For those who are not aware:
The entries, in chronological order, begin at the bottom of the webpage for those who are interested in reading this blog in its entirety.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 7 - Clarification and Conclusion
The purpose of this blog was to review the government's performance in dealing with illegal immigration, in terms of what it plans to do in response to the widespread issue. Furthermore, illegal immigration was looked at through both a political and emotional viewpoint as well as why the American people may agree/disagree with the illegal aliens that are currently residing in the United States.
A taste of how illegal immigrants contribute to the economy
Did you know that some of the money you spent on fruits and vegetables, as well as houses and goods went to illegal immigrants?
This was a very interesting graphic I found on The Seattle Times Website which truly shows how little Americans have to worry about paying for illegal immigrants who do so much work for us - allowing our economy to thrive. Illegal immigrants are actually more involved with our goods than most Americans think!
Take a look around - the clothes you are wearing, food you might be eating, or house you live in was probably in the hands of illegal immigrants (who helped make it) before you!
Mexico: A country of the fabulously rich and the deprived poor
This is a video I found that included interesting facts about the "divided Mexico", in which half the population is living under the poverty line, while the other is thriving greatly. It is assumed that the illegal immigrants who cross the Mexican-American border are mostly the Mexicans who are the country's lower-class citizens.
Interesting Facts:
- 20% Mexicans live under the poverty line (Gonzalez family in 30 Days)
-10% Mexicans earn less than a dollar a day (converted from pesos)
Day 6 - Our Government's Plans for the Naturalization Process & My Personal Solution
Overall, President Obama plans to continue on a $1.1 billion dollar program begun by President Bush whose purpose is to review the immigration status of everybody who is currently in a local jail until 2013. Furthermore, any illegal immigrants caught on the American-Mexican border crossing illegally will be charged and sent to jail. Along the border, Obama also plans to install an $8 billion dollar fence including the latest technology using sensors and cameras that will assist Border Control in catching and arresting illegal immigrants. Last year, President Bush was successful in deporting almost 400,000 immigrants utilizing almost the same regulations.
However, rather than cracking down on the hard-working illegal immigrants who are already here, Obama will propose a bill that is intended to grant citizenship to them as long as they learn the English language, pay a fine, and then get in line for citizenship. Obama’s plans are mainly going to be directed towards illegal immigrants who repeatedly violate the law, have suspicious records, and those who are involved with smuggling and other risky behavior that puts America at risk for an increase in crime. The illegal immigrants who are suspected to be threatening the safety and well-being of our country will be targeted first, by 67 state/local agencies activated by the government to do so. As an attempt to appeal to both sides of the argument on illegal immigration as well as the majority of the Hispanic population who favor keeping illegal aliens here, Obama plans to deport all illegal criminals, ease the naturalization process for those who are currently in the US, and strengthen border control. The reason why our president has decided to almost grant amnesty to the people already here is because, “It’s a mistake to understand immigrants as a drain on the economy. Immigrants in fact are the engine of development in this country and always have been,” said Barack Obama.
From my understanding, The fact that immigrants have been greatly beneficial to our economy means that targeting those who are working and living without violating the law (other than actually coming to the US illegally) would just lose America thousands of jobs and decrease the amount of taxes (almost 6 billion dollars worth) of taxes that go to the IRS from these immigrants as well as completely terminating companies who have relied on the work of illegal immigrants over the years to operate. With this I completely agree with the government’s plans:
1. Deport all illegal immigrants that have been recorded as criminals/those who do not seem to have good moral standards.
2. Keep all working illegal immigrants in the US here without deportation, however register them for citizenship, collect fines, and assist them in learning English.
3. Strengthen border control from any further illegal immigrants escaping Mexico into America.
In order for this to actually happen, Congress needs to approve of Obama’s proposition to allow this to happen. This is a decision that will affect each and every single American – financially and business-wise for most. By basically granting amnesty to the people already here, more families will have the opportunity to live with much better conditions than trying to keep from being caught by the United States government and forced into deportation. Families will be kept together, the economy will not be harmed in any way, and more people will be free to try to live the American Dream.
