A Missed Opportunity to Lead on Immigration and Education: The Veto of the California Dream Act

Easy solution for those undocumented students. Become documented. Why is this such a problem for them to understand? You have to be here legally to get a job after college, so why not become legal before you begin?

Do the paperwork, be here legally, and pay your taxes.

Otherwise there is no reason to educate people from other countries who want entrance into our tax-payer funded university system.

Angeldecoy the sad truth of the matter is if you are brought here ilegally even as a baby, it is nearly impossible to become "legal".

We can never reward illegal behavior. Answer, they have a country of legal residence and they should go there and file paperwork. I have friends in Eastern Europe that would love the opportunity that America offers. Because they cant swim the Atlantic, they cant just sneak into the country.

I have no pitty for the 10 million who steal from us all every day in the way of higher health care and education cost.

Answer. That's just plain riduculous. There are plenty of programs for those who are here illegally. And there are thousands of FREE green cards that go unclaimed every year down in Texas.

To say that one can't become legal, or that its hard to do so is ignorant. It's a matter of not being lazy.

Or be destined to only get jobs that do not require citizenship or a green card. Those "under the table" jobs. Or go to University in the country of one's birth.

Do the paperwork. Become legal. Pay taxes.

i can not believe that you said that being legal is easy! this is the issue that native citizens and immigrants absolutely get lost with each other. it doesn't matter wether your legal or illegal, it is severly hard to become legal in the US. its not just a matter of being lazy for your information. for most of these undocumented children. the easiest way of becoming legal is by marriage which is infact expensive. if you consider the cost of a lawyer, the documentations, and for the sad few who actually pay the people they marry(fake marriages). all this however does not mean that you'd actually become legal. they can still reject you, even if your marriage is a true one. go check your facts next time.
talk about ignorance!

What?: I stand by what i've written. Perhaps I've just done a bit more research, spoken with a few more attorneys than yourself, and taken the time to look into the free governemtnal programs in the US to streamline the process.

Or perhaps its that the young who are raised in the US seem to think someone should fill out the paperwork for them. That IS lazy.

Or perhaps they just don't want to become legal, prefering to keep their original nationality, yet staying, and working in the US and keeping all the perks (without the responsibilities).

Its a sad shame that many seem ot think becoming legal is difficult when its not. I've known many who have done the paperwork. Its not hard if one wants it.

Do the paperwork, become legal, and pay taxes.

"enough said"

Answer has obviously never dealt with the immigration system. A close friend is married to someone who was carried across the border at the age of 2. Now she's 23, both her and my friend have college degrees and because of that they can't get a hardship wavier. She has to stay illegal because if you enter illegally you can't legalize yourself without proving your deportation will cause an economic hardship on citizen family members you leave behind.

You really are dealing with mis information here. If you are an immigrant from Mexico, or the Philipines, or China, the waiting list for immigration can be ten or more years. So, if you are here going to college, you would need to return to Mexico, the Philipines, etc., and apply. Then, you would have to wait for ten or more years in the home country. One of the few alternatives if you are from an impacted country is to marry a U.S. citizen. If lawyers are telling you otherwise, they are either lying or mis representing U.S. law.
This long wait, and the likelyhood that you would never qualify, even after waiting, is the reason why millions do not adjust their status.
If they could, they would.

Wow, it's quite remarkable to read to the responses of many people with such a narrow perspective and such confidence in that narrow perspective. It's quite embarrasing to have so many Americans trained in this type of thinking, the type of thinking that everything is clear and cut. Sure, become illegal before you work, that sounds so easy. Don't break the law, that sounds so easy. Many of you that speak such words have met little challenges of diversity in your life. It's such a complicated idea that many people must turn to ignorance for comfort because confirming that our economy relies on many illegal immigrants would shatter many proud American egos. What I hear in a lot of these responses is prejudice along with ignorance. I wouldn't expect every person to educate themselves on all of the main factors of a situation before speaking about it, but it frustrates me when people insist on pursuing such a narrow perspective.

Keep on with your "American ways".

And forget everything about having your status adjusted through marriage. Consider this. If you marry someone who is "illegal" that person will have to move to Mexico for an indefinite amount of time, regardless of how positive their impact is on American society. It's sad that people don't understand how truly sickening ideas of Patriotism really can be.

It's so hypocritical as well, because you have many "American" people with this narrow perspective on illegal immigration but are willing to do nothing about it because their businesses rely on it. Go figure right, the same people we're complaining about are providing a major foundation for your economy. Talk about irony.

You all are wrong!

I recently graduated with my degree in mechanical engineering but thanks to all you "patriots" i can not work yet because of reasons you already know. I am sad that you "american patriots" don't let me work for you. Engineers are in short supply and it sucks i was brought here when i was 3 yrs old. I didn't ask to be here. but i am here now. Even if you all call me "alien" or whatever other derrogatory terms i love this place. This is my home. I am sad because i wish i were legal so I could work. work! I am desperate to contribute but u all won't let me. I'm not taking anything away from anyone! I'm not even asking for financial aid b/c i just want to be legal. many of u r selfish. (with the exception of 1 of you)
I assume most of you r students or have graduated but u supposedly attend a university to become educated and not to behave foolish especially not to reveal such selfish comments. Empathy is what u all lack and u'd change ur mind. hopefully.

Why don't you start a non-profit and if people want to give more handouts to Illigal immigrants they can. Not my tax $$$$.. The Illigals get free education, Free Books, Free Lunches, Free bus rides. FREE FREE FREE.
Not free College. GOOD Job GOV.

GO Hillary! Looks like she gets it.

WASHINGTON - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that immigrants living in the U.S. illegally would not be covered by her proposed universal health care plan.

Unless we stop the flow if Illigals. People living Illigal in America are going to have a harder time. I'm sure most people are will to help if we could shut the border. Until we can do that Less free, free, free.

Again, there are FREE programs curtesy of the US government, and other groups to become legal if one wants to use them. Do a search online and find one.

