Should illegal immigrants be allowed to apply for a green card or citizenship if they have resided in the United States for a substantial number of years? |
Green Cards but *never* citizenship
I think illegal immigrants who have met a certain threshold (ie no crimes, work and contribute etc) should ONLY be allowed Green Carda and at the same time acknowledge they broke the law and as a result absolutely no chance at citizenship and no birth right citizenship. That only makes it fair to those who went about it the "right" way.
Posted by: mrtompkinsI believe that an illegal immigrant should be allowed to recieve a green card
Many immigrants come here for a different and better life, and I simply dont understand why people don't understand that. No one came here to steal your jobs or hike taxes. However, I also believe that if they entered illegally, they should face their jail time before being allowed a green card.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, allow them to stay...
The illegals who are already living and working in the USA,and have no criminal record should be allowed to stay and given a green card. Its the only sensible thing to do. They are here already. Why should the government disrupt communities? It's not like we are giving an invitation to more people who are here as yet. With that said, I think we should secure the borders going forward.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course
Yes, I think they deserve after such a long time. After working hard and without any crime records on their head, they should be allowed to give a green card on request, as that person has done nothing WRONG to the Country while staying illegally either way, rather brought some extra work-force and significantly cheap labor to the Country when needed most!
Posted by: DistinctionWe should allow immigrants to become citizens.
Because this is America. The great America. The land of the free and the home of the brave. And to not give those who enter the country in hope of freedom a chance of freedom would be unfair. We have freedom, and jobs, and opportunities and we should share it.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants should have the opportunity to become legal citizens for practical reasons.
There are plenty of ways in which an immigrant may become legal in the United States. If he/she takes it upon him/herself to go to the authorities with that request, it is the American way to allow them to undergo the process. If the immigrant has been in the country for several years and has no record of illegal activity (besides being in the country illegally), it simply makes sense to allow them to become legal citizens.
Posted by: 5h4rdBevonIllegal immigrants should be legalized that have been here for a few years
Most of the immigrants that have been here for years already came here with papers that just expired and are just everyday average people. In My personal opinion I feel that they should legalize everyone that's already here and no offense to Mexico but they should tighten up the borders over there because that's where a huge percentage of drugs are being trafficked into the U.S..
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for green cards or citizenship if they have lived legally here in the states for a certain amount of time.
Illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for green cards and citizenship if they have been good citizens during the previous time they were in the country. If they came and have been working and supporting themselves without government assistance, then why not? If they are willing to pay taxes and help the economy and put the money they make here back into the system, I have no issue.
Posted by: WillowsErvYes They Should
They Help A lot in our country with their hard work and all they really want is a better future for their families. They do nothing completely wrong, and if they cross the border illegally it's because people don't give them a choice. It's not like they like crossing that huge border and walking miles and miles just to get here. Their hard work should be payed off with them receiving their citizenship and green cards. With some conditions of course.
Posted by: AnonymousYES
Yes. These people come to the US to live a dream,a better life. I thought this was the land of the free. Not helping out the illegal immigrants is like discriminating against the African Americans during the civil rights movement. Its wrong. If you lived here for like 10 years than weather you like it or not your an AMERICAN!
Posted by: AnonymousGreen cards - yes. At least 4 years in the U.S. and no criminal record.
I think they should be able to at least apply for a green card, so they can continue to work without worrying to get deported. They sure have a reason for going to U.S. And just think... Would you leave your country if you had a family, friends, house, etc. I have a friend who immigrated to the U.S. And it had good sides and bad sides. Good sides were that he finally had a normal job, more money, but the bad was that he was and still is worried about deporting. I fully support Green cards for illegal immingrants after 4 years of living in the U.S. Without a crime record.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Yes because what if they have a family to look after and they came to America for a better life. Will you send them back to their old life where there are possibly killers searching for them. Thats just not right. How would you like it if someone sent you back to your original home. They probably quit their job an tried to move here. In conclusion illegal immigrants should be allowed a green card to help them get a better life.