Still, the government needs to reform the naturalization process for needy immigrants who have not crossed the border illegally. It is true that it is unfair for those who are already here to stay while those who are in their country of origins who have not crossed the border to wait, but it is also more logical to assist the greatest amount of people possible in being able to access free education, good health care, etc. as well. As for those who have to wait, the government should find a way in somehow making the naturalization process much shorter so that people do not have to literally wait up to 10 years to know if they are able to become citizens of this country or not. The amount of people filing for citizenship is at its thousands. To shorten the process, the United States government should have a zero-tolerance law on allowing anybody in the country whose records are nothing but good. For instance, anybody filing for citizenship with a disreputable history or criminal record should not under any circumstances be allowed to live in the US.
As for those who disagree with keeping illegal immigrants here, it would overall, be better for the country as a whole if these immigrants stayed anyway. It is true that immigration has caused a split in races among many parts of American society, however America has always been considered the melting pot for people around the world for the past 200 years. It is true that every single American person in this country is an immigrant. Therefore, how can you deny immigrants the right to come to the US when all Americans are immigrants themselves? Why would you deny others the same opportunities your ancestors where given? That is simply hypocritical and harsh.
That also goes along with the 30 Days documentary featured towards the bottom of the page. Frank, a minuteman, does not realize how much these people are entitled to earning a better life for themselves until he has to face their struggles as well. Americans who are strongly opposed to Obama’s plans simply because they do not want these immigrants in our country need to learn how to be more open-minded towards this society of people who are only looking for a better way of life.
For more information on Obama’s plans for illegal immigration in the United States, please refer to articles from both CNN and The Washington Post.
However, rather than cracking down on the hard-working illegal immigrants who are already here, Obama will propose a bill that is intended to grant citizenship to them as long as they learn the English language, pay a fine, and then get in line for citizenship. Obama’s plans are mainly going to be directed towards illegal immigrants who repeatedly violate the law, have suspicious records, and those who are involved with smuggling and other risky behavior that puts America at risk for an increase in crime. The illegal immigrants who are suspected to be threatening the safety and well-being of our country will be targeted first, by 67 state/local agencies activated by the government to do so. As an attempt to appeal to both sides of the argument on illegal immigration as well as the majority of the Hispanic population who favor keeping illegal aliens here, Obama plans to deport all illegal criminals, ease the naturalization process for those who are currently in the US, and strengthen border control. The reason why our president has decided to almost grant amnesty to the people already here is because, “It’s a mistake to understand immigrants as a drain on the economy. Immigrants in fact are the engine of development in this country and always have been,” said Barack Obama.
From my understanding, The fact that immigrants have been greatly beneficial to our economy means that targeting those who are working and living without violating the law (other than actually coming to the US illegally) would just lose America thousands of jobs and decrease the amount of taxes (almost 6 billion dollars worth) of taxes that go to the IRS from these immigrants as well as completely terminating companies who have relied on the work of illegal immigrants over the years to operate. With this I completely agree with the government’s plans:
1. Deport all illegal immigrants that have been recorded as criminals/those who do not seem to have good moral standards.
2. Keep all working illegal immigrants in the US here without deportation, however register them for citizenship, collect fines, and assist them in learning English.
3. Strengthen border control from any further illegal immigrants escaping Mexico into America.
In order for this to actually happen, Congress needs to approve of Obama’s proposition to allow this to happen. This is a decision that will affect each and every single American – financially and business-wise for most. By basically granting amnesty to the people already here, more families will have the opportunity to live with much better conditions than trying to keep from being caught by the United States government and forced into deportation. Families will be kept together, the economy will not be harmed in any way, and more people will be free to try to live the American Dream.