As many have pointed out on other blogs with this site, there is no reason for tax payer funding to go illegal residents. There are plenty of native residents that need help, are qualified, and plan on staying.

No reason I guess, except that some here just think it is mean, or harsh. Or they can't except that somoene is actually requiring them to do something to remain here.

While I understand the need to cry foul, that will not change your situation. Nor should it.

Hi!
My name is Laura and graduated from high school with honors. I applied to a couple universities and was accepted. I've done a lot of community service (i.e. Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts) and have been involved in other extracurricular activities (i.e. Student Government, National Honor Society, Soccer team). My parents brought me here when I was two years old, since then I have come to known this country as mine. My parents learned English, pay taxes, and always told me that I had to receive an education. Well, a couple years ago I found out that I am undocumented. I realized I was undocumented when I tried to get a license and they asked me for my social security number. Now, I don't speak Spanish that well and cannot go back to Peru because I don't belong there. I grew up believing I was American and was raised as one.
I am enrolled in a Community College since that is all I can afford right now. I don't mind since it is just one step to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. But, it is hard for me to understand how people can say that I don't deserve to be treated as an American when I have given to this country as much as I have been able to. With the DREAM Act, I would be able to finish my career and give back to this country that has given me and my parents so much.
I don't regret that my parents brought me here, but I am ashamed that you so called Americans are trying to stop people from serving this country and fulfill their dreams.
I SUPPORT THE DREAM ACT BECAUSE I AM AN AMERICAN WHO BELIEVES IN THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY. I BELIEVE IN THE LAND THAT OPENED THE DOORS TO IMMIGRANTS.

Sorry Laura. There are alot of people in the same situation. You won't be able to become a teacher unless you are documented/legal. (It is part of the application to become a teacher,and to be licensed by the state).

Same with the engineer.

I'm sure you don't think that's fair but nationally Ameircans are tired of 'footing the bill' for medicare, lower education, so-called emergency surgeries (chemo), and other public services to anybody who happens to live here. The desire is to remove all incentives for people to move here and sponge off the system. Those restrictions are likely to get larger (not less) in our lifetime.

Your best hope is to do whatever is necessary to become documented and legal. The alernative is to never be able to have a professional job, that's not 'under the table.'

I went through the paperwork to become legal, and also did the paperwork for my children. I also have friends that completed the process recently, with no problems. Stand in line and complete the process, no line cutting!

Undocumented students would have to pay the $2,500 price of tuition every ten weeks, just like everyone else, what is the problem?

Thousands of illegal students across the state were looking for California taxpayers to subsidize their chances of achieving their educational dreams, yet there are excellent universities in their original home countries. With current corporate outsourcing policies, it may be an advantage to move, and get the U.S. job there!

Our governor had the opportunity to enact a law that would subsidize the education of our nation's future leaders..

Can you name ANY current undocumented leader?

I attended college in California. I worked 40 yours a week and commuted to both my job and school. If you are too damn lazy to work for an education too bad. Any excuse offered has just been whining..
Getting here legally--it is easy. You go home, get in line and wait your turn. No majic carpet, no quick run across the border and yes it may take a while. no one promised you instant wish fulfilment. Millions do it every year, And while you are home in that other country, why not put some of thsi energy you have to try and tell us how to run our contry, to putting your own in order so its fit to live in..

Too say that it is an easy process to fix a Dreamer's immigration legality just by going back home and getting in line is to spread false information that hasn't been carefully researched. For example: take the situation of arriving here legally and overstaying a visa, (even if it was due to malpractice or incompetence from lawyers missing deadlines for paperwork) it would require a Dreamer to face a 10 year ban for something that they could themselves could not prevent. I suggest looking up more information rather than presenting misinformation as fact. http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=17242

Well, it won't be settled here. Obviously we can spend days simply stating each other is incorrect, or presenting untruths.

I would suggest that if you are here and are undocumented, become legal doing whatever is necessary.

The least you can do is enter the greencard lottery every year until you are drawn. Last year 1000's of green cards went unclaimed. Yes, unclaimed. You can apply while living in the US. Its free and they will even help you fill out the forms.

http://www.usagreencardlottery.org/

Laura - I don't care how you feel, YOU ARE NOT AMERICAN. That is not mean, just a fact. I am glad you have enjoyed your visit, we are a wonderful and kind people. The lesson you are learning is more than any other nation we are a people that live by the rule of law.

You should be very angry at your mother and father for putting you in this situation.

Just because the legal immigration line is long is no excuss for violating the law and illegally immigrating.

Believe it or not everyone in the world does not have the right to immigate to America. And America doesn't have to make it easy for those who want to emigrate to do so.

The American Taxpayer, such as myself an African-American- is footing the bill. Stop using the La Raza regurgitation of racism, its a cop out...follow our rule of law because believe me.... no matter how the stars are aligned for you-you will never take over our country....

I don't believe we can put the dots close enough for democrats and illegals to connect them when it comes to illegal immigration.

visit www.numbersusa.com to combat the invasion!

Heartless is what most of u "americans" have become lacking empathy. In some ways I am more American than u, even if my birth certificate says otherwise. To the fellow who said we take handouts: i have never taken a handout in my life! I assume most of you are right handed conservatives and so i say this paraphrasing: when ur right hand defiles CUT IT OFF, lest ur whole body be consumed. Can u guess who said that?
I am not for legalizing murderers, rapists, gangs, or drug dealers, only the ppl with clean record and who will contribute something. Good people who work, and graduates. that's why i wanted this law to be passed. I have something to contribute.
How can anyone say that denying these laws are race related when u look at white culture. First it was the mass murders of the natives, then the kidnappings and enslavement and lynchings of black people, then against hispanic people---so yes i do think it is race related. I don't think white people have lost that foolish pride that they think they are better than everyone else. But not every white person is like that, right? and so, what is the conclusion of this brief history--not all illegali immigrants are bad/criminal. The way I know is, there will be an immigration reform. For those that oppose this is in fact rather dumb for these reasons: A reform will happen indefinetly it's just a matter of time. It would be wise to do it sooner if u all don't want even more illegal immigrants to be legalized. Fact.

