DISQUS

Trina · 3 months ago

So how do you propose he address illegal immigrants? Unapproved aliens? Let's be reasonable here.

liza · 3 months ago

the correct term is "undocumented resident" or "undocumented immigrant". i mean, technically they are documented --most people have passports. it's the issue of getting the immigration office's approval for permanent residency. it takes years.

Trina · 3 months ago

If they're documented, then clearly 'undocumented resident/immigrant" would be an obfuscating term. You're shooting yourself in the foot with that one.

Like I said, semantics. The term itself is not derogatory. What you're doing is analogous to black ppl being offended by the word "minority". You're diluting your voice. See "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

And clearly I did not mean to click "like" on that comment. Just sayin'

Facebook User · 3 months ago

I am undocumented, I find illegal DEROGATORY.
Don't tell me what I should or should not find offensive.

At least draw proper analogies. What Liza is doing is akin to black people being offended by the N-word.

There are also other proper terms like 'irregular migrants.'

Houseonahillorg · 3 months ago

Liza, that depends where they are coming from. I love you, but statistically where are you getting your info?

According to latest stats. (2006) 70% of the undocumented are from border countries with their own countries' consulate id but no valid passport. The other 30% are on expired Visas; be it student, work or otherwise.

The 70% have less than 8th grade (U.S.) education...I only know this because I work for the criminal justice system/government, and am supervising undocumented clients-my caseload is at an alarming rate- the systemic climate, not having the necessary transitional education that comes with becoming a citizen, and bureaucracy having internally collapsed. Many offenders are not privy to local laws, mores, value-systems or cultural acceptances.

Maybe if communities would stop yelling and put forth solid legislation to not only help undocumented persons acclimate there might be a reduction in crimes. Additionally, a global response to migrate legally and maybe and an urge for more manpower for B.I.C.E-they are terribly underfunded and over worked and underpaid, to facilitate some movement. The marches are getting old and locales more in debt. AND not all are allowed to "stay" just "some". {Thinking of Cubans, Dominicans and Haitians who get detained while others get free lunch and their gangs called "Drug Cartel" when they are clearly terrorists} Just saying.

jasonn · 3 months ago

The idea that working is illegal is insane. I traveled to Europe last year and saw Africans peddling on the streets, trying to scrap a living because holding a job was illegal. I remember thinking "Is this a good liberal democracy, where it's illegal to work?"

The whole idea that someone can be an "illegal worker" is insane. Slavery is wrong, and should be illegal. We should have legislation to protect children and the underprivileged from abuse. But a person entering into a voluntary agreement where the exchange of money for value (meaning work) is an illegal act is just plain nuts. A government set on stopping people from earning an honest living to support their family is a government with its priorities out of whack.

Name · 3 months ago

i forgot it was totally ok for people to bypass every legal means of getting work in this country to get work. The channels for becomming an american are set, and open to anyone willing to follow them. However, anyone who is going to come into this country ILLEGALLY and STEAL jobs from the people who have followed the channels of immigration at one time or another, is a criminal. Saying illegal immigrant is not promoting bigotry and hatred, it is simply calling these people what they are. What else should we call them? Do we really need another "kinder and gentler" term to express something? Maybe you should stop looking for something to offend you and accept a term for what it is.

Bruce · 3 months ago

YOU are a racist.

When it comes down to it, conservatives like you just don't like immigrants because their skin is of a different color. Go back to Glenn Beck's forums.