……IF they want to come back to the grand old US, do it properly and I, along with MANY others, have no problem with that. If you really want to be in America, then follow the rules.

I have some wonderful hispanic neighbors. They go to work EVERY SINGLE DAY, Sundays included. They leave before 7 in the mornings, and we don’t see them until after the sun goes down. They are very hard workers and have done some work on other neighbor’s homes, mine included. They are all LEGAL, and they are more than welcome in our neighborhood. We party with them New Years Eve, and on Sundays, they are a part of our “driveway parties” and they cook out and grill with us. They contribute to our society and follow the rules. They speak ENGLISH……although I know they speak spanish in their house, and sometimes on the driveways…….but They did it correctly and I am more than happy to have then as neighbors.

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@Erica -see, all it took was looking at the front page of the AJC online edition to spot this article. It would seem that Atlanta is INDEED the place to be if you’re a minority in business!

http://blogs.ajc.com/business-beat/2011/03/23/metro-atlanta-is-no-1-in-minority-run-firms/

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…. You’re a bad liar, even online.

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It is generally considered that a child is the responsibility of the parent until they reach legal age. The parent can care for their child in their own country, and the child can then move to the U.S. when they are of legal age. If the parents of a citizen-child in this country breaks the law and ends up in jail and the child cannot be cared for by family, then the government steps in with foster care, etc. until the child is of legal age. HOW IS THIS ANY DIFFERENT? The illegal immigrant is being treated exactly like any citizen in this country who broke the law, and the child is being treated as any citizen would.

@Erica: This country was also founded in a tradition of war and rebellion, as evidenced by the American Revolution, and early immigrants who came to American didn’t expect the United States to educate, feed and provide medical care for their children. They only wanted to come to America as a chance to exercise their work ethic and prosper.

There is a mechanism in place for people to enter our country. We, as citizens, are asked to obey the laws, or we are punished. An 18 year old who drinks a beer can be arrested. But someone who enters our country illegally and contributes to the overcrowding in our schools and the strain on many border states’ medical services is long past the breaking point, and increasing in other areas — why do people think that these flagrant flouting of our laws should be overlooked in the name of compassion? I have NO problem with immigrants who follow and respect our laws, and in fact, I admire their willingness to take on the U.S. and exercise the opportunities available here.

What I have NO sympathy for are those that seem to think they are above — or below — the law. They may not think that the law applies to them (and indeed, it may not have applied to them, in their country, if their country was not evenhanded in applying the laws.) However, one of the beauties of this country is that the law DOES apply equally to everyone. “Equal opportunity UNDER THE LAW.” Step outside of the law and it’s rules, which have been created to protect the citizens of our country, and you lose your chance to “equal opportunity.” Someone has to pay for education and someone has to pay for medical care. If someone invited themselves into your house and then expected me to send their child to a private school and pay for their medical expenses if they got sick — you’d be exclaiming over their rudeness and brazeness, and would be all for calling the sherriff for eviction. How are illegal immigrants any different?

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In 1982, federal legislation was enacted entitling all students to a free public education from kindergarten through 12th grade. That same year, the Supreme Court upheld this legislation in the case Plyler v. Doe, stating that this policy further guarantees all access to K-12, regardless of immigration or legal status.

A 5-to-4 majority of the Supreme Court found that this policy was in violation of the FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT, as illegal immigrant children are people “in any ordinary sense of the term”, and therefore had protection from discrimination unless a substantial state interest could be shown to justify it.

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No, Anon, Plyler v Doe dealth with a Texas law that DENIED education to illegal immigrant children.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plyler_v._Doe

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Also, if YOU and all your other cohorts are such stringent believers in the rule of law, consider this: Have any of you ever…

Exceeded the speed limit
Driven with one too many drinks in you
Failed to pay a ticket or appear in court
“Fudged” a little on your taxes
Taken office supplies home without asking
Driven in the HOV Lane while alone

We’ve heard these silly arguments before, ad nausem. Your like the little boy who kept crying “wolf”. Argue the same points long enough they just don’t have the same effect and fall on deaf ears.

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….um, counterpoint. Check this out.

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/8/12/II/VIII/1325

The code clearly states that illegal entry is a civil offense. The penalties outlined do not differ greatly from those for local civil offenses such as DUI and Reckless Driving. Some states, such as Missippi, have counties where it is regular practice to require jail time for many moving violations.

