FanMAIL: Immigration (Living The Dream)

Loyal reader Nina wrote:

Sandra,

I am a loyal reader of your site. It’s the first thing I do in the morning. I love your point of view and opinion on issues. But this morning I was a little offended on your post on immigration. I am a 20 year old college student living illegally in the United States. My parents brought me to this country as a young child to escape the violence on the border, as my neighbors were being drawn to the drug and mafia business. In 1996, the year before our move, three of our neighbors where killed by decapitation and their bodies were left in the streets I walked to get to school.

My father was a professional and he left his job, his home and his country to work as a laborer here in the states. Just so I could have a chance to make my dreams come true and live a safe life, without fear. We applied to become legal, but there is a ten year waiting list and we still have four to go. As you probably know, the process is long and expensive, while we had the money we just didn’t have the time to wait. I am a DREAMer. The reason I am in college is because of scholarships I earned. I have completely assimilated to this country, I am not one of those hat and boot wearing “beaners”.

I did countless hours of volunteer work in high school. I have done so much to break the stereotypes people have of us but sometimes I feel like it was all worthless. I feel like this is my country, I barely remember the other one. My only chance to further my education is the DREAM Act. My family pays taxes and obeys the law. We aren’t “eses”. I think we deserve a chance. You can send back all the criminals but actually an immigration reform could contribute with the growth of the economy. It cost a lot of money for an undocumented immigrant to obtain a permanent status. Also lots of undocumented people have the American dream to obtain their own houses in some cases they even have the money to buy but because of their status they can not.

Just something to think about. I know when I become legal, whether it be by the DREAM Act or by waiting the four years I have left the first thing I would do is buy a car, which I have the money to buy. I would take a big student loan to further my education which I would pay back with interest. Sandra don’t be so negative and hard, there is always exceptions. I didn’t choose to come here, but I will forever be grateful to my parents. I have learned to love this country. All I need is one chance. I have so many dreams that have been shut down one by one. I didn’t even know I was undocumented until I was 16, when all my friends went to get their drivers license but I couldn’t because of something called a social security number. I hope they do something.

At the end of the day you can hear and read all kinds of things, but you really won’t know until you’re in that persons shoes. I have hidden this fact about me for a long time, but not anymore. My goal is to spread the word about the DREAM Act, even if it is one person at the time. There are millions of kids like me. They shouldn’t be punished for their parents actions. They are Americans. So many people put us down over lies and myths they have heard.I hope you agree with me in some ways.

Other than that keep up the good work Sandra & God bless!

anti-PC

I empathize with you dear, but you are here ILLEGALLY Nina.

We have enough mouths to feed, people going hungry, and homeless people without adding ones from other countries who won’t obey our laws.

If you want a better life, do something to implement changes in your own country.
flyqtnva

I’m not trying to be funny. I understand everything said in the email….but here is the ISSUE…its illegal….point blank…you provided alot of excuses..that does not mean it’s okay to break the law. My brother did 7 years for dealing drugs. If you do the crime you do the time and pay your fine. Also I dont know where you live but THOUSANDS of illegal immigrants have OBTAINED MORTGAGES VIA TIN#’s and by just making up nine digit numbers.
Krysi J

*scratching my head*…..?

I wish Americans could live in someone elses country illegally for 10 years at least we could get scholarships for college, cuz we barely get em..IN OUR OWN SHYT.

Congratulations though.
Daisy

I have been to the slums of Mexico on a mission trip and had a gun pulled out on me while trying to round up kids for a block party we were having so the drug issue is real deep over there as well as poverty. Our kids left all their clothes except what they wore home just so the other kids would have clothes. Very sad. I never had a problem with “illegals” before that but after that I understood why they do what they do.

Of course I want them to pay taxes (some illegals already do)and follow the laws of the land just like everybody else.

We are all Gods children at the end of the day
http://myspace.com/rayne215 spongebobfan

*sings*”Im proud to be an American”………….
mizzdallas

@daisy

sorry to hear that..

On topic:
Okay so howcome she dont become a legal us citzen..?
Lucy

Say Sandra what would I have to do to live In England?

Can I claim you as my sister?
mizzdallas

Do anybody know how to work twitter Im so confused I have an account and Im just trying to figure how to work it I think I just stick to facebook
Lucy

I think mizzdallas (and I could be wrong) but once they are discovered they could be deported.
ReadTheBlog

anti-PC… I so agree with you.

