What's the message when many states want an immigration law like Arizona's?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
While the federal government twiddles its thumbs concerning the issue of illegal immigration - states across the country are following Arizona's lead.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/29/art.border.jpg caption=""]
The Washington Post reports that five states - South Carolina, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Michigan - are considering laws like Arizona's. And lawmakers in 17 other states, including Virginia, have expressed support for similar measures.
It seems pretty clear that people are sick and tired of waiting for Washington to act on this crisis.
Consider that the National Conference of State Legislatures reports nearly 1,200 bills or resolutions dealing with immigrants were introduced in 45 states in the first three months of this year alone.
1,200!
These include both pro and anti-immigration measures.
For example, in Massachusetts the Senate has required state contractors to make sure their workers are legal.
This week the small town of Fremont, Nebraska - not exactly a border state - voted to ban the hiring of illegal aliens or renting property to them.
Supporters say Fremont is an example of "if Washington won't, Nebraskans will," while critics like the ACLU suggest there's "no rational reason" for Fremont to worry about protecting our border.
One reason that could prevent activity at the local level may be the economy. With many state budgets in crisis, they may not have the money for additional law enforcement or to fight the court challenges that would likely follow passage.
As for the federal government, instead of protecting our borders, they might sue Arizona for trying to protect itself. And by the way, almost 60 percent of Americans support the Arizona law.
Here’s my question to you: What’s the message for the federal government when states across the country want to adopt an immigration law like Arizona’s?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Terri in Arizona writes:
I live in Arizona and am proud that we have Jan Brewer protecting us. If you do not live close to the border, you have no idea what the impact is. Our deserts are a dumping ground. It is not safe to go in many areas now.
Joe in Virginia writes:
It means our government is more interested in pandering to special interests than solving problems – nothing new. As for the states, I say, "Have at it!" As they say in the Army, "Either lead, follow or get out of the way." The federal government needs to get out of the way on this issue.
R. in California writes:
The message is these states are looking for a convenient scapegoat to blame for their election year woes and Arizona has handed them immigration reform. In truth, Arizona has become America's Chicken Little, running all around clucking that the sky is falling.
Michael in Ohio writes:
The message is: Our government has failed us. This means both Republicans and Democrats and now the states see that they must try and protect their citizens with no help from the federal level. The danger I see is that this could be the first step toward legalized vigilantism.
June in Chicago writes:
Simple: legal American citizens are fed up. The first step should be to take a hard look at companies that continually hire illegals. I am from the Chicago area and if Immigration Services walked into any warehouse in this area, not only would the illegals run, but so would the management and owners. They know exactly what they are doing and what laws they are breaking.
Dave in Nebraska writes:
It doesn't matter what type of message we send Washington. Remember, Obama stands shoulder to shoulder with Calderon. The Arizona law violates the sense of "fairness" that we Americans cherish. Some members of Congress give Calderon a standing ovation. Our National Guard troops are not allowed to impede the progress of "migrants." I only wish our voice counted as much as Mexico's.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
It's time to get your act together and do something about imigration or let the states take over for themselves. GO ARIZONA...I am not against imigration at all, just ILLEGAL imigration.
Federal Government protect our borders . . . vigorously
This is another no brainier...start enforcing our laws and we wouldn'have an illegal problem...
AZ is broken and the Federal Government (President) doesn't care. We cannot afford to pay for all the illegals in this State.
I live in Arizona and am glad that we are the leader on this issue. We gotta do something correctly, afterall, we have two senators (well at least one) who have embarrassed our state.
Jack,
The message to the Fed is we're sick & tired of waiting. Congress avoids anthing that may cost them a vote in re election. They are gutless & hopfully U.S. citizens will wake up & dump them come November.
The message is .........................American's are sick.
Sick and tired of a do nothing federal government who is only interested in special interest lobbyists and re-election of themselves.
It has become beyond pathetic. A complete "house cleaning" of all incumbents is phase ONE, starting this November.
The biggest problem is 12 million criminals who entered illegally and no one will do anything about them. Rewarding illegals with citizenship would be a slap in the face to all Americans who obey our laws. Whats the point of having immigration laws if politicians and police don't have the stones to do their jobs, enforce them and deport the illegals when found? The law is the law and we cannot exempt millions who feel they have a RIGHT to disregard them because they don't like them.
Why automatically make citizens of illegal immigrants children only to have the current and previous US tax payers pay for their upbringing? That's the proposed Arizona law that ALSO needs to be enacted.
It's a message that people are all done seeing our tax dollars take care of Mexican babies, illegal immigrants, and law-breakers. Why it is not politically correct anymore to point that the word illegal still means illegal!
The States are tapping into the fear that all illegal immigrants are criminals, dirty and threat to our economy. That isn't a logical stand to take.
Many different issues are posed by illegal immigration and they need to be tackled by comprehensive reform that meets the desires of the States yet stands a better chance of solving the problem.
Doug in Houston
The message is that when someone breaks the law and are illegal, they should be deported after receiving a fair trial.
Joe, Binghamton, NY
The message is that we are tired of having our country raped. Become a citizen and contribute or stay in your own country.
The message is crystal clear and point blank and that is America is tired of all these illegals in our country stealing our jobs and the worst part is we as a country have allowed this to happen for so long and we're afraid to do anything about it! Everywhere I go where I live I see all these small convienence stores owned by Arabs and we all know there illegal so tell me Jack where does it all stop!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
I fully bagree with the stand that Arizona, has taken concerning illegal information.I wish all states would pass such a law.
We Americans are fed up with illegals, give a way programs for mexicans or anyone who feels they are owed by Americans.
We don't owe them anything, they are criminals.
I feel so unsafe in America, I have begun carrying my old 45 when I go out to shop or play.
I avoid mexicans like they are plague.
ICE isn't getting the job done.
We need AZ like laws in all American.
We need Americans on our southern border with lots of weapons.
The federal government should enforce its immigration laws effectively. The states should stay out of the business of enacting immigration laws because it is not their province. The federal government should sue Arizona and any state that enacts immigration laws.
Since so many states seem to want immigration reform or saying they want to protect their borders, I would deduce they do not need the workers at this time. One would think the Mexicans are storming the gates to get in at this time. Could it be Republicans think the Mexicans would become Democrats once they get here?
The majority of Mexico's economy is based on >$50 billion in illegal drug trafficing (much apparently purchased by our politicians) and >$10 billion sent to Mexican families from illegals (none of this is taxed). Arizona has been invaded by illegals with automatic weapons who now control the border in parts of Arizona. It is time to tell the Feds to drop dead and protect our border with the National Guard, Sheriff officers, and vigilate groups.
We sit here in Phoenix listening to murder after murder, kidnapping after kidnapping and nearly all are illegal aliens. Statistics show that in Los Angeles alone, 95% of all murder warrents have been issued for illegal aliens. In Arizona, it has been 87%.