While further levels of crime, such a marriage fraud, do carry heavier penalties, this code clearly identifies illegal entry as, again, a CIVIL offense, on the federal level, not unlike “crimes” I named.

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Oh, and counterpoint, the reason you get sick of hearing these “silly” arguments is that they continue to expose the hypocrisy of people who use “Law” as their rallying cry, when it’s clear that it’s based on a culture of fear and hate.

I was born here in Atlanta in 1978, lucky to be born into a latino family that were citizens thanks to my grandfather coming to the US in the 1930’s when there were next to zero immigration related statutes. He grew up here, served in the armed forces, and gave all of us a chance at a better life.

I have seen the culture change and the hatred that is fueling this fight. I never heard any complaints about “illegals” in the 80’s and 90’s when they were helping transform Georgia into what it is today, being a huge portion of the workforce in residential and commercial construction, allowing you to buy houses for half of what they should cost. But now… everything that’s wrong in America is the illegal’s fault??? I’m sorry, but I’m not buying it.

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I agree that something needs to be done, but what?? They sent that little girl back home with her grandfather, and she was a US citizen, but they let REPEATcriminals who are illegals stay here? I don’t get it. They system is so messed up. But I feel bad for the kids. They didn’t ask to be here illegally, and there is no legal method for them to become legal once they are here if they weren’t born here. I have a hard time wanting children to suffer because of the actions of their parents. I think, if we clearly aren’t going to make people leave, then why not give them some better way to become legal & pay taxes like the rest of us.

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Wow… Fed Up. You have no good response, so the best you can do is accuse me of being an anchor baby??? Quite pathetic, dontcha think?

And for the record, both my parents, and everyone in my family are all citizens, and have great respect for America. My hostilities are directed at people such as yourself who replace reason with fear and hate. I’ll have you know that no one in my family has ever been on welfare, and I’ve worked every day of my life since I was 15. This is a stark contrast to so many “citizens” who, even back in 1990 when I lived in Dalton, GA, would rather sit at home, in government housing, and collect welfare and food stamps than go work in the carpet mills. That’s why they started recruiting the illegals in the first place.

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@ Georgia born Latino: Please do not become disillusioned by the venom and and rancor that the immigration debate has brought about this morning. As I read, I had to stop and think, despite all of its advances, the South still has very strong, deep issues regarding race, class, and culture. What this debate demonstrates is that we are still not there yet. While the Civil Rights movement very clearly was the spring board for the diversity that is present across the nation, there are still the ghosts of the past mentality (i.e. Cradle of Segregation) that remain. Continue to persevere. Education was and will continue to be the path through ignorance.

For those who tout the ” goodness” of our fine state, with mindsets similar to those displayed on today’s blog, look at the cities and states (some of which are our neighbors) that are surviving and thriving in this volatile economy and you will note one of many key factors: ethnic and cultural diversity. Examples would include Pennsylvania (i.e. Pittsburgh), DC Metro, Tennessee (esp. Nashville), and Texas (i.e. Dallas/ Fort Worth, Austin and Houston). So, hold on to your antiquated and limited mentalities and watch as the world continues to move right on past you.

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“If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” Illegals always face problems when they duck under the line and enter America illegally. Tough! You knew the risks when you came in illegally. It is unforgivable for you now to use your children as emotional blackmail to get your way. Go home, Take your American citizen children with you. They can always come back when they are 18. You can’t, so stay home.

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@Erica, feel free to claim the small infraction illegal immigration being a Civil offense.

Look up Federal Income Tax Evasion…it’s not. It’s a harsh felony.

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@ Georgia born Latino

Your views and outbursts are in the minority as there are many legal latino immigrants that do not share your views towards illiegal aliens. I really think you are speaking up because you have something to hide or gain something big by supporting illegal aliens.

We do not fear or hate you, we just want you gone if you are are illegal.

Things are not going to work out the way you hope. Sorry.

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This has basically become so out of control, that this is the type of option that is the only thing left available. If we were enforcing the laws from the beginning, we wouldn’t be having this problem now and this little girl wouldn’t be put through this. I feel sorry for the children caught in this, but we can’t start making a new rule for every case based on circumstances. It’s sad that we’ve put ourselves in this position.

