<p>"Were I an employer, I would employ an undocumented worker if I were attracted to his labour, and at or above minimum wage too."
I hope you retain your idealism. And I also hope that someday you find the gratitde that is so important to a happy life.</p>
<p>I think public universities and private universities alike should allow illegal students to take classes. At the very least, allow them to go to college with international financial aid status so to speak.</p>
<p>" think public universities and private universities alike should allow illegal students to take classes. At the very least, allow them to go to college with international financial aid status so to speak."</p>
<p>who do you think should pay?</p>
<p>"who do you think should pay?"</p>
<p>We should all pay, including the illegal students' parents who have been paying most taxes along with everyone else.</p>
<p>"We should all pay,"</p>
<p>Where would you draw the line? Who would get their education supported if you called all shots? People here 5 years? 3 months? Seriously, with a magnet like that, how would you prevent the immigration floodgates from opening? How wold you explain that to people who had waited in line to get here legally and couldn't even get in the country, never mind an edcation? </p>
<p>As I've said, I have worked with likely hundreds of illegal immigrants over the years. I have been honored to do so and many of them are honorable people whom I call my friends. BUT there is a large subset of fundamentally dishonest people who come across the border for the sole purpose of stepping on the gravy train. They are dishonest and go to great lengths not to pay taxes. Some bring crime and serious dysfunction above the crossing. Not an insignificant number. It's not ok to presume that all or even most of the people who will wilfully and knowingly break our laws are good people trying to make a living. There is a very sophisticated network helping many, many, many people across the country to take all they can from the US and give nothing back. American taxpayers and legal residents shold receive a lot more respect than to be forced to support the castoffs of corrupt nations.</p>
<p>Being a citizen/PR is different from being a new immigrant. If you are worried about the public dole and don't want to adopt a libertarian revolution -- then well, use the distinction between the two when allocating welfare. </p>
<p>The naturalisation process can be used as the baptism of fire, not the bureaucracy.</p>
<p>If open immigration were enacted, there would be no reason not to be documented. And if you were documented, then you'd have no excuse not to pay taxes. Then would it be just to exclude the non-documented.</p>
<p>
[quote]
how would you prevent the immigration floodgates from opening?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That's a bad thing?</p>
<p>It's a bad thing when legitimate American citizens can't get healthcare because hospitals are bankrupt thanks to non-paying patients.</p>
<p>Bottom line, its obvious these immigrants, legal or not, are here to stay. Because of that it's immature to deprive them of the opportunity to contribute more to this country because they aren't as deserving as "native" Americans. </p>
<p>^^and i honestly hope that you aren't among the mindless, ignorant drones who blame all of the countries economic problems on illegal immigrants. That's bush-league right there.</p>
<p>If you're referring to me, no, I don't think illegal immigrants are a problem economically. I've always been confused by the big businesses who want illegal immigrants to get out...even though they provide cheap labor. And besides, almost all of the time, they're taking up menial jobs no one wants.</p>
<p>However, the issue is that they still don't pay taxes. As much of a social liberal I am, I still don't believe in free handouts.</p>
<p>
[quote]
it's immature to deprive them of the opportunity to contribute more to this country because they aren't as deserving as "native" Americans.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>But Tyler, how can they "contribute more to this country" when they cannot legally get a job?? The reason they are here is because this country needs cheap labor, not unemployable college grads.</p>
<p>"However, the issue is that they still don't pay taxes."</p>
<p>Please, someone, correct me if I'm wrong:</p>
<ul>
<li>Illegals pay property taxes because they pay rent</li>
<li>Illegals pay sales taxes because they shop</li>
<li>Illegals don't pay income tax because they don't make enough</li>
<li>Illegals don't pay FICA, and therefore won't collect</li>
<li>Illegals don't pay SDI, and couldn't collect anyway</li>
</ul>
<p>So what taxes don't they pay that gives them free handouts, compared to other low wage earners?</p>
<p>"Bottom line, its obvious these immigrants, legal or not, are here to stay. "
Actually, it is not obvious at all. In areas in which enforcement is stressed, many are returning home and demanding reform at home. What would you say to the families left behind? I know lots of them and it's not as popular a choice as many would believe.</p>
<p>" Illegals pay property taxes because they pay rent"</p>
<p>Some illegals pay some taxes. Don't romanticize an entire group of people.</p>
<p>Ok, I elaborated that they do pay other taxes earlier, so mea culpa.</p>
<p>" And besides, almost all of the time, they're taking up menial jobs no one wants."</p>
<p>Tell that to the young black men here in NYC who can't get those first jobs becase they're filled by Mexicans and Guatemalans.<br>
Here's a question: were current illegal immigrants to be magically made legal, wouldn't many demand higher wages, thus pricing themselves out of the job market or markedly increasing the costs of goods and services? What would yo do abot that?</p>
<p>Then more people would come in to fill their place. It's a vicious cycle. It has happened time and time again, whether it's the Irish, the Chinese, or the Mexicans.</p>
<p>"Then more people would come in to fill their place. It's a vicious cycle. It has happened time and time again, whether it's the Irish, the Chinese, or the Mexicans"</p>
<p>Exactly, and how does the government of the United States of America justify that? For the legal residents affected by illegal immigration, the impact is often pretty harsh. I don't think it's appropriate for the interests of citizens/legal immigrants to be subordinated to the interests of people invading or contry illegally.</p>
<p>"So as an undocumented immigrant student living here for seventeen years, a lot of people ask me why my parents have not applied for naturalization. Firstly and foremost, I was too ignorant and oblivious to the whole idea of naturalization when I was a little child. So were my parents. Thus, we had no idea on how to become naturalized in the first place. Of course, who’s to blame? I personally point the finger at my parents, but the past is the past. There is no use for me to be sullen about it. I’ve lived well with what I have and so have my parents."</p>
<p>I'm in the exact situation except I came at 3 years of age and from what I've noticed, one of the major problems concerning this issue is that, oftentimes, undocumented people are not as informed as they could be and as such don't apply for citizenship, permanent residency, etc, because they either do not know how to or can't. I believe that in order to be eligible (from Mexico anyways) you have to own property. However, the requirement of property ownership is oftentimes a problem because when people are leaving their native country, more often than not it is for the somewhat mistaken perception of greater economic gains. </p>
<p>My older brother is currently attending UCSB and he (I guess most would say justly) did not receive any federal aid, leaving my parents to pay for it all. However, I don't know if this applies everywhere but some undocumented immigrants do pay income taxes, with the legality of it all being a big (?)....Maybe only a minute amount of them but still, it's something.</p>
<p>Anyways, I firmly believe that "Education is the great equalizer" and as such, I'll continue to utilize the opportunities offered even if they are somewhat narrow.</p>
<p>pi,</p>
<p>How will you and your brother get jobs after graduation? I will say it again, undocumented immigrants CANNOT LEGALLY WORK IN THIS COUNTRY. Who will hire you? Employers DO ask for social security numbers and proof of legal residency in this country. How will you support yourself?</p>
<p>In the Ab 540 sheet, one has to "certify that they are taking steps to legalize their immigration status or that will do so as soon as they are eligible."</p>
<p>In....about 9 years I will be eligible because of a family member (younger sibling) was born here and as soon as sibling turns 18, they can inquire about other members of the family. Until then, I'll admit I can't support myself but you'll be amazed what some people are able to accomplish given the right determination/motivation. In Spanish their is a term, "Ganas" that used colloquially doesn't mean much but when used to express a certain desire, a want, a longing to do whatever it takes to get something done, things can get done. I mean, I'm no idiot, I know how things work and how their will be obstacles but still... I can try, no?</p>