MizzDallas, stay on task – LOL!
anti-PC

LOL @pinky–

That was rough–but oh-so true!! I agree with you 1000%!
Nina

Dang Pinky, but some of what you said is true.

PS – I am not the Nina in this post
Ilovepink1981

I didnt want to comment but my parents came her from Jamaica and became citizens and the citizen process is long and DUMB(from my POV)The questions they ask you arent things that legal citizens know. Also the world is being torn apart by everyone, not just illegals. Octomom is legal and recieving help and there are a few people I know who want to sit on their A.. and get state help and they are legal. It’s not just illegals running the country to the ground. Also some of the jobs they do NO ONE else would do. Yes I do think that if you are planing on coming here and staying you need to at least try and learn English but Im not with some of the other responses on this post.
http://myspace.com/rayne215 spongebobfan

From my local news is philly
Authorities charged two men today in a car crash that killed a South Jersey middle school teacher on her way to work Wednesday morning.

The two men, brothers and illegal immigrants from Mexico, were on their way to work at a sprinkler company in Medford when the crash occurred.

Amy Voorhees, 27, was killed at the scene. She taught seventh-grade language arts and coached softball at Francis F. DeMasi Middle School in Evesham Township.

Voorhees was driving to school when her car was broadsided about 7 a.m. near the intersection of Route 70 and Troth Road.

The two men in the pickup, Jose Luis Galindo-Sanchez, 26, and his brother, Lucio Galindo-Sanchez, are being held on an immigration detainer.

Jose Luis Galindo-Sanchez, who was the driver, told his brother to leave the scene, authorities said. The driver has been charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

Police picked up his brother walking about a quarter- mile away from the accident. He is being held as a material witness.

Investigators have not determined if any laws were violated in the crash itself.

This morning, players on the DeMasi softball team wore their uniforms to school to honor Voorhees, and other students wore armbands. Many wept openly, said Pat Lucas, superintendent of the Evesham Township School District.

“We’re absolutely shocked and devastated at the loss of such a beloved teacher, Lucas said. “She was a wonderful, wonderful human being and role model and loved by all of her students. It’s a big loss. We just want to work on treasuring her memories here.”

A group of crisis counselors were on hand at DeMasi this morning to help students cope with their grief, Lucas said.

“It’s been very hard on them and a tough time for all of us,” Lucas said. “Amy was a beautiful girl.”

Today is the last day of school before the school’s Easter holiday, Lucas said.

“We go on break tomorrow,” Lucas said, “so maybe that’s a good thing for the children as they come to grips with the tragedy.”

Lucas said plans for a memorial service have not yet been set.
pinky2083

Sandra was what I said that bad? I’m only being honest. I guess if you don’t live in the Southwest then you wouldn’t understand.
pinky2083

It’s called freedom of speech.
pinky2083

@spongebobfan.. my point exactly!!!
http://myspace.com/rayne215 spongebobfan

and on flip
remember the shooting in Binghamton, New York?
U.S. senators from New York have announced legislation that would grant posthumous honorary citizenship to victims of last week’s shooting rampage in Binghamton, New York.

“The people who were so cruelly and suddenly taken from us in Binghamton were the very epitome of the huddled masses yearning to breathe free who have made America a great nation,” Sen. Charles Schumer said in a statement, referring to the famous line in the Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” that’s affixed inside the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal.

The legislation, announced by Schumer and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, could give posthumous citizenship to as many as 11 of the victims of Friday’s shooting.

nice gesture? hey sorry you got shot in our country heres citzenship for ya..
candycane

How can illegal aliens get scholarships?
candycane

i didnt read the entire letter, but the father being a professional, What does that mean? I keep hearing the men on Man On Fire saying to Denzel, I’m just a professional. Is that a hitman?
candycane

I dont get the story about the illegal killing the teacher either. (didnt read that entire article either). US citizens hit and run all the time. So I dont understand the point (unless somewhere in the article it explains)
Kymystry

I’m on the fence about the issue … living in Gwinnettixco County Ga …
http://myspace.com/dannyblaq dblaq

Didn’t we all come here illegally????? I mean I don’t think that slave came here applying for a citizenship. Aren’t we the same folks that cry when we get stereotyped and want to be treated fair? How about if some you lived in a country full of poverty, murder and rape. Watch your ass try and sneak across the border.

She just said that she is trying to become a legal citizen but it takes 10 years and it costs a lot of money so obviously she doing what she can.