Illegal means illegal; illegal is criminal. illegal immigrants should be treated as such and returned to their country of origin. Our borders should be closed to anyone illegally entering our country. They should not be allowed to demand rights that are not theirs. They should not be given benefits and priveleges that tax paying, law abiding, legal citizens cannot get. Our social, educational ,and medical resources have been bankrupted by illegal immigrants. Get them out of here, bring our jobs back to the U.S., and our country will survive and thrive again
It sends the message that the states are finally taking responsibility for their laws and citizens. Up until now they had surrendered their responsibilities to the almighty federal govenment. Now let the states exercise their right to create jobs and keep them from being outsourced. Let them create state banks so that money is kept local and loaned to farms and businesses instead of being handed over to the national banks derivitive casinos.
Jack, the message is a simple one. ENFORCE immigration laws on the books!! The states are on perfectly legal grounds to enforce immigration, since the Constitution does not directly address immigration law, and provides the 10th Amendment to grant the states the authority to deal with items not mentioned in the Constitution. If you think that the uproar over Arizona's enforcing immigration law is bad, think what it would be like if U.S. immigration law were REPLACED with Mexico's immigration law and actually ENFORCED as the Mexican government does with their illegals sneaking across their southern border!!!
Jack
Neither President Obama or his cabinet has advised criminal free ranging aliens to leave or aquire proper registration. Offering instead a illegal pathway to citizeship. This violates his oath of office and he should be impeached for same. All we want is for the President and Cabinet to tell all criminal free ranging aliens to leave. It's the law and not the perrogative of office.
The message is that states rights will trump Federalism just as it did in the early 1800s. Look where that led. The States are going or have gone broke, primarily by caring for another country's citizens. Mexico is a failed state. We do not want to follow in their foot steps. The States are beginning to fill the Federal vaccuum, as they should in absense of gross Federal irresponsibility. If you think its bad now, wait until there are 50 different immigration laws.
Mike from Kingwood, Texas
Jack, I read the message as "We are sick and tired of inaction, so if the federals can't or won't enforce the laws, we will!" Yesterday CNN ran an article that spoke to several illegal families that had been here in the states for 15 years, not paying taxes, getting free schooling for their kids, drawing food stamps, free lunches, etc from the taxpaying citizens of the state of Arizona and this country. They were all moving, because of Arizona's law, to New Mexico, to California, where they can continue feeding at the public trough without worrying about getting deported, or paying taxes. I only hope the 45 states get busy and pass the new laws, maybe these criminals will just go back to Mexico.
Well, I think the law would help secure our borders, however it kills the tourist trade. I live in Arizona and I depend on the tourist trade to make a living. I see so many blogs, and websites that say to boycott the state, whichis now starting to slowly kill my business. Perhaps if other states get involved, Arizona won't be the lone rebel.
Maria,
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Connie Kennedy Engedal
San Marcos, Texas
The message to our Government or the lack there of is this: We the People of the United States of America are sick and tired of the Federal Government not upholding the laws that are already in place to protect our way of life. We want our borders closed and the illegals removed from our country. We want the Mexican Drug Cartel removed from the mountains of Arizona and from any other State in America. We want Obama removed from office and any other amnasty supporter as well. We want the American Flag to be flown everywhere and the Mexican Flag to be banned in this country. We want Felipe Calderon to have no say in what happens in our Country.
Sincerely,
Connie Kennedy Engedal
An American
Maybe the message to the feds should be "get with the program and enforce the law, you're the ones who put it in writing".....
It really doesn't make any difference what the message is. Obama will demean and degrade those of us who are against his immigration stance and do what the unions tell him to, just like he did on health care. We have an inept, corrupt president and administration.
The president acknowledges he is refusing to defend the border in order to blackmail Congress into accepting his amnesty plan for illegal aliens. This is unacceptable. Homeland Security head Janet Napolitano also refuses to secure the border, in contravention of the obligations of her job. This is unacceptable. John Morton, head of I.C.E., has stated that the agency may refuse to accept illegal aliens subject to deportation from Arizona under SB 2162 (formerly HB 1070), in contravention of the obligations of the agency. Congress has repeatedly refused to secure the border, in contravention of its obligation to protect the citizens of this country. This is unacceptable. The only government that has attempted to protect American citizens is that of Arizona, which is now being attacked from all sides, including a legal attack by Mexico, which has a vested economic interest in continuing the invasion of illegal aliens. This is not acceptable. The federal government continues to fail and refuse to fulfill its obligation to defend the United States against invasion, therefore it must be disbanded and replaced. That is the message.
Obama and the Democrats and the Republicans want all the illegals they can get. Democrats want them for the vote and the Repeblicans want them for cheap labor. Meanwhile they have bankrupted the State of Arizona and trashed the desert around. They most definitlly do not contribute to the economy. I would never vote for Obama again. He treats Arizona like trash.
The white house's kneejerk reaction to politisize Arizona's immigration law is a joke. Other states want a similar law and nothing to do with any of the political correctness that has prevented the existing immigration laws from being enforced in the past The passing of Arizona's law has had an effect and that is Illeagle immigrents are leaving and going elsewhere.
I believe ther should be more news coverage on the state of mexico's economy and their government in general or lackthereof. The truth is there gov is one of corruption and thievery. there broke ass economy dose nothing for it's people and this is why they come here and why I believe there should be more of an ephasis in Cnn's news covergae as it pertains to this very fact.
George
Chester,Ct.
It's about time many other parts of our country show their common sense, it doesn't happen very often. I have lived in Phoenix, AZ for 16 years and I am a strong supporter of immigration reform. They are here illeagally!! Forget about the other arguments of the financial burdens and how many of them are in our schools and jails, although they are good enough reasons, but they are not in this country leagally!! Just imagine what would happen if an American was caught in another country illegally. Would we be allowed to stay, would we get their healthcare, could we go to their schools?
I do believe our country needs to overhaul the process in which we allow people here legally. There are too many other honest people trying to get here the legal way.....all others must go back to where they came from and get in line like the rest.
What does it matter what the message is 'to the federal government'? They pay no attention to "WE THE PEOPLE". The president needs to live in a town that is being overwhelmed with illegals. Then he will see the damage to infrastructure, their attitudes that we OWE them anything they want, and how the spanish language is taking over our English language.
A citizen from an overrun city and state
It isn't the LAW that's the problem but the people who enforces it. Law enforcement are people too...and make mistakes and have agendas.
I also look at this as the states DOING for the Country as this administration has its hands very full with other things. Just remember we are talking about PEOPLE.
The message is simple...illegal is illegal. If a man steals from a bank we do not excuse that act because he was trying to feed his family...we send him to jail. The moral reason(s) why immigrants come here illegally do not excuse the fact that IT IS ILLEGAL.
Memo to the Federal Government: SECURE THE BORDER!
As an immigrant who serves in the US Military, this issue is near and dear to my heart.