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely
America is a land made up from immigrants. People should still be allowed to immigrate here but some righteous people decided to make it really difficult to do so. Therefore people immigrate illegally. I think if a person wants to come to this country, he should be allowed to do so and be required to learn the language and get a job or start an education. Anyone who does that should be allowed to stay. If they fail to do so, they should leave. It would be easy to require newcomers to report to a department in regular intervals so records could be kept of their progress. Of course this is just a rough idea that would need to be worked on. Bottom line is that it's too cumbersome to immigrate legally. A single person without relatives here or a spouse has no avenue whatsoever. Is that fair? For those who say that wave the "law breaker" banner should sock it. Most of you break the law every day when you're out driving so should be throw all of you in jail? Besides, illegal immigration does not fall under breaking the law anyway and not all illegal immigrants are tax cheats. If you're going to argue a "fact"; you should also provide your source of that fact. If you don't, it's not a fact at all. Just your misguided belief. Applying for a green gard is not the same as being granted one. If a person can show good character, paid taxes, contributed to society and has not committed any crimes; that person should be granted. If he can't show any of it. He should be denided. The requirements will weed out those who wouldn't qualify. The truth is that many illegals are behaving themselves better than legals in this country.
Posted by: AnonymousIf illegal aliens have otherwise been law abiding they should be allowed to apply
If illegal aliens have filed taxes and have not committed any crimes (other than unlawfully residing in the US), then they should be able to become legal residents. Also, they should not have claimed any federal benefits like welfare or food stamps. They should be an asset to the US economy, not a drain.
Posted by: Anonymous"Lets be fair"
Allowing illegal immigrants work would be a great idea, the government will be able to collect more taxes that will pick this nation up. Imagine how many illegal immigrants have lived in this country for many years with out paying taxes. Think about how many illegal immigrants live in this country. I think it would be fair to allow immigrants to have a right to work for tax purposes in certain conditions. They have to show proof that they have lived in the US for a good amount of time and they cannot collect food stamps, or other benefits. Making these certain rules will not allow people to take advantage of the government system. If someone really wants to work, they will get a job!
Posted by: AnonymousYes
It's a pity that 38 percent don't agree in my opinion they are pathetic people because we are made up from diversity. Most of the immigrants who are not illegal are the ones to build the economy, they are out there helping America build a better future. Let's help them build a better future by giving them a green card.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
I support every illegal immigrant that has a clean criminal record and also has paid taxes while staying in the U.S. And also who has a reason to stay whether its family or family back at there home land. My parents came here about 20 years ago and they have been clean all this time paid taxes and thanks to god they have successfully built a business of catering. Through all that hard work they deserve a permanent resident. After a while of hard work of about 12 years with their lawyers they were able to finally become legal. About 3 months ago they were sent in mail. As I said before all that hard work paid off. We are now able to travel. On those 12 years they spent over $100,000 to just get a green card! My question is to America and especially arizona, what's it going to take to get a green card? Clean record? Paying taxes? A rightful lawyer to protect and agree with them? This is America the land of opportunity, thank you for your time.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants should be eligible for a green card if they proved to be a productive member of society.
There's no reason an immigrant who is pulling their own weight in our society should not receive a green card, or citizenship for that matter. Illegal immigrants work for very low pay and actually end up being beneficial to society. Sadly, in America, illegal immigrants have been scapegoated as the problem to the economic crisis, when it really is the fat cats on Wall Street, who have so much money they could buy a small country.
Posted by: RayEarYes, they should give them green cards
Yes, they should give out green cards to illegals. If you look around there are 12 million who are illegally in the U.S.A. They like to live the American dream. Everyone deserves a chance to prove their skills and work. America was built by foreigners and everybody deserves to be treated equal.
Posted by: Anonymousi support this
I agree because immigrants come to try to make a better life and support their family. And will also give them an opportunity to work hard and become hard workers. Cause honestly, Americans here are not working hard yet they have papers. And us immigrants are willing to do anything to contain a job
Posted by: AnonymousU.S. should help immigrants!
Since immigrants go through a lot of obstacles and hardships, U.S. should help them to live a better life! Immigrants come to U.S. to get a job, a place to stay, for education and to earn money. Therefore, U.S. should give them a chance so that they can lead a successful life.