If the only reason you've got is that those who favor the laws enforced are racist, then you have no argument at all.

mechinical engineer-

I'm sure your native country could use a good engineer...why don't you go back and contribute to the economy...

You are a prime example of the abuses allowed within our government..........

Jeff- don't drink the campaign koolaid.........remember she is offering anything to get elected....she will cover illegals in the end....the spots on the leopard have not changed. She is a professional panderer spewing whatever makes people happy.........

Lasonya,
I must say Hillary is looking better everyday.
Free Healthcare
Free 5000.00 for each child I have.
Free 1000.00 401K

If She throws in a Free car she gets my vote and a Free House I will even make some phone calls to say how great she is.

free 5000 for each illegal born.....

her rhetoric is truly insulting.

Californians need to wake up.

Laura, you'll not get the sympathy you are fishing for here......

We must not say immigrant we must say illegal immigrant...there is a difference between legal, and illegal you never state your status, but it is implied. You are a prime example of how uncontrolled the borders are. You are not entitled, Laura, you are breaking the rule of law....take your education and put it to good use in your country...judging from their economy they need your expertise. (now....which country are you from?)

Laura, would you mind if my daughter pursued her educational dreams now as an American citizen, or should we just sit back and wait until you are finished siphoning off the rest of the general fund?

lasonya:

First of all i don't understand why you would ever think that my "racism" is my main argument. It was a mere recap of history, which to most suggests racism.
2ndly i don't know what you mean when u say i am the primary example of the abuses allowed in this county? what are u talking about? What abuses am I a primary example of??? You don't have a clue what ur saying.
And as far as me going back i probably should but here is why i am here: Yes i am from another country where i was born but here is my home. This is my home and this is where my heart is. I don't even know my "native country." I'm sure it would be difficult for you too to leave ur home!

I am a tenth grade homeschool student and I am presently participating in a debate group where we are dealing with the issue of illegal immigration. I have researched many different options for solving this problem, and I have come to the conclusion that a sweeping plan which tries to rid ourselves of all illgals is not going to work. I believe that if we were to put the DREAM Act into operation, thousands of students who want to participate and contribute to society would have the opportunity to do so. Let's get real. A lot of the places the immigrants are coming from are either third world countries or are countries where the government oppresses the people and denies them the right to leave the country. America, for these people, is a place of opportunity where thry can freely live and make a contribution to society. I am not saying the DREAM Act will solve all the problems in illegal immigration. I am only saying that it is feasible way to help illegal children have the opportunity to live out the American dream.

Laura,

As you're in 10th grade, I take it your plan is to get a college eductation. That's great. However, keep in mind you will not be able to 'use it' in a professional job without becomeing legal/documented. There are legal immigrants, and natives who must be considered first for professional jobs.

That is true regardless of the American Dream Act. That is federal law and unlikely to change anytime soon.

You have time. The best advice anyone can give you is to become legal doing whatever is necessary.

The least you can do is enter the greencard lottery every year (or have your folks do it for you) until you are drawn. Remember 1000's go unclaimed every year.

http://www.usagreencardlottery.org/

While I sit here reading the comments and agreeing or disagreeing, I'm reminded of the closing of our hospitals, diminished family services, lost educational opportunities for Americans, and the fact that illegal immigration is costing LA tax payers billions of dollars a year in lost revenue and resourses. To all of you illegal immigrants, GET LEGAL, whatever it takes. If you don't want to follow the rules, the laws, and our cultural values then GO HOME. You are welcome as long as you make progress toward adopting our way of life here in the USA. If it is otherwise you are not welcome. In the mean time, as someone who is paying my tax dollars to subsidize all the illegal immigrants, and then can't access these same services that I'm paying for because they are gone or taken by illegals, I say the gravy train is over! My mother's family immigrated here from Ireland in the early 1800's. They went through hell to get here, they went through hell to grab the American Dream, and were discriminated against and shunned the whole way, but they did it. My father's family are native Seminole Indians. My ancestors walked the trail of tears and were all but wiped out by disease and hardship. Nobody worked harder or sacrificed more than these pioneers, but not once did any of these proud people demand handouts or freebies. They wanted to be Americans and they fought for that right. The lesson here is do what you can to contribute and don't expect American's who did make great sacrifices to continue to subsidize if not outright support you. Prove you are worthy of these services and GET LEGAL!

Despite popular belief NOBODY is entitled to anything!

On the contrary Mechanical...

You illegals need to stop hiding behind our ( oh yes I am African American) advances. You are illegal...and all the boohooing in the world will not change it.....you illegals think you are so entitled....how exactly are we supposed to enforce our laws if folks like you think none of them apply to anything that is illegal?????

Illegals are killing blacks at an enormous rate....and besides, you my dear are illegal....you can never claim citizenship because you are not one. No more freebies...the times they are a changing.....

Build the fence
www.numbersusa.com

NO AMNESTY EVER
ATTRITION THROUGH ENFORCEMENT
STOP THE NORTH AMERICAN UNION

In response to AngelDecoys, I am already a citizen. My parents were born in the U.S. and I was born in the U.S. The only immigrants in my family are my grandparents and they came from England legally over 20 years ago. I am not saying this to embarrass or snub you, I just want you to know that I, as a legal citizen, care about these illegal kids. I may or may not go to college. My life's ambition is not to get a degree but to be a virtuous, godly, Christian woman. I appreciate and respet your views on this issue and I hope that I have not offended you in any way.

Lasonja, it is so good to see fellow Numbers USA members speaking out. Especially here in pro-illegal California. You might also be interested in this group:

http://www.alipac.us/

If illegal immigration wasn't such a social problem we wouldn't have the need to have groups like Numbers USA and ALI-PAC.

BILL NUMBER: SB 1
VETOED DATE: 10/13/2007

To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 1 without my signature.

