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Author
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Topic: Illegal Immigrant Raid
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Yaterstang
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Member # 7659
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posted
 
 
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080826/ap_on_bi_ge/immigration_raid
ICE: Nearly 600 detained in Mississippi plant raid By HOLBROOK MOHR, Associated Press Writer
33 minutes ago
LAUREL, Miss. - The largest single-workplace immigration raid in U.S. history has caused panic among Hispanic families in this small southern Mississippi town, where federal agents rounded up nearly 600 plant workers suspected of being in the country illegally.
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One worker caught in Monday's sweep at the Howard Industries transformer plant said fellow workers applauded as immigrants were taken into custody. Federal officials said a tip from a union member prompted them to start investigating several years ago.
Fabiola Pena, 21, cradled her 2-year-old daughter as she described a chaotic scene at the plant as the raid began, followed by clapping.
"I was crying the whole time. I didn't know what to do," Pena said. "We didn't know what was happening because everyone started running. Some people thought it was a bomb but then we figured out it was immigration."
About 100 of the 595 detained workers were released for humanitarian reasons, many of them mothers who were fitted with electronic monitoring bracelets and allowed to go home to their children, officials said.
About 475 other workers were transferred to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Jena, La. Nine who were under 18 were transferred to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
John Foxworth, an attorney representing some of the immigrants, said eight appeared in federal court in Hattiesburg on Tuesday because they face criminal charges for allegedly using false Social Security and residency identification.
He said the raid was traumatic for families.
"There was no communication, an immediate loss of any kind of news and a lack of understanding of what's happening to their loved ones," he said. "A complete and utter feeling of helplessness."
The superintendent of the county school district said about half of approximately 160 Hispanic students were absent Tuesday.
Roberto Velez, pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Peniel, where an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the 200 parishioners were caught up in the raid, said parents were afraid immigration officials would take them.
"They didn't send their kids to school today," he said. "How scared is that?"
Those detained were from Brazil, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru, said Barbara Gonzalez, an ICE spokeswoman.
Elizabeth Alegria, 26, a Mexican immigrant, was working at the plant Monday when ICE agents stormed in. When they found out she has two sons, ages 4 and 9, she was fitted with a bracelet and told to appear in federal court next month. Her husband, Andres, was not so lucky.
"I'm very traumatized because I don't know if they are going to let my husband go and when I will see him," Elizabeth Alegria said through a translator Tuesday as she returned to the Howard Industries parking lot to retrieve her sport utility vehicle.
"We have kids without dads and pregnant mothers who got their husbands taken away," said Velez's son, Robert, youth pastor at the church. "It was like a horror story. They got handled like they were criminals."
Howard Industries is in Mississippi's Pine Belt region, known for commercial timber growth and chicken processing plants. The tech company produces dozens of products ranging from electrical transformers to medical supplies, according to its Web site.
Gonzalez said agents had executed search warrants at both the plant and the company headquarters in nearby Ellisville. She said no company executives had been detained, but this is an "ongoing investigation and yesterday's action was just the first part."
A woman at the Ellisville headquarters told The Associated Press on Tuesday that no one was available to answer questions.
In a statement to the Laurel Leader-Call newspaper, Howard Industries said the company "runs every check allowed to ascertain the immigration status of all applicants for its jobs."
"It is company policy that it hires only U.S. citizens and legal immigrants," the statement said.
Gov. Haley Barbour recently signed a law requiring Mississippi employers to use a U.S. Homeland Security system to check new workers' immigration status.
The law took effect July 1 for businesses with state contracts and takes effect Jan. 1 for other businesses. Mississippi lawmakers once used laptops made by Howard Industries, but it's not clear whether the company has current state contracts.
Under the law, a company found guilty of employing illegal immigrants could lose public contracts for three years and the right to do business in Mississippi for one year.
The law also makes it a felony for an illegal immigrant to accept a job in Mississippi. A message was left with the district attorney's office after hours seeking comment on whether he would use the law to bring state charges against Howard Industries or the workers.
The Mississippi raid is one of several nationwide in recent years.
On May 12, federal immigration officials swept into Agriprocessors, the nation's largest kosher meatpacking plant, in Iowa. Nearly 400 workers were detained and dozens of fraudulent permanent resident alien cards were seized from the plant's human resources department, according to court records. In December 2006, 1,297 were arrested at Swift meatpacking plants in Nebraska and five other states.
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Associated Press Writers Shelia Byrd in Hattiesburg, Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson and Eileen Sullivan in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.
Posts: 2968 | From: Natomas | Registered: May 2007
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mustang928
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Member # 2123
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posted
Election time!
yeah, they have been active down here in socal, especially these past couple of months. The local spanish stations are alerting people of where they're happening. They even hassled my dad a couple of times, he just retired(59yr old) and rides his bike alot... so I guess he looks "suspect"
![[patriot]](graemlins/patriot.gif)
Posts: 333 | From: CALIFORNIA | Registered: Nov 2002
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asskickn88
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Member # 4957
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by mustang928:
They even hassled my dad a couple of times, he just retired(59yr old) and rides his bike alot... so I guess he looks "suspect"
We all get hassled for different shit. We look suspect when we roll by in a nice Mustang. