Illegal Immigrants Are Humans, Too

meanwhile SoCal is renamed NoMex

Published on January 1, 2004 By Poi Dog In Current Events

Maybe I ought to clarify a few things, just to remedy a few misunderstandings. Earlier, while writing an article on how the Book of Revelations was coming to California, I made a poke at 'a plague of immigrants', which seemed to be misconstrued to some folks as a 'lack of value for human life'. Not true at all. In fact, I've donated a lot of time and work into contributing to my neighborhood via volunteer work and through education and service to others. And that was regardless of who was in need. Oh, and my neighborhood happens to be over 80% Hispanic. Not that it should matter, right?

But I'm jaded. And rightfully so. I'm tired of people coming to this country and saying, "Me, Me, Me", in various languages, of course. And I'm tired of other folks commenting on the American Indian atrocities, as if I came to the West with my repeating rifle in one hand, while saddled up on my painted mustang, eager to repel the barbarous Apaches and Navajos, so that I may stake a claim to some land. Yes, what happened to the Natives was horrible; BEYOND horrible. But I'm talking about the here and now; the regulations to this country; the reason why illegal immigration is taking its toll on those who rightfully have earned their stake in this country. Besides, for the select few that have lamented the American Native atrocities: I don't see YOU donating money, property, or reparations to a select few bands or tribes. I don't see you learning the concepts of Native Law, and helping to restore glory. So shut up already.

Anyway, back to what I was originally jaded about. I'm VERY angry with the amount of illegal aliens infesting the country. It is a wonderful thing to help our global neighbors. It is the mark of the respect for human life. But are you willing to give up what you have for the sake of others? I doubt it. There are many people in this nation that devote their lives to helping others, and they are, without doubt, the most commendable individuals. But they are rare.

Here's an editorial that I have basically summed-up and added to. It was written in the San Diego Union-Tribune by Joseph Neglia of Escondido, and it is by no means word-for-word, but you get the general idea.

How about you sneak across the border of San Diego into Tijuana, and suddenly declare that you must have english-speaking doctors, english-speaking teachers, and english-speaking lawyers. You declare that you must have free money, free food, free foodstuffs to keep your pregnant wife healthy. You must have free legal access, and the right to speak out against the country you just invaded. Feel free to wave the U.S. flag prominently wherever you are, and declare your love for the United States, even though you are now in Mexico. Make sure you stick that U.S. Flag up on your vehicle and drive it around, even though you have no license. Demand a license, and the right to vote. Pool your resources with other Americans, and lobby for more American-Mexicans to hold office. Reproduce. A LOT. Have a huge family, and have the Mexican government pay for their support. Make sure you use the working Mexican people's tax dollars until their budget is sucked dry. OOh, and demand that Mexican police officials learn English.

How about that? Next time one of you 'lovers of human life' decide that I am insensitive, keep in mind that I actively work to educate the children of the illegal aliens, and I serve the poor of San Diego, I serve my country, and I love to work hard for the things that I experience and have. I love human life, but I live in the real world, and I will fight for what I work for. If you are so inclined to help out this world, go join the Peace Corps, or the Red Cross, or one of the many international aid groups, and make a difference, instead of sitting at your desk, writing a comment that says, "You are, like, sooooo insensitive to humans". Educate yourself. But don't ever try to play me off as some jackass that doesn't care about the people of the world.

Oh, and I already know that this nation is comprised of people from all over the planet, so spare me that comment. I believe in asylum, work visas, and green cards. I don't believe in swimming across the Rio Grande, and general sublimation into the United States. It may help one individual, but could hurt dozens of others. I believe in lending a hand to the needy, and raising the quality of life to the poor and desperate, but it does not entail a welcome sign and a bucket of cash at the points of entry into this country. It entails an education and respect for our history and culture (yes, the U.S. has a culture), and it involves a willingness to contribute, and that starts with abiding by the law, just like every citizen here already.

