You may have heard of the national protest going on today, “El
dia sin immigrantes,” or “A day without immigrants.” The protest, which calls for immigrants to
take the day of work, is designed to demonstrate the positive and large impact
immigrants make on America. Immigration
has been a hot topic, particularly since President Trump called for building a
massive wall along our southern border and signed a controversial Executive
order banning immigrants and refugees from seven different countries.
Immigration is a tough issue for me. I
don’t support entering any country illegally, but my heart breaks for any
individual that would sacrifice everything to gain the freedoms we so easily
take for granted. I happen to have two
co-workers who were granted legal status under DACA – Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals, instituted by President Obama. DACA gives legal status to individuals who
were brought illegally to America by their parents. In the cases of my co-workers, they were 13
and 9. To hear them tell their stories
about how their families literally risked everything to give their children a
better chance at life, breaks my heart. I
support giving people who want to become American citizens a chance – one my
co-workers were never offered. Although
they are legally allowed to work, and they pay taxes, there is currently no
path to citizenship for them – ever.
We are a nation of immigrants;
however, we are also a country with a target on our backs. I’m not sure President
Trump’s massive border wall is the answer, but it seems risky and utterly
ridiculous to me that a nation as powerful as ours would have unsecured
boarders
So, my question to you this
week is, “Where do you stand on immigration?
Do you think there should be a path to citizenship for undocumented
immigrants who are already here? Do you
support the building of President Trump’s wall?” You must answer all questions for full
credit. Answers are due no later than
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017.
I'm not exactly sure where I stand on immigration. I've always heard one thing from my parents growing up but then the recent events that have been taking places have kind of been tugging on my heart. As a Christian woman, I believe that we should not mistreat foreigners but rather treat them as our native-born, as we would want to be treated. In my opinion, most immigrants come here for a better life or in the pursue of the 'American Dream' because in their country, they don't have nearly as many opportunities as we do. They are just coming here for a better life. However, I don't think we should allow the immigrants who are 'under the table' and don't have to pay taxes. That's just not fair to other citizens.
ReplyDeleteThere definitely should be some kind of path for immigrants who are already here. Your coworkers, for example, they are here, working paying taxes, they clearly want to be integrated into the American ways and they should be able to do that if they are already doing things that normal citizens do. I do not support the wall. I think it is a waste of money and time and it goes against the American values, I feel. America is SUPPOSED to be diverse and we are SUPPOSE to be accepting but that is clearly not the case.
When it comes to immigration I don't know for sure when I stand, but I do know I don't have a problem with any other race. when it comes to difference path we should walk I really think that its not a big deal that they walk on the same path as us and there shouldn't be a wall that block them out. I don't support Trump's idea I think the reason why immigrants are trying to come to the United States is because they know how good of a country we are and there be so many things happening to theirs country that they just want to get away. I just see it as if the country I live in was horrible to live in then I will try to get away and go to a country I know that can better my life.
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding that our nation was built off the backs of immigrants and their labor, I believe in creating some sort of path to a legal citizenship. I have worked went plenty of undocumented immigrants and i have the utmost respect for them. I would watch them work tirelessly day after day. For instance the warehouse I used to work in was very understaffed, and slammed with trucks to unload. One of the undocumented immigrants worked two 80 hour weeks back to back just so he could send his wife something extra for their family to survive, and save up to eventually meet him here and live. I support that work ethic and devotion that so many legal Americans lack. I am firmly against the wall. Seeing that it would cost nearly 21.6 BILLION dollars to finance, and around 3.5 years to build, it is a dramatic, ill-mannered response to an issue that absolutely demands diplomacy and careful consideration. I believe in the good of man. I also believe that history has showed us what happens when a nation builds a wall with the primary goal of segregation when Khrushchev was forced to tear down the Berlin wall.
ReplyDeleteMy dad's an immigrant I'm a second generation immigrant. I think immigration is great because if it wasn't I wouldn't be here.
