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May 21, 2010

Pass it Along

This is the text of Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, 4th District speech in the House.


M. Speaker:

I rise to take strong exception to the speech of the President of Mexico while in this chamber today.

The Mexican government has made it very clear for many years that it holds American sovereignty in contempt and President Calderons behavior as a guest of the Congress confirms and underscores this attitude.

It is highly inappropriate for the President of Mexico to lecture Americans on American immigration policy, just as it would be for Americans to lecture Mexico on its laws.

It is obvious that President Calderon does not understand the nature of America or the purpose of our immigration law.

Unlike Mexicos immigration law — which is brutally exclusionary — the purpose of Americas law is not to keep people out. It is to assure that as people come to the United States, they do so with the intention of becoming Americans and of raising their children as Americans.

Unlike Mexico, our nation embraces immigration and what makes that possible is assimilation.

A century ago President Teddy Roosevelt put it this way. He said:

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language … and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

That is how we have built one great nation from the people of all the nations of the world.

The largest group of immigrants now comes from Mexico. A recent RAND discovered that during most of the 20th Century, while our immigration laws were actually enforced, assimilation worked and made possible the swift attainment of the American dream for millions of immigrants seeking to escape conditions in Mexico.

That is the broader meaning of our nations motto, e pluribus unum from many people, one people, the American people.

But there is now an element in our political structure that seeks to undermine that concept of E Pluribus Unum. It seeks to hyphenate Americans, to develop linguistic divisions, to assign rights and preferences based on race and ethnicity, and to elevate devotion to foreign ideologies and traditions, while at the same time denigrating American culture, American values and American founding principles.

In order to do so, they know that they have to stop the process of assimilation. In order to do that, they must undermine our immigration laws.

It is an outrage that a foreign head of state would appear in this chamber and actively seek to do so. And it is a disgrace that he would be cheered on from the left wing of the White House and by many Democrats in this Congress.

Arizona has not adopted a new immigration law. All it has done is to enforce existing law that President Obama refuses to enforce. It is hardly a radical policy to suggest that if an officer on a routine traffic stop encounters a driver with no drivers license, no passport, and who doesnt speak English, that maybe that individual might be here illegally.

And to those who say we must reform our immigration laws I reply that we dont need to reform them we need to enforce them. Just as every other government does. Just as Mexico does.

Above all, this is a debate of, by and for the American people. If President Calderon wishes to participate in that debate, I invite him to obey our immigration laws, apply for citizenship, do what 600,000 LEGAL immigrants to our nation are doing right now, learn our history and our customs, and become an American. And then he will have every right to participate in that debate.

Until then, I would politely invite him to have the courtesy while a guest of this Congress to abide by the fundamental rules of diplomacy between civilized nations not to meddle in each others domestic debates.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

January 19, 2009

Bush Commutes Sentences of Ramos and Campean

As one of his last acts of clemency, President Bush has commuted the sentences of Ramos and Campean. From FOX News:

On his last full day in office, President Bush commuted the sentences of two former Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting a Mexican drug runner in 2005.

The imprisonment of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean had sparked outcry from critics who said the two were just doing their jobs. They had been sentenced to 11- and 12-year sentences, respectively.

Their prison sentences will now expire on March 20 of this year.

Full story here.

A commutation is good; a full pardon would have been even better. I suppose we need to take what we can get. I'm sure their families are thankful they'll be coming home soon.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 01:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

November 03, 2007

Oklahoma: Toughest on Illegal Aliens

Oklahoma now has the toughest immigration legislation in the land. Here are the provisions of a new law that just went into effect:

*Illegal aliens may NOT receive public assistance
*Anyone arrested for a felony or drinking and driving will have citizenship verified
*Illegal to transfer to transfer or harbor illegal aliens
*Public employers must register with a program to verify immigration status of all employees

I say, GOOD FOR OKLAHOMA! America has laws; let's obey them.

As you'll see from the video below, not everyone is happy...and of course, the last image we are left with is that of a poor child whose mother (a citizen) married an illegal alien. It's all about the children, of course...not the bad choices made by their parents.

Now let's hope the other 49 states will follow suit.

h/t: Hot Air

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Posted by Pam Meister at 05:12 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

October 25, 2007

DREAM Act Blocked

I don't know if it was because enough citizens called Washington or if senators are coming to their senses, but the DREAM Act was blocked yesterday when cloture failed.

"A lot of senators concluded that from the last vote: Citizenship is not on the table anymore," said Sen. Jeff Sessions, Alabama Republican, who led the opposition to the Dream Act and who said the failure earlier this year of President Bush's broad legalization bill has fundamentally moved the debate toward the right.

Dick Durbin is still whining about what he calls "bigotry and hatred," and said it took courage for the senators who voted yes along with him.

Courage is one of those words that's lost its meaning in today's society.

Apparently John McCain didn't vote, although he voted on a couple of other measures yesterday. I chalk that up to his not wanting to vote against his convictions (we all know where he stands on illegal aliens), but knew if he did, what's left of his campaign would look like Southern California right now.

Note to the Senate (especially Dick Durbin): Those of us who want our country's laws upheld and who want illegal aliens to go home (wherever that may be) are not bigots, racists and haters. Calling us that may make you think you look like the bigger person, but you're really just revealing your own prejudices. I don't care so much where an immigrant comes from, so long as he is here legally and wants to be a part of America. Handing out amnesty like Halloween candy is not going to solve the problem, but will encourage others to come and likewise break the law, expecting to be rewarded like those before them.

Fred Thompson had a radical proposal the other day: no amnesty, enforce existing laws, end sanctuary city status, and increase border security. It's so crazy, it just might work!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 06:58 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

October 23, 2007

Harry Reid Filed for Cloture on DREAM Act?

According to an e-mail from Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed for cloture on the DREAM Act, which would mean it could go to vote on Wednesday:

Our Capitol Hill Team just contacted me and reported that Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-Nev.) has just filed for "cloture" on S. 2205 (the DREAM Act amnesty).

If Americans don't phone Tuesday until the switchboard shuts down, it looks like we're going to have a brand new amnesty for illegal aliens coming out of the Senate later this week.

PLEASE CALL YOUR TWO SENATORS AND PLEAD THAT THEY VOTE 'NO' ON THE S. 2205 CLOTURE ON WEDNESDAY.

Phone Senate Switchboard
202-224-3121

Click here for more from the NumbersUSA website.

I haven't seen this reported anywhere else, but if it's on the money, you need to contact your senators today!

The DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) is a path to citizenship for illegal alien students and those who want to join the US Military. The idea behind it is that the children have no control over the fact that their parents dragged them here illegally, and that they should be given a break. It's true that they have no control over their parents' actions, but if they receive special treatment, it's simply a matter of time before the next group receives it, and so on. At that point, why not just throw the doors open and let anyone in who wants to come? It's what a lot of these people are fighting for anyway.

We were able to shut down the last amnesty bill, and we can do it again.

Get the word out!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:30 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 29, 2007

Arellano: Wants to be Peace Ambassador

The gall of this woman grows by leaps and bounds. If this volume of stories keeps up, I might have to give her her own category in my sidebar:

The recently deported illegal migrant and activist who took refuge in a Chicago church for a year, has asked the Mexico's president to appoint her "peace and justice" ambassador so she can return to the United States.

Elvira Arellano, 32, who sought refuge to avoid being separated from her U.S.-born, 8-year-old son, was arrested and sent back to Mexico on Aug. 19 after traveling to Los Angeles to attend a rally for the overhaul of U.S. immigration laws. Her son stayed in the United States.

"What I'm asking for is a diplomatic visa so that I can be an ambassador for peace and justice because I'm not a terrorist and the United States can't continue treating undocumented migrants as terrorists," Arellano told reporters after meeting with President Felipe Calderon at the presidential residence, Los Pinos.

No, but we can continue to treat you like the interlopers and lawbreakers you are. Oh, and it's illegal alien, not undocumented migrant.

Hindenburg

The Hindenburg? Or Elvira Arellano's head?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:27 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 23, 2007

Surprise -- Not: Mexican Senate Sides with Illegal Arellano

From (the highly liberal) USA Today:

A Mexican Senate committee passed a measure Wednesday urging President Felipe Calderon to send a diplomatic note to the United States protesting the deportation of an illegal migrant who took refuge in a Chicago church for a year.

The committee also approved a scholarship to help her 8-year-old U.S.-born son, Saul, who is an American citizen and stayed in the United States. [Will they set up scholarships for other poverty-stricken children in their own country? --ed.]

More:

"We cannot remain quiet in view of this injustice and must ask for firm action from our authorities," Mexican Sen. Humberto Zazue said.

He accused the United States of violating international deportation accords by denying her access to the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles.

Oh please. This woman violated our nation's sovereignty and its immigration laws, and after a decade, finally gets tossed out on her can -- and good riddance.

It doesn't surprise me that the Mexican Senate would make a big deal about this and blame the U.S. After all, it's much easier for them overall if their poor keep making the northern border run...it means the Mexican legislators don't have to deal with their atrocious economic concerns and their corrupt government and business practices.

I'd tell them to buy a clue, but the peso doesn't stretch very far these days.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:11 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 21, 2007

Coming to the U.S. is NOT a "Human Right"

Kirsten Powers, a Democrat who is a regular guest on Fox's "O'Reilly Factor" each Monday evening (in a segment with Michelle Malkin), responded to the Elvira Arelleno case last night by, as Bryan Preston explains, constantly repeating that coming to the United States is a "'human right' in the context that freedom of movement is a human right." (Video included at the previous Hot Air link.)

Let's get something straight, for Ms. Powers and the other leftists who are constantly bleating that everyone has a right to come on down to America and set up shop: The United States is a sovereign nation. That is, we have our own (elected) government that is supposed to monitor the borders that delineate our nation from the countries around it. Our citizens (and anyone who is legally permitted to live here) pay taxes to said local, state, and federal governments so that they will be afforded certain services, such as a military to protect us from foreign invasion, as well as police protection, road maintenance, yada yada yada. (We'll leave the superfluous programs that are near and dear to leftists' hearts aside for the moment.)

And as a sovereign nation, we therefore (through our elected leaders) have the right to decide who gets to come share in, and contribute to, our collective experience. You may not agree with some of the things that happened along the way of making the United States the greatest nation in the world, but come on, get over it already! What's done is done. There has been the sort of thing lefties cry about ("stealing" the land of others, slavery, war, etc.) for as long as mankind could first pick up a rock or create a spear and throw it at someone else. Just about all of the modern countries in Europe, the leftist's utopia, were built on war, conquest, and even genocide. So stop pointing fingers at the U.S. as though we invented these concepts...we're simply the last one to arrive at the party, and so the less favorable events that happened here are fresher in history than, say, the War of the Roses.

If Powers believes that going to and fro with no restrictions is a "human right," I wonder what she would say to a squatter who decided that her home was a nice place to move in to, or a burglar who decided that her nice big television would look nice in his living room. What better way to demonstrate her devotion to the cause? And why stop there? If there is to be no law as to maintaining our borders and managing the immigrant flow, why not go the next step? Why not suspend all law and give the anarchists the gift they've always wanted? Get rid of our government, get rid of all public civil institutions, and let each and every individual get on with life as he sees fit to live it, protecting his "rights" and to hell with everyone else. Sound extreme? It's meant to. Because by disregarding one set of laws, we open the door to disregarding the next set, and the next, and the next...

Bryan Preston comments that by Powers' logic, "the entire world ought to be made U.S. citizens by fiat." But isn't that the idea? Isn't it the ulitmate wet dream for leftists to have one, and only one, government ruling the entire world? The U.N. in charge of all? Just like in Star Trek, where all Earthlings live peacefully under one government and there are no pesky borders to muck up the "free right" to go wherever. Good luck with that.

But it's exactly what the left wants. And dismantling our borders and immigration policies is just the first step.

If you shudder at the above scenario, then get in touch with your congressional representatives and make your concerns about immigration and border security known. To use the analogy of the song "It's My Party," "it's our country and we'll let in who we want to." Period.

Don't like it? Utilize that "human right" to move freely somewhere else. See how another country likes it when you decide to invite yourself into its sovereign territory.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:20 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 20, 2007

"Immigrant Activist" Deported

Via Hot Air, I discovered that Elvira Arellano, the illegal Mexican immigrant who sought "sanctuary" in a Chicago church for a year, has been deported to Mexico:

An immigration activist who took refuge in a Chicago church for a year to avoid being separated from her son has been deported to Mexico, the church's pastor said.

Elvira Arellano was arrested Sunday afternoon outside Our Lady Queen of Angels church in Los Angeles. She was deported several hours later, said the Rev. Walter Coleman, pastor of Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago, where Arellano had taken refuge.

"She has been deported. She is free and in Tijuana," said Coleman, who said he spoke to her on the phone. "She is in good spirits. She is ready to continue the struggle against the separation of families from the other side of the border."

More:

Arellano, 32, became a symbol of the struggles of illegal immigrant parents when she took refuge in the church to avoid being separated from her 8-year-old son Saul, who was born in the U.S. and is thus a citizen.