This mess speaks to the inability of the Democrats and Republicans to deal honestly with the issue of immigration. We need a COMPREHENSIVE national immigration policy now. That policy must secure our borders, take away incentives for employers to exploit illegal laborers by providing harsh penalties for getting caught hiring illegals, provide a way for current illegals to either get documented with some hope of achieving citizenship after paying an appropriate penalty, and create a guest worker program that allows workers to come to the US to work, but then head back to their countries when the work is over.
Seoul, Korea
One message is that the party of "no" has to stop purposely wasting time and stop trying to be 100% right all the time and stop trying to always have the last word. This country's time is much more important than that. Our federal government needs to handle immigration reform. Our federal government should have had the time to investigate our energy regulations more carefully before the BP crisis could ever happen. We cannot afford to lose the time that is being wasted in Congress.
I live in Arizona and feel we have a right to be safe. People need to follow the law if they want to come to our Country. It is not fair to all the people who wait and pay the proper fees to become an American. Why can't the Federal Government secure the border in Arizona? Obviously this is political and the votes mean more to the Democrates then a safe, drugfree border. We tried Amnesty and it did not work without a secure border. How can other States boycott AZ? I thought this was the United States of America?
June 24th, 2010 5:15 pm ET
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This very corrupt government of ours has one thing in mind. "Stay In Power." As it stands the latino vote is the only way that is going to happen. Their Power agenda comes before national security or anything else. We have a president who is proud of being "Unamerican". He doesn't even know which side of his chest his heart is on. He neither recignizes nor identifies with our flag, ideals nor what has always been US policy. His agenda, distroy the country. He is well on his way. The rest, Pelosi, Reid, Clinton and on and on and on it is strictly POWER. Latino votes rule. Do anything but secure the southern border.
Yes, I agree. Sometime the truth is hard to deal with.
That the government set up by the people, for the people, has lost touch with the people. We depend on our federal government to do the things we as individuals are unable to do for ourselves and we're seeing just how inept and out of touch our Federal government has become. With people feeling they can't make any changes happen on the Federal level, they're switching gears to have their voices heard at the State and sometimes City level. It's just another sign of how the people's confidence in our Federal government has dwindled. From the financial mess with the mortgage industry, government run healthcare (when we all know how well government is able to manage things), and now the oil leaking in the gulf for 2 MONTHS, when help was available the first couple of days, people don't have confidence in their government. Bottom line, we don't trust the Federal government to hear us out and to do what we need done. If the Federal government can't do it, we'll find some other way.
Jack, Maybe this is the beginning of the Federal goverment losing its grip over the states.
Steve from Minnesota
Why are we speaking or trying to protect anything thats illegal. Its like having someone move into your house, makes it crowded and demand rights. Its crayzie. We need a silent task force to rid all of the illegals in this country. If anyone disagrees, they obviously have some monetary intrested in keeping illegal people in this country.
This is simply a case of other states playing FOLLOW THE LEADER, which is a child's game, if you recall...
Since President Obama has not been able to walk on water, solve all the woes created since Nixon resigned, create jobs out of thin air for everyone who says they want one, or used a signing statement to repeal Don't Ask-Don't Tell quite yet, OR, sucked the oil out of the Gulf with a magical straw, or put on a diver's suit and gone down and plugged it up, all by himself... the States that suddenly can't wait for the immigration issue to come to the forefront in all the dilemmas on the Federal Government's present agenda, are going to do what they do best... follow someone else's lead.
Riddle them this, Jack: When there are no more immigrants, legal or otherwise, feeling welcome enough to remain in those States, to buy things and pay the daily sales taxes, from where do you think those revenues will be collected? Hmmmm?From all the people who are left. So, in the end, they will all get what they deserve.
The message is that the United States citizens are screaming for something to be done. Immigration reform is just going to bring in even MORE people that we cannot afford, we're already at a place where loss of jobs is frequent. We cannot afford immigration reform, these illegals need to go home with the education and money we've so generously had stolen from us and fix up their on country. Just get these illegal immigrants out so we can find jobs and our children can have a better education and multiple other issues I would have to write pages about.
Why not if any state wants to adopt this law then so be it. I think if people around the world want to gain citzenship in America, they should be required to serve in the milltary (males of course) while the familes are granted full citzenship after 5 years of the males service to America, the soliders family would live on base.
Sounds like radical idea but come one, we gotta start find soultions to these problem if people think a 700+ mile long fence is going to keep people out then we have a bigger problem on our hands.
States that need AZ law now the entire west coast any state that borders mexico and canada as well as FL and IL
it says that we are going to have one hell of a time shipping 12 million illegal aliens back into their own countries (mostly mexico) which would be cheaper, shipping them back FED-EX OR UPS?
It says that we're tired of the inaction and BS that's coming out of Washington. Start giving us comprehensive, intelligent laws instead of watered down garbage, that deal will the issues we face or we'll do it on a local level. Congress is a joke when it comes to passing legislation that isn't full of pork and that actually benefit the American people. The amount of money paid to the lobby industry is obscene and it's turned our country into a corporate cesspool ie. the oil industry. You only have to look at the Tea Party movement to see the angry the citizens feel and that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
It is incredible to believe that our Federal Guv simply refuses to keep illegals out of the USA. They keep invading our southern borders and our President and Congress do nothing but talk. Clearly the states have no option but to do the job themselves. I applaud them for trying.
The message is so obvious. Illegal immigration is an issue that most Americans want solved.
The federal government is not even articulating what if any changes it wants to see happen. They instead are just trashing Arizona's new law.
Strangely, this subject is one that President Obama could actually win political points on, because he should be able to intelligently articulate the main individual issues, so that any reform that he proposes will seem reasonable.
That is what the people want, an honest attempt to fix the problem.
If only the President would learn to talk about the little pieces of a huge problem instead of getting bogged down in grand rhetoric.
Come on Jack! There's a hell of difference between requiring companies to insure their employees are legal and a cop stopping you and saying, "Let me see your papers!"
On voting day both parties want that Mexican vote. Even though they know many of them vote with stolen ID'S from American citizens. They keep using the number of 12 million illegals in the US when they darn sure know there is more like 30 million of them here. Our politicans sell their souls for votes.
This is yet another thing that our fearless leader has been a no-count. While he had an opportunity to bring thr country together by leading, he hid behind his aides and put off any comment. This is supposed to be a government of and for the people. The government is supposed to support us. In the event that it doesn't, we have the right to do it ourselves. My message to every state would be to take care of your own because your President won't take care of you. You voted for a change and you surly got one. In Texas, I think we should forgo the minimal federal funding for our roads and do what we have a legal right to do. Then, we should charge the federal government an excise tax to operate in our state to fund the roads they get to use.
It means that the government isnt for the people by the people and of the people any more and needs to be prosecuted for miscarriage of justice .