ReplyDeleteWe are a country founded on the ideals of freedom, liberty and immigration. There are those in this country who declare "kick them all out" and I believe that's wrong. However, I believe in fair opportunity for everyone. A small chunk of my friends in the military are immigrants and their cultural backgrounds are very unique. Their stories of how they became American citizens are the stuff of legend and cemented, in my mind, in tradition and history. I support immigration and people coming into this country to live here.....if done the right way. For example, an immigrant wants to live in this country and benefit from the ideals we share as Americans. Fine, no problem. Go through the appropriate steps to achieve your dream. If you pass the test, you can live here. If you don't pass the test and there's something in your background check that seems fishy for security officials, you don't get to come in. I'm sorry to say this...but I don't feel sorry for you.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the undocumented immigrants given a legally-granted status, I feel like at this point, there's nothing we can do because there are millions of them living here. Fine. If they contribute to society, pay their taxes and obey the laws that we've established, they're good to go.
I have a friend who I served with aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). During deployment, he had to go on emergency leave because his wife and two kids were killed in a drunk driving incident. Come to find out, his wife was picking up her kids at the end of the day when they were hit by the drunk driver. The drunk driver was an illegal immigrant from Brazil who got off scott-free. Nothing happened to the drunk driver. Since then, my friend has been trying to pick up the pieces of that tragedy.
Building a wall along the southern border, I feel it would help keep dangerous drugs out of this country as well as potential criminals. Like I said before, if a foreign citizen wishes to enter this country, take the proper steps in doing so.
In conclusion, being a veteran and a member of the military, I fully support building our nation's defense and the ideals we promise of "The American Dream" to immigrants who want to live here.
I don't think we can do anything about the immigrants already in our country. Some are refugees and came from war-torn countries. We can't just send them back: it's morally unjust. I feel like we should strengthen our boarders, but building a wall is a little too extreme. We should have background checks for every immigrant coming into the country. That would require a lot of work, but could also open up more jobs for people. As for the immigrants in this country already, we should provide them help, but also keep tabs on them, just in case of a terrorist attack. Immigrants deserve a better life, especially since many of them risked everything just to come here, but we still need to watch our backs and be prepared for anything.
ReplyDeleteI think that immigration is good for the economy of the U.S. and that there should be faster path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The wall that would separate Mexico from the U.S. is not even close to being economically feasible when we cant even maintain our existing infrastructure.
ReplyDeleteMatt Paulus
DeleteThis is Kaeli Villarreal
ReplyDeleteI do agree with most of your views on immigration, that I wouldn't support entering the country illegally. Becoming a citizen is something that should be proven. But I do wish for an easier way for people to enter this country; for the most part, the process is so long for most immigrants and can become tedious. (Even worse than that, I can imagine) We should really stop being afraid of immigrants and start trying to understand why they are making these illegal passages. A wall isn't going to do anything, it's just going to plunge this country into more debt (even then, a wall isn't going to stop immigrants). So, obviously, I don't support the building of a wall - if we do, let's hope it goes the Berlin Wall's way.
Its hard to say where I stand on immigration. I somewhat agree that no one should enter a country illegally but for anyone moving into a different country I know what its like going through it for a better life. Eventually after taking many illegal immigrants, business in the U.S. will go downhill. Its not just from Mexico that illegals enter the united states, theres also from Philippines, China, Korea, India and more. For the ones that are already here in the U.S. undocumented, yes there should be a path towards a citizenship. I don't support the wall, many of them move away from Mexico because the murders, drugs, and poverty thats going on. Especially doing it for their children.
ReplyDeleteI am mixed with opinions on immigration, because yes it is wrong that people come in our country illegally, but they are coming here because life is "perfect" in America, we have the white picket fence and the happy family. Immigrants come to America for opportunities that Americans take for granted. Personally, I think there should be a path to citizenship for immigrants that are already in the United States. Immigrants come to the United States and sacrifice everything just to work a minimum wage job. I believe if they work and pay taxes they deserve a chance. I would hate to see what America would be without immigrants. Personally, I think that Americans are very lazy and we take everything for granted and when immigrants come to the United States, they work so hard at jobs that us "lazy" americans would never think of doing. I do not support the idea of a wall. Many come to the United States because they want a better life for their children or even themselves.
