Posted on 01/06/2011 9:22:56 PM PST by presidio9
As the new Congress convened, a group called State Legislators for Legal Immigration proposed two laws. One would declare that children of parents who immigrated here illegally are not born "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. and so are not birthright citizens under the 14th Amendment. Under the other, states would issue two types of birth certificates, one for those born "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. and one for everyone else.
The states have no power to pass the first proposed law. Congress may be able to, but it is a bad idea that will not halt illegal immigration. It also has no chance to pass the Senate or override President Obama's certain veto. If it were enacted, the courts would strike it down. It is symbolic politics expressing special hostility to Mexican immigrants, who comprise almost 60% of the nation's undocumented population.
This is a the opposite of how we should be making immigration policy. The U.S. owes more, not less, to Mexico and its immigrants than it does to other nations.
Why? Because the U.S. has treated Mexico in ways that it has treated no other nation, creating potent incentives for Mexicans to move north. Yet our immigration policy applies the same per-country cap to Mexico that it does to countries from which few wish to leave.
If the U.S. apportioned more of its overall legal immigration admissions to Mexicans, it would do far more to reduce its numbers of illegal aliens than any change in birthright citizenship would.
To suggest that the U.S. privilege Mexicans over other nationals is heresy in Washington - not to mention in Arizona.
But it is common sense if one studies history.
The story begins in 1846, when partly due to concerns that Mexico had abolished slavery, the U.S. provoked a war that resulted in America acquiring half of Mexico's territory, including the vast natural resources of California and Texas. No other nation has lost so much land to the U.S. except the Indian tribes, whose members now all have citizenship. Mexicans could stay on their conquered lands if they became American citizens. But few could provide land titles to American courts, so most lost their lands and had to work for U.S.-owned farms, mines and industries.
In the late 19th century, the modernizing Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz drove many Mexican small farmers off their soil, turning the lands over to American-owned railroads and mining companies, who employed many of those they helped displace.
Patterns were set: Many Mexicans found they could make a living only by working for American companies, often moving to the resource-rich north to do so. Through the 20th century, American employers in farming, manufacturing and service industries often recruited Mexicans when cheap labor was needed - then callously supported mass deportations, even of Mexican-American citizens, when labor surpluses arose.
Meanwhile, many Mexicans in the U.S. suffered from severe discrimination, despite their desire to work hard and contribute to America. Many, therefore, had strong senses of their distinct cultural identities, developing a kind of cultural "dual nationality," American and Mexican.
In sum, U.S. policies have created to our south a large population that has strong kinship ties to Mexican-American communities and well-founded beliefs that they have better economic opportunities in northern areas, many once part of Mexico, than they do at home. They immigrate, more than any other nation's people - and most are then productive, peaceful residents who seek to retain their cultural identities, like many other Americans, but who are glad to become loyal citizens.
Not all Mexicans fit those descriptions. But if the U.S. altered its policies to expand opportunities for those who do, it would reduce illegal immigration and express the best American values.
That's it! Everybody go back to the Garden of Eden RIGHT NOW! No whining about the Cheribum with the Flaming Sword! Move along now!
Not a single sentence addressing La Raza, MECHA, MALDEF, and the Mexican government’s promoting an overwhelming invasion of their drug dealers, anchor babies, and thugs into our country. Nothing about drug wars and innocent-civilian murders on the border, nor about our jails, hospitals, schools, and welfare offices awash with freeloaders from Mexico, protesting our flag and costing us billions. Nothing about Mexicans taking jobs that our high school kids used to do for a few extra bucks.
And no cogent argument stating that the 14th Amendment does not allow an illegal invader to confer American citizenship upon his illegal baby by simply committing the crime of entering our country illegally. It’s a crime that would be severely punished by the Mexican government had the person been invading Mexico, and they’re right. Illegal behavior should never NEVER be rewarded in any way.
Mr. Smith, sit down, shut up, and think about all those issues before you start lecturing Americans about how we protect our sovereignty. This is our country, and our sovereignty is our business, not Mexico’s.
You butthead.
NO WAY. VISITORS here retain their allegiance to their homelands and so are NOT “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, which is what that phrase means. The discussion surrounding the adoption of this covered that very topic, IIRC!
“Everybody go back to the Garden of Eden RIGHT NOW!”
If that wipes out us “owing” anything to illegal immigrants, let’s do it!
I agree we don’t owe them squat but there are much bigger issues. I heard O’Rielly on the factor today ranting about not spending any tourist dollars in Mexico because of the beheading’s in TJ. We should do the opposite, spend our tourist dollars in the beach cities of Mexico. The more jobs lost here the more they move North. Keep the dollars in North America. Mexico is far from perfect but has there ever been a study that adds all the drug related crimes in America, robberies, beatings, lost time at work, child abuse. The USA has more drug deaths than Mexico. Corruption is in Mexico, but the USA has corruption, it is called pork, and no bid contracts.
All this to say that we need to support Mexico more not less. They are our neighbors, like it or not, and what ever happens in Mexico will effect the USA. There are Pro-Chavz politicians in Mexico City that are getting very popular. A prez like Hugo in Mexico City would be a major disaster. A major war on our border would not be wise.
I live in Mexico, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would live here. I bought a vacation home and stayed. The Mexican people are not the problem. A corrupt political system is the issue. The USA is not far behind in this area. Mexico has all the natural resources and cheap labor force but Mexico does not spend money on infrastructure. Why does the USA outsource everything to China and Korea? Send it all to Mexico, keep jobs in North America. America is addicted to drugs and cheap electronic products. We get the drugs through Mexico and the cheap products from China. That’s my story. Thanks to FreeRepublic for the soap box.
I see your point about keeping Mexicans in Mexico but I don’t intend to vacation there ever again. I have some friends who after working in Mexico, retired and stayed there. They have become involved with an orphanage and have done some very good things. I have donated to the orphanage but recently they asked for donations for a tutor to teach the children English. I refused because it will just encourgage the children to come to the US. I asked them why they didn’t find a plumber or a roofer or a carpenter to teach the children those skills. They did not answer me back.
That’s the tooth fairy view of Mexican history. During the 19th century a bunch of old Spanish possessions in that area achieved independence from Spain. After a long period of anarchy, some became Mexico and some became part of the USA. I’m surprised this goof didn’t say that France owed Mexico because of their takeover of Mexico in the 1860’s.
If I accept the Zogby poll, it is still disturbing. You are willing to accept an immigration population, whom over 1/4 believe the US southwest is Mexican territory. And you are assuming the remaining 75 percent will restrain them. I still say you are asking for trouble.
Be very disturbed!
I am man enough to admit I misread your post. My profound apologies. Have a Happy New Year.
No need for apologies... all the NOTs get confusing. And now we can both be VERY disturbed for the New Year.
The US owes Mexicans NOTHING!
Flippin’ leeches.
I guess so, sixty percent of illegal immigrants come from Mexico. If people would just leave their doors unlocked it would reduce break-ins.
Thanx for taking the time to post some evidence for your opinion. I have no poll to counter so I’ll conceed your point with just a couple reservation. I didn’t see 58% of illegals protesting so I’m not buying the number. If we saw 10 million people protesting you can bet people would be listening to what they are saying. Lastly, your conclusions don’t match the poll questions. “Rightfully belongs” does not equal owns. “Without U.S. permission” may include visitors with a valid visa.
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