The message is if you aren’t for securing the borders and enforcing the current immigration laws, you need to be voted out of office and replaced with someone that is. For the Republicans that includes making sure all workers are legal. For the Democrats there won’t be as many Latino voters for your next election. Remember, that is the main reason they aren’t enforced now. That is a change both parties better start believing in.
Jack,
The message is typical Americana...
It's not a depression until "i" am out of work. Then "i" have to point the finger at someone, namely my ex-gardener or ex-housekeeper I can no longer afford – not the incompetent legislators "i" voted for who took billions in bribes from the corporate lobby and ultimately created the environment that lead to this crisis.
In other words, heads i win, tails you lose.
The message is that our glorious US Representatives and Senators (loosely used terms) are not listening to we the people. VOTE EVERY INCUMBENT OUT AND DO AWAY WITH "ALONG PARTY LINES! I honestly thought Obama would bring change but one man can't change 535 boneheads.
The message is that the states are doing the job the federal government won't do- prioritizing the interests of our country and our citizens above all else.
Jack, the message is JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.
The message is that states and people are realizing that if we keep up this trend of lowering this countries standards to 3rd world, HELLO, it is going to happen. Most illegal aliens are sending 75% or more of their money back to there country anyway. Staes are realizing those who would work these jobs (legal Americans), instead are opting to do illegal things or nothing at all. This country has a standard of living that gets lower each day. Jack, drive down Buford hwy today and look at areas like jimmy carter blvd, or norcross, illegal aliens, check cashing joints and licquor stores dot the area, no real income in that. They have also had a diminishing affect on wages which has now crept into the middle class. Im glad these states are waking up, but it may be too darn late.
When the state legislators – who are required to balance their budgets- take the cold hard look at the costs associated with illegal immigrants, it becomes self evident. In some cases those costs approach their total budget deficit. For politicians who support amnesty, it could be scrutinized as them "buying votes" with billions of dollars from the states' coffers.
It's all about Americans wanting our laws inforced & our Jobs back.
We are tired of all the laws being inforced for Americans & tossed
in our Faces for Illegals. And the arrogance of the illegals feeling they are owed special treatment. We owe law Breakers nothing,
Michele KS
The message is that the majority of American people are sick and tired of the influx of people who are coming into this country illegally. The first invaders on this soil were our own ancestors, who duped the Native Americans into selling Manhattan for a few beads, and then they were treated despicably. And the Native Americans now have the last laugh, because the geniuses in government are giving away this entire country for nothing.
Arizona's law is only supporting the law of the land - a federal law already on the books. There are strict rules about who gets into this country and what hoops they must jump through. We can't support these illegals, and they are not supporting themselves. We have so many troubles in this country that will require massive funding to solve. We can't take in criminals and freeloaders from across the border.
With the arrogance of the jerks we have elected and sent to Washington the message doesn't mean a damn thing, it will all depend on the amount of money that the lobbyist stuff in their pockets as to which direction they will go. It's a shame that our elected officials are up far sale to the highest bidder, what the voter wants doesn't matter we just pay their meager salary, benefits, and lifetime retirement. Just can't compete with the lobbyist that have unlimited funds.
Jack:
It does not matter what the message might be to the Federal Government, obviously they have had a deaf ear like Colonel Custer.
After the battle of the Little Big Horn, sqaws poked his cadaver's ear drums out because he would not need them in after life because he did not use them in life !
There have been 43 presidents before this one if I am not mistaking. And even before he spent one month in office you and all the hypocrites out there want him to solve all the problems including immigration in less than one 2 years with no help from GOP members who unfortunately will do anything, I mean anything to see this president fail and sadly the media want Americans to blame Mr. Obama for everything wrong with USA. It is so sad.
The message ? We no longer have our heads in the sand, and finally agree that there IS an elephant in the room.
What part of ILLEGAL do the bleeding hearts not understand ?
How much longer we will continue to provide services for the illegals, when they contribute nothing.......
Some would call it entrapment, however a suggestion for ICE and other agencies is to advertise something for free....then round 'em up and head 'em out. Correction......they DO contribute in burdening the states to provide services.....
It means that we can not trust the government to follow the laws that are passed down by the people and its time for the suppream court to do its job and prosecute the government .
They want immigration reforms!
I am doing $3/hour for 12hours 7days a week job because hotel/motel/restaurents and other small businesses all over US are hiring foreign students and illegal aliens. My uncles work less than $2/hour job. I have full faith in Mr. President but he is supporting illegal aliens. I am legal resident of United States. What will happen to me.?
Sam, Dallas,TX
I think it says that our guests have stayed too long and we can't afford to take care of them anymore.
Guests are like fish...after they've been around for awhile, you just have to throw them out.
It tells Congress to draft a comprehensive illegal immigration law that will apply all to ALL states and be interpreted and enforced the same across the board. Forget about their own selfish re-election and do what the citizens of this great nation are sending them to DC to accomplish! Get off their butts and just do it!
The message is the administration is out of touch with American citizens. P Monahan, Millerton, NY
The message is simular to one uttered from space many years ago. Washington, we have a problem.
the message is obvious and has been stated often–if the Federal Gov't is not going to act, the States will have to...
It's not fair that when the people dont follow the law we get locked up but when the government dont follow the lay nothing happens .
The message Jack is that americans are fed up with Mexicans coming across the border and stealing jobs from Americans and the Federal governement doing nothing to stop it. We should vote them all out in Nov
Our country is running on fear again: this time it's called xenophobia. This great nation was built on inclusion – not exclusion. Yes, we need regulation and controls in place. But let's not pick on immigrants because these are scary times.
I have another question: why is there so much noise about Arizona when other states, like Missouri, have passed laws without much of a blip on the national radar screen?
wonder why none of this was issue 3 yrs i wonder
america is finally waking up about our illegal alien problem.......one state at a time.
I believe these states should go for it. It might move our federal government to set a national policy.
There is not doubt that illigal immigration have been a problem for years. If these illigal alliens could get jobs, they would not come here.
Most of this illegal activity is financed by big cooperations. That is where we should start. We will never get a handle on this thing until we get the IRS involved.
The messages is that the United States of America belongs to the people.
San Diego, Ca.
If the American people are so stupid to think the fat lazy white men are going to fight the heat and bugs to pick fruit for 7.00 an hour, it's a sad day. Someone better ask the farmers and ranchers. Crops will be dying in the fields, and somehow, it will all be President Obamas fault.
You've got to be kidding me.
The message from states to the federal government goes a little like this, "If you don't do something, we will."
Any law that doesn't punish the people who hire Illegal Immigrants isn't worth the paper it's written on. Of course we know that will never happen.
i think the goverment needs to get up and do something. We can not let laws like AZ's to become the Norm I Hope Obama does something before it's too late
the solution won't be as easy as the people who say what we should do believe it is. Everyone is only satisfied if they are all open minded.
The message to Washington is GET OFF YOUR BUTTS and protect our borders! I'm in Ky, far away from the border, but the illegals are still a problem here also. They still hold jobs that I would love to have but can't get, they don't have to pay taxes, and they are draining our economy from the welfare they receive. Enough is enough Mr. Obama! Stop the madness! Close the damn border!!
What is the federal government thinking? We pay taxes to support a federal government that, in turn, supports those illegally in this country against those of us who are paying the taxes. What is wrong with this picture?
it doesn'tmatter what type of message we send washington. remember, obama stands shoulder to shoulder with calderone. the arizona law violates the sense of "fairness" that we Americans cherish. some members of congress give calderone a standing ovation. our national guard troops are not allowed to impede the progress of "migrants."
i only wish our voice counted as much as mexico's.
The message that now that the federal government has demonstrated that our founding fathers were right about the reasons why we needed a weak federal government with limited powers and why the states should retain most of the power, it's time to reinstate the Constitution and return state's powers and authority.
I don't really know if the Country would be better off with, or without, the illegal immigrants. Likewise, I don't know what number of immigrants should be let in legally each year. Elected Officials should decide and then answer to the Voters during elections. Numbers are not really the issue in my mind. More important, as a Nation that advertises itself as being "founded on law", we need to either enforce the laws or change them. If laws are selective enforced or ignored on the basis of current political expediency then all laws are lessened and the country becomes less respected by it's citizens and less governable. Political Correctness is not Law.... nor is it Leadership.
Same message different day. Washington is bought and paid for by big business and it is very obvious from Bloomberg and rich friends they want to use the same tried and failed amnesty that didn't work in the 80's and won't work now. It sends the message out keep on coming and sooner or later they'll do another amnesty. The answer to Bloomberg that it is impossible to find and deport every illegal is come up with a viable way to make legal aliens identifiable and crack down on employers that hire illegals. No work and the illegals go home.
All it shows is that Americans grow more sour, belligerent and militant by the minute even as the content between their ears diminishes. Anyone can see that the arizona law does not solve the immigration problem. At best, it puts a Band-aid on the problem, and at worst, it creates a plethora of new problems.
Sandra
New Jersey
Capitalism is about the free movement of capital, goods and people. I am very surprised that the same Republicans who defend free enterprise and small government, want the government to control the flow of Mexicans (I don't see anybody going after illegal Russians or Danish).
The message that they want to send is that now that we have a Democrat in power, this is a big issue. Why wasn't this problem solved during the eight years of the Bush administration. This is a fake problem used to attack the president. This is a country of immigrants and we need to welcome everybody here.
The federal gov. needs to use the tools it has to take action for all of us so the states don't have to. The IRS knows who is using fake soc. sec. numbers on the job. I know of one person who was told by the IRS that 26 people were using her SS number – but did any one do anything about that?? They could tell the employers who is using a duplicate number so employers could demand evidence of citizenship or fire the person who can not provide that info. The states are only trying to do what the feds won't.
The message is, GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS.
But, I wonder if the american People would be willing to pay higher taxes, in order for the Federal Government ot hire a LOT more ICE people, so they could try to enforce the law.
I once called the ICE office where I lived to report what i believed to be illegals, and was told that the agency only had something like 20 agents for the entire state!
It's pretty clear that the problem is a huge one, but that also means that the personnel required to enforce existing federal laws will have to be increased.
IMHO, the better way to enforce the immigration laws would be to REALLY go after those who hire the illegals! If there were no employment available, the illegals might just go home.
But of course, that is impossible, as those who hire illegals often are campaign contributors and as the old saying goes, MONEY TALKS.
Speaking from outsidethe country I would suggest that the federal government take its responsibilities seriously. Immigration is a federal respnsibility and the federal govwenment and especially the Republicans in the legistrative branch have to stop their obstrutive ways to anyting introduced by the Obama administaration and govern. Pass bills . Negotiatie. No wonder the people are distustful of Congress.
Frank
Saint John, NB
Canada
The problem could be quickly and easily solved if the government would get serious about imposing serious penalties on employers of illegals. After all, that the reason for most illegal immigration-jobs. Unfortunately, I don't expect that to happen. Illegals do not make large campaign contributions. Those who hire them do. Our legislators don't want to kill the cash cow.
I'm getting pretty tired of this issue being dumbed down to an attempt at legislating bigotry. This law should have been put in place in every state in the union starting September 12, 2001. This isn't an anti-immigrant issue, it is a national security issue. How quickly we forget terms like "sleeper cell" and "embedded operative" when a law like this gets its start in a border state.
Here's a better question for you, Jack – how is this any different from demanding a driver's license and proof of insurance when a motorist is pulled over? At the end of the day, those who want to drive without a license still can, they just need to be model drivers and not do things that might get them pulled over... Similarly, if you enter this country illegally and keep your nose clean, this type of legislation shouldn't impact you in the slightest, no matter how brown, yellow, green or purple your skin might be...
There's a song that goes like this, "Your out of touch my baby, my poor old fashioned baby" and that is what Washington is and/or appears to be....totally out of touch with what the people want.......and NO I DO NOT expect President Obama to do this all by himself......but certainly Congress & the House of Representatives along with the Senate are there because of and for the people of this great country of ours......WAKE UP!!! We are watching and see just how well you are or aren't listening.
California Resident, I stand with Arizona and any other state who adopts Illegal immigration laws. California is boycotting or at least trying, we have our own problems to deal with. Why do we have states if the Feds can tell us what to do. Many born Americans are out of jobs, but yet I see illegals working, what's that all about. Our Government needs to get it together. How can the President of Mexico send Attorneys to help block this Law in Arizona. I do not believe there will be racial profiling, but if a peson does something illegal, the Officers should ask for the correct docs to be here Legally.
Jack,
It's pretty clear what America wants, but is "clouded" by what Corp America wants...cheap labor and votes.
Why do we always hear the argument about how are we going to send 20 million illegals home....pretty easy. Goes back to an old saying " Many hands make light work"...just enforce corporations to obey the laws of the land....oops, that's right ....they are too busy generating smoke to see the laws !!!
And the ACLU's latest comment about Kansas.....what's that got to do with it....besides, maybe the ACLU hasn't heard of public transportation.
Basically the states are telling Congress if you won't uphold the constitution we will. This really shows how this administration and Congress is out of touch with the American people. Sad day in America when our President and elected officials take on oath to uphold and defend the constitution, but do every thing in their power to destroy it.
border states can not keep their heads in the sand helping illegals, we are going broke. they take more than they put in.
the mexicans aren,t stealing your job,s there being handed over to china wake up its called out sourcing, china did not loan you all that money without colateral it was your jobs
It's obvious that the 'legal' population is fed up with paying for 'illegals' education, medical needs and prison costs, etc. Our states are going broke and these costs add huge deficits to their budgets. It's time to close our borders and and remove the illegals from our states.