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Fed Up, I’d venture to say I know substantially more legal latino immigrants than you do; many through birth, and many more who did struggle and fight through the system to do things “the right way”. I can assure you that those who did go through the system are some of the most frustrated with it. The system itself is broken, and often punishes those who do the right thing.

One thing I would like to make clear is that I fully support a very strong border. Until immigrants see crossing the border as MORE dangerous than staying home, the “invasion” will continue.

HOWEVER, when you have 12 million illegals already here, and you consider that the DHS has estimated that the cost of deporting an alien averages $10,000 per person, it simply makes economic sense to find a better solution.

I do know many latinos, and people of other countries as well, who are “illegal”, either by entry or overstaying of a visa. The vast majority would gladly assimilate if there was any way for them to do it, and would pay whatever fines were necessary to make that happen.

Since that solution has been expressed by many latino conservative organizations and been so violently rejected as “amnesty”, what else can I conclude other than fear and hate as your true motivation???

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Hi Erica @ 8:19am….. You might want to re-read early American history.

Our Founding Father’s were most certainly not “illegals” but rather Subjects under the Crown of England. All were born in the Colonies are were considered English citizens. In 1783 at the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War the Colonies ties to England were legally severed and the USA officially was independent. So our Founding Fathers were English citizens and then legally became American citizens – they were American citizens and they were not “illegals”. Going after the American Indians didn’t become United States policy until well into the 19th Century.

Might want to re-read that elementary school history book…

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Erica,
Please feel free to relocate on out of here. Perhaps you would enjoy Arizona.

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Why do people always use the child as justification to not enforce the law for deporting illegal aliens? “Yes, they broke the law to come here, but you can’t separate the child from his parents!”. Really? Do we use that reasoning for other crimes? Don’t other criminals who break our laws go to jail regardless of whether they have children? Why is this any different? You commit a crime, you pay the consequences. And you should think of the effect on your children BEFORE you commit that crime!

Also, imagine if your neighborhood was near the border & you had literally thousands of strangers passing through your area annually, even through your back yard. Some are looking for a job, some may be smuggling drugs or have other criminal intentions. They leave trash, feces, etc. on your property. How would you feel about going for a walk in your neighborhood in the evening? Or letting your children play outside if you weren’t watching them every second? I don’t even want to see ONE strange man in my back yard, let alone large groups!!! Where is your compassion for Americans in that situation?

It’s time to deport those who are here illegally! Our schools and hospitals are being drained financially. Our city, state, and federal social services are being drained as well. Watch the news & see how California is going bankrupt.

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I went to visit San Diego a few years ago – Dad lives out that way – and I was amazed to see signs on the highways that depicted a family in silhouette. I asked what it was for and I was told that it’s a warning to drivers to watch out for Mexicans running/walking the wrong way on the highway. We have to have signs for this?

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@a_mom… You make valid points. I think most rational people will agree that border security should be a higher priority, and to this date has been botched by the feds.

That said, GEORGIA isn’t a border state! Illegal immigrants, especially those who are just here to work and provide for their families, are part of Georgia’s fabric, and will continue to be. I agree that our schools and hospitals are suffering, but healthcare was a problem long before anyone blamed the illegals, and our schools have been steadily declining for decades, regardless of how much was spent on education. Is the solution to SPEND millions, even billions, to ship them all back where they came from, or potentially BRING IN millions, even billions, once they become legal residents? (notice I did not say citizens. That is a priviledge earned over time.)

As a mother, are you telling me you wouldn’t break a law of any kind to give your children a better life, or shield them from harm? You know in your heart what the answer to that question is.

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I have a friend who was brought into this country illegally as a young child by her parents, who also came here illegally. She grew up in this country, looks and sounds “American”, has never been arrested (or even had a traffic ticket) and speaks fluent English. Her husband is an American born citizen and U.S. Marine and they have two children together. Her illegal status was a source of deep embarrassment and shame for her. She had been advised by several immigration attorneys over the years not to apply for citizenship since, although she was breaking the law, as long as she didn’t try to change her status from “illegal” to “legal” she was under the radar of immigration authorities and could, essentially, stay here illegally for the rest of her life. But, because she loves this country, considers herself to be an American, and as a mother felt she should set a good example for her family, she decided to pursue her citizenship anyway. Shortly after she applied she was informed that she was being deported and sent back to Mexico. She knows virtually no one in Mexico and speaks very little Spanish. She was forced to leave behind her husband and children and go live with relatives she barely knows back in Mexico and continue to pursue her goal of being allowed to re-enter the U.S. legally, although she had been told by authorities that that is unlikely. Ironically, her parents and all of her siblings continue to live in this country illegally, simply because they never attempted to apply for citizenship.