You know, there's no reason why little Saul couldn't go back to Mexico with Mommy. This whole notion that anchor babies must stay here while their parents are sent back home is ludicrous. Remember, it's the parents who put the children in this situation -- not our government. And it's why children born to those who do not reside legally within our borders should NOT be granted citizenship. It's a law that was designed to right some of the wrongs against former slaves, who weren't really considered citizens even when they were freed, and it's now being abused beyond belief.

Notice she was arrested in Los Angeles, not Chicago? She wasn't holed up in that church 24/7, as Hot Air's AllahPundit points out:

She left the building a few days ago for the coast, ostensibly to attend an immigration rally there (which she ended up not attending), and the feds evidently just … let her go, without interfering. As it turns out, she’d already lined up a new church to give her sanctuary in L.A. (“sanctuary” being an archaic common law concept that doesn’t exist under American law and would be grossly unconstitutional if it did, of course). I wonder if the feds got caught flat-footed on her new plans and swooped in when they did to avoid having to arrest her inside the church.

It's so nice to know the government only enforces the law when under scrutiny -- I mean, takes our laws seriously.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 09, 2007

Fewer Mexicans Sending Dollars Back Home

Today's "cry me a river" story:

This year a smaller percentage of Mexican immigrants in the United States sent money back to their homeland than in 2006, according to a report released yesterday by the Inter-American Development Bank. The bank said the reduction had left at least two million people in Mexico without the same financial help they had once received.

Bank officials, pointing to a survey of Mexican immigrants in the report, said the decline reflected a rising sense of insecurity and uncertainty about whether they would stay in the United States. Anticipating a possible move back to Mexico, these immigrants appear to be saving more.

“They have decided because of the uncertainty of the future that they need to step back and save a bit,” said Donald F. Terry, general manager of the Multilateral Investment Fund at the bank.

Mr. Terry said the slowdown would affect about 500,000 Mexican homes. “For those families in Mexico, there is going to be economic and social dislocation,” he said.

Well, perhaps it would behoove members of the Mexican government to get off their sorry rear ends and do something about their economy. This is a country that is rich in natural resources, but also rich in corruption from the top down. I know their new president, Felipe Calderon, has his heart in the right place, but he has a tremendous job ahead of him.

It's pathetic that Mexicans have to rely on family members who sneak over our border in order to provide for loved ones back home. What's even more pathetic is we're expected to continue to be their benefactors. Maybe this decrease in the flow of funds will spur some people to more positive action.

Isn't wishful thinking grand?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:53 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

July 31, 2007

Update on Anatolie

Last week, an article I wrote about Anatolie Vartosu was posted to American Thinker. Anatolie is a Romanian who had an H-1B work visa initially approved, then denied upon request for renewal.

The Greenwich Time has also picked up the story. Time is running out for Anatolie; he has until August 9th to either get an extension or pack his bags and leave.

"Right now, I'm stuck, I cannot do anything until I get an answer for the H-1B visa," said Vartosu, who does not want to return to Romania because he sees better opportunities here. "Nobody wants to go back. Like soccer, I'm going to fight until the last second to see if I can do something."

And I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Immigration is so messed up! We have our government trying to reward people who cross our borders to live here illegally, while giving the shaft to hardworking would-be immigrants who follow the rules to the letter. (He and his employer have spent $15,000 in lawyer and application fees.) Frankly, it's cr@p. The cynic in me is saying that since Romanians aren't part of a huge potential voting bloc, then Anatolie's situation is a forgettable one to our legislators.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome of this outrageous case.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:08 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

July 26, 2007

Stealing the Jobs Americans Want to Do

So much for illegal immigration not hurting anyone. Christi over at Common Sense America has a post up about Terry Funderberk, whose small business of installing copper on new homes last year grossed him $176K. This year, business is way down. Can you guess why? Yep. Competition from construction firms that hire cheap illegal labor.

One day, Terry had enough and went "on strike," as it were. And he didn't receive too much sympathy from the law. There are plenty of photos too.

Absolutely unbelievable.

But then, those who claim "illegals do the jobs Americans won't do" have jobs that the unskilled laborers who sneak over the border can't do.

Andrea Shea-King plans to interview Terry on August 5. Details here.

strike.jpg

h/t: ThirdWaveDave

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Posted by Pam Meister at 05:15 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

July 24, 2007

The Problem with Immigration

While all the sympathy seems to be for illegal aliens who flouted our laws and are now crying for their rights, what about those who follow the rules but are told to get out? I've written an article about that very subject that American Thinker has posted today.

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July 18, 2007

Deport Them Now

Who? Illegal aliens who commit other crimes. Hot Air has a public service announcement about it here.

Close off the borders and secure them. Deport illegals who commit other crimes while on our soil. Then we can deal with the others. Hello? Congress? Mr. President?

phone
Is anyone in Washington listening?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:13 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 28, 2007

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

PoorTeddy.jpg
The SS Amnesty is scuttled! Will Ted Kennedy go down with the ship?
Wait, I hear him: "You go first, George! I'm right behind you!"

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

Arlen Specter: A**

This video clip of Sen. Arlen Specter (RINO-PA) speaking about the "silent majority" who must obviously be in favor of the amnesty bill, which failed cloture earlier today. You people who faxed, e-mailed, and phoned your senators about your displeasure? A minority, obviously.

Allahpundit's headline says it all: The people at my gym told me they liked the bill, says Specter

I'm sorry I missed you at the gym the other day, Senator; I was probably at work.

What a repulsive elitist. And Congress wonders why its approval ratings are in the toilet? Wyatt, this man is YOUR senator!!!

specter.bmp
Elitism rears its ugly head...again

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:11 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

AMNESTY CLOTURE FAILS!

We did it, America! Michelle Malkin has details, details, details.

Where will this amnesty grab go from here? Not sure. Keep your eyes on your government, folks!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:44 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 27, 2007

Snark: Hannity Shows Voinovich Up in Amnesty Debate

(Scroll down for update...)

On today's radio show, Sean Hannity caused Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) to get hot under the collar. The man who made sure we all knew he's been in the business of legislating for "40 years!" wouldn't answer many of Hannity's questions directly, pretty much accused him of being a bully, and ended up hanging up in a huff. Hot Air helpfully provides the audio.

As Aaron said in an e-mail, it's embarrassing. The man didn't even seem to have a full handle on what he'll be voting on! And I know not everyone is a fan of Hannity's style, but if Voinovich couldn't handle himself without shouting accusations and evading questions, then what does that say about his debating points? Hannity was prepared with questions based on the bill's facts, and Voinovich essentially ran away. Not impressive behavior from an elder statesman.

Since Voinovich is the media's new darling, along with Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), because of his recent calls for the US to start pulling out of Iraq, don't be surprised if he gets sympathetic treatment from the usual suspects during tomorrow's news cycle for having been "jumped on" by Hannity.

Forty years, eh? Maybe it's time for the good senator to think about hitting the golf course -- permanently.

AMNESTY UPDATE: Via Bloomberg (h/t Drudge):

The fate of U.S. immigration legislation was cast into doubt when at least six senators who helped revive the proposed overhaul said they either oppose or are leaning against a move to permit a vote on final passage.

The measure is in more jeopardy ``than I thought a few hours ago,'' said Senator Christopher Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat.

The supporters' strategy of disposing of amendments that threatened the legislation's bipartisan support hit a procedural snag late in the day, adding to the uncertainty. The Senate refused to set aside an amendment by Montana Democrats Max Baucus and Jon Tester that would dilute requirements employers verify the identity of new workers.

Under Senate rules, Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, now can't move to consider other provisions without getting the consent of all 100 senators.

``I think this hurts'' the measure, said Texas Republican John Cornyn, an opponent.

I'm surprised Dodd, who's busy running a pathetic presidential campaign, was even around long enough to have any idea! Sorry, had to get that dig in.

voinovich.jpg
Retirement might be a good option...

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 26, 2007

Shamnesty Cloture Vote Up Today in the Senate

UPDATE: Michelle reports that cloture has passed, 64-35. Damn.

Michelle Malkin is keeping a close eye on this one. Check out her site for the latest updates.

Norm Coleman is one of the senators whose vote we need against cloture to kill this bill. If he's your senator, contact his office!

Norm Coleman (R., Minn.)
Ph. 202-224-5641 Fax 202-224-1152
Alternate phones:
651-645-0323
507-625-6800
218-327-9333

It's not looking good, and as Michelle says, "Republican leaders will have to answer for this." They're the ones who hopped on to this disgraceful bill, and we need to make sure they pay for it come election time.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:27 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 25, 2007

States Fed Up with Illegal Aliens

The states are becoming more and more frustrated with the federal government's inability or refusal to deal with the problem of illegal aliens, and according to this WaPo article, there are a number of them willing to do something about it. Among those states considering or enacting legislation:

*Oklahoma passed a law restricting illegals' access to all forms of official ID, barring them from receiving public assistance, and is handing out fines to employers who hire them. Nebraska and Idaho are considering similar legislation.

*Michigan lawmakers have considered taking away health and welfare benefits from illegals.

*In Arizona, a proposal is on the table that would allow police to ask people they arrest about their citizenship status, and if they cannot produce documentation, seize them and hold them until they can be deported.

*Virginia approved a proposal to strip charities and other organizations of state and local funding if the money is used to provide services to illegals.

*Maryland legislators defeated a proposal that would have allowed illegals to pay in-state college tuition, and they are currently considering putting a 5% surcharge on wire money transfers to Mexico.

Meanwhile, our federal government hasn't figured out that the majority of Americans are sick and tired of their gross mishandling of the illegal alien problem. They live in a bubble in Washington DC. I'm looking forward to the day when that bubble pops.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:30 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 20, 2007

Sign the Petition

No Amnesty Petition

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Posted by Pam Meister at 03:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

An Open Letter to George Bush, Lindsey Graham, John McCain, et al

My blogging friend Reverse Vampyr wrote an open letter to our Republican leaders who are backing the amnesty bill. Brilliant:

Stop with the ridiculous posturing and harumphing. ENFORCE THE LAWS WE ALREADY HAVE before you dare to ask us for 4.4 BILLION DOLLARS to fund new laws you know you'll never enforce.

It's disgusting enough that the Republican party has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to illegal immigration. But it turns my stomach to watch as you get in bed with the likes of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Ted Kennedy as you attempt to transmogrify 20 million lawbreakers into legal voters.

Read the whole thing here. He tells it like it is.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 19, 2007

South of the Border Illegals Set Fires to Avoid Detection

Illegal aliens, including drug smugglers, are setting wildfires so that they can cross the border undetected while the fires are being dealt with.

At least five fires were set below a Border Patrol observation post during the operation in an effort to burn the agents out, according to a Forest Service report. The fires were extinguished, and no one was arrested.

Wildfires are being set by alien and drug smugglers, authorities said, to create a diversion in an attempt to gain undetected access across the border. The fires correspond to a dramatic rise in assaults against Border Patrol agents -- up more than 100 percent over last year.

Thanks to Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean being sentenced to federal prison for shooting a drug smuggler in the rear end, we now have a rise in assaults against agents, as well as destruction to nature and a corresponding waste in manpower and other resources to fight the fires. Nice.

But they're just a bunch of hardworking people who really, really want to be part and parcel of America, right?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:24 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 17, 2007

Television Viewing Habits Shed Light on Immigration Debate

That's the name of this very interesting post by Aaron over at Lifelike Pundits. As we all know, Mexicans and other illegal aliens are dying to assimilate into American culture. Take a look at what they're watching to see just how much.

After all, we're all Americans...

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:55 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 08, 2007

How Jim DeMint Defeated the Amnesty Bill

Right Wing News has the scoop on how Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) put a stick in the spokes of the "comprehensive immigration reform" bicycle wheel long enough to allow other opponents to draft some amendments to the bill, which contributed to the ultimate vote against cloture last night. Nice job, Jim.

I guess relations between him and Lindsay "We're going to tell the bigots to shut up" Graham will be somewhat chilly for a while.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:51 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 07, 2007

AMNESTY BILL TAKEN OFF SENATE FLOOR

America, you did good.

The amnesty, er, I mean comprehensive immigration reform bill, didn't make the cloture vote again tonight, which means that it will be removed from the Senate floor. This means there is little chance that it will be revived this year.

The vote was 45-50 against limiting debate on the bill, 15 short of the 60 that the bill's supporters needed to prevail. Most Republicans voted to block Democrats' efforts to bring the bill to a final vote.

The legislation, which had been endorsed by President Bush, would tighten borders, institute a new system to prevent employers from hiring undocumented workers in addition to giving up to 12 million illegal immigrants a pathway to legal status.

As Larwyn said in an e-mail, "Americans won...La Raza lost."

Michelle Malkin has been covering this extensively over this past week; she has up-to-the-minute coverage here.

