What are the protests about? and what are current immigration laws?
535400
To the best of my knowledge the only reason for this huge " boycott " is two parts, first and foremost, it is suppose to show, I guess members of government, how much we "depend" on immigrants, and how things would be rough here if they werent here. So basically they are wanting the same rights for the illegal immigrants that legal workers have, ie; insurance, benefits, overtime, stuff like that if I am correct. The second thing is to draw attention to the huge platform of hispanics in the way of votes, to show governmentt hat theirs is a huge vote potential that they are trying to basically bargain with, again if I am reading stuff correctly.\n\nAs far as current immigration laws, i am not up-todate on all of them, but you can apply for a work visa, here and not be a citizen of the US, you can get a student visa, and not be a citizen. The reason they arent citizens, is because they wont or dont want to go through the process to become a citizen, I think it can take upto 2 yrs. They come over here, illegally, due to the fact that there are so many people who would pay them 5 or 6 dollars an hour, rather than pay a person 10 or 12 an hour. They sneak over here, to take these farm, ranch, industry type things, that they say americans wont do, and they take their money and send it back to mexico, and yet they want or try to get medicaid, foodstamps, free hospitalization etc.. and give nothing back, they pay no taxes, they file no taxes, because its usually under the board. \n\nThe mexican government isnt going to STOP them from leaving, whyy would they, the people send money down there, and it goes into there economy.\n\nI hope I wasnt too far off base
309584
They have the right to protest the changes in the pending legislation.  Just like the Civil Rights marches in the past.  This is our generation's march in other words.\n\nYou are watching history.  Learn it.  Appreciate it.
1177174
I think things have become much more tense since the Immigration March a month ago.  The immigrants see the move to deport illegals as insulting--rightly or wrongly--and the whites are resentful of the demands made on them.  Things will get worse.  But the short answer is that they don't want to go back because they know life will be worse for them if they do.
359689
I'm not against immigration, but illegal is just that. When the boycott moved here, the people got fired, illegal and legal alike for not showing up at work. They say the immigrants are taking jobs the locals don't want, but I spent 4 months begging for work and I have experience picking in the fields.\n   I agree that they are protesting to the wrong government.
391830
On March 17, 2006, an estimated 25,000 illegals from Ireland marched boldly in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NY without fear of any enforcement of our immigration laws. I told my friends at the time: this unchecked in-your-face, "we demand respect" display by illegals will embolden them to demand they be given a free pass and when that doesn't happen, it will reach the point of violence.\n\nOn March 24, 2006, hundreds of high school students in LA walked out of their classrooms to protest the newest piece of completely unnecessary immigration legislation by the incompetent fools in Congress. Within hours 15,000 criminals (illegals) were marching in Phoenix and roughly 10,000 in Georgia.\n(Seems Fairly ORGANIZED)\n On March 25, 2006, waving their Mexican flags chanting the same worn out "racist" garbage and demanding their "rights" 50,000 of these criminals marched in Denver, thousands in North Carolina and here in Sacramento. All because the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and erect fences along one-third of the U.S.-Mexican border.\n\n(AGAIN Seems Fairly ORGANIZED On A NATIONAL Level)\n \nThe counterfeit Senate is to begin their bickering on March 28, 2006.\n\nOur economy will not fail by rounding up illegals and deporting them. \nOn ABC This Week, March 26, 2006, weasel Arlen Specter, hauled out the other big lie, "We have created a need for these workers who will do the work Americans won't." \n\nBull. Once we begin to deport these criminals, Americans \nwill step in and do the jobs - jobs that have been taken away from them because employers have turned a blind eye to the law and are looking for cheap labor. As for Arlen Specter: why is he still sitting on his backside doing nothing while banks in this country are knowingly and aggressively violating federal law by giving home mortgages to criminals (illegals). Congress and the Department of Justice are simply ignoring this outrage, yet Specter blathers on the stupid tube that these 15 million plus criminals should be given a free pass.\n\n According to Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), who is head of the \nCongressional Immigration Reform Caucus, \n  \n"Massive immigration of low-skilled, low-wage workers ... \ndepresses wage rates for people who are at the low economic end of the scale. ... \nThe overall effect will be the decline of the living standard of every American, \nor most Americans."