Still, the government needs to reform the naturalization process for needy immigrants who have not crossed the border illegally. It is true that it is unfair for those who are already here to stay while those who are in their country of origins who have not crossed the border to wait, but it is also more logical to assist the greatest amount of people possible in being able to access free education, good health care, etc. as well. As for those who have to wait, the government should find a way in somehow making the naturalization process much shorter so that people do not have to literally wait up to 10 years to know if they are able to become citizens of this country or not. The amount of people filing for citizenship is at its thousands. To shorten the process, the United States government should have a zero-tolerance law on allowing anybody in the country whose records are nothing but good. For instance, anybody filing for citizenship with a disreputable history or criminal record should not under any circumstances be allowed to live in the US.
As for those who disagree with keeping illegal immigrants here, it would overall, be better for the country as a whole if these immigrants stayed anyway. It is true that immigration has caused a split in races among many parts of American society, however America has always been considered the melting pot for people around the world for the past 200 years. It is true that every single American person in this country is an immigrant. Therefore, how can you deny immigrants the right to come to the US when all Americans are immigrants themselves? Why would you deny others the same opportunities your ancestors where given? That is simply hypocritical and harsh.
That also goes along with the 30 Days documentary featured towards the bottom of the page. Frank, a minuteman, does not realize how much these people are entitled to earning a better life for themselves until he has to face their struggles as well. Americans who are strongly opposed to Obama’s plans simply because they do not want these immigrants in our country need to learn how to be more open-minded towards this society of people who are only looking for a better way of life.
For more information on Obama’s plans for illegal immigration in the United States, please refer to articles from both CNN and The Washington Post.
Day 5 - Naturalization Process
As shown in the 30 Days documentary, many illegal immigrants coming to the United States are doing so due to the poor, unlivable conditions in their own countries of origin. Rather than coming to the US illegally, the government has always been advocating coming to the United States legally – or with documents that allow one to reside in this country.
However, with the conditions that were shown in the video, it is truly easy for a family to face disease, famine, and overall poverty when living for a certain period of time in their own countries – as for those who come to the US for better opportunities and living conditions. Why don’t these immigrants apply for citizenship and wait like everybody else?
This calls into question America’s immigration policies and the steps one from another country must take into becoming a legal citizen. Are they convenient? Should they be changed? If yes, how so?
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (source), there are many factors that go along with qualifying an immigrant to permanently reside in our nation or become a naturalized citizen. Character and criminal records are checked and reviewed, fees in the thousands have to be paid for citizenship applications, interviews need to be gone to, one needs to know how to fully speak and understand the English language, have a good understand of American history and government, be married with an actual American citizen or be residing in the country for a long period of time (both are not necessary), and take the Citizenship Test which reviews one’s overall knowledge of the country and its past.
The naturalization process may take years, even decades to complete for immigrants from other countries. This is an issue that needs to be solved – since there is no doubt that many immigrants cross the American-Mexican border illegally due to their lack of money, knowledge, or time to go through the naturalization process. This process seems to be extremely inconvenient due to these three factors. The government has recently begun charging illegal immigrants they find with felonies, and deporting illegal employees that employers have hired in workplaces.
In order to come up with a solution to the inconvenience of the naturalization process, it is up to the government’s decision with what they plan to do next regarding the illegal immigrants already in the United States, which will later be observed.
However, with the conditions that were shown in the video, it is truly easy for a family to face disease, famine, and overall poverty when living for a certain period of time in their own countries – as for those who come to the US for better opportunities and living conditions. Why don’t these immigrants apply for citizenship and wait like everybody else?
This calls into question America’s immigration policies and the steps one from another country must take into becoming a legal citizen. Are they convenient? Should they be changed? If yes, how so?