Harry Reid, who was among those trying to cram this down our throats and called illegal aliens "undocumented Americans" is now doing damage control, saying that removing the bill from the floor would let such important talk as regulating gas prices (price controls are never a good idea, BTW) and trying to give Alberto Gonzalez the boot. Let the finger pointing and political spin begin. As is expected, of course.

If Congress would work on enforcing the laws we have before spending time making new ones, perhaps they'd get more popular support. A FOX News poll said 58% of Americans want to see enforcement of existing laws first.

Why our elected representatives haven't figured that out yet is beyond me.

To those of you who contacted your senators and/or blogged about this to get the word out, pat yourselves on the back. We elect these people to represent us, not illegal aliens who shouldn't be here, much less demand the rights we enjoy. We need to remind Congress more often that they serve at our pleasure.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 06, 2007

Harry Reid: "Undocumented Americans"

Yes, he said it, and he put it on his website. Hot Air also has the video in case Reid's people pull it.

According to one of the most powerful elected officials in our nation, these are not illegal aliens, they are "undocumented Americans." To borrow a phrase from the global warming crowd, "the debate is over" in the mind of Reid and his likeminded cronies.

Us "documented" Americans can just to to Hades.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 11:40 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 01, 2007

WSJ Journal Editorial from 1984 Called for Open Borders

Anyone wondering if the Wall Street Journal's stance on the current "comprehensive immigration reform" bill being debated in the Senate (they support it) is a new phenomenon from this traditionally conservative paper can wonder no more.

It's not.

BizzyBlog has reproduced a WSJ editorial from July 3, 1984 entitled "In Praise of Huddled Masses." In it, the WSJ editorial board welcomes the idea of open borders, and labels those who would control our borders as "nativist patriots." (I guess that's better than calling us "scaremongering bigots.") The editorial also likens a border wall to keep illegals out to the former Berlin Wall, which was designed to keep miserable people in. Not much of a comparison, when you think about it.

I encourage you to head on over and read it in its entirety. As much as I am for capitalism and free enterprise, I bristle at the idea of America's corporate power players deciding that their desire for cheap labor is more important than not only our national security, but our national sovereignty.

h/t: Hot Air

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:55 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 31, 2007

On Bush's Betrayal

This is a wonderful bit from Laura Ingraham's show yesterday. She sums up what conservatives (those who supported George Bush) are feeling regarding his condeming us as bigots and non-patriots for opposing this "comprehensive" immigration bill. In a word, betrayed.

Sadly, even Linda Chavez, whom I respect and admire greatly, chalks up our reluctance to bigotry and racism.

But it's not just those xenophobe conservatives who are upset. Some libs are starting to figure out it's not all lemonade and gumdrops.

Let me repeat: opposing this bill is not racism. We had such an amnesty bill over 20 years ago under Ronald Reagan, and it didn't work. What makes the proponents of this one think it will succeed where the previous one didn't? Border control is a joke. Not only can poor, unskilled people desperate for work slip in, but those who wish to blow us to smithereens can as well. And legal immigrants who have applied for the proper documentation and consideration to be citizens must be wondering why they bothered to follow the rules when 12 million people stand to benefit from their lawbreaking ways.

And if these people are really doing the jobs Americans won't do, what will happen when they attain legal status, citizenship? Who will do the jobs then? As Americans they'll no longer have to hide, and employers will have to pay them more, if only to cover taxes, Social Security, etc. Will those same employers who have benefited from paying illegals peanuts suddenly be thrilled about paying them what those born and bred here expect to be paid?

Control the borders. Support the law as it stands now. Prosecute greedy employers who hire illegals under the table. Deport those with serious criminal records. Then we can begin to figure out what to do with the rest.

What's so hard to understand?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:12 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

Victor Davis Hansen: The Global Immigration Problem

Another must-read by the inimitable VDH.

It is past time to remember that paying our own poorer laborers more, doing some occasional physical work and obeying the laws - the immigration ones especially - are not icky or a bummer. Rather, this is the more ethical and, in the long run, cheaper approach.

Read it all.

h/t: Larwyn

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 25, 2007

Anger Against Amesty Bill is NOT Racism

Michael Gerson, writing for the Washington Post today, claims that conservatives who oppose the "comprehensive" immigration reform bill that is now before Congress are, for all intents and purposes, racists.

But the real passion in this debate is not political, it is cultural -- a fear that American identity is being diluted by Latino migration. Tancredo is the lowbrow expression of this fear. Professor Samuel Huntington of Harvard University, whom Tancredo calls an intellectual mentor, presents the highbrow version. Huntington argues that Mexican migration is a threat to American unity and to the "core" of our cultural identity. "America," he says, "was created as a Protestant society just as and for some of the same reasons Pakistan and Israel were created as Muslim and Jewish societies in the 20th century."

There definitely are some groups who are white supremacists, and therefore don't want immigration from groups who don't fit into that mold. Racists are everywhere, but they are not restricted to the Republican party. And the claim that a majority of Republicans feel this way is slanderous.

What Gerson and many amnesty proponents either genuinely fail to realize or deliberately fail to admit is that the outcry in this nation is not about where these immigrants come from, but that they have entered this country illegally. That the majority of them come from Mexico or other Spanish-speaking countries south of the border is simply a coincidence based on geography. Those of us who are angry about illegal aliens are just as angry at those who come from Mexico as those who come from Ireland or elsewhere. Playing the race card is a cheap propaganda tool that is used to shut down debate. After all, who wants to be branded as a racist?

Illegal aliens have not only shown disregard for our laws, but expect to be rewarded for doing so. This bill would do just that -- reward lawbreakers while others who have applied for citizenship the proper way must sit back and watch while linejumpers reap rewards that legal applicants have waited years and paid plenty of money for. As it is, illegal aliens are already receiving freebies that American citizens (and other legal residents) must pay for.

Aaron of Lifelike Pundits puts it quite succinctly:

These illegal immigrants or undocumented workers (or, better yet, trespassers) send their children to schools that my tax dollars pay for – and I have no children. I pay my taxes to the government to educate American citizens, not children of people who decided that they were above our laws.

Millions of people who wait years to do this legally do so because they recognize that it is a privilege to be an American.

Like a home, it is the prerogative of America to decide whom she will invite to come in and be a part of the family. If we would rather have more skilled than unskilled workers come here, what's wrong with that? Why should our Social Security and Medicare system (already overburdened) be strained to the breaking point with people who not only have put nothing into it thus far, but if made legal, would put little in before subscribing for benefits? And regardless of the skill level of those invited, the fact that some don't wait for an invitation but demand entry shows how much regard they have for our "nation of laws," as President Bush put it.

The threat of terrorism is yet another issue. If it's easy for Mexicans and others to slip across the border in search of work, it's just as easy for terrorists (Islamists, etc.) to cross the border. Indeed, three of the "Fort Dix Six" were in the country illegally. Who knows how many others have made their way in via the porous sections of our southern border? Why is that not a concern?

There is a problem, egged on by the multiculturalism movement, with some immigrant groups being less eager to embrace American culture and become one with it, preferring instead to create communities that are more like the country they came from. If they prefer the comforts of home, then why did they leave? The American dream is not just a piggy bank waiting to be raided. It's all-encompassing. To be proud of one's heritage is one thing. To completely re-create life the way it was before coming to our shores is quite another.

Yet this is a separate issue from the anger over the amnesty bill. Claiming that conservatives oppose it because they are racists obscures the real question: that of the law and the rights of the citizens who will bear the cost of this mass "pass Go, collect $200" scheme.

Our Congress and president are showing little regard for the citizens who voted for them and pay their salaries. This amnesty bill is a slap in our collective face, and shows us that for both parties, garnering a potential voting bloc is more important than safety and economic concerns. And it's not appreciated.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:59 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 24, 2007

Say NO to Amnesty

Sign the petition.

h/t: Right Wing News

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May 22, 2007

Amnesty Bill Would Provide Free Legal Services

This whole amnesty bill gets better and better the more I hear about it:

Ken Boehm, Chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), today criticized the immigration bill crafted in secret by Senators led by Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA).

Boehm said, "If passed, this bill will make taxpayers pay the legal bills for illegal aliens seeking amnesty. Tucked away on page 317 is a provision that would allow lawyers in the federally-funded legal services program to represent illegal aliens, which they are presently barred from doing."

John Carlisle, NLPC's Director of Policy, said, "Many taxpayers will be chagrined to learn they may soon have to provide a lawyer for illegal aliens who should not be here in the first place. Activist lawyers, illegal aliens and government money are a bad mix."

Chagrined is not strong enough word. Angry, offended, livid, ticked off, furious...those are a few words that come to mind. It's bad enough that we as taxpayers have been paying for illegal aliens' schooling, civic, and medical expenses. Now, if they're given an official pass by the government, we'll pay for crunchy granola lawyers to fight for rights they don't deserve in the first place. I might as well throw the money I earn down the toilet for all the good it's doing me personally.

Meanwhile, the Senate has voted 69-23 to move forward on the bill, although it's doubtful it will see any real action before June. Sen. Ted "The Swimmer" Kennedy, the one of bloated blowhards we all have to thank for this monstrosity, had this to say:

"Our plan is a compromise. It involved give-and-take in the best traditions of the United States Senate. For each of us who crafted it, there are elements that we strongly support and elements we believe could be improved. No one believes this is a perfect bill. The world is watching to see how we respond to the current crisis. Let's not disappoint them."

Since when do we compromise with criminals? And it's more than just being an imperfect bill; it's a slap in the face to American citizens and other legal residents of this country. And I don't give a hoot about disappointing the rest of the world. When other countries begin consulting us on their immigration law, then maybe they can have a say in how we conduct our affairs. I'm sick and tired of self-serving politicians like Kennedy worrying more about what "the world" thinks than what Americans think.

But then, these potential citizens are just another voting bloc, whose votes are ripe for the picking. And that's really what it's all about.

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May 21, 2007

Senate Support Shaky for Shamnesty Bill

According to the Washington Times, only 17 senators officially approve of what amounts to an amnesty bill for illegal aliens. The bill is scheduled to hit the Senate floor today for discussion, and was written in secret by a dozen senators in cahoots with the Bush administration. Is this the way we want our government to be run?

N.Z. Bear has an anotated copy of the bill online for you to see for yourself.

Sen. Arlen Specter (RINO-PA) claims this bill is the best they could do.

"It will treat the 12 million undocumented immigrants in a constructive way. It is not amnesty. They'll have to pay a fine. They'll have to earn their way to citizenship," he said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "It's better than what we have now."

Not amnesty? Letting the pass go by paying $200 is not amnesty? And how exactly is the government going to enforce this fine? The same way they've been enforcing our immigration law over the last twenty years or so? Do they really expect illegals, who are flouting the current laws, to whip out their wallets and fork over thousands of dollars in order to start on the path to citizenship? If they were so inclined, they would have gone the legal route in the first place. This will not clean up our illegal alien problem, but will make it worse. The whole deal reeks.

Voters are not pleased, most notably the Republican base. A couple of Republicans were booed by their constituents over the weekend. Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia were both booed at their state Republican conventions because of the their support for the bill. Heh.

Don Surber doubts the bill will survive the week. I hope he's right. We call it illegal immigration for a reason: it's against the law.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:58 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 18, 2007

Amnesty Ads May Be in Five Languages

It used to be that immigrants did what they could to assimilate into the society they wished to become a part of. Now, it's the society that's doing its best to assimilate in order to meet the needs of the immigrants in the name of multicultural sensitivity.

That's bad enough, but when it's illegal immigrants we bend over backwards for, that really gets in my craw.

According to Jim Boulet Jr. of English First,

"The Senate has been seriously considering literally begging illegal aliens to accept amnesty and doing so in at least five languages."

...

"Amnesty for 12 million law breakers is bad enough...Groveling before these illegal aliens begging them to accept amnesty in at least five languages is the sort of thing that drives Americans crazy about our immigration and language policies."

Michelle Malkin is on top of the latest amnesty bill information. Ace of Spades urges you to contact your senators and demand that the bill be read on the Senate floor (h/t Larwyn). Hot Air is on the case as well.

THIS IS UTTER AND COMPLETE GARBAGE! Why on God's green earth do we have immigration laws if those who flaunt said laws get rewarded by what amounts to amnesty? Every single country in the world has immigration laws. It's nothing new. Why are Americans expected to make exceptions? And what does this say to the many law-abiding immigrants who follow the rules to become citizens, waiting years and spending big bucks in the process? Are they worth less than the lawbreakers? If I were a legal immigrant vying for citizenship, I know I'd be really ticked off right now.

To quote the great one, Mark Levin: “Do these Republicans ever learn? . . . Do they understand that a majority of the American people, whether they’re Democrats, Republicans, or nothing, have had it up to here with illegal immigration and they don’t want to subsidize it?”

That these ads would be in five different languages is simply adding insult to injury.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 16, 2007

Hazleton Mayor a Shoo-In for Re-Election

Remember the mayor of Hazleton, PA, who was all over the illegal immigration problem last year? Well, Mayor Lou Barletta is all but guaranteed re-election this year. See why over at Right Wing Nation.

