AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS? (a question for Freepers)

August 22nd, 2002 | Sabertooth

[Sabertooth]

This is a vanity post, let's get that straight from the start.

Perhaps the most vain aspect of it is the conceit that it might stay on topic, but I'm going to give it a whirl.

One of the more contentious species of threads encountered on Free Republic are those dealing with the subject of America's immigration policy, particularly with regard to the Illegal Aliens currently in our country. According a range of reasonable sources, the estimates of their numbers here currently here range from six to thirteen million. Whatever the actual count, there are quite a few people now in violation of American immigration law.

One subtopic that inevitably arises is the question of Amnesty:

Should all or some portion of the Illegal Aliens be granted an Amnesty and be thereby allowed to change their status and acquire legal residence in the United States?

That's the question I'd like to put forward to the members of Free Republic.

Almost as inevitably on threads dealing with this subject, flame wars erupt. It's not my purpose to instigate another round of that, they're rather predictable. So I'd like to ask that your comments, if you're inclined to share them, focus on the big picture of American immigration policy, with particular attention to the subject of Amnesty. I'm not interested in the stock and gratuitous divisiveness of race-baiting or referring to the President as "Jorge," or anything of that nature from any quarter. It achieves nothing, it's sulphurous methane heat with no light shed.

I'd also like to avoid ad hominem ambushes. I'm genuinely interested in learning the collective feelings of Free Republic members on this subject. If you're gonna post, I'd like to ask that you ante up with your opinion on the question at hand before engaging the discussion with others. No taking potshots from the obscurity of the sidelines. I'll post my opinion below at #1.

Fair enough?

So, once again, here's the question:

Should all or some portion of the Illegal Aliens be granted an Amnesty and be thereby allowed to change their status and acquire legal residence in the United States?

[FreedomFriend]

Why do they come here as opposed to other places?

Because we're right next door, wealthy, and too stupid in giving them a free pass.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Thanks for bringing this forward.....

[gubamyster]

Isn't it amazing how this country survived without any immigant restrictions until 1924, and without any immigrant restrictions from the Western hemisphere until 1964?

It survived during those periods because there were not the massive government handouts that there are today. It survived because there was not the ridiculous PCness that there is today. It survived because immigrants became Americans. Today the PC'ers are forcing Americans to change America so the immigrants do not feel "out of place."

[Texasforever]

5 immigration threads a night are not enough Joe?

[Sabertooth]

Yes I noticed a few posters that hinted at some type of VERY limited amnesty OR guest worker program.

I'm not sure your definition of "very limited." Some here would Amnesty millions.

I also noticed that those were the ONLY ones you challenged.

Was I impolite? No one has said so. One familiar troll said I was a racist, but that's just his way.

I'm not sure why I would take issue with someone with whom I agree. However, if you'll read again, you'll see I did demur on a couple of occasions with some anti-Amnesty folks who also wanted moratoriums on immigration.

I've really been more interested in the actual answers to the question I posed.

You know full well that this is not a hotbed of illegal immigration advocates. There is however, a sizable contingent here whose anti-illegal immigration stance is nothing more than a wedge to attract the worst traits in all of us.

You're paraphrasing Kemp and Bennett, I see.

This has been a civil thread on what has been a really contentious issue. Aren't you looking for a grey cloud with a little more energy than necessary?

[Cacique]

NEVER !! NEVER !! NEVER !! NEVER!!

[FreedomFriend]

Well, we don't like rabid anti-Americanism.

[Sabertooth]

You know, there really haven't been any ambushes on this thread.

Then again....

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To: FreedomFriend

still waiting.

299 posted on 8/22/02 10:04 PM Pacific by Texasforever
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 295 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

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To: FreedomFriend

Put up, or post your apology ... NOW .

300 posted on 8/22/02 10:05 PM Pacific by nopardons
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 295 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

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[FreedomFriend]

Janet, you've got it right. Solving illegal immigration and the immigration debacle is not difficult to solve. It's difficulty is the result of an unconcerned, unresponsive, illegitimate government.

Why should future Americans have to grow up in a third world America? Why shouldn't they get the same blessings as earlier generations. It sickens me to realize that by the time I'm an old man, this nation will look like the third world in vast swaths.

[Joe Hadenuf]

5 immigration threads a night are not enough Joe?

In light of our so-called leaders and politicians and representitives that are completely ingnoring this issue, and standing in stone cold silence, my answer is NO.

This issue needs to be brought forth with a 50,000 watt voice of Americans that still give a damn....Scream it from the freaking rooftops, We've had ENOUGH!

[Valin]

Latenight bump

[Joe Hadenuf]

ingnoring

ignoring.....for those that are more concerned with spelling than the real issues.....

[Texasforever]

Nope, just trying to understand why you need to take an illegal immigration poll on a forum and its members that do not support illegal immigration. You are confusing those of us that take issue with the motivations of some member’s single-minded obsession with the subject as being for illegal immigration. I can both oppose an issue while at the same time vigorously oppose the tactics of others that share the same opposition. Sorry if that offends you.

[Texasforever]

This issue needs to be brought forth with a 50,000 watt voice of Americans that still give a damn....Scream it from the freaking rooftops, We've had ENOUGH!

Who pays you?

[Sabertooth]

You are confusing those of us that take issue with the motivations of some member’s single-minded obsession with the subject as being for illegal immigration. I can both oppose an issue while at the same time vigorously oppose the tactics of others that share the same opposition. Sorry if that offends you.

I'm not offended.

Your own single-mindedness in that is outta step on this thread. The personal attacks have been almost non-existent.

Folks are being civil... what's wrong with that?

[Joe Hadenuf]

I do it for free, out of shear love for my country...

[FreedomFriend]

Young adults are being kept out of the workforce. Many are having to do jobs that are menial. Others are unemployed, and still others have started their own businesses. The problem is the little ol' "experience" factor that employers hold in ones face with a passion. Meanwhile, illegals are filling up the "no experience" jobs, and legal citizens are going on welfare or are living at home late in life, if not married.

What a time we live in.

[Texasforever]

Yep, as usual you see what you want to see. Nice try Saber.The poster in question was asked to point out all of the "open borders" types he said were here. I then ask him to start with me and any posts I had made regarding "open borders". He has been tongue tied ever since. So maybe before you preach, read the sermon next time.

[Texasforever]

Where are my personal attacks?

[Sabertooth]

Yes, he did. Go read the thread.

Got a number on that post where you personally were accused of anything?