Comments (Page 2)

Sherye Hanson

on Jan 06, 2004

You have written a very insightful article and the editorial you quoted was good. The problem is that this country is very rich and full of opportunity. Things may be going downhill--such as wages and the percentage of upward mobility, but for a hard working, intelligent person from a poor corrupt country with very few jobs--this is heaven. So no matter what we do--there will always be people who will come in one way or another. This happens in Europe, as well as the United States. I met a Cuban in Costa Rica, who came in without papers. A lot of Nicaraguans go to Costa Rica also. This is a global problem.

Tony

on Jan 13, 2004

You're absolutely right, NAFTA was supposed to fix the problem, with supposed being the operative word. I believe what happened was americans lost their jobs to NAFTA agreements, however, when the jobs were exported, wages in the countries where these companies relocated to remained the same, they just created jobs. That may be the reason why so many of these people have migrated to America. What is so hard to believe is that agencies such as banks are accepting EIN to open accounts, even though the EIN is only for tax purposes. It is also described that americans will not settle for low paying wages, guess what, if I need heat in my home, food to eat, and couldn't find anything else for which I am qualified, I would take on the low paying job. What really gets to me is that in a sense we are perpetuating the notion that it is ok to break the rules. As americans with real SSNs if we cannot pay our bills we claim our constitutional right to file for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, and that takes care of our credit. I know of families where all of them work and still cannot afford to buy a home, however, illegal immigrants, using an EIN can purchase a new vehicle (even though they do not have a State issued license), buy a home, live the american dream that so many can't even dream about.
In my job I have talked to illegal immigrants who are getting cataract surgery and other types of surgery paid for by US tax payers and Medicaid. I don't begrudge anyone the right to work, but come on, this is too much, if I need surgery myself or anyone in my family, guess what? I have a deductible to meet from my insurance company, if I don't pay it, I get slapped with a judgement. So, I say NO to issuing visas to anyone who has broken the rules and the laws of this country. Due process must be followed in order to attain residency and then citizenship, I had to do it, what makes all of them different?

Tony

on Jan 13, 2004

One very important point I forgot to mention, should congress pass the president's proposal, kiss good-bye, higher education grants for american whites, american blacks, mexican americans, etc. Illegal immigrants cannot attend school past the 12th grade due to their status in this country, however, if they are issued a visa, even for three years as the proposal reads, they will be able to apply for grants, loans, etc. And being considered by Federal law as minorities... well can't tell you the rest, we will just have to wait and see what develops, only time will tell.

Poi Dog

on Jan 14, 2004

Tony - I found your comments intriguing, and worthy of more research and reading. If you have any particular links, articles, or references, I would find them most helpful. I have worked side by side with many illegal immigrants back in my heyday in the kitchens of restaurants, and it was amazing how many benefits they could receive, and how the workplace even encouraged their illegal status. Many were paid under the table, and others received perks that many in this country would be fortunate to receive. I used to be more silent on this issue, because many people confuse pro-U.S. Citizen's rights as a blow against humanity, and how the U.S. is an immigrant refuge, etc, etc. They seem to confuse the lines between earning and having. I EARN my benefits and my rights, and I expect those who are benefitting from our society to contribute in return. Is it that hard of a concept?

Wahkonta Anathema

on Jan 14, 2004

There seems a noticeable absence from some 'neo...' quarters of this blog site lately. No matter, I'm sure Rush Limbaugh supports the Immigration Policy of President Bush completely. I mean he is a Republican isn't he, and this is what Republicans do to Americans. I mean if Clinton did this, he'd be a great Republican too, wouldn't he?er, I mean... I say ditto,ditto,dittoes to all the comments here. This is the true reaction of Americans to the anti American Pro-tyranny actions of this President. It is betrayal of all Americans, and as a 'Native' American I only speak for myself (we do it that way) but I have to believe any limit of the number of people into our land is in our benefit.

