Should the Gov't Create a Pathway to Citizenship for Illegal Immigrants?
Create one.
Side Score: 28
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Don't create one.
Side Score: 3
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No one wins when 12 million reside in the shadows of our country. Employers exploit them. Taxpayers support them. And they're not going home. A solution is needed. Some would say round 'em up and send them back, but that's simply not feasible. The best option is to simply create a path to citizenship that allows those who reside here illegally to come out of the shadows and into the mainstream of American life. Thus, I propose that as the federal government steps up its protection of American borders it should develop a process that allows illegal immigrants already here to pay a fine (they did break the law) and go then go through the same process of naturalization that others seeking citizenship in our country go through. Side: Create one.
5
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The one thing you forgot to mention is how the Government exploits them! The only reason I am vividly aware of this is that my cleaning girls were both immigrants, now citizens. It took one of them 17 years to become a citizen and the other about 18 and a half years. During the time they sought legal status here the money they were forced to spend on the process, including legal fees cost each well over $50,000.00!!! A very high figure when both husbands are seasonal blue collar workers and the wives clean houses for a living. There were many times during their journey when fees that had to be paid almost broke them. One family has two children, the other has three and they were all born here. No one should be faced with the prospect of putting their families on hold while the Government takes their time in turning the pages. We must create a pathway to enter our great country for those who wish to make a better life for themselves. It's how this country was built and will continue to be maintained. They are and always will be the backbone of this country. We are hardly overcrowded in many, many states of this country and there are ways to have immigrants sow the seeds of new life where there is little or none now. The entire system must be revamped in order to have this be a successful enterprise in which people can begin anew and serve our needs as well as their own. While I understand that borders need to be built at this juncture I should hope that our government will look to the future and build the bridge that will forever end the need for anyone to come here illegally. Employers will never again be able to exploit them and the tax-payers will never again have to support them. Find the way and use the money that is being collected by the barrel full to give them a leg up on education and health care while they wait. Side: Create one.
3
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There are a few dangers with illegal immigration. 1) they are not screened for disease 2) they aren't on file any where 3) they don't pay income tax 4) they could be criminals. All of these can be resolved with a comprehensive path to citizenship that includes a screening test for sickness and criminal record. Side: Create one.
2
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A great addition of thoughts H&C;. I'm glad you pointed them out. There are so many aspects of this dilemma and it's not very different from the original masses that came to our shores so many years ago except that we now have the technology with which to test for disease and discover who they truly are. We must work with other governments to ease some of these burdens with the exception of places like Cuba. Side: Other Governments can also help
1
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There are as many economic reasons to let them stay as to export them. My personal opinion is that we should decriminalize the crime for those already here if they file with the authorities AND if they have clean criminal records (excepting their illegal status obviously). We need to secure the borders before doing anything or else it is a total waste of time effort and money and then issue an open amnesty to those who come in and register and go through proper channels to get an expedited citizenship. Immediate citizenship should be bestowed on the immediate families of those who have served in our military. This is less about the rule of law which is trashed on a daily basis anyway than it is about finding the solution that most benefits the country as a whole. Side: Create one.
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Since when does the U.S. REWARD law breakers? Creating a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants flies in the face of one of this nation's founding principles -- rule of law. Law breakers deserve to be punished, and so our government should continue to give illegal immigrants what they deserve -- a ticket home. Yes it may take a while to remove the millions who are here, but our nation can wait. We've endured this problem for decades, what are a few more years? Side: Don't create one.
We do reward some law breakers, unfortunately-- I dunno the percentage, but I bet quite a few convicts didn't get 3 meals a day and cable TV before jail. Don't get me wrong, I know it's hell. And aren't illegals illegal because it's hard for them to become citizens legally? Part of the history we're so proud of is how easily one can become an American. So let's make it easy for them, and hold up our promise. Side: Create one.
"Yes it may take a while to remove the millions who are here, but our nation can wait. We've endured this problem for decades, what are a few more years?" How about, it will NEVER happen. Not unless every border was flawless and everyone in this country was implanted with a special chip. And even then, people would still find a way to skirt the law. "Creating a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants flies in the face of one of this nation's founding principles -- rule of law." If we made it legal by providing a pathway to citizenship, then it would no longer be illegal As of now, the government has been putting people away little by little. It's entirely inneficient. Too much money is spent on trying to send these people back home. And in the end, they just end up contributing to our economy and to the rich diversity of this country. Hey, this country was founded by immigrants, not natives. Why don't we show a little consideration and let immigrants who respect society and are willing to do the right thing become civilians of this great nation? Because what you are proposing is an impossible task. Side: Create one.
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