Once you look at illegal aliens as individual human beings instead of just one giant mass, you see that this isn’t a black and white issue. When you think of an illegal you naturally have a mental image of shifty, uneducated thug, entering the U.S. for the sole purpose of committing crime. Certainly there are those who fit that description, but I would argue at least as many illegals are good people who very much want to be here legally but have absolutely no idea of how to go about achieving that goal. These are people who truly love this country and value it in a way that those of us born and raised here never could.

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Kate,

Truly a sad story, but if these illegals had done the right thing several years ago, they would have no problem. It was not the hot button then that it is now. Hopefully your firend will take this opportunity to connect with her people, learn Spanish, and help them fix their country.

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Healthcare was not a problem long before illegals came into the picture. As early as 2000 many citizens had excellent coverage. Families like mine paid premiums and often did not use what we put in, that why they call it insurance. Now my kid’s pediatrician office is filled with patients that do not pay a dime. All I hear is peach care for the people ahead of me not paying and when I finally get to the counter they want payment in full even though I have insurance. I have seen the healthcare system bankrupt itself with my own eyes.

IF illegals are given legal residency they will not bring BILLIONS into our economy. What is happening now will change. There is no magic wand you can wave over this entire situation.

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P.S. Did you all read the latest story on all the news outlets that the 2010 Census showed that Hispanics are now 1 in every 5 in the U.S. population, numbering 50 million in the 2010 census? Wondering how that ties into the immigration issue and the current popular push to “throw em all out?” What’s the fuel behind the rancor: a renewed need for immigration enforcement (minimal to none over the last 10-20 years)or……very simply….fear? Fear of what this country’s demographic may look like in coming years and how that would change/ shift shape political and economic power?

Interesting timing….stay tuned.

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Example, Sage. If we just use the total cost of fees to achieve residency, total cost is 2 to 3 thousand dollars per application, once all the forms are submitted. If you added to that a fine, like what Utah has proposed, of $1500 to $2500, depending on whether you entered illegally or are overstaying a visa, you get a figure of at least $3500 per application.

With 12 million illegals already here, you’re talking about over $40 Billion coming IN, not counting the increased tax load they would carry. You could divert that money directly to maintaining a virtually impenetrable border.

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If the process is followed and there is discrimination, it is legitimate. If the process is not followed, and special treatment is expected, it is not discrimination.

The risk the parents took coming to another country illegally is known. If they are caught, then the they must abide by the rule of law.

I am sick and tired of illegal immigrants expecting special treatment and using the Civil Rights movement to back up their cause. Blacks were Americans who fought for fair treatment in their “own” country.

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I feel that we need to look to the past. If you are wanting to send all the illegals away, then we should all leave, save for the Native Americans. What our ancestors did was steal land that was not theirs, push away the ones that belonged here, killed them with their diseases and massacred those that opposed them. We are all immigrants. When our ancestors came to this land did they have to fill out immigration papers and wait for decades to be able to come legally? No they did not. I have adopted a son that was born in Mexico. I am his only parent according to his birth certificate and we are still trying to legalize him. He is now 16 years old and has been with me since he was 7. If I had tried to legalize him before bringing him to this country he would have received his legal entry papers after it was too late. He wouldn’t have needed a mother then. So can you see what our problems are with the legal way and right way to do things? I certainly can, maybe because I have an insight into the immediate problems. The illegal immigrants that don’t need to be here are those that are commiting crimes and they are making it hard for those that are here working, paying their taxes of which they have no hope of ever receiving. So if we kick them all out and if we change the “anchor-baby” law, then everyone with white skin and no Native American heritage should also be forced to leave!!! Then lets see where this country ends up. Much better I’m sure.