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (source), there are many factors that go along with qualifying an immigrant to permanently reside in our nation or become a naturalized citizen. Character and criminal records are checked and reviewed, fees in the thousands have to be paid for citizenship applications, interviews need to be gone to, one needs to know how to fully speak and understand the English language, have a good understand of American history and government, be married with an actual American citizen or be residing in the country for a long period of time (both are not necessary), and take the Citizenship Test which reviews one’s overall knowledge of the country and its past.
The naturalization process may take years, even decades to complete for immigrants from other countries. This is an issue that needs to be solved – since there is no doubt that many immigrants cross the American-Mexican border illegally due to their lack of money, knowledge, or time to go through the naturalization process. This process seems to be extremely inconvenient due to these three factors. The government has recently begun charging illegal immigrants they find with felonies, and deporting illegal employees that employers have hired in workplaces.
In order to come up with a solution to the inconvenience of the naturalization process, it is up to the government’s decision with what they plan to do next regarding the illegal immigrants already in the United States, which will later be observed.
Day 4 - General For/Against Arguments
Today's blog will focus on the differentiating opinions having to do with how illegal immigrants in the United States benefit/harm America or its citizens.
For illegal immigrants:
• Illegal immigrants usually may have a family in the US that is willing to support them, improving their living conditions.
• By allowing illegal immigrants who are already here to reside in the US, they are able to be supported by the family they might have here as well as their family back in their country of origin.
• Illegal immigrants take jobs Americans would not want.
• These immigrants have a better opportunity to live the "American Dream" or become successful in their life - something that very rarely happens in their country of origin, especially if they are underprivileged. (Emotional Aspect)
• Free education, better health care, and more jobs in the United states = Better opportunities for these people. (Emotional Aspect)
• According to an MIT study, it is estimated that illegal immigrants' labor raised wages of college graduates by 0.71%, and of high-school graduates as well as early college students by .59%.
• According to the New York Times staff writer Eduardo Porter, "certain businesses would not exist in the United States without cheap immigrant labor."
Against illegal immigrants:
• Do not deserve to be in the US, they cut in line all the other immigrants who have been waiting for their citizenship the "right" way.
• Labor jobs may be offered to an illegal immigrant in opposition to an American citizen because they are generally, paid much less.
• Jobs that illegal immigrants have may decrease the amount of opportunities legalized immigrants can attain in the United States.
• Increased criminal activity (rape, gangs, other forms of violence).
• Health risks for Americans - since illegal immigrants are capable of bringing a foreign illness to US citizens by crossing the border (i.e.: outbreak of the Swine Flu in Mexico).
• American citizens are required to pay taxes that go to all of those who are currently living in the United States, including illegal immigrants.
• According to an MIT study provided by The Seattle Times, the wages of high school drop-outs have been cut by approximately 2.66% for money that has gone to pay illegal immigrant workers instead.
• $338 billion dollars are spent in total on illegal immigrants per year; money that could be spent on the American people instead, according to this Ameriborn News Constitution article.
For illegal immigrants:
• Illegal immigrants usually may have a family in the US that is willing to support them, improving their living conditions.
• By allowing illegal immigrants who are already here to reside in the US, they are able to be supported by the family they might have here as well as their family back in their country of origin.
• Illegal immigrants take jobs Americans would not want.
• These immigrants have a better opportunity to live the "American Dream" or become successful in their life - something that very rarely happens in their country of origin, especially if they are underprivileged. (Emotional Aspect)
• Free education, better health care, and more jobs in the United states = Better opportunities for these people. (Emotional Aspect)
• According to an MIT study, it is estimated that illegal immigrants' labor raised wages of college graduates by 0.71%, and of high-school graduates as well as early college students by .59%.
• According to the New York Times staff writer Eduardo Porter, "certain businesses would not exist in the United States without cheap immigrant labor."
Against illegal immigrants:
• Do not deserve to be in the US, they cut in line all the other immigrants who have been waiting for their citizenship the "right" way.