At a time when segments of California public higher education, the
University of California and the California State University, are
raising fees on all students attending college in order to maintain
the quality of education provided, it would not be prudent to place
additional strain on the General Fund to accord the new benefit of
providing state subsidized financial aid to students without lawful
immigration status. Under existing law, undocumented students, who
meet the required criteria, already qualify for the lower in-state
tuition rate while attending California public colleges and
universities.

Therefore, I cannot sign this bill.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE! HURRAY FOR GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER!

pro-legal immigration....excellent site

check out fightbackinsac.com

keep fighting...we have to stick together...

also www.sosusa.com to fight the North American Union/Spp

Read Our Lips: NO New Amnesty!

To Harry Reid, most Democrats, all RINOs, and President George Bush:

We the people understand that the U.S. Senate is considering yet another idiotic attempt to grant amnesty to upwards of 38 million illegal aliens who have invaded the sovereign nation known as the United States.

With all due respect to the Majority Leader and other pro-amnesty colleagues, what Part of NO NEW AMNESTY do you not understand?

For the benefit of slow learners and those in denial, let us reiterate why the majority of Americans everywhere, from all political persuasions, are against amnesty for the criminals who have invaded America:

In short, we the people are:

FED UP with plans to merge the United States into a North American alliance with Canada and Mexico. Such a plan would destroy American sovereignty and is totally unacceptable.

FED UP with the refusal of the federal government to secure our borders at time of war.

FED UP when armed Mexicans illegally cross our borders and assault Americans, yet our government takes no action, and refuses to even protest.

FED UP when Americans defending the U.S. from drug smuggling illegal aliens are sent to federal prison, while invading criminals are to be forgiven via amnesty for violating our borders and laws.

FED UP with the fact that upwards of 38 million illegal aliens are currently in America, and cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

FED UP with a president who orders 160,000 young Americans into harm's way thousands of miles from home, but who refuses to secure America.

FED UP with politicians who refuse to enforce immigration laws and who claim it is "impossible" to deport criminals here illegally.

FED UP with illegal aliens who can not and/or will not speak English.

FED UP with taxpayer dollars being wasted to print documents in foreign languages.

FED UP with illegal aliens who dump their medical bills on the backs of U.S. taxpayers, but who send $30-40 billion a year back to Mexico each year.

FED UP with the fact that providing free medical services to illegal aliens drives hospitals out of business, making those facilities unavailable to American citizens for whom the medical centers were intended.

FED UP with our schools being invaded by non-English speaking children who impede the learning process of students who genuinely belong here.

FED UP with the fact that federal, state, and local penal systems are overrun by illegal aliens, again costing taxpayers billions each year.

FED UP with the fact that, on average, illegal aliens kill 12 Americans every day.

FED UP with the fact that the overwhelming majority of felony crimes being investigated in Los Angeles have been committed by illegals from Mexico.

FED UP with politicians who refuse to round up and deport millions of illegal aliens who are destroying American culture and language.

FED UP with politicians who pamper illegal aliens with driver's licenses and free public services, which encourage even more invaders to come to America.

FED UP with the attempted Mexicanization of America. Mexico is a third- world slum, and we are FED UP with those who want America to be like Mexico!

Finally, Mr. President and members of the U.S. Congress, we the people are FED UP with those who consistently work on behalf of illegal aliens and the state of Mexico, and against the interests of the American people!

Please do not underestimate the dissatisfaction and rage swelling in the hearts of patriotic Americans on this vital issue.

We the people DEMAND our great country back!

Read Our Lips: NO NEW AMNESTY!

Lasonja - Well said! I and about 100 billion other Americans concur and stand beside you in our fight to protect America and American values!

Yours in solidarity!

For all of you on either side of the issue, Lasonja summed it up in this one statement,

"Please do not underestimate the dissatisfaction and rage swelling in the hearts of patriotic Americans on this vital issue."

Read it and heed it.

you african americans got very affect it with slavery that made you very agressive

ill take that back its only you LANSONYA!!

I am a citizen born here, my kids born here, their kids born here. I worked for 33 years here asdid the rest of my family. I have a granddaughter in need of financial assistance for college and she is going through trouble just getting some help with books from Fafsta. My grandparents were immigrants from Italy and became citizens and worked hard. If the illegals want funding them become a citizen. Why should they get special treatment. Would we in their country?

I am a citizen born here, my kids born here, their kids born here. I worked for 33 years here asdid the rest of my family. I have a granddaughter in need of financial assistance for college and she is going through trouble just getting some help with books from Fafsta. My grandparents were immigrants from Italy and became citizens and worked hard. If the illegals want funding them become a citizen. Why should they get special treatment. Would we in their country?

Proud Mexican-

Intelligent educated people who have important conversation, would communicate more effectively.....

Quiet women rarely make history---

lasonya:

You make me sad. So much anger and so little direction. Since u weren't able to back up ur theory as to how I was getting all those handouts, and u constantly try to characterize/generalize me as "you illegals" with the entention to offend me. I will too behave in a manner that mirrors the way u speak to show u how confused u truly are. Just for a moment i will respond to u in a way to offend u too just to make u reflect...just to quiet ur mouth from such stupid ignorant pride......................Since u generalize my social class (illegal immigrant)and say that I take handouts, Let me mirror my response to your's: The way everyone sees "African-Americans" (the way u see urself) YOU ARE THE ONE THAT TAKES HANDOUTS. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT IS LAZY.LAZY.LAZY. YOU AND YOUR "PEOPLE" SHOULD GO OUT AND FIND A JOB INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR HAND OUTS!...... you see lasonya, I never brought up race issues. I didn't even think there was a need for u to tell me that u were an "african-American" (unless u think that is why people need to feel sympathy for u too, because of ur struggle after slavery....You see i don't care what race u are because I don't generalize you with a lazy stereotype.) you are too proud that u are american that u loose ur respect for others that are not american. So foolish.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER
I couldn't have made it sound any better. The way I see things around here in southeast San Diego most of the ones making long lines for walfare and food stamps are african americans. LASONYA YOU CAN COME AND CHECK IT OUT YOUR SELF.