\n\nIllegal immigration cuts into the wages of American workers. \nAccording to Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), who is head of the \nCongressional Immigration Reform Caucus, \n  \n"Massive immigration of low-skilled, low-wage workers ... \ndepresses wage rates for people who are at the low economic end of the scale. ... \nThe overall effect will be the decline of the living standard of every American, \nor most Americans."\n\nAccording to TNRIP, the financial cost of this foreign invasion to U.S. taxpayers \nis staggering! Here is a break down of the annual costs: \n\nEducation: $22.5 billion \nBi-lingual Education: $3.3 billion \nAFDC: $2.4 billion \nSSI: $2.9 billion \nSocial Security: $24.8 billion \nHousing Assistance: $2.6 billion \nCriminal Justice: $2.6 billion \nJobs Lost by Americans: $10.8 billion \nOther Programs: $51.4 billion \nFood Stamps: $7 billion \nHealth Care: $1.4 billion \n\nTom Tancredo was the other guest on the aforementioned show and he said it right: We don't need any new laws, enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books.\n\nThis IS what's coming right to your neighborhood: One of these days in the near future, these millions of illegals are going to become berserkers. It is the intention of Mexicans to "reclaim" the four border states and merge them back with Mexico and they are willing to do it with violence. These 15 million
317638
Problem #1: Population \n\nThe first problem I see with the current state of the immigration laws is the significant rise in population that has, and will, continue to occur over the next fifty years. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an estimated 1.1 million immigrants, both legal and illegal, enter the United States every year. 700,000 of these are legal immigrants; 120,000 are refugees, and between 250,000 to 300,000 are undocumented or illegal “aliens” ( Baldwin, 1995). The United States population at the moment is roughly 288 million people. If this trend of aliens is not decreased, the population will reach 400 million by 2050. How many people can America hold? \n\nProblem #2: Benefits Illegal Aliens Recieve \n\nCurrently, under federal law, undocumented foreign citizens are eligible for emergency healthcare, free schooling from kindergarten through high school, and W.I.C. or Woman, Infants, and Children nutritional program ( Baldwin, 1995). This is important to note because there are currently between eight and ten million aliens currently living illegally in the United States. An estimated 2.5 million of these illegal aliens currently reside in the state of California alone, due to the agricultural jobs that are readily available for cheap labor (Kadetsky, 102). It should not be surprising then that the residents of California were outraged over the amount of money that they were being forced to spend, and the amount of resources that were being used to support aliens that are not “allowed” to be in the United States in the first place. \n\n \n\nProblem #3: Homeland Security\n\nIn the Fiscal year of 2002, which runs October 1 through September 30, the United States Coast Guard, which is the country’s primary maritime, or sea going, law enforcement agency, intercepted 4104 immigrants from various South American countries (USCG, Para 2). Since then, the numbers of immigrants intercepted by the Coast Guard, has continued to climb at an alarming rate; jumping to almost 11,000 in 2004, 9,500 in 2005, and currently with less than two months into the 2006 physical year, there have already been 1,000 migrants accounted for and processed through the Coast Guard (USCG, Para 1). Illegal immigration can potentially cost American tax payers billions of dollars a year. The United States Coast Guard, whose primary obligation is to prevent the loss of life at sea, can not stop this problem by its self, it is mearly the first line of defense. It is up to the rest of America to join the fight and help put an end to this awful practice.\n i couldnt agree more they should learn our language
721573
the immigration boycott. I say there will be many rallying, gather them up and ship them back from where they came from.
584004
Amen!  It's NOT a MEXICAN ISSUE..it's not just an IMMIGRATION ISSUE...it's an ILLEGAL ISSUE.  NO OTHER COUNTRY WOULD ALLOW IT EITHER...no, not even Mexico.  I have NO problem with anyone who comes here legally.\n\nThere is a process to get here legally.  Yes, this may be a long process, but it's LEGAL and you won't LOSE YOUR LIFE if you do it the way that's LEGAL.  \n\nI really think it's a shame that the protests yesterday really put all of the immigrants in one category..but it was their own fault.
478628
it is Ignorance. They are showing support for the country that they are illegally fleeing from to be in the U.S. though it could be argued that they are showing support for their heritage and culture.  and if that is the case that is fine . But I consider it ignorant if they are protesting to stay within this country which they are already in ILLEGALLY! It does not gain them any favor. Because in all REALITY they do not have the right to protest picket or march unless they are legally in the country. technically they should all be arrested and deported because they have no legal right to be here.
642081
As a U.S. citizen in Mexico I can vouch for a lot of this info.  Mexico would never allow demonstrations like the ones in the US today (May 1st).  The illegals should be happy they are in such a free country and stop waving the Mexican flag!