• Labor jobs may be offered to an illegal immigrant in opposition to an American citizen because they are generally, paid much less.
• Jobs that illegal immigrants have may decrease the amount of opportunities legalized immigrants can attain in the United States.
• Increased criminal activity (rape, gangs, other forms of violence).
• Health risks for Americans - since illegal immigrants are capable of bringing a foreign illness to US citizens by crossing the border (i.e.: outbreak of the Swine Flu in Mexico).
• American citizens are required to pay taxes that go to all of those who are currently living in the United States, including illegal immigrants.
• According to an MIT study provided by The Seattle Times, the wages of high school drop-outs have been cut by approximately 2.66% for money that has gone to pay illegal immigrant workers instead.
• $338 billion dollars are spent in total on illegal immigrants per year; money that could be spent on the American people instead, according to this Ameriborn News Constitution article.
Day 3 - Response to "30 Days" documentary
I found a 30 Days documentary that had to do directly with the illegal immigration issue in the United States, which gives viewers a more personal viewpoint into the lives of illegal immigrants in the US today, the way they currently live as well as why they have come here, and the proposing and opposing opinions about this specific issue.
Frank, a minuteman who works to keep illegal aliens out of the United States at the American-Mexican border, will stay with an illegal family of 7 (except the two youngest children) in their small two-bedroom home for 30 days to experience their way of living.
Frank will be required to:
• Leave all papers or documents labeling personal identification behind.
• Live with an illegal family of 7 in their two-bedroom apartment.
• Be put to work with Rigoberto (father) as a day laborer.
After watching the video:
Break-down of the most important video times:
5:17 – 6:12 – What Frank will be doing for the next 30 days.
12:52 – 15:01 – Frank and Rigoberto each give a short monologue about their own personal opinions on how illegal immigrants can benefit (Rigoberto’s view) or harm (Frank’s view) the legal American citizens.
16:28 – 17:21 – Frank’s great disagreement with illegal immigration.
19:30 – 20:19 – Patty discuses her excitement of earning $5 for the day with Frank, and shows him the $49 she has collected since the beginning of the year to save for her children. This shows Frank how important every single dollar is to this family; the frugality of their lifestyle.
20:49 – 20:56 – Effective Quote: “It’s very hard on a person when you look at people and you like them, yet you know they’re not supposed to be here, and you know that they’ve broken the law by being here and yet you feel for them.” –Frank
24:12 – 25:30 – Armida believes it is inhumane for a legal citizen not to hire an illegal, while Frank says it has no value to society and is breaking the law.
28:32 – 29:20 – Shows the difficulty Patty faces being stuck in America, knowing she cannot get out to see her family until/unless she becomes a legalized citizen.
30:39 – 34:50 – Footage of the greatly poor conditions Rigoberto and his family had to face in Mexico. Effective Quote: “The place [Rigoberto’s brother’s home in Mexico] was filthy, not because they don’t have a habit of cleaning, it is just that no matter what you try and clean there you can’t make something clean that’s got 50 years worth of dirt on it.” –Frank
35:50 – 36:30 – Effective Quote: “I always imagine that they came from a background of poverty until you see what they would be going back to, you can’t feel the full impact of everything. It does bring up a tremendous aspect of what they would be going back to… It just shows the kind of dilemma that we’re in as human beings who have a heart and feel for other people and you say to yourself, ‘I want the laws of my country enforced’ and at the same time you look at what they [illegal immigrants] are headed to. It does have an effect.” –Frank
37:38 – 38:55 – This shows a truly emotional moment in which the Gonzalezes watch footage of their family (that they have not seen for roughly 12 years) back in Mexico.
39:00 – 40:00 – A taste of Frank’s new perspective on illegal immigration. Effective Quote: “I can’t blame them [Gonzalezes and other illegal immigrants] for trying to seek a better lifestyle – I just can’t.” –Frank
40:30 – 42:12 – Frank’s view shifts completely here. Effective Quote: “He [Frank] doesn’t feel as strongly about his beliefs as he did before…” –Armida
46:05 – 46:30 – Frank leaves the Gonzalez family; extremely touching and emotional part of the documentary.