Here's my solution to the Immigration problem and it was condemned when I made it back in the 90's: Every illegal caught entering our Country is placed in a tent city. There they will work for their food and lodging until processing is done as to their status. If they learn and adopt the principles of our Nation, just some simple stuff like patriotism, our language, allegiance to our Country (possibly service in military or other inculcating institution), Law and Order, they may apply for Citizenship. Those who won't do this are put in military transport vehicles and driven by our military 1000 miles into Mexico and dropped off randomly in various locations with all the property they had when caught. This way they won't be back tomorrow (some even being caught twice a day) and they can work for the people of Mexico to pay their way home. I bet the illegal entry would stop in 30 days tops.

If we condone the tyranny of the Mexican government and allow it to infect our Democratic-Republic, I guarantee we will not have the sympathy of these immigrants when th e day comes WE need help. We should seal that border with guns and tell Fox, "Liberate your Nation or die in the revolt which is sure to follow our change in foreign policy. Besides, where were you when we needed help in the Middle East (Mexico and Canada both opposed us)?" And then this tyrant has the gall to say to the press, "we're going for more. We're going for more. " in his planned talk with Bush. UNNNNNHHH! Junior go get my --- I'll take care of this.

Tony

on Jan 18, 2004

Your articles are amazing to say the least, your knowledge on the issue is immense and very impressive.
I am sorry to say that I don't have links to websites or bibliography to give to you for further research. I know all this by living it on a daily basis. I graduated from the State University in Mexico. I lived in Mexico for 25 years Spanish was my first language. I saw many things growing up, for instance, my uncle who was (and still is) just a Resident Alien Card holder would give his SSN to other men to use it to work in the US, these men were illegal aliens and since I was too young to comprehend what was going on I did not know the reason why he would allow other people to use his name and SSN to use in the US.

It wasn't until I came to the US to live that I understood why he was giving his name and SSN to these guys to work it, it was then that I understood that while he was working his chicken farm in Mexico, his Social Security Account was growing by leaps and bounds. Then many years later, his son married an immigrant, at this time she filed a petition for him to come to the US, well INS wouldn't allow him to come in to America and stay until everything had been approved, anyway, he had a border crossing card, got a permit to come to visit in the US, settled in Houston and voila started to work using his dad's name and SSN.... this lasted for about ten years or better, until he got his own green card and SSN.

A few years later uncle petitioned for aunt to come to the US.... she got her green card and the same month she got it she applied for SSA, and guess what? Still today she is getting a Social Security check, keep in mind, she never worked a day in her life in the US...

Same scenario goes on and on in Mexico, many green card holders do not want to stay or work in the US, still they refuse to turn in their green cards, instead they give their SSNs to other people to work in the US thus qualifying them for tax returns and Social Security when they reach that age, relaxing in Mexico, laid-back life style, as many of them used to tell me, "I don't want to live like all of you in -el otro lado- or the other side as America is referred to by many in Mexico, by an alarm clock. You people live by the alarm clock, not me, I am not stupid."

Here in America I have been asked to lie under oath, I've been offered money to file petitions for people I don't even know, all I have to do is say that they are my next of kin. What these solicitors don't know is that there is a Biographical Information form filled out by the applicant when the process starts for residency status.
I truly could go on and on. I am sorry these people have to leave their homes and their families behind, but guess what, Mexico has been robbed by many presidents who are today living it up, look at president Salinas de Gortari, his brother Raul is still incarcerated in Mexico. Will their situation worsen or get better? Who knows, I just know that it is up to the mexican government to improve conditions, why stick America with the bill?

Many senior citizens are struggling, living on only 600.00 per month, wondering how in the world they are going to pay for medications not covered by Medicare, asking why the cost of Medicare is so high.
You and I, we have co-pays and deductibles to cover, I work two jobs to make ends meet and be able to make my payments on time.