I was brouht here as a five year old and i am here to stay. For all of you who want to send us back...
Like it or not we are here to stay, this is also our home and we are going to work hard to make it a better place for everybody and I will give my life if I have to for this country. Fight as many wars as needed to be fight to keep my home (this country) a free and safer place to live.
Like many slaves long time ago, we were also brought here without asking for it and now this has become our house, why would we want to destroy the only place we know as home???

proud mexican--

Mechanical engineer: I am a professional nurse and am helping out in the ca fires.......
Don't lose your vision folks, illegal is illegal...and by the way many of you are leaving.....

You guys are truly comical!!! So upset!!!!

Actually proud mexican, I do think you could have said it better.
Are you seeking an education Proud Mexican? because that what this discussion board is about.

(PS)

Six illegal immigrants who were suspected of stealing relief supplies from Qualcomm Stadium were arrested by Border Patrol agents after San Diego police stopped them Wednesday morning.

A woman who had been evacuated to the stadium told officers she saw the group load up two pickup trucks and a car with cots and other supplies, leave and then return, said police Sgt. Jesse Cesen~a.

When officers stopped them, a member of the group said they were being paid to take things of value from the stadium.

“They were stealing a lot of stuff,” Cesen~a said. “We took the stuff back and we escorted them out. They were stealing from the people in need.”

Because some members of the group spoke Spanish, officers called Border Patrol agents at the stadium for relief efforts. They determined the people were in the country illegally and arrested them.

The Border Patrol agents are among 100 that the federal agency has been providing for relief efforts, said agency spokesman Matthew Johnson. He said the agents are not looking for illegal immigrants among people seeking refuge at the stadium.

“We’re not out there doing immigration stuff in the middle of a disaster,” he said. “However, we still enforce the laws.”

Imagine being told for years that something was true and right, only to find out it was a lie.

How were you impacted when you found out it was Dad in the Santa suit, and the "elves" were actually pimply-faced teenaged kids hired over the holidays from the checkout counter at Toys "R" Us?

What thoughts raced through your mind as you opened one eyelid and saw Mom slipping her hand under the pillow to obtain your recently separated dental equipment? The Easter Bunny? A sham, too!

Recent events have jolted some traditionally liberal-leaning groups on the subject of illegal immigration. Akin to looking in the closet and finding Santa's beard, the black community has begun to discover that the "truths" told to them over the years by the Democratic Party and liberals were misrepresentations of the true impact that illegal immigration was having on the average black person in the United States.

This has been a "taboo" topic for too long. It must now be discussed openly and honestly.

While Maxine Waters and Jesse Jackson hold hands with illegal immigrant activists in a show of solidarity and Al Sharpton criticizes a talk-show host over words that are replicated in popular rap music, illegal immigration continues its cancerous growth to the detriment of the black community.

Let's think about it rationally for a moment. Illegal immigrants create an inexpensive labor pool for American business. Because most of the jobs that illegals take are unskilled, manual labor, illegals work for low wages - since it represents a huge improvement over their prospects back home.

However, immigrant populations tend to compete with indigenous groups for these same entry-level-type jobs.

According to Education Week, 57.8 percent of black females will graduate from high school. The number is only 44.3 percent for black males. This means a large percentage of young blacks leave school without appreciable job skills.

Entry-level jobs would be perfect avenues to begin the process of developing the abilities necessary to survive in our economic system. Unfortunately, they are often stripped of the opportunity to compete for these jobs because illegals are too readily available to take them.

We often hear the racist comment that many Americans are "too lazy" to accept these jobs. C'mon, get real. It is too easy for an employer to drive down to The Home Depot and pick up a couple of illegal immigrants than it is to actively recruit for capable and willing individuals in the black community. The "laziness" is obviously on the part of the employers, and not on available United States citizens.

The media help propagate this misperception by incorrectly reporting the results of polls performed within the black community. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that most blacks support illegal immigrants and efforts to create pathways to citizenship. However, the Pew Research Center reported that nearly 25 percent of all blacks surveyed lost a job to an illegal or knew someone who did.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a black think tank, said nearly half of the respondents felt illegal immigration was a problem and that the country could not afford more illegals.

So, who is right? Common sense would tend to support the latter.

It is interesting how the left often overlooks the cost that hits the black community in the area of community services. Money spent on emergency rooms, health care clinics, education and other social services is provided largely free of cost to illegal immigrants. As activist Ted Hayes was recently quoted as saying, "This disproportionately affects African Americans."

Why do we spend precious social-service dollars on the illegal immigrant poor, when our fellow Americans - regardless of race - need our help? Why does the illegal immigrant child obtain a seat in a classroom next to American citizens, free of charge? Why is our educational system being diluted, compromised and choked to the detriment of Americans?

Armed with these facts, many black Americans are rising up against the entrenched leadership that presumes to speak for the entire community.

Unfortunately, black individuals who depart from the "conventional wisdom" of the Maxine Waters of the world are often shouted down as Uncle Toms - or worse. So, for the sake of political correctness and alignment with the left, many black Americans continue to be misled and deceived about the true impact that illegal immigration has on their lives.

Throughout this discussion, not once has the race of the illegal immigrant been mentioned. Why is that? Simply put, this is not a racial issue. Its a matter of right and wrong.

Many have tried to compare the plight of the illegal immigrant to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. To do so is to denigrate the accomplishments of so many in the acquisition of rights that should never have been removed.

That is the difference. Illegals are trying to forcibly obtain the rights that rightfully belong to United States citizens of all ethnicities and races.

So, let's debunk the myths right here, right now. There is no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy - and no beneficial impact to black America by illegal immigration. If anything, illegals hurt the development of the black community and restrict opportunities for participation in our economic system.