Boo-ya!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 02, 2007

Illegal Immigration’s Slippery Slope: From Burglary to Bagels

This is an excellent article on illegal immigration by Gabriel Garnica over at FamilySecurityMatters.org. I especially like this bit:

If one allows the burglar to keep what he obtains through his burglary, one is rewarding that burglary, plain and simple. It should not matter that the burglar is hungry, unemployed, or poor. While those conditions are unfortunate, they do not justify the burglary. To believe otherwise is to invite chaos and insanity which, the last time I checked, is only the preferred environment of radical liberals.

Likewise, one cannot allow an illegal immigrant to mock this nation’s laws, enter unlawfully through its borders with the intent of having a child to establish a foothold and then claim lawful residence on that basis. One cannot confer upon illegal immigrants privileges and rewards equal to or, through the insanity of liberalism, greater than lawful residents. To do so is to make a mockery of lawful entry, legal residence, national sovereignty and all that is moral, just and sensible.

Read it all.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 01, 2007

Illegal Immigrants to Rally Today

Another day, another illegally earned dollar. Well, not today. Illegals and their supporters are planning their second annual rally for today. Conveniently, the MSM calls these "immigration rallies," implying that those who wish to come to America legally are being discriminated against.

People who are not supposed to be here are demanding rights accorded only to citizens and other legal residents. (Here's a tidbit: one in two Mexicans has family working in the US. All that money they send home is holding up the Mexican economy, meaning that the Mexican government can sit back and not make any reforms.)

"If we don't act, then both the Democratic and Republican parties can go back to their comfort zones and do nothing," said Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. "They won't have the courage to resolve a major situation for millions of people."

Here's how you resolve it: do the honorable thing and go back home, then apply for legal citizenship. *end hysterical laughter*

Meanwhile, deportations are on the rise, and the typical MSM reporter deals with it this way:

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The day after his wife was deported to their home country, Honduras, Lilo Mancía grieved as though she had died.

Neighbors arrived with doughnuts and juice for their two small children, while Mr. Mancía, an illegal immigrant like his wife, María Briselda Amaya, took telephone calls from relatives and tried not to break down.

“The first thing I thought of was the children,” Mr. Mancía, who is fighting his own deportation order, told the visitors gathered in his second floor walkup apartment in New Bedford a couple of weeks ago. “The future we imagined for them, it all collapsed.”

It's a tried and true method in journalism: if you want people to agree with your point of view, go for the tearjerker lead. Don't start off with facts; they may scare potential sympathizers off.

Illegals cost the government over $10 billion per year (as of 2004), a price tag which includes Medicaid, food assistance, federal prison and court systems (for example, Moonbattery has a listing of drunk driving deaths attributed to illegals) and school funding.

All that because "they do the jobs Americans won't do?" More like they do the jobs that some penny pinching American employers would rather pay peanuts for. But is it really worth it?

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin reminds us of the 600,000 illegal fugitives "unaccounted for." The government sure is doing a bang-up job, eh?

illegals.jpg
Demanding unearned rights in America's capitol

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March 28, 2007

Morristown NJ Looks to Halt Illegal Immigration

Via the Star-Ledger:

As hundreds of people protested and others turned out in support, Morristown's council last night endorsed the mayor's effort to have the town's police deputized as federal immigration officers.

"We are looking for lawbreakers and that is it," said Councilman Dick Tighe. "We're trying to take criminals off the streets, we're trying to take criminals out of the country."

Mayor Donald Cresitello has asked the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to train and deputize up to 10 police officers so they can charge suspects with immigration violations and order them to appear in federal court, which could ultimately lead to deportation.

The mayor's action did not require the council's consent, but the panel approved his move in a 6-1 vote.

Morristown's police stand to be among the nation's first municipal forces to gain such powers. Only 10 law enforcement agencies now participate in the federal program: Florida and Alabama state police, and eight correctional institutions. About 20 municipalities have applied, according to ICE.

More here.

Of course it's being called a "racist" and "non-tolerant" move by Hispanics. These terms usually pop up when a community does something to combat illegal immigrants. The idea is to take the focus away from what's really happening (people entering and living in the United States illegally) and create a phony human rights crisis. Meanwhile, communities like Morristown have to deal with rises in crime, as well as having to provide services like healthcare and education to non-citizens, which can be crippling to their economies.

I hope you noticed that the writer of this article was sure to mention how there were "hundreds" of protestors, but failed to give an estimate of how many supporters showed up.

The majority of Americans welcome legal immigrants and wish them well. After all, we all have immigrant pasts. But like any other nation, America has rules about how to enter our country if you want to live here. It's not a free-for-all. Those who don't abide by our rules should be tossed out on their bums. Not only are we tired of those who take advantage, we are tired of those who defend them using tired terms like "racism."

Best of luck to Morristown. I hope other cities and towns take their lead.

On a tip from Jeanette.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:46 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

March 24, 2007

"La Cucha Gotcha"

The Jersey Guys, afternoon drive hosts on WKXW in Trenton, New Jersey, have begun an online listener participation game that encourages people to turn in illegal immigrants or report anyone suspicious. The game is set to wrap up on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo.

Of course, Hispanic activists are angry.

At a news conference Thursday, Hispanic elected officials and others condemned the campaign as “dehumanizing,” “poisonous” and “idiotic,” threatening boycotts of the show’s advertisers unless the Jersey Guys apologize.

“Scapegoating and stereotyping Latinos does nothing but give bigoted individuals a platform to make ethnic slurs and racist comments,” said Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo of Newark, calling the campaign a “publicity stunt” that could incite violence against Hispanics.

More:

But anyone expecting an apology was sorely disappointed when Mr. Carton and Mr. Rossi held an on-air news conference a few hours after Mr. Caraballo’s comments. Seeking to profit from the recently ignited firestorm, the Jersey Guys gathered a corps of journalists, most of them Hispanic, in their Trenton studios and gleefully refused to back down. They insisted that the campaign was not anti-Hispanic and that the phrase “La Cucha Gotcha” was inoffensive, likening the song “La Cucaracha” to a lullaby or a patriotic standard like “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

After calling Assemblyman Caraballo a “pathetic liar,” Mr. Carton repeated his call to deport every illegal immigrant in the country. “If you’re here illegally, you are breaking the law — no better, no worse than the guy who robs the liquor store or the guy who waits to case your house out and robs you of your belongings,” he said. “You are a criminal.”

He went on to blame illegal immigrants for the state’s high property taxes, problems with uninsured drivers and violent crime. He also hinted that illegal immigrants were more likely to become terrorists. “Our country is at war right now, and it’s very important that we protect our kids, and one of the ways you can protect them is to not let undocumented immigrants into this country,” he said.

Exactly. Illegals are not just from south of the border, they can be from anywhere...although Hispanic illegals seem to make up the bulk of the group. And apparently, many New Jerseyans agree with the Jersey Guys, as they have gotten a slew of supporting phone calls.

By making opposition to illegals a "racist" issue, apologists for illegals are trying to take attention away from the facts...that these people are here illegally and therefore breaking federal law...by getting people all riled up about perceived racism. Perhaps the argument is beginning to lose its luster.

To be honest, though, I'm surprised the radio station is allowing the game to go forward. It'll be intersting to see if they cave to special interests or stand firm.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:59 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

February 28, 2007

Final Sentencing in CT Illegal Immigrant Driver's License Scam

In June of 2006, a handful of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles employees were arrested in a scam operation where the employees sold driver's licences to illegal immigrants through middlemen. Yesterday, the final sentence in the case was handed down:

Karin Birch, 34, of Stratford, was the sixth and final Bridgeport DMV worker to be sentenced in the scam.

The alleged ringleaders of the scheme, Venita Bines, of Bridgeport, and Tracy Stevenson-Lucas, of Stratford, are serving 7-year sentences.

Authorities said the defendants sold more than 1,500 licenses and nearly 1,000 Connecticut identification cards between June 2000 and December 2004. The state has recovered only a small portion of the licenses.

Police said DMV workers charged up to $2,000 a license and used middlemen, including members of the Hell's Angels Motor Cycle Club and exotic dancers, to sell them. The middlemen would arrange to meet buyers at restaurants and in parking lots around the city where phony licenses would be exchanged for cash.

Cases like this illustrate the growing need to put the illegal immigration controversy to bed. In addition to the toll on our social and economic resources and human traffickers making a killing smuggling people in over the border (sometimes causing deaths in the process), state employees are now tempted to make illicit money off of a group of people who, because of their fear of police, would not complain about being charged thousands for fake ID.

Secure the borders first. Then figure out what to do with the people already here.

CT-Drivers-license.jpg
Illegals willing to pay thousands for one

Previous:

All Aboard the Illegal ID Gravy Train

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

January 26, 2007

Illegal Sues for Corvette Prize

Earlier this month, there was the Toys R Us sweepstakes controversy, in which the toy retailer refused to give a $25K savings bond to a baby born to an illegal immigrant Chinese couple (which it later reversed, most likely to avoid bad publicity and a costly lawsuit).

Now we have an illegal immigrant suing a Chicago radio station, 107.9 La Ley (a Spanish language station...surprise!), because it hasn't given her the Corvette she won in a contest in 2005.

In a written statement, La Ley said that it is legally required to get a valid Social Security number or tax identification number from anyone who wins prizes worth more than $500.

In other words, US citizens or legal residents only.

Maribel Nava Alvarez is also whining that the station's lawyer threatened to report her to immigration authorities if she went forward with the suit. She has since left the Chicago area, fearing deportation. Too bad she wasn't able to drive away in that snazzy Corvette.

Who says these folks aren't assimilating?

Corvette.jpg
Gotta be legal to drive one of these babies!

h/t: Moonbattery

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:18 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

January 16, 2007

You Too Can Become an Illegal

Are you tired of the bureaucratic red tape involved with taxes and healthcare? Have you ever wondered how you can save yourself a little grief (and possibly big bucks)? This letter, posted over at ControlCongress.com, explains how:

The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes
Senate Office Building Bu
309 Hart
Washington DC , 20510

Dear Senator Sarbanes,

As a native Marylander and excellent customer of the
Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your
assistance. I have contacted the Department of
Homeland Security in an effort to determine the
process for becoming an illegal alien and they
referred me to you.

My primary reason for wishing to change my status from
U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stem from the bill which
was recently passed by the Senate and for which you
voted. If my understanding of this bill’s provisions
is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the
United States for five years, all I need to do to
become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income
taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good
deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the
process started before everyone figures it out! Simply
put, those of us who have been here legally have had
to pay taxes every year so I’m excited about the
prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for
paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can
apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an
excellent result for me and my family because we paid
heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.

Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using
the local emergency room as my primary health care
provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for
medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save
almost $10,000 a year.

Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be
that my daughter would receive preferential treatment
relative to her law school applications, as well as
“in-state” tuition rates for many colleges throughout
the United States for my son.

Lastly, I understand that illegal status would
relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver’s license and
making those burdensome car insurance premiums. This
is very important to me given that I still have
college age children driving my car.

If you would provide me with an outline of the process
to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and
copies of the necessary forms, I would be most
appreciative. Thank you for your assistance.

Your Loyal Constituent,

Pete McGlaughlin

This is an excellent way for citizens like you and me, overburdened by tax and healthcare expenses, to enjoy the fruits of The Great Society. Worried that illegals can't vote? Not a problem! Many states have no way of checking if you're a legal citizen. So head on over to the polls without a care.

And you thought illegal immigration was a problem?

On a tip from learner.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 03:11 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

December 14, 2006

New Haven's New Illegal Policy: Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Reminiscent of Bill Clinton's gays in the military policy, New Haven has enacted legislation that forbids police from asking about the legal status of anyone who reports a crime or otherwise asks for police assistance.

According to the New Haven Register:

Undocumented [illegal -- ed.] workers often are the victims of crime and don’t report it out of fear of being deported. They’re often attractive prey because without legal documentation they can’t get bank accounts, and keep their money with them or in their homes.

By rough estimate, there are about 10,000 undocumented [illegal -- ed.] aliens in New Haven alone. It’s impossible to say how many have been victims of crime and not reported it.

I'm sorry for anyone who is the victim of crime. However, simply by being here, these people are themselves committing a crime. And, they make themselves targets as a result of their illegal status. When are these people going to be made to take responsibility for their actions?

As usual, the left's answer is to ratchet up a notch their status as victims. (I'm thankful New Haven mayor Joe DeStefano (D) failed miserably in his bid to become Connecticut's govnernor, if this is an example of how he runs things.)

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Posted by Pam Meister at 11:54 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

November 28, 2006

How Dangerous Are Illegal Immigrants?

From WorldNetDaily:

Though no federal statistics are kept on murders or any other crimes committed by illegal aliens, a number of groups have produced estimates based on data collected from prisons, news reports and independent research.

Twelve Americans are murdered every day by illegal aliens, according to statistics released by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa. If those numbers are correct, it translates to 4,380 Americans murdered annually by illegal aliens. That's 21,900 since Sept. 11, 2001.

Guess which death tolls are getting more press?