Posted by: AnonymousBECAUSE ITS A WAY TO MAYBE FIX THE RECESSION
There's over 10 millions of immigrants here in the USA already, why not give them the opportunity? If we give them a green card they will pay penalties which equal to $ and once they get their green card they will boost our economy by buying cars, houses, insurance, and most important paying taxes. I can say that not all illegal immigrants are criminals, most of them came when they were young with no say on the situation.
Posted by: Anonymousyes
i believe if they have been in this country for a period of 5 to 10 years or more in this country then they should be allowed to stay. most of them dont want to become american citiziens but only to fulfill the american dream. they also want to give better life to their families and children.i say if they can prove they,ve paid taxes and have no criminal record and a lawful resident then why not
.i should say most of your ancestors are immigrants . don t forget that california ,arizona , utah and nevada also rightfully belong to mexico and should be returned . i am american indian i wish that my ancestors were in charge instead of having this country stolen from them , so my husband could get his papersPosted by: AnonymousI agree that illegal immigrant should be able to file for a green card based on a long-term sustained presence on American soil.
First of all, it's not like a green card is easy to get even if you do fill out the application and pay the high filing fees. In order to get a green card, an immigrant has to have a sponsor whose income meets 125% of the poverty line in the US. I think there is a misconception about green cards. It's not like someone can get one only to immediately begin receiving welfare and leeching off of the government. Ostensibly, if an immigrant has been living in the US for a number of years, he or she has been contributing to the economy as a consumer, and to deny them residence here would in fact reduce the amount of money spent in the US. It makes more sense to allow them to work here legally and become even more of a contributing part of the economy.
Posted by: Shim2freeYes, we are not all criminals.
Some argue that we came here illegally and broke the law by doing so; therefore harming the country. But by residing here and having no criminal record, doesn't it show that we didn't come here to harm the country. And what makes people say we are criminals! Don't you remember your ancestors? They were far worse! They actually killed Indians! We aren't here to harm anyone we are here to better ourselves because our country doesn't have the opportunities the United States offers.
Posted by: AnonymousYes I want them to get green card AND citizenship.
I mean if the immigrants didn't do anything wrong to the U.S then they should be able to get it and they have been working hard in the U.S. THe immigrants may come here to seek a better life and to run away from danger I think immigrants should be able to stay here and get citizenship.
Posted by: vinkie.huangThe United States should allow illegal immigrants to apply for a green card if they have lived here for many years.
The United States should allow illegal immigrants to apply for a green card if they have lived here for many years. I understand that what they have done is against the law, but if they have resided in the U.S. for many years and have not broken any other laws and are willing to pay a penalty, I think they should be given the opportunity to receive a green card, especially if they were brought to the U.S. as children.
Posted by: NatBIabYes! But they must be able to support themselves.
I came from England 25 years ago. I overstayed my visa and was illegal for 10 years or so. I eventually set up a business and got a visa. My business faltered during the recession and so I was not eligible to renew my visa, and so, once more, my wife and I find ourselves in illegal status. We are both working and paying our way. We have a 12 year old son, who is a US citizen. We pay our taxes, pay for our own health care, and besides having overstayed our visas, we have never broken the law. We want to be able to give to the economy, and yet we are not eligible to apply for green cards. This is why we feel that the laws should change. We're not here to suck the life blood out of the country.
Posted by: AnonymousIf immigrants have resided in America for several years, paid taxes, and supported themselves, then they have proved they are worthy to become citizens.
America's immigration policies must be changed to deal with the reality that exists now. Immigrants come to America from all over the world, although our focus seems to be on immigrants from Mexico and Central and South America. These are the workers that many farms, businesses and industries rely on. And yes, these are the workers who do jobs for salaries that American workers do not want to do. The argument is made that if these workers would just go home, then American farmers, businesses and industries would just pay American workers to do the same jobs, but would pay them more. Unfortunately, that would mean that consumers would pay more for food now harvested by immigrant workers and pay more to stay in hotels currently being cleaned by immigrant workers. No, it is not as simple as substituting an American worker for an immigrant worker. There seems little question about it, we need them. The question then becomes, should we put in place some clear, consistent program that would allow immigrants who have worked in America, often for decades, to become citizens? Their children are citizens by virtue of being born here. The question I would ask is: Why not?
Posted by: CI3IikeIllegal immigrants deserve the green card and subsequently the citizenship.
Illegal immigrants whether students or others have gone through a rigorous path for survival while contributing to the economy of the country as productive people and stayed long enough to see a better life in a country in which they wanted to spend the rest of their lives. USA is the world's largest democracy and the largest immigrant country. It is only fair and just to allow them to have legal status as a reward to them by ending their otherwise 'would be a life-long struggle'.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants do deserve the citizenship.
Immigrants whether students or others have gone through a rigorous path for survival while contributing to the economy of the country as productive people and stayed long enough to see a better life in a country in which they wanted to spend the rest of their lives. USA is the world's largest democracy and the largest immigrant country. It is only fair and just to allow them to have legal status.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, I think they should get their green card
My husband is illegal and he is working his butt off to give me a good life and for my future children. Yes I understand the law was broken and I believe they should be fined as a punishment, but I also believe after that fine is paid they should be able to get papers while in the USA. Because really when you think about it the government is about money anyway so why not help these people get a legal status? If their records check out good then they should stay, except for the drug dealers, rapists, robbers, etc. They should be deported! I pray and ask god they come to a resolution so we can move on with our lives.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy Call them Illegal Immigrants.
All Americans are Immigrants to this Land. So all should have equal rights. America is free country and if anyone working for the county should receive the reward, No one can steal your job, if u are eligible u will get your job. Blaming your inability is no honesty. History has seen the potentials of immigrant and these so called Illegal Immigrants are working night and day to benefit this country. So why NO ?
Posted by: AnonymousYES More specifically to those who had no choice in illegally immigrating here!
For example, those who were brought here as children (or even have the credentials to be apply for and be accepted under the deferred action/Dream act) should definitely be granted citizenship. It is not the fault of the child that the parent brought them over illegally. Why should an innocent child be the one to pay the price? Give them citizenship!
Posted by: AnonymousShould illegal immigrants be allowed to apply for green card if they have resided in the us for a substantial number of years
I support that anyone who has been productive in the us for 7 - 10 years should be allowed a permanent green card. If they are conscientious and hardworking and law abiding they should have the right to stay here. Many legal us citizens fail by comparison. The government should pave the way for these people.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, they need to be in America to make money to support their families.
Illegal immigrants should have the same ability to come to the USA as anybody else does. They want to make money in the United States of America. They want to support their families and make money to send back to help family members that are not in the United States of America. They need America to help them support their families.
Posted by: AnonymousYes I agree as long as they abide by certain rules.
I believe they should learn to speak fluent English, pay state and federal income taxes, and basically abide by the laws of the country.
Posted by: EliseoGYes why not?
The beauty of America is that its open for anyone to do anything. Research Coptic in Egypt. They are treated lower than dirt! They don't come with stealing your jobs in mind. They come hoping for freedom and equality. They should file a case and be background checked. America has Americans no one way to look not all Americans have the same eye color and hair color like Irish and Indian we are all different and we all came from another place and somewhere along our family tree we weren't American. Just...Think...! P.S. Please pray for the Coptic and all who are discriminated.
Posted by: AnonymousHave mercy!
I have always wanted to be here. I do live my dream but pay a big price: I haven't seen my family for over 9 years!
Perfect English, pay taxes, have a bachelors in business, have a business. I have also associate degree...
I have been a good resident. The only law I broke- overstayed my visa. As you can imagine, when you spend your twenties in a different country from one you were born, you adopt the mentality. Please, be reasonable to ones who have love and respect to this country. Nine years with no rights it's not fear! It's not my fault I wasn't born where my heart feels the home is.Posted by: AnonymousLet them stay.
Half of my family is illegal but not me, so why should they be deported (my family) when all they are doing is not hurting my family? What is so wrong with letting others in? They just want a fresh start. Another thing is all of us are illegal: We all came to America; the ones that should be gone are us, not them; they just did what we did. Thank you.
Posted by: AnonymousBecause the system is not designed to issue green cards
The system is designed to extract money and give nothing in return when you make a system and a process impossible to follow by taking decades to process applications and never ending lists of more and more hurdles to jump accompanied be fees you are going to generate backlogs of people that simply cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel and are torn between living now illegally and dealing with it or wait until they are too old to be able to start a life and wait for an application that may never get finalized in their lifetime.
Personally I am the son and grandson of Americans I have waited over 23 years now 'THANK GOD' I just stayed illegal because to this date my file even though complete is still not ready to issue me a green card. I was 26/27 when I started the process I am now 50 and still no green card in the near future... I say if you are a son or daughter of an AMERICAN you should not have to wait at all even more so if you have been here lets say longer than 10-15 years.Posted by: LostNTimeIllegal immigrants deserve to have a green card if they've been in the U.S for more than 5-10 YEARS
Most immigrants come to the U.S of A looking for a better life they couldn't find in their own country. They come to the U.S with a Visa and stay because they have kids and they want their kids to be smart learn multiple languages and have an education free here were probably in their country they didn't have. Some immigrants come here with have papers and can't work but they babysit babies to make money and send some to their families in other country's I really do think immigrants should fill for green card my mom is a immigrant she's never had a criminal record she never violated the law all she wanted was for me to get a good education she knew I wasn't going to get in my country Dominican Rep., She been as an illegal immigrant for 19 almost 20 years and she doesn't give up hope maybe one day she'll be able to work and have a better life and help her family my family come to this country to work!!!
Posted by: NicoleAI support anyone who can stay in this country for so long and work
It is not easy to be an illegal and staying in the US working because you face a great deal of injustice, the ignorance of the citizens that know you are not stable will take advantage. It's a pity that 38% don't agree in my opinion they are pathetic people because we are made up from diversity. That is what makes us different, take away that and all you have left is want to be pure tens. I've seen first hand how a boss, manager, or even just the crew can treat a man horribly because of the simple fact. This man has a degree in engineering and is brilliant but can't even receive credit. So that my opinion on the subject.
Posted by: AnonymousName it
They are already here working, living, investing. I think it is better to name the issue for whole country. Some of them can't pay tax because they don't have SSN. That a lost revenue and also some employers taking advantage of it and they don't pay sec. taxes. So it is a loose-loose sit.
I think the greatness of USA lays in the right of -pursuit of happiness. There should be a light for those people who have risked all what they have to establish a better life here.Posted by: AnonymousWhy wait another 10 years?
Undocumented immigrants had lived in the shadows for so long, taking any jobs, living in fear and at the same time contributing to the community and economy. Why would they have to wait another 10 years? Why can't they just show that they had paid taxes for 10 years? If they had only paid taxes for 7 years, then they should wait another 3 to apply for a green card, but get a temporarily status. That would be fair. We are all humans, and we all deserve a chance.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for a green card or citizenship if they have lived in the US for a substantial number of years.
While I believe strongly that the US needs more fervent control of it's borders, the problem has deteriorated to the point where solving the problem of illegal immigration by deporting illegals creates a larger problem than providing them amnesty and allowing them a "fast-track" to citizenship. It is a better solution to bring the illegal aliens into the system legally than to spend the time and energy criminalizing them. However, the system needs to be fixed to secure the borders and bring the influx of illegals under control.
Posted by: glyndwr23Yes
Yes, I think they deserve it after such a long time. After working hard and without any crime records on their head, they should be allowed to give a green card on request, as that person has done nothing wrong to the country while staying illegally either way, rather brought some extra work-force and significantly cheap labor to the country when needed most!
Posted by: AnonymousYes Green Cards
Illegal immigrants do all the hard labors that citizens will never do. They are also here to pursue their dreams just like anybody else in the country. The illegal immigrants that have beeen here for a long time without commiting any type of crime should have the right to a green card or citizenship.
Posted by: Anonymous
It is a slap in the face for all the families that immigrate legally to the country
Illegal immigrants should not be given the ability to apply for green cards, even if they have been in the United States for several years, because they are breaking the law. By allowing them to apply, it sends a two-fold message. First, to those looking to enter the country illegally, it says that, if they keep a low profile, they will get by with breaking the law. Secondly, for those who followed immigration laws and worked hard to earn their green cards or citizenship, it shows that their hard work, honesty, and diligence did not matter. Everyone who enters the country and wants their green card or citizenship should be required to follow immigration rules, not be rewarded for breaking them.