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I am a born US citizen and my parents are Mexicans with US citizenship through Naturalization. I am on both sides. I believe that the girl has the right to come to the US because she was BORN in the US as she please,s as for the parents they do need to respect the laws. They should go back to Guatemala with their daughter and if the little girl wants to stay here then she can stay with a family member who is allowed to be in the US. We do need to secure our borders because I am tired of paying taxes for illegals to have their babies so they can stay and be put on welfare and receive money, health care, and food for FREE! I don’t receive those types of benefits why should they? I pay taxes for them and I am tired of it if I ask for help from the government they won’t help me, but they ask for help they get it! On the other hand illegals have jobs that Americans don’t want and for a lower cost for Americans. We benefit from the work they do after all they take of our kids, clean our homes, and build our homes.

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I’m afraid the question here is being worded wrong. It’s not up to immigration officials to decided whether a family should be split up or not, that incredibly hard question is left to the family itself. This is simple, citizens of the US should be allowed to live here, and non citizens should not. That is how the law is written (with expection for work and school visa’s, temporary green cards..ect..), and for good reason. Too just open the flood gates and allow anyone and everyone to pour in, will only hurt an already hurting economy.

Now, that being said, it’s up to the families to decided if it’s important enough for them to have their kid(s) live in America, that they would split up their own family. No one thinks this will be an easy decision to make, but who ever said life is easy. There are ways for people to immigrate legally, and that’s what people who wish to come here need to do (which by the way is a TON easier then immigrating to most other countries). Also, keep in mind that the US does not make a habbit or forcing people back to their homeland if the situation is unstable, or would threaten their life or their families life.

And, keep in mind that breaking the law before you’re even a citizen is not going to help your chances of gaining citizenship, doesn’t look good on your resume… just a word of advice.

{DISCLAIMER}

***the comments here in no way attack any race, and only wish to see the laws already in place carried out, without bias to nationality, religion, or color***

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How is it that 4000 illegal immigrants can afford to be off from whatever job it is they have and pay for a babysitter to go protest. Oh wait, they are living off of their multiple anchor babies public assitsance stipend, so they have all day, while actual taxpayers can’t leave their job to counter protest.
This debate is tired. Really really tired. If the parents come to the United States illegally and abuse the 14th amendment by having as many babies as quickly as possible for the US citizen taxpayer subsidized benefits then the whole family should be sent back to their native country and the birthright privilege revoked for the kids. Tell me please, how many illegal immigrants are paying enough taxes to cover their own hospital bills, welfare checks, and all of the free social services that they abuse? Oh wait, the majority of the money the illegals get paid under the table without any taxes withheld is sent back to their native countries via remittance.
One of the biggest problems that I have is that the illegals don’t come to this country to become part of the US culture, they don’t even attempt to learn the native language, which believe it or not, is English people. It says in the article that they were chanting in Spanish. All they want to do is live off the working US citizen taxpayer.
Ask any generational citizen what they think of when they say US citizen, but I guarantee you it’s not the children of illegal immigrants. If you were born in the US to illegal immigrants, then you are not a US citizen in my book. Unfortunately, these people know how to manipulate the 14th Amendment.
The illegal father should have been worried that he would have been deported, but yet he complains that he wasn’t given an interpreter and all he speaks is Spanish. Learn English. Enough said…..

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@Denise
You are correct. No one has compassion for Haitians. Several years ago, ICE had a raid on a house in my neighborhood. They took away several members of an African family who overstayed their visas. Yet, several families from South America who are here illegally and who have been reported by the neighbors have never been questioned. Double standard!

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From the PeachCare website…
PeachCare for Kids™ exceeded its two year enrollment goal in its first year of operations. Georgia ranks fourth nationally in numbers of enrolled children. Only California, New York, Florida, and Texas have enrolled more children.

The states have a high number of people illegally residing in the state.

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@James Giles

They have large families because many Latinos are Catholic. The Catholic Church doesn’t support taking birth control.

Many American families had large families until a few decades ago. However, with education, less reliance on farming, women entering the workplace more and other factors led to the decrease in family size.