Lasonja - Once again you are completely right! Sing it Sister! what I hate is when people don't have any form of an argument and so they insert race. Illegal Immigration is not a race issue, it is a illegal status issue. Although you are right that illegal immigration hurts blacks the most. The fact is illegal immigration hurts all of us regardless of race, including illegal immigrants themselves. Because they refuse to do anything about their status, they are being exploited to EVERYONE'S detrimnent! For whatever reason these people refuse to seek citizenship while using up resources Amercians can hardly afford themselves. I hear so many of you complaining about how hard it is to become legal, and so many on this board who go on and on about how long they have been in this country illegally. What in the hell have you been doing all these years that you couldn't get legal status. I propose that you don't really want that. You are here using up services you have no right or entitlement to. Like parasites, a successful parasite can live off of it's host for it's whole life without damaging it's host; a unsuccessful parasite will eventuaaly take too much and kill it's host. The later is true for illegal immigrants who have no intentions of becoming American. For these people it is so much easier to use resources without having to contribute their fair share to it. I have a friend from Tansania who won a lottery to the USA. She told me her and her family displaced by the civil violence in her country waited years to get those lottery opportunities. When it happened they were thrilled to become Americans and thrilled to be a part of a system that is a "somewhat" free democracy, and they waited and suffered to do it right. For all of the energy and time that illegals are taking to make demands of MY government and MY country, why don't you go make the same demands and protests of your own government. Then maybe Mexico and everywhere else that Illegals are coming from wouldn't be third-world slums. Do any of you know how all the freedoms that we are enjoying today came about? Government repression. The first colonists came here seeking refuge from repressive government and came here to build a model of freedom. Millions died to secure that freedom, and I say if a bunch of rag tag people from all over the world can come here and build a new dream legally then so can contemporary immigrants. Ignorance is no longer an excuse. GET LEGAL OR GET THE HELL OUT!

Yes LASONYA I am looking for an education thats why I join the NAVY, It's sad seeing an african american with your metality. When I share a ship with many which are my closes friends.

lasonya,

I hope that u understood my last comment. I would like you to know that I did not want to offend u in my last comment. That was not my intention. However, it would be for your best benefit not to regard me or generalize me or any of the people in my social class in the way that u have with ur last comment. As u can see in my last comment i responded to u in the way that u did to me. I'm sure i offended u. You see, I never asked you what was ur race nor did i enforced my arguments with race. You did that. Anyway we are deviating from the topic at hand. The dream act: Lasonya, I always consider opposing views (your's)......But I wonder if you are copying and pasting from bogus websites designed by dummies like the Minuteman or ppl from S.O.S because all they do is reiterate the problem and never offer a solution.............................................................Lasonaya & Pro LEgal Immigration,.....................................Now is where i will put my reasoning skills to use to show ur mistakes in the way you reson regarding tax issues, welfare, and other "things" u say we steal from u guys......You all say that we don't pay taxes BUT HOW CAN THAT BE UR ARGUMENT WHEN YOU YOURSELVES DON'T PERMIT US TO PAY TAXES WHEN YOU YOURSELVES DON'T WANT US TO PAY OUR TAXES BECAUSE YOU DON'T LET US BECOME LEGAL SO THAT WE MAY PAY OUR TAXES???!!! Isn't that a question you have never asked urselves......I am sorry but when I hear how someone is pissed off that we don't pay taxes, it upsets me because of their bad reasoning. And, so in conclusion, DON'T MAKE AN ARGUMENT THAT WE DON'T PAY TAXES, WE TAKE UP WELLFARE, WHEN U DON'T LET US PAY TAXES! ....it is an INVALID argument.....( please don't reply that i can pay taxes with a TIN number b/c I know that and i already do) (so please give me a better argument!)

I would like you know know that i agree with you in somethings and i disagree with you in others. I do this because i am a reasoning man and because of this i expect your reasoning to be up to par as well. and so I say: I agree with you guys that I myself don't want to legalize illegal immigrants who are... gang members, drug dealers, murders and felons ( I presume you agree with me in this respect). However, I do agree with legalizing the good ones...the good ones to me are the ones that come here to work! plain and simple. I agree with legalizing ME! why because I am someone who can contribute. I am for these things. ( I hope that you are intelligent enough to admit that legalizing graduates and hard workers is better than legalizing the bad ones which i've mention previously) DO YOU AGREE?.......................

I am one who follows the law but don't say that I broke the law and that i am criminal when i came here if i was 2-3 yrs old. you think i am still here exploiing you? what am i stealing from you? I GOT MY MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE NOT ONLY FOR ME BUT FOR YOU TO!!! It is upsetting how you all let ur stupid friends infect ur reasoning with untruthful arguments. Legalize us!!! We are the ones that are here to help u. We are the graduates who contribute.

Mechanical engineer- legalize yourself

What part of “illegal” doesn’t our government understand? Illegal means against the law. Send them home. Military service should be a fast track to citizenship for those who come into the country legally. For those who come into the country illegally the only fast track should be out of the country after they serve a little time building the wall.

Why would illegal aliens join the military, when by law most of them 18 to 26 fail to register with Selective Service. Failure to register legal, illegal aliens or American Citizens, are also subject to a fine of up to $250,000 or maximum to 5 years in Federal Jail.

This Dream Act is kind of like buying someone a car so they can get back and forth to work (sending them to school for 15 years, pre-k-12th). Then after having bought them a car they demand gas so they can drive, insurance etc. (college education) Next year they will be asking for a garage to park the car in and new tires. (free medical benefits) The next year a house to attach to the garage. Where will it end? Instead of saying Wow!! Thanks for 15 years of free education and charity, they are saying "Hey! You gave me 15 years and that isn't enough, now I want 8 more years at a discounted rate and to jump in front of everyone else in line and be given citizenship." Sounds like my 2 year old nephew, if you give him a pop-sicle one day before lunch, he starts demanding them before every meal and throwing a temper tantrum if he doesn't get what he wants.

Hey pro-legal-

Want to join me in drafting a "WAKE-UP ACT?"

THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENT, I enjoy using my MaEd. against people who insist upon breaking our rule-of-law.

They will keep on until they cause us to revolt.

Mechanical engineer-

You could help all American workers, me included by going home.

Don't flatter yourself....your irrational, and unstructured responses are as I said..........comical.