As I mentioned in the beginning, I don't have websites or anything of that sort to give you to look into or do further research, all I can give you is what I live daily and what I lived daily while I lived in Mexico. Again, I think your articles are amazing and my hat is off to you.

Tony

Tony

on Jan 18, 2004

As usual, I always post and remember some fact afterwards. And so here it goes, mid year 2003, employers who employ ten or more individuals received a letter from the Social Security Administration warning them: "Social Security Number does not match." or "Social Security Number has never been issued by the Social Security Administration." These employers, many of them are restaurants (as in fast food), have refused to observe these letters, they have allowed employees to change their names and use different SSNs in order to keep them, these employees are here illegaly and make up their own SSNs, whether it matches Joe Blow's number, who lives in Colorado and is a doctor. Years later when IRS contacts Joe Blow and tells him he failed to report earnings from another State is when the innocent party finds out.

I've seen it with my own eyes, white or black people go in to apply for a position and they are told that they are fully staffed. A latino, who can hardly speak English goes in to inquire about the job openings is given an application to fill out, many a time I have been tempted to open my mouth and say that they are discriminating, however, I have remained quiet, just a spectator, watching. I know I will have my chance to show these people what they are doing wrong, so when it is said that Americans are now willing to settle for "low paying jobs" all I have to say is that evidently these people (commentators) have never been hungry or have had overdue bills, have never been cold or have never been threatened with eviction or disconnection of utilities.

So, America must look in their back yard first and take care of their own, all those people sitting in nursing homes, or those fortunate to sit with their families at their homes, those who more than self their country loved.... to all of those people who made this the great nation it is and believe me when I say it, many american families still bow their heads to pray... for a better tomorrow.

Tony

Wahkonta Anathema

on Jan 18, 2004

Your insights are all the proof Americans need to see the intention in passing this Act. Bush knows that these people do this, that they work without paying taxes, commit crimes on reporting, that the employeres break the law and discriminate against Americans in favor of illegals, so why does he do it? To profit at our expense. The plan calls for bringing all wages the world over into line at one slave wage level, and this is how it is being done. They MUST erase National baoundaries, destroy Patriotism, make all people beholden to the same system. The NWO is not Capitalism at its worst, but Socialism at its most effective, and that is as a fascist state. If business is the body which controls Governmental legislation, and it does we all know, then any act passed is fascist, serving to benefit business first. Business, by the observations Tony makes, does not naturally do right and create a good economy by nature. It must be controlled by laws that establish standards of behavior acceptable to the PEOPLE first. By this, Bush creates a business employment environment which runs amuck and does so to the detriment of workers rights, environmental law, etc. They've got babies being born without skulls in the "free-trade" zones on Mex-Amer. border because there is no enforcement of American environmental law there. Business owners don't care about the law there, so what makes anyone think they do anywhere else? They'll hire an illegal for tax benefits, have to provide no medical, or other benefit, and can fire them with no disability or SS benefit ever being claimed. Then the illegal lays in a hospital with a life condition rendering that person unable to work and who pays for it? We do, not the business which ran laws into the ground, commited crimes in hiring, gave no two-f--- for anyone and is un-accountable because the likes of a Bush condones the behavior. Remember the number of Reps. and Sens. who also have illegal maids and servants who they know are breaking the law but who will not report them. I am going to put up a blog on this and an example of use of illegals that will rock you. Go to 'Barings and American Gold exports'.

dharmagrl

on Jun 03, 2004

My husband is attempting to immigrate legally from the UK. I doubt many actually realize how expensive and complicated the process truly is

I do. I can verify that what LW is saying is actually the case. I had to do the same thing 10 years ago, and it hasn't gotten any better since then. We even had to go, after we'd been married for 8 years, to an interview to prove we were in a 'bonafide' marriage. I had to take tax documents, birth certificates, you name it...to prove that we were still married.

Just another reason that I want to take US citizenship, to get away from the INS.

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