Thread: NE Immigration and Politics

There's a video at the link. You may also leave comments.

Big Picture: Immigration and Politics

Posted: Sep 16, 2008 10:36 PM CDT

Updated: Sep 16, 2008 10:42 PM CDT

Big Picture: Immigration and Politics

Since the last presidential election, there's been a huge influx of immigrants to Central Nebraska. As the minority population continues to grow, both sides of the issue say major reform is needed by the next president.

When it comes to immigration, Barack Obama and John McCain agree on one
thing; secure the borders. But they're also aware the voters they need to win this election are
Hispanic. One of those voters is Grand Island restaurant and grocery store owner Felimon Sanchez. He says closing off Mexico is impossible.

"It doesn't matter what they do with the barriers they're trying to put on. I think the immigrants will always find a way to come in, as long as the country is still good, because we have the best life here in America," Sanchez said.

But the Director of Nebraska Appleseed's Immigrant Integration and Civic Participation Program, Darcy Tromanhauser, said that 'good life' won't get better. Not without major change by all levels of government, including the next president.

"We have a truly broken system, There's not a line for most people to get into, contrary to what most people believe. If you don't have family here or don't qualify for a highly skilled business visa, then there's essentially no way for you to apply for legal status to the United States."

But some Nebraskans don't believe there should be a line at all, including former state senate candidate Marvin "Butch" Hughes.

"They come up here, are illegal, and use our hospital services and other services...and have no burden on paying for anything," he said.

Tromanhauser responds: "It's not that folks aren't paying their way. We know that immigrants, including undocumented, pay far more in taxes then they receive in services."

Hughes said tax money spent on services like food stamps for immigrants should go to new roads or other projects.

"People in the education system feel pushed because instead of spending time with their good
students, they're spending time with kids who don't know English," he said.

Sanchez said some immigrants never will.

"Of all of the people when they come here some want to adapt to the country, and a lot of
them don't care. Those that care are the ones that get ahead and get jobs, they get better everything."

The biggest local attempt at driving away immigrants took place in Fremont in June. The city's proposal to penalize those who hire or rent to illegals was shot down. Tromanhauser said that shows "We want to build our future together in freedom"

Hughes said Fremont was the first step that many more communities across the state will try to follow.

http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=9022782

Edited because I had the wrong link.

"It doesn't matter what they do with the barriers they're trying to put on. I think the immigrants will always find a way to come in, as long as the country is still good, because we have the best life here in America," Sanchez said.

Well, Mr. Sanchez, who is here illegally here or not, this invasion of illegals is doing its best to ruin this country. While you may get many more customers at your grocery, they have been given that gift at the expense of the American people. If you are a citizen, why don't you realize that, or is it just plain greed about making a profit?