Help for undocumented young immigrants dies in Senate
Carolyn Lochhead, Chronicle Washington Bureau

Thursday, October 25, 2007

(10-25) 04:00 PDT Washington- -- The Senate killed help Wednesday for the single most sympathetic group of illegal immigrants - those who were brought to the country as children and now wish to go to college or join the military - and seemed to dash the hopes of Silicon Valley technology companies and California farmers for more immigrant workers they say they desperately need.

The DREAM Act, sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., would have provided a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children, live here more than five consecutive years and complete two years of college or military service. The bill, which goes by its acronym and is named the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, received a 52-44 majority, but that was far short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

The vote split both parties: It was backed by 12 Republicans, but opposed by eight Democrats. California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein voted for the bill; Sen. Barbara Boxer, also a Democrat, was touring the fire zone in California and missed the vote.

The legislation was the first major attempt since a broad immigration bill crashed in the Senate last June to split off elements that have significant support - without granting legal status to all of the estimated 12 million people living in the country illegally.

The University of California had pushed hard for the bill, with a plea from UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and news conferences with UC students caught in immigration limbo.

Anti-illegal immigration activists mobilized too, deriding the legislation as the nightmare act and stealth amnesty and warning that the measure would trigger a chain migration of sponsored relatives. Supporters vigorously denied those charges.

Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., went so far as to call for federal agents to round up illegal college students who lobbied for the bill.

Instead of gaining ground, the DREAM Act fractured the unlikely coalition of business and immigrant rights groups that had united earlier this year behind broader immigration overhaul legislation.

Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, conceded that with an election next year and anti-immigrant sentiment increasing, further efforts at immigration reform are probably doomed. That would include the so-called AgJobs bill to provide temporary permits for farmworkers that Feinstein had hoped to push through this year.

It also hampers recent efforts by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, to respond to a rising clamor from farms, resorts, high-tech companies, nursing homes and dozens of other industries that say they need workers, and immigrant rights groups who say illegal immigrants are being targeted by federal agents and local and state governments.

The moderate New Democrat Coalition, chaired by Rep. Ellen Tauscher of Walnut Creek, wrote Pelosi on Monday urging action on visas for scientists, mathematicians and engineers, warning that U.S. competitiveness is at stake. But objections arose from other Democrats wanting relief for illegal immigrants.

At the same time, Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., one of Pelosi's top political lieutenants, was quoted as saying immigration "has emerged as the third rail of American politics, and anyone who doesn't realize that isn't with the American people."

Technology lobbyists pointed with alarm at the decision this week by the European Union to offer legal status to educated immigrants in information technology and other skilled fields with a new blue card explicitly designed to divert such workers to Europe from the United States.

"The EU is saying, 'We're coming for your students. We know the U.S. produces the best math and science students coming out of college. And we're going to come get them,' " said Robert Hoffman, vice president for government and public affairs at Oracle, the Redwood Shores software giant.

Behind the scenes, business and immigrant rights groups blamed each other for the meltdown - and are refusing to back each other's legislation if they can't attach their own.

Durbin made an impassioned plea for young illegal immigrants who were raised in this country and know no other home yet cannot get permission to work or go to college. He said there is sentiment among Democrats that business groups should not come asking for more workers if they refuse to support such strivers who are already here.

"If we're going to tell these children to leave, that we don't need them, we don't need their talent, we don't need their education, how can you make an argument that we need to bring in more foreign talent to America?" Durbin said.

Technology lobbyists said they have never opposed the DREAM Act and accused Durbin of trying to kill expanded immigration benefits for high skilled legal immigrants at every turn.

"We've always believed we have anywhere from 80 to 90 votes in the U.S. Senate for high skilled immigration," and an equally overwhelming majority in the House, said Ralph Hellman, a top lobbyist with the Information Technology Industry Council. Hellman drew a sharp distinction between expansion of visas for legal immigrants, such as skilled workers on H-1B visas, and illegal immigrants.

"People have always used our issue in legal immigration as sweeteners to get their issue across the finish line. ...We have been a political football for three years on immigration, and we're tired of it," Hellman said. "Given what has happened in the EU, our competitors are going to lap us."

H-1B temporary visas for skilled workers are now running out the first day they are issued, and tech companies say they need them to attract foreign students who have earned math, science and engineering degrees from U.S. universities. Skilled H-1B workers who wish to remain in the United States also face a growing backlog for green cards that grant permanent resident status.

California farmers say the crackdown on the border with Mexico is preventing workers from coming north, and they face the prospect of rotting crops or moving their operations to Mexico.

Doris Meissner, chief of the federal immigration service under President Bill Clinton, who is now at the Migration Policy Institute, said the failure of the DREAM Act "certainly says the piecemeal approach is failing. Whether it means nothing will happen on something like H-1Bs, I don't know. H-1B has a very well organized lobby and it deals with changes in the legal immigration system. The DREAM Act and AgJobs and other things that fall into the realm of being branded amnesty are the ones that really just don't have any legs right now."

E-mail Carolyn Lochhead at clochhead@sfchronic le.com.

Lasonja - I'm in!

Want to join me in drafting a "WAKE-UP ACT?"

Lasonja - I'm in!

Want to join me in drafting a "WAKE-UP ACT?"

Proud Mexicina,
BINGO, great job joining the Navy. Before any Illegal gets a Dream Act 2 years of service! Problem solved. I support you! The fastest way to prove to want you to be an American, Join the NAVY!

Jeff: So you want an army of immigrants to fight our wars. More people of color? If we really need more recruits, maybe it's time to bring back the draft--and this time not let the Bushes and Cheneys of this world and the Senators' sons avoid service in the real military--not the National Guard.

Interesting how the left pulls that race card so fast:

1. "Proud Mexicana" for a name is race on a billboard. OK, no big deal. But you CANNOT be an illegal alien and be in the military. The equviliant would be to ask spies to join up. I assume you have the same status as many Philippinos had, coincidentally mainly in the Navy, as they worked toward citizenship LEGALLY. You neglected to mention that aspect of your being in the service.