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Buiness likes them for their buying power, useing whoes money, politicians like them , more votes for freebies therefor goverment has to collect more money, form the middle working people because they have to ,more politicians to repersent all the people, political people never cut their benefits, Mexicans do not have to put children in car seats, have you ever saw one fasten up 4 little one s in seats, they dont have social security no to go to school , they will be provided a no. DONT DO BUSSNESS WITH ANY, WHO HIRES ONE, LEGAL OR ILLLEGAL< BOYCOTT

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http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/illegalrights.htm

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as far as i know american is one of the very few places where illegals have the same right as citizens. how is that right? when you travel to another country you are told ‘the US constitution does not go with you”. i really dont blame people for wanting to come here from a terrible place. i cant understand why they dont do it the legal way. and i really cannot fathom why this country lets it happen. and as far as latinos being catholic being the reason they have so many kids-due to the catholic ban on birth control…does the catholic church say its ok to do illegal things, like be here when its not legal for you to be here? i think not.

it just really blows my mind that people who are not citizens are given the same rights as citizens and are eligible to all the ‘entitlements’ of the welfare system. our country is broke. probably beyond broke. why can dss not let illegals into the programs that were established to help US citizens? i dont understand that.

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STOP THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OCCUPATION

America has a new version of the E-Verify system that should be officially mandated by the federal government, so all businesses must conform or face harsh penalties. Currently Prison terms are not high on the list for employers, who knowingly hire discount labor. Painful fines should also be approved, with confiscation of business assets and property involved in the criminal enterprise. Around this nation an estimated 8.5 million jobs has been stolen during the illegal alien invasion, with over ten million in a legitimate labor force still hunting for jobs. This is not a satisfactory circumstance for the TEA PARTY leadership, whom are building their ranks of pro-sovereignty people. Americans are furious and frustrated with business as usual. E-Verify is voluntary currently owing to the blocked vote of Democrat, pro-illegal immigrant Harry Reid. It was diverted by him in the Senate from being permanently installed as an enforcement tool. THE DEPT OF JUSTICE USED THE GREAT STATE OF ARIZONA AS AN ILLEGAL ALIEN CAUSE, BECAUSE THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION HIS HEAVILY INFILTRATED WITH LEFTIST DOCTRINES.

AMERICA IS BEING DEPLETED OF OVER BILLIONS OF DOLLAR ANNUALLY BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OCCUPATION. THEY ARE ARRIVING NOT ONLY IN ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA OR JUST BORDER STATES, BUT ALL STATES EAST.

Lobbyists for big business have been detrimental for generations, pushing their ideas, philosophies with large campaign contribution. Undisclosed cash and gifts hidden from public viewing and no policing, has brought portentous advantage in Washington and State Congressional offices. Like so many other Unions, the SEIU has unknown numbers of illegal alien labor in their membership, to abundantly add to their shrinking numbers. Many protests that we see today for illegal immigrant rights are mobilized by trade union influence. Only new converts like Arizona Representative Jeff Flake who has joined the ranks of pro-sovereignty activists, is already being demonized for his change of political tactics on illegal immigration. He has obviously seen that we cannot subsidize the forever snowballing effect of public welfare costs and the inability of this country to sustain a growing population, depletion of energy, water and spreading trend of farm land for development.

E-Verify has been successfully overhauled and now has grown in popularity with hundreds of thousands of honest companies in every State implementing its resources. However, this is not so in the Sanctuary States of Nevada, California, New Jersey and Texas. California, with Nevada is heavily in debt, credited to the Liberal influences in its legislative politicians enacting laws in Sacramento and Virginia City. California, Nevada have one of the largest illegal populations in the country, where foreigners are draining the welfare, workers compensation, unemployment benefits and other public services. Many of these people are using fake ID, as countless numbers do for years, undermining many regular Americans credit history and personal information. Other States are just becoming more aware of the grave situation, caused by the economic aliens crossing our–ALL–borders or flying in from foreign countries.

Until a politician becomes a victim of stolen ID or fraudulent documentation nothing will be accomplished in Washington. No legitimate person’s papers will be safe as even new born babies, military abroad or even a deceased Social Security number is prey. Many are here to cheat the system so taxpayers are forced by federal law to fund their family’s education and free health care. Secure Communities and policing law as 287(G) are further innovations to apprehend foreign nationals who have settled here. Death tolls are rising at the hands of illegal immigrants, as many arrive here with mayhem in mind. Dragged from the sewers of foreign ghettos, they come to pilfer the people’s wealth, either by legal means or through criminal activity. Removing illegal immigrants from this nation will go a long way to reducing Federal, State and County deficits.

