A legal immigrant speaks out on illegal immigration

October 30, 2008 - 5:12PM

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - There is a fair amount of talk about illegal immigration, but many immigrants have done things the right way, waiting their turn and going through the entire process to become an American citizen, so what's their take on the influx of illegal immigrants?



Newschannel 3 spoke to a legal immigrant on Thursday.



One year ago you might have thought that the issue of immigration could tip the balance in the 2008 election, but immigration's barely been mentioned on the campaign trail.



Christina Schumacher immigrated from Burma, she's in her thirties and she's never had the right to vote, until November 4th comes along.



"Polls open by 6:00, I should be there by 6:30," Schumacher said. "When I left Burma when I was 18 I couldn't really vote, but when I came to the the U.S. I wasn't ready to be an American citizen but I couldn't vote in the last few elections."



Schumacher is an immigrant from a war-torn country, she came here for a better opportunity when she was 18, and she says she didn't have to sneak in.



"I feel very serious about being in this country, be able to vote, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, I can say it loud now that this is my country," Schumacher said.



Schumacher went through the long and expensive immigration process, being sponsored by her mother who came to the United States sponsored by her relatives.



"Processing for the immigration part, it was quite a long period, but at the same time it's worth it, and quite expensive as well," said Schumacher.



Schumacher is a legal immigrant outraged that an estimated 12 million immigrants have come into this country illegally.



"It's just a matter of time, they can get into the country legally," Schumacher said. "I don't support the illegal crossing the border or jumping out of the ship system, it's not right for residents here in the United States."



Illegal immigration is an issue that very likely will not go away, and a new president may have to deal with a new problem, one of increasing pressure to get something done as a weakening economy is making Americans feel uncomfortable about welcoming new people into the country. Whether a guest worker program is put in place or illegal immigrants receive recognition is anyones guess.



Schumacher says she's ready to vote for the first time in this country, but she's still undecided which candidate is best.



"I just want to make sure the government will be fair to the people of the United States and also welcoming the new immigrants in a legal way, the right way," Schumacher said.



Experts say both candidates will likely be pro-i9mmigration presidents with differences about how low-wage workers should be treated.


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