2. Russo jumps to race quickly as well. You immediately assumed Jeff's last comment was somehow racist. "Proud Mexicana" joined up VOLUNTARALY into the military which does illustrate he desire to serve her probable (status dependent) new country. Not much arguing with that and just perhaps that is what Jeff's point was. Russo assumed it was the more draconian-racist put'em all in the firing lines so whitey won't have too approach...

Frank, you are WAY over the top in putting down our National Guard. They are fighting for both you and me with many getting killed or wounded in the process. Yet you call them above and I paraphrase, "Not the real military".

SHAME ON YOU!

If we had a draft as you suggest, would liberals show up for that?. Bill Clinton avoided the draft when we had one (In fact, he additionally bad-mouthed an ROTC outfit. Yet he himself "pulled the trigger" in using our military quite often (Guard included by the way) in Somalia, Kosovo and Iraq in relatively heavy combat scenarios. How would you compare his "military service" to that of Bush? Bush may not have been the best Guardsman around, but he did qualify for and fly supersonic fighters for a while, not the safest thing to do. Not being called to combat during Vietnam? You will have to ask LBJ why he didn't send his squadron there as I don't think Bush had any say so on staying or going. (Probably because Bush's aircraft was an interceptor type, of no use in the combat Vietnam scenarios in play there).

What is Hillary's military background? All I can see is for her to call one of our Generals, a 30+ year public servant, being called basically a liar by her.

Lets do a poll and see how many republicans/conservatives serve their country and join/participate the military (active duty, guard & reserves) verses liberals/democrats. How many participate verses how many chirp and complain from the sidelines?

Mr. Russo, just what have you done to serve your country? As you brought it up and are critical of the service of others, I assume you must have the background and/or experience to bolster your positions. How about it?

I look forward to your reply.

Jay: I don't denigrate anyone serving in the National Guard--my comment was in the context of those who used it in the Vietnam War to avoid service and my point about having aliens, legal or otherwise be required to serve in the military was about the unfairness/inequality of it and the morality of having only certain segments of our country fighting in wars. The idea of having others fight for us is not something I find appealing.

I don't find your comments useful to discussion of the issues. And, as I've pointed out to you in the past, I am not going to enter into a public debate with you every time you want to make a comment--especially yours that distorts and twists what I have had to say. I don't have the time for that.

And I'm not going to get into a discussion of my life with folks who post anonymously. You are wearing thin with the personal attacks on me and other authors on this site.

Frank,
No, I just was letting Proud Mexican know that I think her joing the Navy is a great thing. She found a way to become a legal American, Good Job. If she joined the Nation Guard that would also be fine. Maybe others can too.
Sorry, it nothing to do with Color, Bush or Clinton.
Just a positive comment.

Jeff: Thanks for your clarification.

Hello Everyone,

Ive beed reading these comments for quite some time. It is very interesting and funny to see how all of you struggle to phrase something that is sticking out like a sore thumb for everyone to see.

You see, it's not about what's right, it's not a racial issue, it's not about being American. The truth of the matter is, we need an educated workforce in America. Specifically, since I do wish to stay on the topic of the actual article we are commenting on, I'd like to shed light to the fact that California must import thousands of nurses and teachers from abroad in increasing numbers because we have no one in California to do this. Don't agree? Look it up! Do your research instead of mindlessly posting stuff being fed to you.

Students who are fighting for a chance to complete their education is almost an oxymoron. Why would we deny anyone the right to make our country the best and the strongest?

The California Dream Act was a sensible way to get these kids on the right track. Did you know that California spends more money on prisons than schools? Did you know that California bases how many prisons they need by the number of third graders that fail? Did you know that the issue of immigration in America is not just a Latino issue?

The fact is, if we want to remain a superpower, we need educated folks. Baby boomers, who's going to pay your social security? You're about to retire...would you rather have a mechanical engineer pay a sensible sum for you? Or would you like a few cents from a McDonald's employee?

Let's educate our fellow Californians, who also pay taxes.

If you really cared about this country, you need to educate 12 million people...now. Do your research. Information is power. Is it a coincidence that there is little or virtually no anti-immigrant CREDIBLE research anywhere?

Let's make this world a better place.

Peace and Love

Care for input from the Northeast? In, Mass, we're clearly not impacted by illegal immigration as much as California and other border states. No one is flooding across the border from Canada. But, after vacationing in CA this summer and raising my awareness of the issue, we're now starting to see a lot more ink around illegal immigration in the news.

I had a thought to share for this coming election season, and see what people think. If you research history, you'll notice in the past that immigration to this country was based on value, meaning that candidates were measured on criteria such as education level, financial stability, income potential, etc. The country ws very selective in whom it permitted to enter the country

But in the 1960s, our own Ted Kennedy pushed a bill through Congress to change that policy, diluting the original goals and focusing more on family reunification and quotas. In my eyes, this was a big mistake. I think it's time to change that policy.

I would suggest a return to the original application procedure before the Kennedy bill. The current policy is a failure.

But, I would also expand that procedure to apply the same criteria to (illegal aliens/undocumented immigrants: pick one). In this case, instead of allowing new immigrants in, use that criteria to determine those who are best suited to stay in this country. Then, once our population has stabilized and been fully assimilated, we can again begin accepting applications for immigration.

I think all agree there's room for compromise. With some thought, an truly equitable solution can be found.

Has anyone stopped to ask how much revenue California will lose if it were to stop accepting the tuition "illegals" do pay?

Is there a forecast as to how much more money our schools could get from standardizing tuition costs for both "illegals" & out of state students?

Californians HAVE to think about the fiscal implications to our education system. The bottom-line is money and Californians include the authors of the Dream Act, citizens, residents, & yes, immigrants.

It goes without saying that The Dream Act needs two forums; one for monetary issues which our schools already face, and a separate one for the classic controversies of immigration.

Immigration is a social phenomenon in itself, one that is hardly resolved with an act of legislature which in truth, is taking the state's economy, not the immigrants, into account. It doesn't matter which side you're on, because in the end we ALL impact the bottom-line the government has a responsibility to look out for.

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