429339
The new immigration law is as close to facism as I've ever seen in this country (next to the Patriot Act).  There are blatant civil rights issues at stake here.  For instance, the new immigration bill would criminalize any act giving assistance to illegal foreigners - making churches, charity organizations, and other worthwhile enterprises felons!  If you are a legal worker, and then lose your status somehow (say, through an administrative mix up or some such incident) you would be charged with a felony as well.  It needs to be changed, at the very least.  However, throwing the immigrants out is NOT the answer.  Making them registered, tax paying legal residents is the answer.  This would bring in revenue for the government (which it desperately needs).  It would cost billions of dollars to find them, process them, and deport them.  We are talking about 12 million people here!  People need to put their racist attitudes aside and focus on a real solution to the problem.  And by the way, we are all descendants of immigrants in this country.  Its a good thing that our great-grandparents, or however far back you would like to trace your lineage, weren't tossed out of this country like so many of their descendants wish upon the illegals in this country today.  Remember your roots, and the fact that NONE of us would be here if not for immigration to this country.
607517
Illegals were given amnisty some years back, by another president.  The word that most people seem to overlook or don't understand is ILLEGAL.\n\nIllegal, or unlawful, describes that which is either prohibited or not authorized by law. In general, conduct is made illegal by statute, rule, or regulation.\n\nThere are various terms used to describe a person who either enters a country illegally, or who enters legally but subsequently violates the terms of their visa, permanent resident permit or refugee permit. \n\nThe status and rights of such individuals are a controversial debate based on the economic vitality, job availability, environmental costs of illegal immigration, nationalism, racism, and moral concerns.\n\n\nPlease visit the webpages below to clarify Illegal for yourself.
364961
basically in a nutshell the controversy is over changing the current immigration laws to where it is a felony to be caught entering.. thats the idea congress is kicking around and people are pissed. illegal immigrants have been coming in for decades are comfortable with how things are going. and the counntry reaps huge benefits from the cheap labor.. california would collapse without migrant workers.. and probably many other states.. so for them to act like everyone who came here for work is a felon is extremely hypocritical. they are the same people who hire these workers to watch their kids and pick their avocados. this country was made up of immigrants since the beginning. we know people enter illegally. thats not the issue at hand. its what to do with them thats the big debate. they cost us a lot of money but they earn a lot of money. and pay taxes.\n\nso because of the proposed 180 degree change of policy..people took to the streets.
989956
thank you!!! \nexactly what i was discussing with my friends. \n\nIllegals need to stop protesting here and go back to South America and protest there, they need the protests there more. Their country needs them now more then ever.
502802
I thought this was interesting, considering today's protest marches. \n\n"What Are the Immigrant Permits\n\nImmigrant Permits are issued to foreign nationals who have the intention of gaining permanent residency in Mexico. Under immigrant schemes, you are permitted to reside in the country, provided that you fulfil certain criteria (as specified by the type of permit) for a period of up to one year. The permit is renewable annually, for one year, for a further four years. At the end of the five year period, you automatically receive residency status, entitling you to full rights and benefits as any other Mexican Citizen, with the exception of the right to vote.\n\nUpon receiving this status, you will receive a document that looks like a Mexican Passport (called a "FM2") which enables you pass through Mexico's borders as if you were Mexican National. You do not need to surrender your national passport, and you use your own passport when you return to your home country, either for visits, or when returning home to dwell. If you stay outside of Mexico for longer than 2 years, or for 5 years in any 10 year period, you will lose your resident status in Mexico.\n\nBelow are the kinds of people who can apply for Immigrant Permits, with a view to taking up permanent residency in Mexico:\n\nRetirees \nInvestors \nProfessionals \nScientists & Technicians \nArtists and Sportspeople \n\n[TOP]\nRetirees\nIf you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in "non remunerative activities" and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) at least to the value of 400 times the daily minimum daily wage per month and a further 200 times daily minimum wage per month for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) then you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Permit. Read more about retirement in Mexico on Mexperience.\n[Back to Immigrant List]\n\nInvestors\nYou can receive an immigration permit if you are willing to invest your capital in Mexico. You investment can be directed at industry or services, and must equal a minimum of 40,000 times the minimum daily wage in Mexico City.\n[Back to Immigrant List]\n\nProfessionals\nIf you are a qualified professional, you can have your certificates validated by the Mexican Consulate and apply for an immigration permit to live in Mexico. You must be sponsored by a company who must satisfy the authorities that you are essential to their operative requirements.