ReplyDeleteImmigration is a touchy subject. A lot of people can't make it to the "Great Country of America" due to several unforeseen circumstances, like money, family, and much more. There is not much we can do about the people already living here illegally but I see that a right to become a citizen is something that needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteI believe immigration is a double edged sword. I totally support families coming to America to find sanctuary and freedom not found in there country of origin. But, when immigration occurs to the point where America is over populated and jobless is when it becomes a problem. Not that that is America's current situation. I believe that if an immigrant that has come to this country has a paying job, some type of residence, and will continue living in America, then there should be a path to citizenship, rather than just tossing them back into their country. I also think that the wall could help and hurt us at the same time. It could potentially keep those who wish to harm us out of America and it could also keep the innocent who wish to find freedom out of America. But when you really think about it, if there is a radical that wishes to cause harm to american citizens, then they are going to find a way around the wall or avoid it all together. The wall is not going to stop crime. Just stunt it and keep innocent people out of America.
ReplyDeleteImmigration is a very difficult subject to make decisions about, because while I do approve of immigrants seeking the freedom that our country has, I don't believe they should illegally make their way through. I think there should be a much more simple and straightforward process to allow immigrants to achieve citizenship. Walls won't be the answer because we can't keep them out with the policies we already are using. People will always find a way through if they're determined enough.
ReplyDeleteOur country was built on immigration. Without the desire for a better world we would not have even bothered traveling here. It is the same with new incoming immigrants; all they are seeking is a better world than what they were given. For the citizen already here , like ones brought over from childhood, there should definitely be a path for citizenship. I think people who fall under that category should be first on the list to start the process to citizenship. The question do i support the "Wall"; simply no i do not. I think it is a ridiculous solution that simply does not sound fully sought out and will only cost the country, not only money but trust to other countries as well. Building a wall is like a house with a privacy fence, it screams unwelcome and unwanted to other countries. I don't think it is something you really want to emphasize on.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure where I stand on immigration I mean I'm cool with it the people just want to leave their country there's not much wrong with that, but there is a lot of people in america as is. I don't really think there should be a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already here simply because if they are undocumented the doesn't that mean that you go it america illegally? And I do not support the building of President Trump’s wall.
ReplyDeleteI'm fine with immigration I sympathize with the people who want better lives for themselves and their families. I do wish it could be different and it didn't have to be illegal when people come over. There might as well be a acception for those who are already here. They've dodged the bullet this long so might as well make it official. There is already a border at the Texan border so I think the type of berlin wall he's probably imagining is a bit much..
ReplyDelete“Where do you stand on immigration? Do you think there should be a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already here? Do you support the building of President Trump’s wall?”
ReplyDelete1.) I think immigration's okay? Immigration helped shape this country into a big old tossed salad. Plus, people want to move here for better lives- why should we stop these efforts for positive changes.
2.) I think citizenship should be welcomed for those who wish for it, but I also understand why people can't get it. I think citizenship should be more readily available for those undocumented, to encourage a growth in interest on citizenship.
3.) I don't support the building of Trump's wall at all! Trump is trying to build something to try and keep a pure and immigrant-free America (which is a very white supremacist sentiment).
To answer both the first and second questions. I do support immigration it makes up a great number of our population in the US and i also would support the ability to become a US citizen even after living here illegally. i do not support Trumps wall for it is a waste of government money.
ReplyDeleteSo, my question to you this week is, “Where do you stand on immigration? Do you think there should be a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already here? Do you support the building of President Trump’s wall?” You must answer all questions for full credit. Answers are due no later than Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017.
ReplyDeleteimmigration is how the U.S. started I feel that these people should be given chance.How can we call this the best place in the world when we don't let people of the world in.
there should be a path way for these people to get in and a chance to change their life style.
I do not support the wall I think it is a waist money and time.