Overview/Comments:
Armida, the oldest child (who is illegal), continuously debates with Frank over their completely separate views. To Armida, it is only fair that she feel compassion towards the other illegal immigrants in the United States because she is one herself. She feels the law should not be followed when it puts the life/well-being of another group of people in jeopardy. If someone’s life can be changed for the better, why stop them? To Armida, there is nothing that the majority of illegal immigrants are doing to this country that serves as a disadvantage to the American people. However, Frank believes that if crossing the border is against the law, people should simply, not do it. No matter the conditions they lived in before, it is unfair to cross the border into a country they do not yet belong to because they could not handle their own conditions in mainly Mexico, as well as the other Central American countries in which most illegal immigrants come from.
At 16:50 – 17:20, Frank says, “They [illegal immigrants] have to have a revolution in their country. They have to fix their country. I don’t want any American blood shed over Mexico… Oh, they’re here, but problems are problems and you have to deal with them, that’s what it is. Life is not easy. Why does it happen? Because this government doesn’t do what it is supposed to do and their government in Mexico has let them down. I do not give up my country for anybody!”
Towards the ending of the documentary, it is apparent that Frank begins to feel more understanding and sympathy for not only the Gonzalez family, however the other illegal immigrants as well who have been left with no choice but to travel illegally to the United States in search for a home and job or be left in their impoverished countries, living in conditions that not even a homeless person in America would be exposed to.
Frank understands this concept; however it is still unlawful to cross the border without legal documents. Watching footage of Rigoberto’s old home (with about 3 run-down walls, the size of a small room, no carpet – just grass and dirt, no rooms or plumbing), it is easy to understand why a family of illegal immigrants would choose to cross the border. It is illegal, but how is it fair to make immigrants from other countries who live in these horrible conditions wait a year or over to find out whether they are even allowed to reside in the United States or not? The problem is the immigration process. People should not have to wait that amount of time to know whether they are citizens or not. That is completely appalling and ridiculous!
It is easy to see how Frank’s perspective on illegal immigrants has changed. As stated, there are two ways of looking at this issue – understanding it according to one’s feelings or emotions or going strictly by the law, regardless of the conditions others have had to live through. There is truly no way to understand the people who have crossed the border illegally without seeing with your own eyes exactly why they did so.
At 35:32 – 36:20, Frank says, “Having come down here brings a new dimension into a dialogue that we have quite often, where she looks at me and she says ‘I want to be legalized.’ I always imagine that they came from a background of poverty until you see what they would be going back to, you can’t feel the full impact of everything. It does bring up a tremendous aspect of what they would be going back to… It just shows the kind of dilemma that we’re in as human beings who have a heart and feel for other people and you say to yourself, ‘I want the laws of my country enforced’ and at the same time you look at what they [illegal immigrants] are headed to. It does have an effect.”
Frank, a minuteman who works to keep illegal aliens out of the United States at the American-Mexican border, will stay with an illegal family of 7 (except the two youngest children) in their small two-bedroom home for 30 days to experience their way of living.
Frank will be required to:
• Leave all papers or documents labeling personal identification behind.
• Live with an illegal family of 7 in their two-bedroom apartment.
• Be put to work with Rigoberto (father) as a day laborer.
After watching the video:
Break-down of the most important video times:
5:17 – 6:12 – What Frank will be doing for the next 30 days.
12:52 – 15:01 – Frank and Rigoberto each give a short monologue about their own personal opinions on how illegal immigrants can benefit (Rigoberto’s view) or harm (Frank’s view) the legal American citizens.
16:28 – 17:21 – Frank’s great disagreement with illegal immigration.