Posted by: AnonymousI am against letting illegal immigrants apply for a green card, because they have broken the law and should not be rewarded for doing something illegal.
Illegal immigrants should not be given the ability to apply for green cards, even if they have been in the United States for several years, because they are breaking the law. By allowing them to apply, it sends a two-fold message. First, to those looking to enter the country illegally, it says that, if they keep a low profile, they will get by with breaking the law. Secondly, for those who followed immigration laws and worked hard to earn their green cards or citizenship, it shows that their hard work, honesty, and diligence did not matter. Everyone who enters the country and wants their green card or citizenship should be required to follow immigration rules, not be rewarded for breaking them.
Posted by: BouncyWalter37It is unfair and no one benefits
Immigrants wait around the world to be granted citizenship and illegal immigrants jump the border/ make it to America. These people are mooching off our government with benefits especially in California and where does this money come from? The people! So we need to deport rather having them commit crimes here/take our welfare! The younger generations will be paying for this mess! So please, we need to get them out!
Posted by: dudeface12Illegal is illegal.
It's really a joke to me that the basis for immigration and naturalization is based on the "seniority" and not on the "merit". If we allow anyone who wants to come to the US to live permanently, the US will not be the same US. No more anchor babies, no more loopholes for benefits and no more Spanish signs/logos.
Posted by: AnonymousTell me friends
What is the argument in favor if legally immigrating to the United States if you can sneak in illegally and eventually have a path to become a legal citizen? There is none. You should be unceremoniously thrown out. lol@you face injustice by working illegally in the US, you're breaking the law, no one is bound to respect that. The main point is ILLEGAL, we should encourage and allow lots of legal immigration, but if you can't do so legally you shouldn't be rewarded for trespassing against the law.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouWhy even have Immigration laws?
Look, the idea that we can help everyone is foolish. We are trying to help illegal immigrants when many Americans don't have the basic necessities. This is ridiculous and is tantamount to vote pandering. The worst part is that the people who immigrate here have some of the harshest immigration policies in their own countries. If you let them stay, where do you draw the line? What about 10 years from now when we have 11 million more illegals? Because they will come.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants should not have the right to become legal residents or citizens just because they live in this country for certain number of years.
These people were doing something illegal and they were living not complying with many rules that other people in this country comply. If they want to become legal residents or citizens they have to be penalized first and they have to demonstrate that there are stronger reasons than just living as illegals for many years in the United States.
Many should demonstrate that they are able to provide something positive to the American society. Also, they should show that they did not violate the American laws in other forms (remember that living as illegals is already a violation of the law).Posted by: l0olllooiNo to amnesty
They came here illegally. That means that the people who are trying to do things the legal way by waiting in their homelands will also come here illegally and the cycle will just continue. They will think that if they come here illegally, would lead them to automatic citizenship. The cycle will not end.
Posted by: AnonymousI oppose illegal immigrants being allowed to apply or a green card or citizenship because it would just encourage more illegal entry.
Allowing illegal immigrants who have lived here undetected to apply for a green card or citizenship is just rewarding them for breaking the law. It is unfair to the immigrants who try to come to this country legally and are put on waiting lists. We should send them back and make them go through the process legally.
Posted by: R3ciP3TudJust because a person has been here for a long time does not give them the right to citizenship, because they came here illegally.
I would like to say that there may be instances where granting citizenship is appropriate. If people have proved to be faithful citizens, and have ties to family and work, then there may be exceptions. I believe that a blanket law stating that all people who have been here for 15 years can stay would be terrible though. Some of those people may be in gangs or be contributing to crime. Not everyone who is here illegally should stay. Some of them really should not be here, because they are a security problem. This is not all of them, but is still a factor that should be considered.
Posted by: DizzyCaseyI oppose allowing illegal immigrants to be given the option to apply for green cards because they have already broken the law by entering the country illegally.