The message is clear. The government is inept!
I think the real issue is discrimination against legal, tax-paying citizens of this country.
We're expected to abide by laws that these illegals are allowed to ignore. Let's even the playing field: I will work on a cash basis, pay no taxes, go to the ER and insist that I have no medical coverage, and invest every available cent I have left in off-shore accounts.
Oh... and if I get myself into an accident or someother legal trouble, I'll change my name and buy another fake social security card.
obama is out of control and so very wrong on
this how many citizens of the USA DO NOT WANT THIS?? an overwhelming number and it is an insult to the immigrants that came here legally
i want to know what the grounds for either failure to lead are or even impeachment
we as a country cannot handle this on top of the endless disaster in the gulf
so wrong on so many levels!!!
When things are bad in a person's life or a country's economy, scapegoats must be found. This is simply a sad 'whipping boy' point of view castigating the least among us.
Hate trumps common sense every day in the state in which I live.
Immigrants WOULD NOT BE HERE IF THEY DID NOT TAKE TERRIBLE JOBS. THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE.
Jan Brewer wants to be elected just like George Wallace knew how to stoke the hate.
sad sad sad.
It says the gringos want their country back.
Being angry isn't enough. We have allowed illegal immigration to become part of our economy, providing millions of low wage workers. The multiple Arizona laws are not just about immigration - they are meant to harass legals who happen to be the wrong color.
South San Francisco, CA
When is the elected officials in this country going to finally realize the problem in the US is all the rich companies sent the jobs out to make more money for themselfs. And the Illegals have taken many of the rest of them. And please dont tell me they only take the jobs the Americans dont want. We are not that nieve. What little jobs in construction that is left the illegals have taken.
When New York state grants amnesty to illegal immigrant, will it be clear it is only the federal government that can deal with this issue.The republicans are crying foul, where were they during Bush's 8years. It all about politics in Arizona
I think they are sending the wrong message. You cannot correct a mistake by making another. Families will be hurt by this laws and there will hatred spread across the nation.
ILLEGAL!! Which part of illegal do they not understand.
Immigration is for those who want to become citizens of their new country, not continue their language and customs here.
It appears the states interested in following Arizona's Immigration Law Will inevitably turn the stomaches of our founding fathers and set in motion once again, more coruption and deterioration of an already eroded Constitution, as well as the Bill of Rights. Times are uncertain for everyone as evidenced by desperate reactions to seemingly unmanagable realities.
Come on Jack, President Bush proposed an immigration policy and the congress didn't like it. You cannot throw out millions of illegals as most know. It is simply a hot button issue to confuse people of the problems of no jobs and low wages. The Republicans cannot keep running on "No" and win – they really haven't answered what they would do to solve the problems of this nation, except to go back in time to more of the Bush years.
We all are starting to find out the facts of who is behind the tea parties and the anger, ccoporations are praying for small government. Even the anger of the Tea Baggers is funded and operated by corprate interests as well as pundits who have tapped into this.
It isn't the illegals who are sending our jobs overseas and keeping wages stagnant. Obama knows the votes are not there and the states know it is a Federal issue, they are only grandstanding for votes. They also knew the courts would be filing a law suite and it will cost us money so the people who are supporting and passing these laws know they are illegal.
The messages is simple Jack that the states want executive power to deal with things that they've not the money to handle. Everyone has an opinion, everyone assumes they are right, including yourself. You take facts that only support your words and do not rely on the other facts and people respond. Keep it real Jack!
States are broke!! Arizona is broke and is getting federal relief yet they want to hire more police to patrol the borders, something that is a FEDERAL JOB, not a local one, Arizona is misleading its facts. Ive lived there, I know the state well and racism and hate is a very big problem there. Not saying that racism and hate is the reasoning behind this bill however when the architects behind it are lending thier services to spread it, this is WHY other states SEEM to express interest. Keep it real Jack. Seems funny that non-hispanics complain about jobs being taken by illegals and or undocumented workers, when any of the non-hispanics will not do the same hard labor jobs, in freezing cold, and blistering sun for dollars under minimum wage at over 10 hours per day or less then two hours a day. American workers will not do jobs like this however now claim they will. Keep it real Jack
I live in California but I have relatives in a small Arizona town. They have informed me that jobs are opening up there because illegal aliens are leaving. Jobs that could not be had by the average "American" (regardless of ethnicity), are opening up and being filled by persons with the right to work in the US Where are the Arizona illegals going? I have been looking for a job for 1 1/2 years now and despite my experience, I can't get one. It is my belief that if the illegals left their jobs, those that have the right, would fill those jobs. I suspect this approach (if California had the same law) would go a long way in helping the jobless crisis we are experiencing now. Frankly, Washington D.C. is not listening, except to those that scream the loudest. Because of their inaction, a person like me who is living off savings, paying my mortgage and bills, will probably lose everything in time because I can't get a job. It is a tragedy.
If you want to know how dangerous it is to leave your borders open, just ask the american indians!! roger"I got ya back jack" from connecticut
It's very annoying how the term "undocumented immigrant" is commonly used today.
Calling an illegal alien an “undocumented immigrant” is like calling a drug dealer an “unlicensed pharmacist”.
Jack what is the message when the goverment goes against the majority of the people in a country.I live in Arizona Was born and raised in Yuma and what are we going to do go broke supporting Mexico.I voted for President Obama i love the man but it is time to wake up and smell the coffee either we fight Stupid wars with no end or we get out of those counrtys and use the money to fix ours otherwise we my as well all go live in tents .
As a Canadian, I must carry a passport etc when arriving and staying in your beautiful country. Have visited 33 states so far. I shouldn't have to worry about being hit by a car driven by an illegal alien residing in the U.S. without insurance etc. I shouldn't have to worry about "lost" members of other countries armed forces gaing entry into Canada. These people in Arizona are literally fighting for their lives and I wish them every success. A long lost cousin just surfaced by email in Arizona and I plan to visit and support their economy. Like Billy Nungesser says "it's time to man up" Boy do I like this man and Bobby Jindal too.
Immigration is among our biggest challenges. Illegals enter the country through Arizona, either head out for California or stay here in Arizona. They obtain illegal papers which can't be distinquested from legal ones, giving them the same rights as all Americans – jobs, health care, etc. And, it only takes nine months or less to have a baby. I don't understand all the politicians and the president that can't support enforcing the country's laws.
the people you're "fed up" with aren't the only people who will be effected. We live in a "system" . Every person that someone believes is guilty of a crime is not necessarily guilty. The system is not perfect.
If the federal government can not enforce it's own laws, it's up to the people (state, county and local) to make and enforce laws to protect the citizens. It's not a new problem, it's one that has exsisted for quite a while with no one (government) working on it or even willing to try to fix it. It's really sad when a state, county or local government makes and tries to enforce a law, then the federal government says that they will take it to court because it's their job to enforce it. If so, why isn't it done?
