Immigration

Immigration… here in Chicago, its a farily heated issue.  I’m sure its an issue in the rest of the country, but here in Chicago, roughly 1/3 of the population is hispanic.  In addition to that, there’s a hispanic woman who is to be deported for being here illegally, is currently holed up in a church refusing to leave.  I was actually shocked this was still going on, she has been there since September.

The base of the issue is that she wants to stay in America with her son, who was born after she came to this country.  So now, she is sending her son off to Mexico to petition the Mexican government to help.

Now think about that a moment…

Imagine that you’re a Mexican official.  Your duty is to serve the people of Mexico.  And you hear this plea, “Please let me stay in America, I want to remain here because its better.”  I honestly can’t imagine how I’d handle that.

Its a controversial topic, to be assured.  Many mornings I drive to work and hear it debated on the morning radio show, callers from around the city both supporting and against illegal aliens. (though I suspect many of them hated ALL hispanic people)  I think that this is a perfect example of just how far up its own ass America is.

America is a good country, because of it, I have a decent job with a decent salary, I don’t have to worry about my government suddenly toppling or an army marching through my front yard.  It makes sense that people want to move here.  That being said, if you are living a substandard life, if you fear for your children’s safety and upbringing, would you not do anything you could to ensure they have a better life?

No matter what we do, people will come over, not everyone has the years of time it takes to come over legally.  And it IS a problem, but not because they ARE coming over, but what happens AFTER they come over.

Complaints I hear from the media:

1. They took our jerbs!

Some employers do hire illegal aliens because they can pay them far less than a citizen.  Solution: Put into effect a law that allows them to work, but force employers to pay them the same wages as a citizen.

2. I can’t understand a word they’re saying!

True.  I’ll agree that if you take a position where you work with the American public, it is your responsibility to be completely fluent in English.  This is why schools should be taught in English. they should grow up knowning the language.  Additionally, having a bilingual program in every elementary school so American children grow up with a basic understanding of Spanish would probably help.

3. They’re on welfare!

If they have a job and pay the taxes (see number 1), and they need Welfare as supplemental income, then I don’t see a problem.  But if you come over and expect the country to take care of you, then you should turn around and go back, we have enough leeches as it is.

There thousands of Mexicans in my area and most of them have jobs, most of them are productive members of society. 

4. They wave the Mexican flag!

Hmm, I can understand the need for unity.  And I can understand how people living in America and waving a Mexican flag might be seen as offensive.  I’ve known some Mexicans in my day and one thing seems fairly clear: they don’t really like Mexico, they like their heritage, which is admirable.  I was watching Mind of Mencia (TV show on Comedy Central) and ol’ Carlos had a good idea, a flag that represents Mexican-Americans.  While I desagree it should be a bean in a bandolier drinking tequila, it isn’t a bad idea.

I don’t normally go into political rants, but receiving what seems to be the 100th “mexicans are ruining america omgwtfbbqlol” email today, I figured I’d finally say something.

Well, that’s all for now.

Zel-kun out.