Allowing illegal immigrants to be given the opportunity to apply for green cards is not ethical. They have already broken the law by entering our country illegally. This shows that they have to regard for the laws of our country.
Posted by: LimpingMurray93I did it, so can they.
My entire family is from Norway. My grandmother came to America when she was nine to escape war and her parents and grandparents. All came through Ellis Island and had to learn english just to function in society. I was also born in Norway and was legally brought here when I was a baby. By the way, my family is just above poor. Now days, the rules are not as drastic and it is much easier to come to America. If billions of people could do it then so can they.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants should not be allowed to apply for a green card or citizenship just because they have lived in the U.S. for a number of years, because they should not be rewarded for not getting caught.
Illegal immigration is a costly burden to American taxpayers and now, more than ever, we are seeing the long-term effects of this economic strain. Seniors, who lawfully live, and many of whom have served this country, are now being denied services, due to a lack of funding. This lack of funding can directly be attributed to the increasing number of illegal immigrants. Those who come here illegally, regardless of how long they have been here, are still law breakers and tax cheats, and need to be deported or possibly prosecuted.
Posted by: FunnyCarlo99They didn't respect the US law, so why do they expect the American people accept them?
I have been here legally for years now. I keep all the immigration documents, and I follow all the regulations because I am respecting the law of this country and the people. There are many other of my friends who want to be here and either keep their student visas or choose their professions so that they can stay in the US. If illegal immigrants can get green cards, we will be more than happy to become illegal, since that's easier. I really hate to see so-called undocumented people assert their "rights." I just want to tell them that before they talk about their "rights," they should think about other people's rights as well. Especially when they even do not try to learn English, and are complaining that they cannot find great jobs and cannot earn nice money, I just wonder what they are expecting. Before expect something from other people, at least they should make some efforts by themselves. There should be some situations that those undocumented immigrants become "undocumented" from temporal legal residents. Some people's situations are very serious, and I believe that in those special cases, illegal immigrants still should be allowed to apply for a green card. But for those people who came here knowing that they become illegal immigrants, any general or special pardons should be offered.
Posted by: njtriWe should not give illegal immigrants green cards
Would you give a drug dealer or a theft or a murderer or any other type of criminal who is a citizen amnesty for his/ her crimes because they managed to not get caught for years. It's the same concept. Illegal immigrants are here illegally which means they are criminals as well. If you give illegal immigrants green cards you just condone criminal behavior and it encourages more people to do it. If they want a green card they can do through the same process as the immigrants who came here legally.
Posted by: AnonymousThey cut in line and want to get rewarded?
Rewarding illegal immigrants will create a permanent burden on the US taxpayers. Once they pop out a few anchor babies, the US government is on the hook for WELL over ten thousand dollars for hospital costs, food stamps, WIC, welfare, section eight housing, and when those anchor babies reproduce it will get exponentially worse.
The US will have a permanent welfare class of people increasing out of control as if we don't already have enough legal citizens doing the same thing.
Giving these illegal aliens rewards is just a slap in the face to all the others who are waiting their turn.....Like they are supposed to!
The Liberals think the US has to take these people in, but liberals want a welfare state since a good percentage of them are on the take also.Posted by: AnonymousTaking jobs and many other things.
Why should they not stay? They shouldn't stay because they take our jobs and money. They also can come here to do harm to our country. Just like the two people that just bombed the Boston Marathon, they were illegal immigrants to. That is why they should not stay in America.
Posted by: AnonymousIllegal immigrants should not be allowed to apply after illegally staying for an extended period of time except if they have children who are US citizens dependent on their care.
No immigrant should be allowed to benefit from and reside in the country unless they are in the country legally or here based on caring for the needs of a dependent who is a current full or part citizen.
Posted by: JamesonFNo, illegals destroy communities.
Most people who support giving illegals amnesty don't live in a community that has been destroyed by illegals. I live in a community that was safe over 20 years ago. Now, it's full of violence from the drug cartels, prostitution rings, and child rape and murders. This is what will happen to the rest of the country if you allow them citizenship. People shouldn't let politicians fool them by saying illegals just come here to work. They come here to destroy and are extremely arrogant because they don't have to obey laws.
Posted by: Anonymous