Total U.S. troop deaths in Iraq as of last week were reported at 2,863. Total U.S. troop deaths in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan during the five years of the Afghan campaign are currently at 289, according to the Department of Defense.

Other crime tolls linked to illegal aliens in the article include deaths from drunk drivers and the sexual molestation of children.

As stated in the linked article, these numbers are not official statistics. (Besides, we all know how statistics can be debated.) But shouldn't we be taking a closer look at the veracity of the claims? Or is the topic considered off-limits by the PC police? No, not all illegal aliens come here to commit crimes. And one cannot predict with any certainty that individuals who come here legally will never commit a crime. But those who break laws simply by being here should not be beyond extra scrutiny of their other activities.

Peter Wagner, author of a new report called "The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration," asks the following question:

"That is part of the dark side of illegal immigration and when we allow the 'good' in we get the 'bad' along with them. The question is, how much 'bad' is acceptable and at what price?"

What price indeed?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

November 16, 2006

Nevada Town Bars Foreign Flags Flying Alone

Pahrump, Nevada's main claim to fame has been being home to the Bonnie and Clyde death car, ensconced at Whiskey Pete's. (As a kid, I saw the car at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Virginia City. Blood stains and everything!)

Now, the town has passed a law banning the flying of foreign flags alone:

The elected town board in the remote Mojave Desert community voted 3-2 on Tuesday to enact an ordinance making it illegal to fly a foreign nation's flag by itself.

Flying another country's flag, whether it is a British Union Jack or the flag of Mexico, is punishable by a $50 fine and 30 hours' community service, unless it is flown below an American flag.

"Old Glory is sovereign," says Paul Willis, a retired carpenter and board member. "You can't fly any other nation's flag higher than the American flag."

Of course, the ACLU is already bleating:

The American Civil Liberties Union says the flag restriction violates the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech.

"There's no doubt about it," says Lisa Rasmussen, a board member of the Nevada ACLU. "People have a right, as much as we don't like it, to fly ... any flag they wish."

No one's banning the flying of other flags...just saying that they must fly with and below the American flag. But to tell that to the "anyone but America first" ACLU is like spitting into the wind. Rasmussen has also said to expect the ACLU to "take action."

And that's not all:

The law passed as part of a package of measures that also declared English the official language of Pahrump and denies town benefits to illegal immigrants.

French is the official language of France. (I thought it was Weaselese.) German is the official language of Germany. Italian is the official language of Italy. Spanish is the official language of Mexico and Spain. I could go on. Why is it so many people get their knickers in a twist when Americans propose making English the official language of America? And what's wrong with expecting that the flag that represents our country be given priority over the flags of other countries? Plus, barring benefits from those not legally eligible to receive them is responsible on two fronts: it relieves the economic burden on the town and its taxpayers, and discourages illegals from showing up to begin with.

Pahrump is joining in with towns like Hazleton, PA and Farmers Branch, TX, in taking a stance against illegal immigration. Other towns should follow suit. Will our federal government finally take note?

h/t: Jeanette

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Posted by Pam Meister at 02:35 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

November 15, 2006

Bye Bye Border Fence?

Just brilliant:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The incoming U.S. Congress will review the law mandating 700 miles of fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, and may seek to scrap the plan altogether.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told reporters this week that he expected to "re-visit" the issue when he becomes chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee in the 110th Congress, which has a Democratic Party majority.

Goody...more waffling on an issue that is important to citizens. Just what we can expect from the Democrats. Nice going!

waffles.jpg
Would you like syrup or jam with your waffles?

h/t: Cookiewrangler

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November 10, 2006

NY Actress Murdered By Illegal UPDATE

The other day, I posted about the murder of indie-film actress Adrienne Shelly in NYC by an illegal alien who was given a job.

Today, Michelle Malkin discusses it, and also highlights the liberal policies that led to this tragic event.

To refine something I said in my original post, the quest for cheap labor has cost Shelly's family more than can ever be repaid.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:35 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

November 07, 2006

NY Actress Murdered by Illegal

Of course, he said she started it:

"I was having a bad day," illegal immigrant Diego Pillco, 19, allegedly told cops. "I didn't mean to kill her. But I did kill her."

Pillco told detectives that he punched Shelly, 40, last Wednesday afternoon outside the Abingdon Square apartment she was using as an office after she yelled at him about the noise he was making while working in a vacant apartment below.

Pillco, who is from Ecuador and speaks only Spanish, also claimed that Shelly slapped him first.

He was having a bad day? I'd say Shelly's day was worse, followed closely by her husband, who found her hanging that evening.

According to the NY Post article, Pillco, thinking Shelly was dead, dragged her to her own apartment and hung her from the shower curtain rod in the bathroom in order to make it look like a suicide.

Watch for those who feel sorry for illegals ("they're just here trying to make an honest living") to jump all over this case like John Kerry on a needleful of Botox. They'll claim he was railroaded and forced into a confession because of his lack of knowledge of English (hey, another good reason to learn the language of the country you come to!) despite forensic evidence matching his sneakers to the scene of the crime.

Pillco's boss is in denial:

The suspect's stunned boss, contractor Louis Hernandez, called his employee "a good kid."

"I don't know what happened. I don't think he did it," he said.

Uh huh. Of course, being illegal, there's no way Hernandez could have done a background check on him (not that he necessarily has a criminal background). Still, the quest for cheap labor has cost Shelly's family more than Hernandez could ever repay.

AdrienneShelly
Victim of an illegal alien

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October 08, 2006

Illegals Sue Wendy's for Following the Law

Illegal immigrants are getting bolder and bolder:

HOUSTON (AP) -- A group of illegal immigrants who worked for Wendy's International Inc. is suing the restaurant chain because the company fired them after discovering it had missed a deadline for joining a federal program that would have helped them attain legal status.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in state district court in Houston, is a companion to a similar class-action suit filed last month in Dallas against Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy's, its subsidiary Cafe Express and the Houston-based business law firm Boyar & Miller.

The immigrants, who worked for Cafe Express, are seeking unspecified damages.

Between the two lawsuits, 40 illegal immigrants say they were fired after the company recently found that Boyar & Miller, the law firm Wendy's had hired, never filed paperwork for a 2001 legalization program that allowed immigrants with employer sponsorship or an American spouse to apply for citizenship.

If the illegals are angry with anyone, it should be with the law firm that failed to file the necessary paperwork that would have made it possible for these people to apply for citizenship.

Or, perhaps they should stop and think that if they had gone through legal channels to begin with, they wouldn't be in this mess.

People complain that there is too much red tape when it comes to applying for citizenship in the US. That's all well and good, but unless our immigration laws are amended, they're the laws that those who seek to come here need to follow.

The gall of these people is truly unbelievable. They're not supposed to be here, then sue the company that (following the law) fires them when it's discovered there's been a major snafu in their legal status.

I'd like to imagine that the judge who gets this case will toss it right out, but I've seen way too much nonsense lately to indulge in this kind of wishful thinking.

Moonbattery has more.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 03:35 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

September 06, 2006

Miller Responds to Lucky Dawg News

My friend Chris at Lucky Dawg News posted about the flap Miller Beer got itself in when it provided money that went toward the planning of an "immigration rights" march in Chicago last week.

Imagine his surprise when Miller posted a comment! Click here for details!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:45 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 22, 2006

Hazleton, PA: Flushing Out Illegals

The Washington Post has an article on the town of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, which has taken the bold step of passing legislation that would make it very difficult for illegal aliens to live and work there. The new law will take effect next month.

Last month, in a raucous meeting, the mayor and City Council passed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act. ([Mayor] Barletta wore a bulletproof vest because, he says, Hazleton is menaced by a surge in crime committed by illegal immigrants.) The act imposes a $1,000-per-day fine on any landlord who rents to an illegal immigrant, and it revokes for five years the business license of any employer who hires one.

The act also declares English to be the city's official language. Employees are forbidden to translate documents into another language without official authorization.

The Post does a somewhat decent job at providing a balanced story. We hear stories from those who do and do not support the legislation. Many who are quoted say it has nothing to do with where the illegals are from, but the fact that they are illegal. Gang activity is also discussed as being a factor.

He [Barletta] says his epiphany came in May, when several illegal immigrants walked up to a local man at 11 o'clock one night and shot him in the forehead. One suspect had four false identity papers. "It took us nine hours of overtime just to run down who he was," Barletta said.

This, he said, came on the heels of crack dealing on playgrounds and pit bulls lunging at cops.

"I lay in bed and thought: I've lost my city," he recalls. "I love the new legal immigrants; they want their kids to be safe just like I do. I had to declare war on the illegals."

Barletta is also quoted as saying "'illegal' and 'legal' do not have a race."

According to the article, other towns in the general area are passing ordinances like this, and I say it's high time. Illegals will continue to come if they know they will have a job and a place to stay. Cracking down on those who provide employment and a home to illegals is one way to stem the tide.

But more action needs to be taken. Our government needs to get tougher on keeping our borders secure. As long as they can get away with it, wannabe immigrants will continue to avoid the legal process and sneak in any way they can. And, if workers can come in illegally, so can terrorists.

It's not racism. It's taking back control of the laws of the land. Other countries enforce their immigration laws. It's time that we do the same.

Illegalprotesters.jpg
Raising the usual complaints about racism

**This was a production of the Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, go to the above link to learn more. Afterward, e-mail the coalition and let us know at what level you would like to participate.**

Other CAII action today:

Common Sense America discusses how the Senate burdens us, the taxpayers, with the costs of its amnesty bill.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:48 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

August 21, 2006

Update on Illegal Sanctuary

I posted about the woman who is hiding out in a church in Chicago rather than be sent back to Mexico for violating our immigration laws last week.

This online poll shows that a large majority of respondents do not believe churches should be able to provide such sanctuary. Unfortunately, the story that accompanies the poll says that the feds will not storm the church to hustle her on her way.

Nice how the feds are bowing to PC pressure rather than enforcing the law. It's also nice to know they don't care what the majority thinks.

h/t: Jeanette

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August 17, 2006

Illegal Sanctuary

This article really caught my eye:

Immigration activists around the country are taking up the cause of a single mother who invoked the ancient principle of sanctuary and took refuge in a Chicago church rather than submit to deportation to Mexico.

Elvira Arellano, 31, was holed up for a second day Wednesday at Aldalberto United Methodist Church with the support of the congregation's pastor. With her was her 7-year-old son, Saul, an American citizen.

Apparently church sanctuary doesn't mean a hill of beans in accordance with U.S. law, but it certainly wouldn't look good for the feds if they stormed in to arrest her.

This is yet another reason why our citizenship and immigration laws not only need to be overhauled, but upheld. The children of illegals should not be granted automatic citizenship upon birth. Now this woman is playing the sympathy gambit and getting it, even though she is not even supposed to be here. If and when she is deported is anyone's guess.

Ridiculous.

Sanctuary.jpg
Illegal crocodile tears

**This was a production of the Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, go to the above link to learn more. Afterward, e-mail the coalition and let us know at what level you would like to participate.**

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Posted by Pam Meister at 04:56 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

June 14, 2006

All Aboard the Illegal ID Gravy Train

We all know there are people out there who are willing to provide fake documentation to illegal immigrants. That in and of itself is appalling. What's more appalling, however, is when state employees decide to get in on the action:

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) -- A fifth employee of the state Department of Motor Vehicles has been arrested on charges of selling driver's licenses to illegal aliens and criminals.

Cynthia White, 42, of Bridgeport was charged Tuesday with two counts of violating the state Corrupt Organizations and Racketeering Act, three counts of bribe taking, two counts of conspiracy to commit second-degree forgery and one count of second-degree forgery.

Superior Court Judge Patrick Carroll ordered her held in lieu of $150,000 bond and continued the case to June 30.

Conrod Davy, 21, of Hartford was charged Tuesday with acting as a middleman in the transactions.

Police said White sold 110 driver's licenses and 36 IDs for $2,000 each. A number of the sales were made through Davy at area strip bars, police said.

The arrests came as part of a wide-ranging investigation by state police into the illegal selling of Connecticut driver's licenses. The probe has led police all over the country, where illegal aliens and felons have been picked up with Connecticut licenses in their pockets.

In addition to White, state police arrested four other Bridgeport DMV employees, Venita Bines, Tracy Lucas-Stevenson, Karin Birch and Jannette Rodriguez. Authorities say they sold more than 1,500 licenses and nearly 1,000 Connecticut identification cards from June 2000 to December 2004.

Police said on some days illegal aliens were lined up 10 deep at the women's windows to buy driver's licenses for between $1,000 and $2,000. All five were fired before their arrests.

Bines and Lucas-Stevenson have since pleaded guilty and are facing up to 10 years in prison. The other cases are pending.

A number of the sales were made at strip bars? Well, at least we know the illegals are enjoying their time in between day jobs.

