Illegal immigration is still a major issue

[SweetVirginia]

It has been a very long time since I have posted on this site.  I am a progressive who is pro-choice, pro- gay marriage, pro-universal health care, pro-unions, pro-Iran nuclear deal..etc. , but when it comes to illegal immigration, I am as Anti-illegal immigration as you can get. Why? well, first of all, I am 1st generation American born to LEGAL immigrants from El Salvador. My parents went through so many obstacles and fees to get legal permission to immigrate to the U.S. My now naturalized  citizen mother loves this country with such passion and loyalty because she went through being separated from my father for 2 years while married in order to reunite with him LEGALLY in the United States, and was able to raise her 4 kids with a good education and with American opportunity.  I am  "Latina" a "Hispanic". This whole "Latino" vote thing is a myth in my opinion. Legal Latinos like my mother and myself do not support illegal immigration or amnesty. I would never support Donald Trump for many reasons...but I will say, that after all these years that I have been speaking out against illegal immigration on these boards and the original msn boards, I think that the reason he of all people is still relevant is because of his open and uncensored remarks on illegal immigration. Americans,conservatives, democrats, progressives, Latinos, etc, care about the rule of law, about jobs, about wages, and about nation borders. Our politicians both democrats and republicans have sold out to big business and La Raza.and we are left to subsidize the existence of illegal immigrants.  I am on the front lines of that as a Latina teacher in Los Angeles County. I hope that all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, race , gender, etc will acknowledge that being pro-rule of law and pro- American worker is not anti-immigrant or racist.  End of sermon.

[tallguy]

I am not "pro-" quite as many things as you, but am just as stridently anti-illegals.  That is not at all the same thing as anti-immigration, as you stated.  Far too many people get that confused.

This country was built on immigration.  We have a long and proud history of welcoming others.  But we must respect the rule of law.  Millions of people have jumped through the same kinds of hoops that your parents did in order to come to this country.   Many millions more are trying to.  Those are the people who should be allowed in.  Those are the people we should help, and welcome.  The ones who demonstrate a belief in and respect for our laws before they even get here. 

Our economy has struggled at times, and it is a truism that you must help yourself before you are able to help others.  We cannot allow in everybody who wants to come.  It is just not possible.  But we absolutely should be allowing in only those who show respect for the system and the law, and absolutely not allow in those who flout it.  Every illegal should be removed from the country.  Their continued presence is a slap in the face to every immigrant who entered this country the right way.  I for one am glad your parents made it.  You are making a difference here.    

[chiver78]

welcome back, SweetVirginia

like you, I'm the daughter of a LEGAL immigrant. I am also pro-(many things in your list) and as anti-illegals as you. I'll also say that tallguy posted my thoughts way more eloquently than I could, so I'll just leave it at that.

[busymom]

I am the granddaughter of legal immigrants. I agree that my grandparents had to jump through a lot of hoops to be able to live in this country legally. And, it does annoy me that (including in my home state) it doesn't seem that enough is done to address the illegal immigrant problem we have in this country. It doesn't mean I "hate" anyone.  But, everyone must follow the rules to become a citizen of this country.  No exceptions.  And no, I don't believe in "anchor babies" either.