<p>"While the DREAM Act has not outlined specific guidelines of what “good moral character” should be, it can be characterized as being a law-abiding resident of the United States."</p>
<p>Isn't entering and remaining in the US illegally, aren't you by definition committing a crime? Many illegals do not pay taxes, which is again not acting as a law abiding citizenship.</p>
<p>It is interesting this isn't talked about more, since immigration reform is always a hot topic during elections, and this is a big step towards gaining support for amnesty and path to citizenships. Is it a last ditch attempt by Dems to court hispanic american voters, or is that demograph too small to even address?</p>
<p>Yes by definition it is a crime, but its common sense, like lets say you’re driving a car with your little brother or whatever, and the doors of a 18 wheeler in front of you opens and stuff starts falling out, you’re going to switch lanes and speed to pass him, by definition a cop can pull you over, but he won’t cause of common sense.These kids come in to America at a very young age, they have no say in coming, they are going to school like you, give them the opportunity to succeed.</p>
<p>While they are technically committing a crime, what young child is going to say to their parents “No, mommy and daddy, I won’t go with you because that’s illegal. I don’t care if there’s no one to take care of me, even though I am unable to take care of myself, but I can’t follow you.”? For many, MANY of these children, America is the only country they have ever known.</p>
<p>If an immigrant child can make it to a university level then we should be helping them, not sending them away. We want people who want an education. If they can do well in our universities or enlist in our armed services, then why shouldn’t they stay? Trust me, many of the people here in America are the descendants of illegal aliens. The only reason that you are here is because your ancestors weren’t deported. Give these people the same chances that your ancestors had. (You is used in a general sense, not in a “you specifically, tiff” kind of way. Just before you think I’m hostile or angry at you.)</p>
<h2>Yes by definition it is a crime, but its common sense, like lets say you’re driving a car with your little brother or whatever, and the doors of a 18 wheeler in front of you opens and stuff starts falling out, you’re going to switch lanes and speed to pass him, by definition a cop can pull you over, but he won’t cause of common sense. ~ Azim</h2>
<p>Horrible analogy, not even in the park.</p>
<p>First, no one is forcing illegal aliens to “switch lanes”, they are doing it entirely own their own, even when discouraged by the US population.</p>
<p>Secondly, your example is false. The cop wouldn’t pull you over because what you’ve done isn’t a crime. Since you would be acting to preserve life and reacting to a life threatening incident it would generally fall under self-defense/preservation, and it would not be illegal. </p>
<p>“The only reason that you are here is because your ancestors weren’t deported. Give these people the same chances that your ancestors had.”</p>
<p>Both sides of my family LEGALLY entered the country, via Ellis Island (off the coast of NY). I am more than happy to give them the same chance my ancestors had, which is living within the law. </p>
<p>A crime is a crime. If a person steals food from a grocery store because they need to eat, it is still stealing. Maybe all of those emotional justifications make it appear as a"gray" issue for those that tend to feel bad for others. </p>
<p>Entering and remaining in a country illegally while not paying taxes on earned salary, and using tax funded institutions such as public schools, is illegal, wrong and a crime (not the third part). </p>
<p>It is an oxymoron to say that an illegal immigrant can be a law abiding citizen. </p>
<p>“If they can do well in our universities or enlist in our armed services, then why shouldn’t they stay?”</p>
<p>They are more than welcome to apply for a student visa, which is available to immigrants from all countries. There are legal means to study in the US. There is an issue with allowing undocumented, illegal immigrants into the military. Security threat, anyone? That follows the logic of why a US president must be a natural born US citizen. Maybe it sounds like a conspiracy theory, but why would you want people who you don’t know fighting in your military? Why would you allow non citizens to enlist in the military? That is crying security threats.</p>
<p>That means your family came here illegally and was allowed in by very lax immigration laws. So it means… they came here without any kind of legal right to come here, and then were allowed to stay because they passed a series of requirements. </p>
<p>Oh wait… that sounds exactly like the DREAM Act. Just a bit more of a drawn-out process.</p>
<h2>Oh and permanent residents can enlist in the military. ~ DCHurricane</h2>
<p>They can enlist, but they are not eligible for a security clearance, which limits which jobs they qualify for, and limit’s promotional opportunities.</p>
<p>That means your family came here illegally and was allowed in by very lax immigration laws. So it means… they came here without any kind of legal right to come here, and then were allowed to stay because they passed a series of requirements. </p>
<h2>Oh wait… that sounds exactly like the DREAM Act. Just a bit more of a drawn-out process. ~ Romangypseyes</h2>
<p>I think the sticking-point is that the “old wave” of immigrant, came to his country, became citizens, adjusted to American life/culture and language, and paid taxes. Lets also not forget that HUGE number that enlisted in our military, often fighting against their native country.</p>
<p>The current wave isn’t attempting to become citizens, they expect Americans to adjust to their culture/language, and don’t pay taxes, but benefit (exploit) from our social programs.</p>
<p>Yes, I know. I am the product of that. My grandpa came here and went back to bomb his native Hungary. I am very well aware of how immigration used to be.</p>
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<p>That is true- somewhat. There were numerous neighborhoods in New York that didn’t start speaking English until the 1900s. Cultural assimilation wasn’t a big thing until WWI/WWII when it meant something to be American. Before that, there were Little Countries all over America (Little Italy, etc) that kept their own language and culture from the Old Country and merely had American titles. It wasn’t always that they adjusted to “our” culture- so please check your history on that. </p>
<p>The illegal immigrants who are here as uneducated day workers are a drain on our system. I will not deny that. However, these children are probably going to stay in America either way. Give them a path to citizenship that REQUIRES that they become productive citizens- either those who go to college and get an education, or those who join the military and fight. Otherwise, they will simply become another undocumented worker who is draining our resources and probably clogging our jails. That is the reality. You can theorize all you want about what immigration policy should be, but then you have to deal with what is more than likely going to happen to these kids- they will stay in America and be a drain.</p>
<p>I am done with this topic for now because I have a ridiculous amount of homework to attend to :/. I find this topic fascinating though and I hope to continue some other time.</p>
<p>Also, lets not ideology prevent us from thinking critically.</p>
<p>Back in the first wave of immigration, the USA needed those people. We are a new, growing country that needed laborers, soldiers, farmers, ect. We needed hands, as we were literally building a country. So, our society was in a position to thrive from the benefits of immigration.</p>
<p>Now, it’s different. Our economy isn’t robust, and many American citizens can’t find work. Our social programs are stretched thin, cities/municipalities are bankrupt and unemployment is at an all time high. We aren’t in the position to adequately support this mass influx of immigrants, especially when they have no real intention of assimilating, just using our social programs for personal gains.</p>
<p>Two different times, two different scenarios.</p>
<p>Honestly some of us permanent residents (like, idk, myself) are American in everything but immigration status. I can join the military, I would definitely defend my country, I pay federal and state taxes, I do pretty much everything an American does. My passport says Canada but my heart and mind say America.</p>