As a non-american (with therefore no stake in it), I must say that I also think that it just isn't fair to american citizens that illegal immigrants who did not follow the due process get the same benefits as those that do.
Now maybe the law needs reviewing, but that's another story. Pushing to change the laws or increase quotas, not ignoring the law would be a better approach.
Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible for mexicans and others who are so poor that they take great risks to illegally come to America. But the fact that it's easier for them to get in physically (by foot...or boat) makes them no different from an illegal immigrant from half-way around the world. We need to treat everyone (including potential immigrants) using the same standards and criteria. And it's up to american citizens to determine what that criteria should be.
I fully agree. Employers who hire illegals are a big part of the problem. They're also hypocrits because publicly they all lament the state of illegal immigration.
"Illegal immigration is a symptom - not the problem. "
I agree to a certain extent. But the solution isn't to allow immigrants to come in illegally. In fact it perpetuates the problem. Instead of fighting to make things better in these countries (a tough job mind you), they are focusing on a way out by going into the US.
I've often wondered if a solution might be to offer 'temporary immigration' to large numbers of mexicans and others. Like a 6 month or one year stay (with mandatory monthly reporting) where during that time they work for food and shelter only (with a small allowance), and learn new skills that they then bring back to Mexico. Maybe it would be a catalyst for change in these countries. It might even help the US at the same time
"It also is totally unfair to those that follow immigration law, and come here legally. They must jump through hoops to get in (same here in Canada). And as was mentioned by someone else, the issue is that they then don't pay taxes so its unfair to all other citizens. Now maybe the solution is to make it easier to immigrate, and increase the quotas. But it still should be done legally."
Yes! :) That is exactly what I'm saying! I have no problem with letting more people in...I do not, however, think we should let immigrants flow through unchecked. Increase green cards...sure....but there is a point where we would have to say, "ok, we cannot accept any more people." Otherwise, our country will be over-populated.
"well.... we do sneak in sometimes to get some sun... :) but we come back home afterwards!"
Hee hee :) I live in MI and I would forget when I go to Canada that I'm in a "different country" if I didn't have to show my id and state my purpose to the guy/girl at the booth. :)
""well.... we do sneak in sometimes to get some sun... :) but we come back home afterwards!"
Just curious, what part of Canada do you live in, Nice? I've got some friends in Montreal. I've only been to Windsor myself, and thought it was lovely there, so I'm curious what it's like the further you go away from the border. I think my next vacation (not that I ever take any!) will be to Canada. :-)
I don't know where YOU get cheap produce, but even out here in CA with the great valley, it ain't cheap at all! Ever heard of Cesar Chavez and the unionization of farm workers?
The greater Ottawa area (on the Quebec side of the river..). If you come to Canada, I would suggest a tour of Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, as these can be relatively easily combined. Quebec is a couple of hours away from Montreal, Ottawa another two hours from Montreal, and Toronto is five hours' drive from Ottawa.
In a recent article I saw, Vancouver, Victoria, Quebec and Montreal made it in the 'top 10 great cities for tourists in the US and Canada". Actually, Quebec was #3, with San Francisco and NYC being the top two. I personally love Quebec city, and go to a three-day vacation there each June...
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Now maybe the law needs reviewing, but that's another story. Pushing to change the laws or increase quotas, not ignoring the law would be a better approach.
Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible for mexicans and others who are so poor that they take great risks to illegally come to America. But the fact that it's easier for them to get in physically (by foot...or boat) makes them no different from an illegal immigrant from half-way around the world. We need to treat everyone (including potential immigrants) using the same standards and criteria. And it's up to american citizens to determine what that criteria should be.
I agree to a certain extent. But the solution isn't to allow immigrants to come in illegally. In fact it perpetuates the problem. Instead of fighting to make things better in these countries (a tough job mind you), they are focusing on a way out by going into the US.
I've often wondered if a solution might be to offer 'temporary immigration' to large numbers of mexicans and others. Like a 6 month or one year stay (with mandatory monthly reporting) where during that time they work for food and shelter only (with a small allowance), and learn new skills that they then bring back to Mexico. Maybe it would be a catalyst for change in these countries. It might even help the US at the same time
Yes! :) That is exactly what I'm saying! I have no problem with letting more people in...I do not, however, think we should let immigrants flow through unchecked. Increase green cards...sure....but there is a point where we would have to say, "ok, we cannot accept any more people." Otherwise, our country will be over-populated.
Hee hee :) I live in MI and I would forget when I go to Canada that I'm in a "different country" if I didn't have to show my id and state my purpose to the guy/girl at the booth. :)
Just curious, what part of Canada do you live in, Nice? I've got some friends in Montreal. I've only been to Windsor myself, and thought it was lovely there, so I'm curious what it's like the further you go away from the border. I think my next vacation (not that I ever take any!) will be to Canada. :-)
"Without music, life is a journey through the desert"...
Merlins_Own
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW!
Yup, and fully encouraged by their own gov't to do so! Then they become OUR problem instead of theirs. Great solution for them, eh?
Merlins_Own
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW!
In a recent article I saw, Vancouver, Victoria, Quebec and Montreal made it in the 'top 10 great cities for tourists in the US and Canada". Actually, Quebec was #3, with San Francisco and NYC being the top two. I personally love Quebec city, and go to a three-day vacation there each June...
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/travel/content.jsp?file=fte/bestvacationcities/bestvacationcities.jsp
If you do come to Canada, I wish you a wonderful trip!
P.s. I've also enjoyed my trips to the US. I've been to all the north eastern states,and Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, and California.
Edited 7/29/2004 3:54 pm ET ET by nicecanadianlady
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