In SAN GABRIEL, Calif. last week authorities have closed three effluent townhouses that were operating as a maternity homes for Chinese mothers paying thousands of dollars in fees to give birth in the America so the children would automatically gain citizenship. Police and city health inspectors found seven newborns and two mothers when they closed the homes for building code violations.The women stayed at the property before and after giving birth at local hospitals, a spokesman said. U.S. law automatically entitles children born on U.S. soil to citizenship, and it is NOT illegal for expectant women to visit the U.S. to give birth? This has become a multi-million dollar ponzi scheme, brought to us by Liberal interpreted- from- the-bench Liberal judges. Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King sponsored a bill that would limit automatic citizenship to people with at least one parent who is a citizen, a legal permanent resident or served in the military. The organization called NumbersUSA, shows information, H.R. 140 on there million member website, that the amendment to the 14th Amendment and now has 71 Sponsors to halt this financial loss. Taxpayers are force by unfunded mandatory law, to pay $6.000 to 8.000 dollars per delivery or more according to hospital fees. Call your Senator or Congressman at and demand they become a sponsor for H.R. 140, to aid in saving your country from insolvency YOU WILL LOCATE YOUR FEDERAL, STATE POLITICIANS IN THE BLUE PAGES OF YOUR PHONE DIRECTORY.

In Europe regular police departments are not restricted, by Liberal prohibitions with such ill-conceived agenda’s as “Political Correctness” having every right to check an individual’s immigration status, whether they are driving or a pedestrian. In Germany, France of even Britain you had better have your passport on your person or other government ID, when it’s requested by the authorities today.

Those of us who are tired of the money influences and power of corporate and business entities, the church, special interest groups, and radical groups, should become a member of the rising sway of the TEA PARTY. I personally have had it, with my taxes being taken to pay for foreign invaders support. Many of who are only interested in taking our money, refuse to learn the language or assimilate, dissimilar to the early immigrants passing through Ellis Island. They came here with nothing and didn’t take advantage of taxpayers as back then their was no education, health care or anything else for new arrivals. Just prison! Tea Party is apposed to any form of Amnesty, which includes so-called Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Rescind the birthright citizenship law, except where one parent is a citizen, Any form of Dream Act or Sanctuary City policies (STEALTH AMNESTIES), until the border fence is sealed tight and controlled by at least 5.000 military presence. America will always be susceptible talented workers of the highest spectrum, but not the beleaguered uneducated and hoping to reach this country, to take advantage of its gainful welfare programs.

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@Georgia born Latino…even if someone has done everything on your list everyday and twice on Sunday, if they get caught, they are persecuted according to the law. So are you saying that illegals should also be punished if caught just like all the other offenses…so that everyone should be treated fairly?

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@Georgia born Latino
Why should so many Latinos be allowed to break in line in front of all the other potential immigrants who took their places in line abiding by the rules? Even if you say it is only a civil offense; where is your sense of fairness? It seems that you and La Raza feel Latino immigrants are more deserving than people from other desperate situations. Where is your sense of fairness?

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This family was given the option for the girl to stay. He parents who are here ILLEGALLY did not want to come and get her and risk getting deported themsevles. They INSTEAD, had her sent back to Guatamala with her grandparent.

I wish everyone would stop feeling sorry for the kid. Her own parents did this to her NOT our government.

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This is so totally ridiclous. Yes they should have come here legally but that’s not the reality. These people are here and our government needs to stand up and resolve the issue. Do what your so called President Regan did; allow them all to stay. Families should be kept together. How would any of you feel if you were forced to seperate from your family. Why is it when people of color are involved it is ok to treat them less than human. What sickens me is some of you all really feel you have the right to mistreat others because of race and/or class. Some want to make these unjust and unfair rules forgetting this is not your country anyway. Europeans that were kicked out of thier countries came to America, slaughtered the Native Americans and Mexicans and took the land. Next African Americans were brutally taken from their land and enslaved to build this country. Families were seperated, babies stripped from their mothers and some have the nerve to at like this is all theirs (it’s not). The madness should stop before things spiral this country into another civil war. We all know what happen the last time. Don’t forget the face of this nation has changed and people of color are dominant. And for the so called Christians that think this type of behavior is ok – I understand why so many of us lost. This is why people all over the wolrd despise us. If the tables are turned and you have to flee this country to (Mexico, Canada etc.) what would you do if they refused to let you in. Would you sneak in and begin a life or would you stay here and die? BE HONEST!!!!! Say what ever you want in response to this because it doesn’t matter, reality hits hard and the truth hurts. Remember – if it were you and your babies then what????????