It feels so good knowing that employees on the public's dime have taxpayers' best interests at heart. As a Connecticut resident, I feel truly blessed.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let me know at what level you would like to participate.**

Other recent CAII action:

Amnesty Bill Under the Microscope

Weary of the politics of immigration reform?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 01:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

May 17, 2006

Mexico Threateans Lawsuits

It seems the Mexican government has been watching too much Law & Order:

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico - Mexico said Tuesday that it would file lawsuits in U.S. courts if National Guard troops on the border become directly involved in detaining migrants.

Mexican border officials also said they worried that sending troops to heavily trafficked regions would push illegal migrants into more perilous areas of the U.S.-Mexican border to avoid detection.

[...]

Mexican officials worry the crackdown will lead to more deaths. Since Washington toughened security in Texas and California in 1994, migrants have flooded Arizona's hard-to-patrol desert and deaths have spiked. Migrant groups estimate 500 people died trying to cross the border in 2005. The Border Patrol reported 473 deaths in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

I love how the Mexican government is more worried about people not getting over the border than why they are leaving.

Juan Canche, 36, traveled more than 1,200 miles to the border from the southern town of Izamal and said nothing would stop him from trying to cross.

"Even with a lot of guards and soldiers in place, we have to jump that puddle," said Canche, referring to the drought-stricken Rio Grande dividing Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas. "My family is hungry and there is no work in my land. I have to risk it."

This is the main root of the problem. The Mexican economy is in shambles, and desperate people are trying to find employment elsewhere. I understand why they are doing it. This doesn't mean I want them crossing over illegally, but I understand the cause. And, rather than doing something about it at home, the Mexican government continues to pass the buck and make their desperate citizens our problem.

This is not to say Mexicans wouldn't want to come to America if the Mexican economy were strong. But it's doubtful they would be streaming over illegally, thousands a day, risking their very lives in a last ditch effort to support themselves and their families.

In addition to shoring up our southern borders, President Bush (and whomever follows him) should not be allowing the Mexican government to make demands of us. Rather, he should be demanding that Mexico do something about her own pitiful economy that causes her people to leave in droves.

It's time to get tough with Mexico: not just those who violate our immigration laws, but the government that expects us to support its citizens.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let me know at what level you would like to participate.

Other CAII action today:

The Amboy Times has another take on Mexico's stance on her citizens streaming over our borders.

Double Barrelled Opinions urges you to contact your representatives now.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 11:07 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (4) | Illegal Immigration

May 02, 2006

Yesterday's Protest: The Real Story in Pictures

If you look to the MSM for your information on a daily basis, you are severely uninformed. Take yesterday's "Day Without Immigrants" rallies, for example. One would think that it was a bunch of folks who, in their zeal to become Americans, simply skipped a vital step in the immigration process. You'd think they are all peace-loving, wanna-be productive members of society. "We just want a better life," they say.

For the real story behind much of this protesting for rights that are not their due (their status in our country being illegal), click here. Michelle Malkin has posted plenty of photos of the driving force behind these protests and rallies. Che Guevara, anyone?

The worst part about all of this is the fact that while the protesters have not made their agenda a secret, the MSM is doing their best to keep this agenda a secret from the American public. How? By refraining from the use of "illegal" during their coverage and refraining from the publication of the photos Malkin and others have posted.

Do they really believe all of the politically correct nonsense they are constantly throwing at the rest of us? Or do they secretly agree with/sympathize with the claims being made by yesterday's protesters? Do they think the entire Southwest should be turned back over to Mexico? Do they really believe in open borders? These are questions worth asking, but answers are not guaranteed.

From a personal perspective, yesterday's "shutdown" of NYC didn't happen, at least not in my neck of the woods. I work in Midtown, and didn't notice any appreciable lack of services, food or otherwise. Perhaps it was different in other parts of the city, but I saw plenty of Hispanic-looking folks going about their daily business as I went about mine.

As for the politicians who ignore the wishes of American citizens as they salivate over the prospect of garnering votes from those who probably wouldn't bother voting anyway if granted amnesty (because that's all this "guest worker" claptrap is), I hold them in the utmost contempt. We're watching. And we're biding our time.

More: Defend Our Borders thinks the day was a bust.

Van Helsing at Moonbattery wonders if we can have a "Day Without Immigrants," can we try to have a "Decade Without Illegal Immigrants"?

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let me know at what level you would like to participate.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:18 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (2) | Illegal Immigration

May 01, 2006

So, You Want To Work In Mexico...

I often get tips from someone called GD, and they are usually very good ones. Most often they are links to articles on the Internet, but this time he sent me what is purported to be a forwarded e-mail by an American working in Mexico. I cannot verify the veracity of what is below, but if it's true, then the hypocrisy of Vicente Fox and Co. is absolutely nauseating:

From the other side of the fence.....

Forwarded to me from friends of Tom O'Malley who was a Director with SW BELL in Mexico City.

I spent five years working in Mexico. I worked under a tourist Visa for three months and could legally renew it for three more months. After that you were working Illegally. I was technically illegal for three weeks waiting on the FM3 approval.

During that six months our Mexican and US attorneys were working to secure a permanent work visa called an FM3. It was in addition to my US passport that I had to show each time I entered and left the country. Barbara's was the same except her's did not permit her to work.

To apply for the FM3 I needed to submit the following notarized originals (not copies) of my:

1. Birth certificate for Barbara and me.

2. Marriage certificate.

3. High school transcripts and proof of graduation.

4. College transcripts for every college I attended and proof of graduation.

5. Two letters of recommendation from supervisors I had worked for at least one year.

6. A letter from The St.Louis Chief of Police indicating that I had had no arrest record in the US and no outstanding warrants and was "a citizen in good standing."

7. Finally; I had to write a letter about myself that clearly stated why there was no Mexican Citizen with my skills and why my skills were important to Mexico. We called it our "I am the greatest person on Earth" letter. It was fun to write.

All of the above was in English that had to be translated into Spanish and then be certified as legal translations with our signatures notarized. It produced a folder about 1.5 inches thick with English on the left side and Spanish on the right.

Once they were completed, Barbara and I spent about five hours accompanied by a Mexican attorney touring Mexican Government office locations and being photographed and fingerprinted at least three times. At each location, and we remember at least four locations, we were instructed on Mexican tax, labor, housing, and criminal law and that we were required to obey their laws or face the consequences.

We could not protest any of the Government's actions or we would be committing a felony. We paid out four thousand dollars in fees and bribes to complete the process. When this was done, we could legally bring in our household goods that were held by US customs in Laredo Texas. This meant that we had rented furniture in Mexico while awaiting our goods. There were extensive fees involved here that the company paid.

We could not buy a home and were required to rent at very high rates and under contract and compliance with Mexican law.

We were required to get a Mexican driver's license. This was an amazing process. The company arranged for the Licensing agency to come to our headquarters location with its photography and finger printing equipment and the laminating machine. We showed our US license, were photographed and fingerprinted again and issued the license instantly after paying out a six dollar fee. We did not take a written or driving test and never received instructions on the rules of the road. Our only instruction was never give a policeman your license if stopped and asked. We were instructed to hold it against the inside window away from his grasp. If he got his hands on it, you would have to pay ransom to get it back.

We then had to pay and file Mexican income tax annually using the number of our FM3 as our ID number. The company's Mexican accountants did this for us and we just signed what they had prepared. It was about twenty legal size pages annually.

The FM 3 was good for three years and renewable for two more after paying more fees.

Leaving the country meant turning in the FM3 and certifying we were leaving no debts behind and no outstanding legal affairs (warrants, tickets or liens) before our household goods were released to customs.

It was a real adventure and if any of our Senators or Congressman went through it once they would have a different attitude toward Mexico.

The Mexican Government uses its vast military and police forces to keep its citizens intimidated and compliant. They never protest at their "White House" or government offices but do protest daily in front of the United States Embassy. The US Embassy looks like a strongly reinforced fortress and during most protests, the Mexican Military surrounds the block with their men standing shoulder to shoulder in full riot gear to protect the Embassy. These protests are never shown on US or Mexican TV. There is a large public park across the street where they do their protesting. Anything can cause a protest such as proposed law changes in California or Texas.

Please feel free to share this with everyone who thinks that we are being hard on illegal immigrants.

Tom O'Malley

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let me know at what level you would like to participate.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:03 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack (2) | Illegal Immigration

April 28, 2006

Another Reason California Is In the Toilet

This should come as no surprise:

(AP) SACRAMENTO California's state senators on Thursday endorsed Monday's boycott of schools, jobs and stores by illegal immigrants and their allies as supporters equated the protest with great social movements in American history.

By a 24-13 vote that split along party lines, the California Senate approved a resolution that calls the one-day protest the Great American Boycott 2006 and describes it as an attempt to educate Americans "about the tremendous contribution immigrants make on a daily basis to our society and economy."

The word missing in the above statement is ILLEGAL. But why let pesky details get in the way of sucking up to potential voters?

Illegal aliens and their supporters may think they are indispensible to our economy, but that's not necessarily the case. From the Center for Immigration Studies:

It is often suggested that "matching a willing worker with a willing employer" is all that matters when it comes to immigration policy. The fiscal costs of illegal immigration indicate that focusing only on workers and employers is grossly inadequate. If the presence of large numbers of unskilled workers lowers prices for some goods and services, but at the same time increases the burden on taxpayers, then this may not be a good deal for the country. Put simply, the mere fact that employers want more workers, and foreigners wish to work in this country, does not mean that Americans necessarily benefit from their coming. This fact must be considered when formulating policy.

Again, why let pesky details get in the way? Do they really think they'll close our cities for a day? I doubt it. We'll see who's right on Monday.

Crystal has more on the topic.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let us know at what level you would like to participate.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:19 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (1) | Illegal Immigration

April 26, 2006

More On Illegal Aliens

With the May 1st boycott of schools and businesses in support of illegal immigrants in America looming, there are a lot of hot tempers around.

Here's a sample from comments left right here on this site (copied and pasted exactly):

tHE BOYCOTT WILL GO ON AND I PLAN TO PARTCIPATE. I AM A MEXICAN AMERICAN AND I WILL STAND BEHIND MY PEOPLE 100 PERCENT!!!!!!!!!

Notice Carmen says she is a Mexican-American, and stands behind her people.

I find it interesting that she doesn't consider herself an American. But then again, I don't know if she's her legally or not. If she is here legally, her comment is even more disturbing than if she isn't.

Remeber if you are not a native o America you are also an inmigran in some way, I am also an inmigrant like every single one of you.

Milt ignores an important point: Except for a few extreme wackos, the beef most Americans have with this whole "movement" is that these are people who have snuck over our border in violation of our immigration laws, and then they have the audacity to demand rights that are not theirs. We are not anti-immigrant, we are anti-illegal immigrant. This is a crucial difference the rabid pro-illegal crowd is determined to ignore.

Of course we are all of immigrant stock of some kind. (There are theories that even American Indians came over either on a Bering Strait land bridge or possibly by boat -- albeit thousands of years ago.) For anyone to claim otherwise is ludicrous.

However, since 1875, when the Supreme Court of the United States decreed that the regulation of immigration was the responsibility of the federal government, there have been laws to uphold. Not all of those laws over the years have been something to be proud about, but that's why we have legislators who can improve upon outdated ideas.

The point is, we have legislation making illegal for anyone to just waltz over the border without proper documentation/permission. And, if you want to become a citizen, there is a process for that as well. My ancestors did it. And since they did it legally, and I was born here, then I'm a native. Sorry, but there's no two ways about that one.

Oh, and here's a lulu of a comment:

I think the boycott will help all Americans see how much we are needed by them. How can they say we steal jobs when were doing jobs they dont want to do. I don't see them digging holes in streets, or cutting yards..

Why would we dig holes or cut yards when we know we'll be passed over for such work because there are illegals willing to do it for less? Americans love a bargain. By the way, I have no respect for those who deliberately hire illegal aliens on the cheap. Not only are they saying to the illegals, "You aren't worth paying what an American would expect," but they're saying to everyone else, "We're above such petty concerns as checking for green cards or visas. As people with money and oversized egos, we are above the law."

Illegal aliens cost us more than they supposedly save us. For example, hospitals in and around the border area are closing because they can no longer aborb the cost of treating illegals who cannot pay. School budgets are bursting at the seams, paying to educate children whose parents do not contribute to said school budget. And so on and so on.

I'd like to close my rant with the following question. I hope someone can answer it for me:

Why is it that the same people who are screaming that we shouldn't outsource jobs overseas because it's taking employment away from Americans seem to think it's okay for illegal aliens to come over and take jobs away from Americans who would do them -- if the pay scale was not being artificially lowered by greedy employers and illegals who are willing to do just about anything for pennies?

Technorati:

More: Debbie at Right Truth notes that high gas prices are eclipsing the illegal alien stories in the news. Does the MSM have ADHD?

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let me know at what level you would like to participate.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (4) | Illegal Immigration

April 19, 2006

May 1st Boycott by Illegal Aliens Cancelled?

I guess they are worried about possible backlash against their cause. Sorry, but we're already mad.

The Uncooperative Blogger has the details.