If Arizona started this law all about immigrants, mexicans mostly, taking jobs from "americans" (I state "americans" because technically Mexico is north america too) that's just too selfish and stupid.
If "americans" want to get the jobs immigrants are "taking from them" then they should stop lazying around. They should try to be less mediocre.
They should stop making stupid laws and they should begin fomenting "americans" a good work ethic. Then the employer would actually consider -national- people for the job. Employers employ people who actually WANT to work, sadly, again, americans, only think about work hours and getting more for less, on the other side, immigrants come to the US looking for better salaries and a minimum in the US is way more than a minimum in Mexico or other countries. Immigrants actually want to work, want a better life no matter what they're put through.
Again, this laws are just plain stupid, like racism; as far as I know the US is the country with the most racism of all.
Jack the message is that as usual the states individually should stay the hell out of what is clearly a federal issue. They have enough problems of their own.
Come on Jack, don't jump on the bandwagon.
Immigration is a problem but why are all the suggestions and proposals being circulated by racial based hatred?
Why not invite immigration groups together to the discussions?
If you ask me, here are some of my suggestions:
1- 6 month work visas
2- Employer backed sponsorship
3- Special Drivers licenses/ID's.
4- Employer funded insurance escrow account.
BTW, you'll never hear about a mexican terrorist against the USA, they have just as much in stake here, families,work,resources.......
it is a clear message being sent to the Federal governement when many states across the nation want to adopt similar immigration law like Arizona, The meesage is "Give us back the same job that we never wanted". It is time for Americans to flip their own burgers at the fast food restaurants for $5.75 per hour, clean out the streets, cutting everyone else's grass for just the price of a big Mac. Well, it does not sound so bad since Obama's Health care should cover all workers, as long as you are legally documents. Immigration would have never been such an urgent need if the economy were doing good. We hired the same people that now we want to chase. Come on give me a break. Fix the economy instead.
The message to the government is easy. We want the government to treat the actual citizens of this country with the same concern and compassion that they want us to treat illegal immigrants. In other countries the citizens come first and illegal immigration is frowned on. We need a government that helps its citizens and takes charge when everything is falling apart. The citizens of this country pay the big pay checks of the Obama administration. We pay the big taxes and we struggle to survive everyday and we vote. If the government feels that we the citizens are not worth helping or protecting then maybe we need to use our votes to end their reign of hatred of us the citizens. The states have no choice but to protect themselves no one else will.
It send a message to the federal government that racism is just around the corner. It says that the federal government that noone has faith in it at all and that the US will go back to before Martin Luther King Jr was even born and Jim Crowe type lawas are not far behind.
I agree with Nebraska. How can the Federal Government get mad that the states are trying to enforce a federal law themselves, when the Federal Government won't. Good Job Arizona for making a stand.
MSG to Feds: Either do something, or we will.
Jack,
I fully support the Az law. Most people I talk to are fed up with unchecked influx of illegals into our country. Isn't it interesting that the ACLU who is supposed to represent American interests are always on the wrong side of every issue. It is time the federal government gets some backbone like governor Brewer and start taking action to secure our border and protect American citizens. With unemployment at the 10% level, why we don't wise up to the fact we can't let everyone into this country. Where is Pres Eisenhower when we need him??? Back in the 1950's he deported illegals so that returning soldiers would have jobs. Wasn't that a novel idea to actually take care of our own citizens.
Fed up in Iowa,
Mark
It is entirely irrelevant that "Almost 60% of Americans support the Arizona law." Many Americans supported slavery, and initial efforts to desegregate the country were wildly unpopular. Both segregation and slavery were legal at one point in our history.
Anyone can 'stand up' for what is popular at the moment. It takes true courage and a high ethical standard to stand up for what is RIGHT even if it is unpopular. Too bad the xenophobes in this country lack the scope to understand this precept.
living in arizona we are made out to be the little bad boy i am friends for many years with legal immigrants who are for the bill why should they who have complied with the law and us arizonians who want to live in safety be punished come walk in our shoes
The message is: the federal government will track you and the taxes you owe but not protect you from illegal entrants, job loss, crowded ERs, identity theft. . At taxpayer expense, we have eleven new warning signs that areas in AZ are UNSAFE –for US citizens! And yet we've got the silly boycotts against us just because we want a border. The fight is on all our doorsteps. Protect yourselves because the government (with promises of decades) will not get the job done.
The message is that the vast majority of Americans, along with local representatives who actually care about what is happening on the ground, do not want illegals entering this country free of consequence. If Mr. Obama and his progressive friends want to grant blanket amnesty, they know it could only be possible as part of a "comprehensive reform". Mr. Obama has recently told other lawmakers this much. Why would a sitting President not want our borders as secure as possible? Seems very odd unless there is in fact a hidden agenda at play. Its time this guy put politics aside just for once but I guess thats not the Chicago way. If there is one thing I think we can all agree on by now, its that this guy is in way over his head! Maybe next time a president is elected his prior executive experiences should actually be taken to task.
The message is clear: Americans are fed up with inaction on the whole issue of immigration and really do not favor any form of amnesty.
It is interesting that many of the groups promoting comprehensive reform (whatever that means) espouse tighter sanctions against employers. AZ did that two years ago and the Employer Sanctions bill has been upheld despite court challenges by business groups. But now, the Obama gang want the Supreme Court to review that Employer law. Interesting that not only do they want to challenge AZ's current bill 1070 which targets the actual illegals, but they also want to dismantle AZ's previous attempt to crack down on employers of illegals. This just shows the Administration is hell bent on reform and amnesty and have no interest whatever in really addressing the issues.
It's a simple message. We the People, the ones that elected every member of Congress, want something serious done about illegal immigration. Legal immigration is one thing, but the uncontrolled flow of illegals, drugs, guns and violence across our borders is uncalled for. If the federal government will not get serious in their handling of illegal immigrants then I guess the States will do it themselves.
Jack,
The message is simple.
Lets get the illegal immigrants out, and give the unemployed U.S. Citizens a job so they can support there family. They created a law in this country for a reason, to follow it! It's the right message for the federal government. Lets just hope all the other states will get on this just like Arizona did.
Chris from CA
You guys are right.Our ancestors were immigrants too,but they went through Ellis island and became citizens the right way.They didn't sneak and kill their way across the border.This country needs to follow Arizona in getting rid of the illegals.ILLEGAL means ILLEGAL.If they had good intentions they would go through the proper channels to become legal.After all the jobs they have obtained since being here,they should have already saved up the three grand to become citizens.Their intentions are not good in my opinion and I'm sick and tired of my fellow country men and women doing without while our government looks the other way and keeps them up.Not all of them are even working.Check your local crime statistics!Wake up America.Its time for another march on Washington.I'm in Newport Oregon USA of Mexico
The message is this...America has spent so much time, money, and resources, cleaning the houses in other countries...we have neglected our own and it's time to CLEAN HOUSE! Healthcare is being drained by illegals going into the ER because they have the flu, schools are providing breakfast and lunch because they qualify for the federally funded food programs, and they break the law and come back again and again. As a legal citizen, I am becoming more and more fed up with the government. I do not feel they are protecting me and my rights! They should try ENFORCING the laws that already exist. It should not have come to this...the wall that was started is unfinished and the problem continues to grow.