19:30 – 20:19 – Patty discuses her excitement of earning $5 for the day with Frank, and shows him the $49 she has collected since the beginning of the year to save for her children. This shows Frank how important every single dollar is to this family; the frugality of their lifestyle.
20:49 – 20:56 – Effective Quote: “It’s very hard on a person when you look at people and you like them, yet you know they’re not supposed to be here, and you know that they’ve broken the law by being here and yet you feel for them.” –Frank
24:12 – 25:30 – Armida believes it is inhumane for a legal citizen not to hire an illegal, while Frank says it has no value to society and is breaking the law.
28:32 – 29:20 – Shows the difficulty Patty faces being stuck in America, knowing she cannot get out to see her family until/unless she becomes a legalized citizen.
30:39 – 34:50 – Footage of the greatly poor conditions Rigoberto and his family had to face in Mexico. Effective Quote: “The place [Rigoberto’s brother’s home in Mexico] was filthy, not because they don’t have a habit of cleaning, it is just that no matter what you try and clean there you can’t make something clean that’s got 50 years worth of dirt on it.” –Frank
35:50 – 36:30 – Effective Quote: “I always imagine that they came from a background of poverty until you see what they would be going back to, you can’t feel the full impact of everything. It does bring up a tremendous aspect of what they would be going back to… It just shows the kind of dilemma that we’re in as human beings who have a heart and feel for other people and you say to yourself, ‘I want the laws of my country enforced’ and at the same time you look at what they [illegal immigrants] are headed to. It does have an effect.” –Frank
37:38 – 38:55 – This shows a truly emotional moment in which the Gonzalezes watch footage of their family (that they have not seen for roughly 12 years) back in Mexico.
39:00 – 40:00 – A taste of Frank’s new perspective on illegal immigration. Effective Quote: “I can’t blame them [Gonzalezes and other illegal immigrants] for trying to seek a better lifestyle – I just can’t.” –Frank
40:30 – 42:12 – Frank’s view shifts completely here. Effective Quote: “He [Frank] doesn’t feel as strongly about his beliefs as he did before…” –Armida
46:05 – 46:30 – Frank leaves the Gonzalez family; extremely touching and emotional part of the documentary.
Overview/Comments:
Armida, the oldest child (who is illegal), continuously debates with Frank over their completely separate views. To Armida, it is only fair that she feel compassion towards the other illegal immigrants in the United States because she is one herself. She feels the law should not be followed when it puts the life/well-being of another group of people in jeopardy. If someone’s life can be changed for the better, why stop them? To Armida, there is nothing that the majority of illegal immigrants are doing to this country that serves as a disadvantage to the American people. However, Frank believes that if crossing the border is against the law, people should simply, not do it. No matter the conditions they lived in before, it is unfair to cross the border into a country they do not yet belong to because they could not handle their own conditions in mainly Mexico, as well as the other Central American countries in which most illegal immigrants come from.
At 16:50 – 17:20, Frank says, “They [illegal immigrants] have to have a revolution in their country. They have to fix their country. I don’t want any American blood shed over Mexico… Oh, they’re here, but problems are problems and you have to deal with them, that’s what it is. Life is not easy. Why does it happen? Because this government doesn’t do what it is supposed to do and their government in Mexico has let them down. I do not give up my country for anybody!”
Towards the ending of the documentary, it is apparent that Frank begins to feel more understanding and sympathy for not only the Gonzalez family, however the other illegal immigrants as well who have been left with no choice but to travel illegally to the United States in search for a home and job or be left in their impoverished countries, living in conditions that not even a homeless person in America would be exposed to.
Frank understands this concept; however it is still unlawful to cross the border without legal documents. Watching footage of Rigoberto’s old home (with about 3 run-down walls, the size of a small room, no carpet – just grass and dirt, no rooms or plumbing), it is easy to understand why a family of illegal immigrants would choose to cross the border. It is illegal, but how is it fair to make immigrants from other countries who live in these horrible conditions wait a year or over to find out whether they are even allowed to reside in the United States or not? The problem is the immigration process. People should not have to wait that amount of time to know whether they are citizens or not. That is completely appalling and ridiculous!