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Black Civil Rights activist attacked by Latino Group. The plan is to keep us divided because united we will be too stong to control. If we allow ourselves to be deceived about who’s the real enemy we will be on the losing end. Come on people wake up and see the truth for what it is. We are not each others enemy. We are actually connected by our blood lines. Both ethnic groups were enslaved during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. Different groups of people were deposited all over the world including South America and Haiti. We need to learn our real history. Knowledge is power.

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JJ this is to your comment yesterday. The crimes you listed below have been committed by people in all ethnic groups. First of all I would like to see how the government is going to round up all the illegals and put them out. It is impossible. Remeber everyone is not a criminal because they are black or brown. We have been conditioned to think this way. Those that think they are so smart will see just how much they need the very people they hate. Take a look at Arizona. The government crippled themselves financially trying to terriorize the hispnic population for a few bad individuals. Criminals should be in jail starting with memebers of the US and State Congress and Senate- these crooks have cost us more money than all the illegals put together. Illegals do pay taxes, they shop, they drive and buy gas, they use public transoprtation, they go to Six Flags, they pay rent/mortgage they support our school systems spending their money all over the US. All these things generate revenue for the state. I do know that there are more poor whites that depend on government assistance than any other ethnic group and it has always been that way since the welfare system was created (do your homework) Just say all the illegals were taken out of your county, the county would suffer a great financial blow loosing all sorts of revenue generating activity. Sometimes we can outsmart ourselves and end up looking like fools. I wonder if Arizona has deported all their illegals and now living happliy ever after???

March 24th, 2011
9:47 am
@Lori – go to gwinnettmugs.com – and see how many illegals are being “Held for immigration”.

These illegals are crowding our jails and costing us taxpayer money, yours and mine. They are tying up our judical system. They have brought drugs, crime and gangs to our area. They are major trafficers of heroin, cocaine. They are setting up “grow houses” and meth labs in some of the finer neighborhoods, your and mine. They are killing each other, and anyone who happens to get in their way. Innocent children are the victims, innocent elderly are the victims. They carjack, they kill and don’t think twice about their actions. How would you feel if something like this happened to one of your loved ones? I’d think twice about your earlier statement…..

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“The crimes you listed below have been committed by people in all ethnic groups”

Missy, did you even bother to go to gwinnettmugs.com, or did you just want to ramble on ill-informed with info that the vast majority of posters will not read?

You are entitled to your opionion, however you are not looking into the facts about how illegal immigration has negatively impacted our country. The facts and statistics are out there and that is why more and more American citizens are turning against illegal immigration.

There were many people just like you speaking up just a few years ago. But citizens educated themselves on the ugly facts and have now decided that illegal aliens have to go. It is not easy for many to have made this decesion, but the overwhelming support is on the side of the citizens and taxpayers of this country.

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@Missy @Itsel Lira,

Sorry, your argument that minorities must stick together doesn’t fly with me. I am American first and foremost.

My grandmother would say, as family, I will be the first to tell you when you are wrong. Illegal immigration is wrong.

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@Counterpoint,
I dream the LEAVE Act passes…

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so many stupid people wrinting ,
the kids of illegals have to go back to the country of their parents? Hey dummies only if you are american indian can say that and stay here all others that are saying to send back all of the kids of illegal aliens have to go back too … when is the cut off date stupid third generation ,fourth generation? oh I see you have no choise you too are the descendant of somebody that came here from another country and must go just becouse you are white does not mean that your familie came here legaly people from england came here legaly when they colonised the us ? no
the law is that if you were born in the US you are a citizen , and you can not be deported so why was she deported ? if you do not like the law change it .

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@ yoo

I do believe you mean Native American and not American Indian. I’m part Native American on my dad’s side and have four US citizen kids but my husband still doesn’t get a free pass to live in the States. We still have to go through the same channels as everybody else.

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@Cobb Woman of Color
Screw you, how are you to tell me whats right and wrong.
If i can recall only about 40 years ago it was wrong to be black now wasnt it?
Yeahh keep yoour mouth shut because your grandma would never say such a thing.

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