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April 18, 2006

Today's CAII Roundup

There's just so much going on in this coalition that I find it hard to keep up! Here are a couple of posts you'll want to check out today:

Two states, two ways of dealing with illegal aliens. Random Thoughts of Yet Another Military Member has the details.

We already have a guest worker program. Didn't know? Find out more at Right Truth.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

Employers Encourage Illegals

This story from the Washington Times clearly illustrates the need to punish employers who hire illegal aliens:

SASABE, Mexico -- A growing number of U.S. employers in need of cheap labor are turning to illegal workers to recruit friends and relatives back home, and to smugglers to find job seekers.

"It continues to become clear who controls immigration: It's not governments, but rather the market," said Jorge Santibanez, director of the Tijuana think tank Colegio de la Frontera Norte.

When Pedro Lopez Vazquez crossed illegally into the United States last week, he already had a job.

His future employer even paid $1,000 for a smuggler to help Mr. Vazquez make his way from the central Mexican city of Puebla to Aspen, Colo.

"We're going to Colorado to work in carpentry because we have a friend who was going to give us a job," Mr. Vazquez said.

Mr. Vazquez, 41, was interviewed along the Arizona border after being deported twice by the U.S. Border Patrol. He said he would keep trying until he got to Aspen.

Read the rest of the article and you will see that Vazquez's case is far from being unusual.

Let's face it. If illegal aliens had no jobs to come to, they would stay put. Why would they take the risk of sneaking over if they were unsure of being able to find work?

I'm all for capitalism. But I'm not for capitalism that circumvents the law in order to save a few bucks by hiring illegal aliens who drive the wage level down for American citizens because they're desperate enough to work for peanuts. Enforce the law by not only deporting illegals immediately when caught, but throw the book at employers who offer them a job knowing they are not here legally.

Entering the country illegally is currently a misdemeanor, but aiding and abetting is a felony. Get the employers and we may have a better chance of stemming the tide.

Hat tip: GD

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email the coalition and let me know at what level you would like to participate.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (4) | Illegal Immigration

April 17, 2006

CAII Action

The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration has been quite busy. Here are a couple of recent posts you'll want to check out:

Joey, a new member, writes of a recently deported illegal who was the "voice of her people."

Brian Bonner discusses Newt Gingrich's advice to Republicans on illegal immigration.

I myself am working on an interview with a good friend of mine who was once a LEGAL immigrant and is now a citizen. I hope to have it posted within a couple of days.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

April 13, 2006

School Dress Code: Patriotism Taboo

Lots of folks have been getting riled up about the illegal immigration protests that have been taking place within the last week. It's funny how the people who should be protesting (those who WANT reform) aren't...guess we all have to go to work or do other productive things with our time.

Fallout from the uproar includes some schools that have banned any kind of flag waving or clothing that smacks of patriotism for fear of causing unrest within their schools. Safety, they say, is their first priority.

Part of me can understand that. School administrators are indeed charged with keeping as safe an environment as possible for their students. But how far should we go? It's a sad day in our nation when children are banned from wearing the colors of our flag because we're afraid that immigrant children (illegal or otherwise) might be offended by such a blatant show of patriotism.

To quote Jerry Seinfeld: What's up with that?

It used to be that everyone who came to our country wanted to become a part of it, and were be proud to wave our flag and its colors. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and we have the multiculturalist crowd to thank for it. By making a big deal about "cultural identity" as opposed to "American identity," we have created not a proud citizenry, but a bunch of small special interest groups who see themselves as (insert nationality here) before they see themselves as Americans...if they see themselves as Americans at all.

The Mad Pigeon is, not surprisingly, mad about this situation. As a captain in the US Air Force, he has even more reason to find this situation both repulsive and insulting. Here, he addresses Myla Shepard, principal of Shaw Heights Middle School in Colorado, one of the schools that has placed such a ban on patriotic clothing, etc.

Well, Myla... you're durned [PIGEONED] right I'm going to contact you with some questions! Just what kind of politically correct leftist institution are you running there? Did you cancel the Pledge of Allegiance, too? Take down the flag in the front? Do you even HAVE a flag pole? How about canceling classes on American History and Government since they might offend the fragile self esteem of your non-American students? Is this a convenient way to sweep an issue under the rug as to cover the students' eyes from a potentially powerful learning event?

More:

But silly me, I forget we're a reactive society. One kid gets a boo boo on the playground and asphalt gets outlawed. Heaven forbid little Bobby engages in conflict with Nancy over a flag, since conflict is bad. Despite the fact conflict leads to change, creativity, debate, enlightenment, etc. But who am I to argue? I'm just a guy who signed up to die for my country and give you the right to tear down all the symbols I cherish.

Indeed. We have come to expect that other countries are eager to paint America in a negative light. But when such negativity comes from within, and is directed at our children, what kind of message are we sending? That pride for your own country should play second fiddle to the sensibilities of others who are residing here? Some of whom, by the way, weren't even invited.

For more on illegal immigration, check out Flight Pundit.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email me and let me know at what level you would like to participate.**


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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:33 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (3) | Illegal Immigration

April 11, 2006

Why Don't We Counterprotest?

Mary Grabar knows:

While thousands of illegal aliens and their supporters converge in major American cities waving Mexican flags and signs in Spanish, polls show the vast majority of Americans opposed to their demands.

So why don’t we protest? Why not simply show our strength and wave the American flag and signs in English?

For one thing, we’re keeping the country going. We can’t afford to lose our jobs. We are neither the elites of the alternate universes of the academy and major media, nor are we “artists” supported by tax dollars or trust funds. We are not the beneficiaries of the tax-payer supported largesse that these elites are agitating for on behalf of the illegals. We are not high school teachers who through the brainwashing of our educational system believe that participating in mob protest is a good civics lesson. As the evening news has shown, many of the protestors are jubilant, defiant school children playing hookey and getting taxpayer-funded school buses to take them back to school.

Read the rest.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:12 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

Coalition Against Illegal Immigration

As you'll see in my right sidebar, I have joined with a coalition: the Coaltion Against Illegal Immigration. The posts I create are sent to a central "clearing house," and I link posts by other members.

I'm still new to this, and so am a bit behind in my linking. Here's a listing of some of the latest postings about illegal immigration by coalition members:

From Commonsense America: An Open Letter to Our Elected Officials

From Democratica: Where Illegal Immigration Is Taking Us

From My Country-My View: Houston Area Polls Show Immigration Rift Rising

I'll try to do a better job of keeping up. There's a lot of information out there!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:03 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

April 06, 2006

But if America Did It...

What would you think of adding these amendments to our Constitution?

First, disallowance of immigrant participation in US political affairs. This includes a ban on participation in demonstrations and other public expression of political opinion.

Second, an "Americans first" employment policy, native born Americans having priority over foreigners for all positions in which status of citizenship is not deemed "indispensable."

Third, a ban on all immigrant or naturalized citizens' service as (a) federal elected officials, (b) members of the cabinet, or (c) justices of the Supreme Court.

Fourth, a ban on immigrant service in the clergy.

Fifth, a ban on immigrant ownership of land or aquisition of any rights to natural resources.

Sixth, authorization of private individuals to make citizen's arrests of any individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants.

Seventh, unconditional right of federal officials -- whenever they deem such action appropriate -- to deport immediately and without due process any noncitizen.

Like them? Yes? No? Don't worry, they aren't being proposed. But they ARE part and parcel of the Mexican Constitution.

And we're worrying about offending them regarding our immigration policies?

From Horny Headed Economist (who got it from Military.com) via Dissecting the Left

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration (CAII). If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, email me and let me know at what level you would like to participate.**

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:29 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (1) | Illegal Immigration

April 05, 2006

Principal Joins Student Walkout and Other Nonsense

Anything can be a learning experience. Just ask Texas' Lanier High School principal Richard Solis, who decided to join about 200 students in a walkout in protest about immigration reform.

"I don't condone it, and I'll have to correct it, but the best thing we can do is make it a teaching experience," Solis said told News Radio 1200 WOAI.

Solis said he wanted to make sure the students weren't injured and didn't get into trouble in the march.

How will his marching with them make it a teaching experience? I think it just shows them that the principal is with them in spirit.

Many of those students say their parents and family members are illegal aliens. So if their parents are forced to return to Mexico, they may have to as well.

“My whole life would change,” one student told WOAI. We’re keeping his identity secret because his parents are here illegally.

He says this protest is a way to stand up for his family.

“They told me... my sisters, my brothers.. they told us all... just walk out of school,” said the student. “All the Mexicans in this school, we'd all have to see our grandparents go back. And that's just wrong.”

What's wrong is that your family is here illegally. This entitlement mentality, especially from people who aren't even supposed to be here, is extremely galling. It's unfortunate that so many people don't seem to grasp the concept that non-citizens aren't entitled to live or work here unless they hold a green card, which they have to apply for.

Many of the students said they were unclear about the political issues involved, and were going with their friends or simply taking an opportunity to get out of class and take a walk on a nice day.

"Some of them may have just been copy cats and nothing else," explained Solis.

Some teaching experience. My faith in the public school system grows by leaps and bounds.

Immigration rights leaders unveiled the next major initiative of their movement. It's called "The Great American Boycott of 2006" and is scheduled for May 1st. Organizers are calling for those concerned about immigration rights to boycott work, school and all consumer activities on that day.

Fine, go ahead. I have a feeling this will be about as successful as the boycott of consumer meccas in order to protest our presence in Iraq.

And really: a "Great American Boycott" by non-Americans who are here illegally? Those illegals who decide not to go to work that day are only going to hurt themselves in the end, as they depend on their daily under-the-table wad o' cash.

Some are arguing that illegal immigrants are essential to our economy. Rich Lowry feels differently.

But it doesn't make intuitive sense that importing the poor of Latin America would benefit us. If low-skill workers were key to economic growth, Mexico would be an economic powerhouse, and impoverished Americans would be slipping south over the Rio Grande.

[...]

Steve Camarota of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Immigration Studies estimates that illegal immigrants cost the federal government $10 billion a year. State and local governments lose even more. Illegals pay some taxes, but not enough to cover governmental expenses like Medicaid and treatment for the uninsured.

According to Camarota, if illegal immigrants were legalized, their net annual cost to the federal government would only increase, tripling to $30 billion a year. Immigrant workers don't earn enough to pay much in taxes, while they qualify for all sorts of governmental assistance. As they become legal, they will get even more assistance - the benefits that they get from the Earned Income Tax Credit, for instance, would increase by a factor of 10.

Think Principal Solis will present the above information to his students?

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Posted by Pam Meister at 11:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

April 03, 2006

More on Immigration

Sorry for the light posting of late...I have unexpected (yet long-term) guests camping out in my basement, where my computer is located. I haven't had a chance to move it to the family room yet...maybe over the weekend!

OK, so let's talk immigration. Mary Grabar, who immigrated to this country from Slovenia in 1959 at the age of two, has a few things to say about those who are now protesting in the streets regarding their "rights." (I am highlighting certain passages of the article; for the entire piece, click here.)

I sometimes tell people that I am an immigrant. They are surprised because I don’t have an accent (I came here as a two-year-old). I hold a Ph.D. in English. But as an immigrant, I did not have access to any of the special grants and scholarships available to those who look different from the American of European descent. I have witnessed the imposition of “multicultural” curriculums that have dealt only with cultures of those of different hues of skin tone: to put it crudely, the red (Native American), yellow (Asian), black (African-American) and (brown) Hispanics. Multiculturalism does not include Eastern European cultures.

Sadly, this is true. Grabar discusses how no one translated signs or government documents into Slovenian or other languages from Europe. Those immigrants got on as best they could, learning the language and getting help from their children who attended American schools.

I grew up listening to high school teachers tell me how “privileged” I was simply because I was white. These were the teachers whose mothers had probably hired those like my mother to clean their houses. As a little girl, I accompanied my mother on her housecleaning jobs. When she went to work at the clothing factory, I was left to clean her house and take on her duties. I cleaned neighbors’ houses before I was legally old enough to get a minimum wage job. I have also worked in the vineyards of upstate New York and in a variety of restaurants and bars. These are the types of jobs that apologists for illegal immigrants claim others won’t do.

The people who claim Americans won't do certain jobs don't do them either. It's easier to say such a thing when one's own job is not in danger. Thomas Sowell said it best: If Mexican journalists were flooding into the United States and taking jobs as reporters and editors at half the pay being earned by American reporters and editors, maybe people in the media would understand why the argument about "taking jobs that Americans don't want" is such nonsense.

Back to Grabar:

In the three decades since I was fed the political correctness by teachers in my riot-torn high school, things have only gotten worse. The demonstrations have disrupted daily life and threatened public safety in cities like Los Angeles. But imagine billboards advertising welfare benefits for Slovenians or Ukrainians in native languages. Imagine Slovenians taking to the streets at the threat of denial of welfare for those who are in the country illegally. The image is preposterous. It would be preposterous even to the educators and radical groups who support the protests on behalf of the Spanish-speaking illegal immigrants. They have spent the last three decades working to instill the idea of this particularly visible group as suffering special persecution. They have started with the most gullible—the young people, their students. And the masses have been emboldened to the point of taking to the streets and burning the flag of the country in which they live. Their claims to be part of the heritage of American immigration sound specious to this immigrant.

We are all equal, but some are more equal than others. This is the message we are getting. It's time to reject that message. Especially when it refers to people who violated our laws to come here, and therefore should not be enjoying the privileges of American citizens.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 02:14 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

March 31, 2006

This is America, Not Mexico

From yesterday's Washington Times editorial page:

In 1907, during one of the great immigration waves, President Teddy Roosevelt said that the immigrant who comes here "in good faith ... shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin." However, he added, "We have room but for one flag, the American flag."

Words well worth recalling as we noticed what student protesters decided to hoist up their high school flagpole while ostensibly demonstrating against immigration reform. In Spanish this is called reconquista, the reconquering of Mexican land lost during the Mexican-American war (1846-48), and its appearance in Los Angeles this week adds a dark dimension to the entire immigration debate.

In contrast to Mexican immigrants, those who emigrated to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries came mostly from countries -- Ireland, Poland, Italy, Bohemia, Germany and Greece -- that had little if any significant historical dealings with the United States. Nearly all had never had colonial possessions in America, nor had lost territory on the continent in war. Their citizens emigrated because they were inspired by hopes for a new and better life, not redress for past indignities. In time they became Americans.

Something entirely different motivates the Hispanic radicals. Their inspiration is anti-Americanism, which they cheerfully articulate in banners proclaiming "This is our continent, not yours!" They claim citizenship, or at least the benefits of citizenship, to be theirs by right, rather than something to be earned. And their ultimate fantasy is no different than the radical Muslim immigrants living in the slums outside Paris: To retake what they think was formerly their ancestors' land, if not in name then in numbers. Tragically, they are able to dupe idealistic students into advancing their cause by masking their true intentions behind the facade of ethnic pride or civil rights. Nothing is more un-American, especially for those requesting American citizenship.

We acknowledge that a majority of protesters gathering in Los Angeles and San Diego this week do not believe in the reconquista agenda. Their disagreement is with Congress, not America. But by accepting radicals into their ranks, by allowing students to desecrate the American flag, they have given tacit approval of the reconquista message. If the leaders of the Latino community wish to bring public opinion to their side, they must condemn these verbal and symbolic calls for reconquest.

Nothing else needs to be said.

Hat tip: GD

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Posted by Pam Meister at 03:37 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

March 29, 2006

Connecticut Senators on the Illegal Immigration Debate

UPDATE (12:21): I just e-mailed my senators. We'll see if they reply. Plus, you simply must see these photos on Michelle Malkin's site. I included the link in my messages to Lieberman and Dodd. Pass them on to everyone you know...they show what many illegals really think about America.

My senators from Connecticut are (not surprisingly) letting me down regarding illegal immigration. Here's what Joe Lieberman has to say:

Washington—Senator Lieberman issued the following statement in response to last night’s vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve Immigration reform legislation:

"The resounding bipartisan vote by the Judiciary Committee in favor of comprehensive immigration reform is an important step forward. By bringing honest, hard-working immigrants out of the shadows, we can better focus our enforcement resources on looking for the few who pose real threats to the country. The bill would also reduce unacceptably long backlogs for legal immigrants waiting to be reunited with their spouses and children. And by channeling foreign workers into new work visa programs, we can reduce the often dangerous flow of illegal immigration and stimulate our economy. I applaud the work of Chairman Specter and the members of the Judiciary Committee, and I hope we can improve the bill further as it is considered by the full Senate."

For illegals who don't read or speak English, Joe has kindly included a Spanish version on his Website.

I usually give Lieberman a lot of credit for being pretty savvy. He falls short here. Does he not realize that large majorities in various polls show that most Americans want tougher legislation regarding illegal immigration and closing up our porous border? Is it more important to curry votes with those who can't vote than to ignore the wishes of voting citizens? And don't give me any civil liberties claptrap. You have to be a citizen to have the liberties guaranteed to Americans.

And now for uber-lib Chris Dodd's statement...er, he doesn't have one on his Website. I wonder why?

I'll be sure to contact my Senators to let them know what I think about illegal immigration and our borders. All of you should do the same!


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Posted by Pam Meister at 10:56 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

March 28, 2006

Illegal Immigration, the U.S. and Rome

When thousands show up at a protest against illegal immigration reform, you know we have a problem. Click the link above and you'll see some photos of the march. One shows a person holding a sign that says, "We are not criminals."

Well, yes, you are. By circumventing the immigration process and entering the country without permission, you are breaking the law the moment you step over the border. One of the definitions of the word criminal is "one who has committed or been legally convicted of a crime."

The idea that we ought to create a guest worker program is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard of. It's bad enough that thousands of people swarm over our borders daily uninvited. Who's to say that when we invite them to take part in this program that they won't overstay their welcome as many do when their visas expire? And will we be able to accomodate the millions more who will decide to come here once such a program is implemented? Don't even get me started on amnesty for those who are already here. It sends a message: Americans are a bunch of pushovers.

Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it. Here's a bit of history worth remembering.

During the end of what we call the great Roman Empire, the Romans were off fighting the Persians. Their volunteer military was still highly trained and highly effective. While the Romans concentrated their efforts in Persia, they allowed the Germanic tribes to come in to Rome. Not as citizens, mind you. Roman citizenship was not handed out like candy at Halloween. They were treated them like, well, illegal immigrants. Kind of pesky, not desirable, but what harm overall could they do?

There was a little battle called Adrianople. And it was the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire. Because the Romans didn't take the Germanic tribes seriously, that situation began the downturn of one of the greatest civilizations ever known.

Quite a parallel, hmm? No, I am not suggesting we shouldn't be in Iraq or fighting terrorists elsewhere. That is necessary and I believe our commitment shouldn't waver. But to treat our illegal immigrant problem lightly is a problem --one that won't go away unless we are firm in our resolve to not water down our immigration laws and to enforce them. They have broken our laws and should not be rewarded for doing so.

We need to let our government know that we won't stand for it.

John Hawkins has more on what he calls an illegal immigration horror show.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 08:51 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

January 10, 2006

Mexico and Central America DEMAND More U.S. Immigration

This is rich:

Diplomats from Mexico and Central America on Monday demanded guest worker programs and the legalization of undocumented migrants (illegal immigrants -- ed.) in the United States, while criticizing a U.S. proposal for tougher border enforcement.

Meeting in Mexico's capital, the regional officials pledged to do more to fight migrant trafficking, but indirectly condemned a U.S. bill that would make illegal entry a felony and extend border walls.

"Migrants, regardless of their migratory status, should not be treated like criminals," they said.

News flash: Crossing the U.S. border without a visa or other legal permission means you are here illegally. If making it a felony will help stem the flow, along with extending our border walls, then we have every right to make it so. Our country, our laws.

Perhaps we should demand that Mexico and Central America do more for their own economies, as in creating more job opportunities for their citizens at home, so they don't feel compelled to flee the crushing poverty. Less grandstanding by politicians would also be welcome. It's sad when you realize that the only thing keeping these economies afloat is the American dollars coming in from those who come here to work illegally.

The other alternative would simply to take over Mexico and Central America and make them an official part of the United States. No more Presidents south of the Rio Grande, just governors, senators and some congressmen. Somehow, though, I doubt the governments of Mexico and Central America would like that idea.

So, guys, do something about your own problems and stop expecting us to support you through illegal immigration!

/rant

tagged:

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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:04 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

January 04, 2006

Illegal Immigration Protest Planned in Danbury, CT

From the Danbury News-Times:

DANBURY — A controversial anti-illegal immigrant group is planning a "Stop the Invasion" demonstration Saturday at Kennedy Park.

Latino day laborers gather each morning around Kennedy Park, between Kennedy Avenue and Elm Street, hoping to be hired by contractors.

Note the use of the word "controversial." What's controversial about wanting to stem the tide of illegal immigrants? The word illegal should imply that simply by being here, these people are violating our laws. No one would call a group like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) controversial, would they? Drunk driving is against the law too.

If you read the whole article, you will see that some who support the cause don't think that this demonstration will do much more than create a wave of publicity, and that other approaches are more effective. Perhaps that is true, but publicity stunts can sometimes have value--if only to draw attention to a problem.

Maria-Cinta Lowe, executive director of the Hispanic Center of Greater Danbury, said members of Streitz' group are troublemakers who should be ignored.

"They are racist. They are bigots. They are ignorant. We do not need people like them in Danbury, and we do not need them in Connecticut," Lowe said.

Like how the race card is played? If the majority of illegals in Danbury were from another ethnic group, Lowe would not be complaining about racism. There is nothing racist about wanting to tighten our borders and enforce the laws that already exist. I also think it would be nice to be able to round up all illegals and deport them, but how realistic that is remains to be seen.

There is a movement to change the 14th amendment which grants automatic citizenship to any baby born here, regardless of the immigration (legal or illegal) status of its parents. That's a step in the right direction.

As of April of last year, illegals made up 19% of Danbury's population. Considering the drain on public services (i.e. school and healthcare), this is a major issue for Danbury and cities like it. Mayor Mark Boughton has gotten a lot of flak for his attempts to deal with the problem.

Some reading this will automatically say I am anti-immigrant. That is not true. I am against those who sneak in, find work, send that untaxed money back to their home country, and expect to have their children educated and their healthcare needs met. And what about those who have immigrated here legally, jumping through all of the hoops, only to see others taking what they have rightfully earned? It angers a friend of mine, who came here legally from India when she was 11 and became a citizen about 10 years later.

I am going to try to see if I can make it to the demonstration. It could be very interesting!

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Posted by Pam Meister at 12:52 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

December 09, 2005

Danbury Mayor: Deal With Illegals

Mark Boughton, mayor of Danbury, Connecticut, is forming a coalition of mayors from throughout the country that will lobby federal lawmakers to overhaul and reform immigration laws.

It's a good idea. Of course, during yesterday's press conference, some idjit reporter had to ask:

"Mayor Boughton, are you anti-immigrant?"

Boughton paused for a moment, smiled – and then said no.

Why is it that wanting immigration reform--in order to keep illegal immigrants from entering the country--automatically makes one anti-immigrant? We have laws, and these people are flat out ignoring them.

This other piece from the article was hurl-worthy as well:

However, [Stamford Mayor Dan] Malloy said the economy would go into the tank if every undocumented worker left the U.S. Immigrant laborers fill many landscaping and construction jobs American workers don't want.

Wages for these very jobs are kept low because of the influx of illegals. Those who employ them know they are willing to work for very little and therefore the employers rake in more cash for themselves. (I'm a capitalist, but I'm not for making profit by exploiting illegals and cheating American citizens in the process.) By not employing illegals, wages for construction and landscaping jobs would reach more realistic levels, making those positions more attractive to Americans. Americans--most of them, anyway--want to work, but want to be paid fairly. (BTW, I am not a union supporter.)

In the meantime, illegals pay no taxes yet receive taxpayer-funded frills such as education and hospital treatment for illness.

This doesn't even take into consideration the security issues surrounding illegals' ability to just waltz over our southern borders.

I'll be keeping an eye on this coaltion. It'll be interesting to see if it actually gets anywhere.

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Posted by Pam Meister at 09:34 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration

October 25, 2005

More Illegal Outrage

This story from East Hartford, Connecticut, is another example of why we need to crack down on illegal immigrants:

Police are investigating whether the bloody melee that erupted at a 1-year-old's birthday party over the weekend was fueled by a violent rivalry between two Central America gangs that has claimed dozens of lives.

As seven of those arrested posted bail, police released new details Monday of the brawl involving 50 adults at the Crosby Street multi-family house.

Witnesses told police that individuals involved in the chaos that spilled out into the street early Sunday were members of MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) and its rival, MS-18. One of the nation's most dangerous gangs, MS-13 has its origins in El Salvador. The gang took root in Southern California in the 1980s and has since spread throughout the country.

Some background on MS-13:

Last week, three suspected MS-13 gang members were arrested in Vienna, Va., after police tracked their activity between Los Angeles, Massachusetts and Virginia for five months. One of the men is wanted for an MS-13-related slaying in Massachusetts. All three are illegal aliens from El Salvador.

Earlier this year, Michelle Malkin wrote an article about the increasing violence from MS-13 in the Washington, D.C. suburbs:

At the local malls in Montgomery County, Md., where I live, gang stabbings are increasingly common. Earlier this summer, a spate of knifing attacks involving reputed MS-13 gangsters took place at a nearby Target store. Yes, Target -- where the only fights that shoppers should have to worry about are the tug-of-war spats between soccer moms battling over Sonia Kashuk makeup bags on sale in Aisle 2.

Where are our politicians? Are they blind to what's going on, or are they hoping that if they ignore it, it will go away? We have enough problems with homegrown gang violence. There's no need to import more.

Our borders are out of control, and average citizens are paying the price.


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Posted by Pam Meister at 07:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Illegal Immigration


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