What puzzles me with us Americans is that we sit here and blame mexicans for all of our problems but yet we will hire them in a a heart beat for cheap and good labor. If they earn money they still pay Sales Tax, so they do pay taxes, and they do put the money back into the economy. On CNN someone said that you sit here and say the illegals are taking our jobs, WHAT jobs, working on a poultry farm, slaughter house, picking peanuts??? I don’t think not one of us would even consider applying for those jobs plus we have options. I know mad people that get government benefits and really don’t deserve it, they are all US Citizens. Shit I see mad people buying steak, crab legs, lobster with their EBT cards. So what is the point??

I just think is funny that we want people to have compassion with us but don’t give a fuck about anybody else. That is the same attitude that got the world hating us. Every situation is different, the laws don’t work. If it did why did everybody cry about Jena 6, why were they so upset about the boy that got killed by BART, or all the other unfair sh!t we got through, and we want to call Al Sharpton on but then when someone like Nina states her case, she is “making excuses”. Sh!t all of us black people are making excuses then and have done for decades. Illegals just want to provide for their families on minimum wages. How many dumbass crimes do US citizens commit, how many DUI’s, senseless killings. I don’t think that ANY illegal would want to risk to get stop by the police period. So I am sure they are not trying to break the law in any way.
Lucy

Didn’t we all come here illegally????? I mean I don’t think that slave came here applying for a citizenship. Aren’t we the same folks that cry when we get stereotyped and want to be treated fair? How about if some you lived in a country full of poverty, murder and rape. Watch your ass try and sneak across the border.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To answer your question no slaves did not come here illegally they were brought by force different story. Besides there were little to no laws regarding people from other countries coming here during that time since all except the American Indian were not born here to begin with.
If proverty plagues a country its the responsibilty of its people to do something. Where would blacks be had they not taken a stand for civil rights. While there’s still some changes that need to be made at the very least we arent being lynched on a daily basis. Fight or die but running never helps or solves much.

You want to live here do what you need to do legally.
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

I told Nina that her email moved me. I knew many undocumented people in Miami and I considered them Americans because they worked harder and were more patriotic than anybody I knew.
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

pinky2083 Says:
Sandra was what I said that bad? I’m only being honest. I guess if you don’t live in the Southwest then you wouldn’t understand.

***********************************************************

Yes it was a little over the top. You’re entitled to your freedom of speech to bash people on other blogs, not here.
Daisy

@Db I agree with everything cept we did not come here legally we were STOLEN from our native land. Other than that here here and a round of applause.
Daisy

typo I meant illegally
starr

I agree with DB completely. Cept for “us”….and not all of us were stolen, many were sold by their own, but thats besides the point.

I understand the young lady’s point. It takes lots of $$$ money to become an american citizen.

American citizens are killing and hurting each other more or at a equal than illegals are doing to them.
aqtpie

Well good luck Nina!!
kcicero

I wish you well Nina and I’m glad DB was here to post today cuz he hit the nail right on the nose for me!
http://myspace.com/dannyblaq dblaq

to correct myself, by us being here illegal I meant, that the country was taken from the indians then they were forced into reservations, slaves were brought over here against their will and abused. All of it was illegal, the lynching, the race murders, etc but it still happened.

@Lucy – So why is our country crying about this recession, we all are responsible for this downfall of the country. We owe China Trillions, we went into Iraq for what? We sold all the guns to the drug cartels in Mexico, it is Americans that buy all the drugs for personal use. We supplied the Iranians with weapons to fight Iraq. We are responsible for a lot of this crap that is going on. So what do you think is going to happen to us, if our country continues to falter. Hell when we didn’t have enough gas, we damn near lost our mind, well actually if you look at everything now, we are cracking already under the pressure, if it get any worse I think we will kill eachother every single day Mad Max style.

In regards of your “doing it legally” remark. I think almost every single american is doing sh!t illegal. Do you smoke weed? have you been to the club, drank alcohol and drove yourself home? have you ever bought a bootleg movie or cd? What about the fake stuff at the flea markets that parents buy their kids. We can go on and on. Our attitude is you can’t do it but its ok for me to do it.