Here we go again. Lets see.....how long have illegal aliens been in this country? The illegal aliens are not the problem. Big business and wealthy elitists are. Those companies that hire illegal aliens and send jobs oversees are to blame. The illegal aliens are not working as slaves. They are being hired by the greedy elitists that will sell their own mother for a dollar. So, the message is find someone to pin the blame on and punish them unfairly. No person of color should be "terrorized" in the United States of America. These immigration laws or "racial profiling" being supported are a sad answer to immigration reform.
Jack, I love it that people are waking up. Arizona is not the only state having a problem. We have to remove this blight from the U.S.A., the illegals are not paying their way, OH. and before someone pulls the race key, my parents were immigrants, but they came here legally.
The real message is that a majority of the U.S. populace still doesn't understand what immigration is. There is a DIFFERENCE between guarding against illegal aliens and what Arizona is doing: fueling prejudices and undermining the constitutional rights of anyone who looks or is different. Allowing police to pull someone over and check for immigration documents on the basis of how they look is RACIAL PROFILING and sets a foundation for hate crimes. If the states want to see more of a law like Arizona's implemented, it seems like they STILL don't know any better. What happened to progress?
i live in fl. and i don't see why the gov. would rather take up for people who are here ILLEGAL then the people who pay there bills. the illegals took over my neigborhood where i grew up, and its hard to live out here. this wasn't the best place to live, but we look out for one another. now it makes me sick to see what the illegals did to my neigborhood. i lie to people about where i live, i never in my life thought the pres. and the people in office would turn there backs on the american people just so they can get the illegal to vote for them. as for me im a dem and i will never vote for a dem. again all they care about is power and thats it.
We want the invasion STOPPED. If the FEDS won't the the states should or we wil have to..
This is not about immigration, it's about invasion.
David
The message is that the American people and State governments want the issue of illegal immigration solved.
The funny thing is that this issue is perfect for President Obama to tackle. No big oil or Wall Street to try to appease, just ordinary people. His speechmaking abilities could be instrumental in explaining the competing issues to the people, and suggesting a reasonable solution.
His popularity might even rise for a change.
I ve lived my entire adult life in Calif. Immigration has been a problem for as long as I can remember. I have seen the horrible housing hispanics survived in. I think illegal immagration is pretty much like ALL our problems- We wait for the Feds to fix anything Ed. Oilspills,drugs,healthcare on and on. I think states need to reorganize and take responsibility for issues facing them . Why can't the states work together and come up with a good plan to protect borders. Waiting for Congess to fix everything is ridiculous. We are spoiled and lazy a sure plan for Fed govt. to take over and call all the shots. How many people understand the history of corporations? They couldn't get a foot hold til 1900's . Part of reason for leaving UK
The message is twofold. 1. There are a lot of racist state Governors in America who want to seize this opportunity to further their own heartless agendas. 2. Governors are also seizing the opportunity to blame and pressure President Obama for a solution to our immigrations problem which Bush could not resolve in eight years. President Obama has been office for less than two years, Tell me Jack why aren't all of America's problems resolved? Give him time, we will get there or close to it.
The message the federal government should learn from all of this is that We the People are the rightful masters of this country; they are our elected servants (read: Public servants). We the People have every right to protect ourselves and our children from all enemies; those that would do us physical harm as well as those that seek to destroy the society we have worked to hard to achieve.
November will be a very telling month when a good number of our so-called representatives lose their jobs. Of course, they won't feel the sting of unemployment that the common American feels thanks to the nice retirement packages they voted for themselves.
Bentonville, AR
States are fed up with the cost and inaction of the federal government. This is the only way to wake up the feds. I wish my state of California would wake up! No wonder we are near bankruptcy.
we need to have a federal mandate that requires know illegal workers to automatically replaced with qualified citizens that are currently unemployed, it should be our soverign right to these jobs,what is ironic is the republicans just blocked unemployment extensions and dont want to politically adress this issue until after elections until then because the federal government doesnt want to enforce immigration and the politicians are afraid of losing their voter base...we the unemployed citizens of the usa are between a rock and a hard place .....hmm mayse we should robb illegal aliens who are here illegally wonder how that would hold up in court? ya honor he stole my job so i stole his money, im legal,hes illegal ponder that yu political sob's........one pissed american
This is crazy! With all happening in Congress, now to take on this? All the US needs to do is finish this fence.That would calm the states that are taking it on themselvs to handle the problem. There is a difference between securing our boarders, and citizenship. Close the damn door.This is just like this oil spill. How can you clean it up when it is still gushing.
The message says that we don't know what to do. People are saying that the federal government aren't doing anything, but I'm guessing from the thousands of troops that are still overseas, the # of jobs that americans don't have, (o yeah) and the thousands of gallons of oil that is damaging the Gulf I am guessing that the gov. has its hands full. Look, i applaud the states of coming up with something for their problems instead of blaming others. That shows that government officials actually want to think about things, but there has to be a better way. A much better way than this.
Jack. It is very simple. sb1070 is not a racist bill. It does not specify a persons nationality, country of origin, color or sex. Pro-illegal activists would have you believe this is a race issue. It has nothing to do with race. ILLEGAL is not a race! They also compare sb1070 and its supporters to nazis, are we not being racially profiled with such statements? mexicos immigration law is far stricter than sb1070, something that is not reported or investigated by the main-stream media, yourselves included. Comments were made by janet napolitano, eric holder and obama on this bill. It was later then discovered that they HAD NOT even read the bill.
This is a very desparate problem we have here in Arizona and has been so for years. sb1070 is constitutional, which obama will find out in the coming weeks whilst he wastes AMERICAN taxpayer money on his outlandish challenge of sb1070.
My ancestor sailed on the Mayflower, and another watched him land. My family tree has several immigrants in it, and I've always been proud of that. We've got more, make more, have more of everything, including freedom, and flaunt it in front of the hungry, poor, and oppressed, calling it "THE AMERICAN DREAM", but have nothing but a 6×6 cell in the detention center awaiting them. It's plain stupid ti think we can afford to find, detain, and deport 12 million people. We must provide them a path to citizenship, or we'll be taking a ride to the poor house, when States try to act on current Immigration policy. So much for the welcome mat! I guess we'd better send that Statue of Liberty back before anyone else gets the wrong idea!
No Amnesty.
Secure Our borders.
Charge Obama with Tresson along with all his cronies. Reverse every EO, Bill and law since the beginning of his term.