It is easy to see how Frank’s perspective on illegal immigrants has changed. As stated, there are two ways of looking at this issue – understanding it according to one’s feelings or emotions or going strictly by the law, regardless of the conditions others have had to live through. There is truly no way to understand the people who have crossed the border illegally without seeing with your own eyes exactly why they did so.
At 35:32 – 36:20, Frank says, “Having come down here brings a new dimension into a dialogue that we have quite often, where she looks at me and she says ‘I want to be legalized.’ I always imagine that they came from a background of poverty until you see what they would be going back to, you can’t feel the full impact of everything. It does bring up a tremendous aspect of what they would be going back to… It just shows the kind of dilemma that we’re in as human beings who have a heart and feel for other people and you say to yourself, ‘I want the laws of my country enforced’ and at the same time you look at what they [illegal immigrants] are headed to. It does have an effect.”
Day 2 - General Information
Illegal immigration, overall, is the phrase used to describe an alien of the United States who has come to reside in the country illegally, or without the proper documents. In order to be a citizen of the US, one needs to have their green card, visa, passport, and other documents such as a birth certificate to qualify them to be a legal citizen.
Two ways an immigrant can illegally reside in the Untied States is if they overstay their visa, or cross the border from Mexico to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas (United States territory). Therefore, the majority of the illegal immigrants in the United States have come from Mexico, according to the Census Bureau – totaling approximately 7,000,000 Mexicans from the 12,000,000 that are said to currently be here.
Furthermore, two ways a person can become a United States citizen is if they were born on US territory (regardless of the citizenship of the parents) or if they have properly obtained their green card, allowing them to stay in the country. There are currently 4 million children who have gained their citizenship due to being born on US territory from at least one illegal parent. This makes up ¾ of the 5.5 million children of illegal immigrants that are believed to be currently residing in the United States. Further, about 1.8 million of these children live at or below the poverty line, meaning 1 in 3 are poor.
The illegal immigrants in America make up about 4 % of our nation’s population. Also, those who have crossed the border have contributed to over 5 % of the work force – particularly in manual labor (mainly agricultural and construction) that offers low pay.
Source for Statistics: Link to CNN article
Factual Immigration Statistics
Two ways an immigrant can illegally reside in the Untied States is if they overstay their visa, or cross the border from Mexico to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas (United States territory). Therefore, the majority of the illegal immigrants in the United States have come from Mexico, according to the Census Bureau – totaling approximately 7,000,000 Mexicans from the 12,000,000 that are said to currently be here.
Furthermore, two ways a person can become a United States citizen is if they were born on US territory (regardless of the citizenship of the parents) or if they have properly obtained their green card, allowing them to stay in the country. There are currently 4 million children who have gained their citizenship due to being born on US territory from at least one illegal parent. This makes up ¾ of the 5.5 million children of illegal immigrants that are believed to be currently residing in the United States. Further, about 1.8 million of these children live at or below the poverty line, meaning 1 in 3 are poor.
The illegal immigrants in America make up about 4 % of our nation’s population. Also, those who have crossed the border have contributed to over 5 % of the work force – particularly in manual labor (mainly agricultural and construction) that offers low pay.
Source for Statistics: Link to CNN article
Factual Immigration Statistics
Day 1
In this blog, I will be discussing one of the most controversial issues in America today - Illegal Immigration.
Gradually, many questions in this blog will be addressed, such as:
- What is illegal immigration?
- What are the arguments for/against allowing immigrants to come to the US (with advantages and disadvantages)?
- What is a solution to these arguments?
- What is the government doing about the situation?
- How can the government, if possible, improve the situation?
- What is my personal stance on the issue?
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