I know mexicans that are more patriotic than many of my folks that are born here. I guarantee if you would allow illegals to pay taxes and support our economy and let them be legal they would. Plus ain’t hardly anything we buy American. Or how patriotic is it for the big corporations to take our money but then spend it overseas for cheaper labor just so they don’t have to pay higher wages to Americans. How patriotic is this? Of course if they are illegally here and commit crimes they have no business being here, but if they are here because we need them, then they should be allowed to be here.
flyqtnva

It’s ILLEGAL….you cant say its okay just because they trying to live a better life….I want to live a better life so can I illegally run up in a bank and rob it…..NO
kalvonel

hmm… My ancestors (mostly slaves) wanted a better life for me. did they cross any borders? No. They stayed, fought, and died to make my life possible. I’m empathetic to Nina’s plight, but seriously speaking, you’re illegal.
wiggy2272003

preach dblaq preach I agree with everything you said EXCEPT I still have a problem with it. There are SO many LEGAl immigrants if its so long and hard and expensive how did they do it? Seems to me the only people who have problems doing it the legal way are Mexicans and South Americans. Maybe Haitians(but hell the Haitians have no other choice). If Ninas dad was a proffesional why didn’t he do it the right way? Or move to another city where the drug situation wasn’t so bad. Like Kymystry I live in Gwinnett and see both sides of the situation. My nieghbor(illegal) had six boys her husband left her and she worked three job*(making nothing by the way she told me what they paid her packing food and CLEANING THE BLEACHERS AT TURNER FIELD(HELLO TED, all that money you cant pay a legit cleaing company). The only help she got was food stamps for her kids (only the ones born here) and she went everywhere. It’s just such a grey area for me.
http://myspace.com/dannyblaq dblaq

Well the only issue I have with people saying “It’s illegal”. Yes it is, however. No denying it, but please practice what you preach. If your stance on illegal is so great than please don’t run redlights, I really hope you don’t smoke weed, I hope you don’t cheat on your taxes claiming kids you ain’t got business doing so, buy bootleg cd/dvd’s or even worse burn them, download music on the internet that you didn’t buy. So please be sure you do NONE of it! because all of it is illegal. If the cards were turned all the ones that say that would be the ones crying and asking for compassion.

People are quick to say what you should and shouldn’t do. However, there are circumstances. If so, Why not say f**k all the tourists or people that got kidnapped or murdered in other countries, should have stayed your dumbass in the US. F**k the soldiers that got killed in Iraq, your dumbass should have never joined the military, etc… but yet we don’t do it.
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kalvonel Says:
My ancestors (mostly slaves) wanted a better life for me. did they cross any borders? No. They stayed, fought, and died to make my life possible.

Well, kalvonel – they all broke the law and did it illegally because during that time, they were not suppose to do that. So your point is what? Your ancestors were suppose to be obdient, Rosa Parks broke the law by sitting in the front of the bus and she suppose sit in the back of the bus. So what is the difference????

I have compassion for some of the people because it is easy to say what should or shouldn’t be until you get caught up. Our country is build on variety, but unfortunately the laws and process don’t work majority of the time. Why does it take 10 years to come here? Why 10 years, does it take that long to do a background check, shit when you get pulled over they can pull your whole life history in 10 minutes. What about all the politicans and lawmakers that don’t pay their taxes or do illegal sh!t all day long. Just to say it’s illegal well we all should be sitting in jail then. There is right way to do things but at the same time, I believe certain situation warrant for a case to case type basis due to circumstances, if you have skills and you can contribute to our country. Why not bring them in? We got a lot of citizens that I aint sh!t maybe we should look at it like the NFL or NBA and do trades
kalvonel

dblaq says – Well, kalvonel – they all broke the law and did it illegally because during that time, they were not suppose to do that. So your point is what? Your ancestors were suppose to be obdient, Rosa Parks broke the law by sitting in the front of the bus and she suppose sit in the back of the bus. So what is the difference????

Well THATS exactly my point. When faced with adversity, hardships, and inhumane treatment – Rosa Parks fought for her rights. She didn’t run to Canada or Mexico. So thanks for making my point.

This is a VERY complex issue. I won’t say there aren’t circumstances, but in reading that letter, her father – the “professional” took the easy and frankly, somewhat cowardly way out. The only to effect positive change is to DO something about it. NOT run. THAT’S my point in a nutshell.
kalvonel

….and pointing out the other “issues” with our society doesn’t excuse the illegal actions of others. it just diverts attention. There’s a legal way to enter our country. So because it doesn’t fit their timetable or isn’t to their liking it’s okay to come illegally? We should just look the other way cause everybody’s downloaded music or ran a redlight? Or have picked their nose w/o a tissue? Please. Sure we all have and do things that aren’t legal. We even do things that ARE legal, but not entirely advantageous. do you drive a car? use air-freshener? those two very things have been proven to aid in destroying the planet, but it continues. so I guess that gives me the right/excuse break the law and throw away my used motor oil by pouring it down the sewer drain.

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