Largest percentage of Hispanics in Maryland could be deported

According to the most recent Maryland census data, Salvadorans make up the largest number of Hispanics in the state of Maryland, at 26.3 percent, which is significantly larger than the national percentage of 3.3.

This week, the Trump administration announced its decision to end temporary protected status for Salvadoran immigrants living in the U.S., forcing nearly 200,000 people to gain permanent residency or leave by September 2019 or face deportation.

"These are legal immigrants. They came here seeking refuge from tragedy. Now, about one-third of them are U.S. homeowners. They are the parents of more than 190,000 U.S.-born children. Forcing them to leave will tear apart and devastate American families," Cardin said.

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, on the other hand, argued that the change should not be a surprise.

"The reasons of the earthquakes were over years and years ago. So, I think it's reasonable, since it was a temporary status, at some point, for that status to be rescinded and people to go back to their home countries once those calamities are over," Harris said.

These folks are being offered the opportunity to apply for citizenship. If they don’t want to go back to El Salvadore, then what prevents them from getting US citizenship?

I just read on Breitbart how an Hispanic fella came here with his parents when he was 8 years old. He’s an adult now. He complains about being punished for being here despite all of the advantages he’s had. He can’t get a bank account or a driver’s license. But, he agrees that there has to be limits on immigration, that without those limits, people just take advantage.

My question is, has he applied for citizenship at all? If not, why not? He’s been an adult for a lot of years, he has children of his own now, and no attachments at all to his country of origin.

I would think that any immigrant from any country who wants to secure himself/herself to be able to stay here, would take steps to accomplish that. If not, then why stay? Why buy the milk if the cow is free???? Is that it?

A family member of mine went into the military a few years ago. Upon her graduation, several of her company were awarded US Citizenship as a result of just finishing basic training. There ARE ways to acquire citizenship without a huge financial layout. And if a person is already here, that’s half the battle.

Another friend of mine, a physician from the Philippines came here on a work visa, met a soldier, they fell in love and got married. But her visa ran out so she had to leave the country despite being married to an American citizen. She went to Toronto where she stayed as he filed all her papers. She was in Toronto for over a year before all was said and done so she could return to her husband. It was a very stressful time for both of them.

And sadly, she couldn’t get her doctor’s license here and had to settle for being a pharmacist.

The Hispanic man from the Breitbart article complained about being brought here a child, and that yes, he was here illegally, but did he have to pay for that crime for the rest of his life? Maybe. Felons who are citizens do in some states. In some places, there’s no such thing as paying your debt to society, and then rejoining society. Some pay a life sentence when they may have been awarded a 7 year sentence. It doesn’t matter how much good a person does, once a felon, it’s for life. So ya, if you come here illegally and you refuse to make it right, acquire the right ‘papers’ and documentation, there’s a cost to pay.

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, on the other hand, argued that the change should not be a surprise.

Bump, kudos, and Hooray!! Rep Harris gets it.!

These people got a great TEMPORARY deal. Temporary means it will end eventually. These folks, by their actions like buying houses, etc., are abusing our generosity. Enough!

Appreciate your sharing all your excellent examples of folks trying to achieve US citizenship lawfully.

It’s a tragic shame that our immigration system has been so terribly abused, with one favored group after another gaining undeserved preferential treatment.

I’m just praying that President Trump doesn’t accept any form of amnesty.
I do, however, hope our country implements a Merit-Based system to attract the most desirable applicants who can contribute to our society.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.