\n[Back to Immigrant List]\n\nScientists & Technicians\nIf you are involved in science, or are a qualified technician, whether commercially or for education, you can apply for an immigration permit in Mexico. You may need to be invited by one of the established scientific or technical organizations in Mexico.\n[Back to Immigrant List]\n\nArtists and Sportspeople\nThese people can apply for an immigration permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry's discretion.\n[Back to Immigrant List] \n\nCan I be granted Mexican Citizenship?\n\nAcquiring Mexican Citizenship is an involved process, and it is not easy to do. As a minimum, you must have been living in Mexico for 5 years (2 years under special circumstances) and have resident status. Marriage to a Mexican national may allow Citizenship without the residency requirement. For matters concerning the acquisition of Mexican Citizenship, seek professional advice and contact your local Mexican Consulate. \n\nMexico has strict measures in its constitution dealing with immigration. Mexican law classifies all illegal immigrants as felons, subject to a two-year prison sentence plus deportation. As a point of information, Mexico deports more illegals than the US. \n\nMexico posts its military on both the north and south borders to prevent people from sneaking into the country. These measures are in stark contrast from what Mexico advocates the U.S. to do. \n\nMexico also has a law making exiting the c
326865
On March 17, 2006, an estimated 25,000 illegals from Ireland marched boldly in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NY without fear of any enforcement of our immigration laws. I told my friends at the time: this unchecked in-your-face, "we demand respect" display by illegals will embolden them to demand they be given a free pass and when that doesn't happen, it will reach the point of violence.\n\n      On March 24, 2006, hundreds of high school students in LA walked out of their classrooms to protest the newest piece of completely unnecessary immigration legislation by the incompetent fools in Congress. Within hours 15,000 criminals (illegals) were marching in Phoenix and roughly 10,000 in Georgia. On March 25, 2006, waving their Mexican flags chanting the same worn out "racist" garbage and demanding their "rights" 50,000 of these criminals marched in Denver, thousands in North Carolina and here in \nSacramento. All because the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and erect fences along one-third of the U.S.-Mexican border. The counterfeit Senate is to begin \ntheir bickering on March 28, 2006.\n\nOur economy will not fail by rounding up illegals and deporting them. \nOn ABC This Week, March 26, 2006, weasel Arlen Specter, hauled out the other big lie, "We have created a need for these workers who will do the work Americans won't." \n\nBull. Once we begin to deport these criminals, Americans \nwill step in and do the jobs - jobs that have been taken away from them because employers have turned a blind eye to the law and are looking for cheap labor. As for Arlen Specter: why is he still sitting on his backside doing nothing while banks in this country are knowingly and aggressively violating federal law by giving home mortgages to criminals (illegals). Congress and the Department of Justice are simply ignoring this outrage, yet Specter blathers on the stupid tube that these 15 million plus criminals should be given a free pass. \n\nTom Tancredo was the other guest on the aforementioned show and he said it right: We don't need any new laws, enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books.\n\n This IS what's coming right to your neighborhood: One of these days in the near future, these millions of illegals are going to become berserkers. It is the intention of Mexicans to "reclaim" the four border states and merge them back with Mexico and they are willing to do it with violence. These 15 million plus illegals will go on a rampage the minute any serious round up and deportation begins, but it must get done for the very surivival \nof our republic, our standard of living and our culture. Reasonable immigration of less than 100,000 per year is more than appropriate and it worked well for a very long time.\n\n      We cannot allow illegals to remain in this country because it sends the very clear message to anyone from any country: Go ahead and enter the U.S. illegally. Nothing will be done to you. The stupid Americans will pay to feed you, clothe you, educate your kids and pay for your medical care while they themselves are forced to go without because they can't afford health insurance because their tax dollars are paying for you! Ha, Ha! Go ahead and enter the U.S. illegally if you're a terrorist, no problem, go \nahead and build your cells, blow up buildings and schools. Nothing will happen because American politicians are too cowardly to repel this invasion and deport the millions of illegals aready here while the illegals rub their \nlawlessness in our faces.\n\nSent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 7:35 PM \n\nSubject: VIDEO: HISPANICS ADMIT THEY ARE ENGAGED IN "CIVIL WAR" WITHIN THE UNITED STATES\n\nSource: \n\nImmigration Watchdog \n\nhttp://www.immigrationwatchdog.com/...\n\nThey openly state they have &quot
632651
Amazing that there is not more protest about all the people thrown in jail from this spying.\n\nOh, no one has been thrown in jail?\n\nOh, people who are here illegally are protesting and not getting thrown in jail nor deported?\n\nDo you know of anyone who has had their right to privacy violated and used against them.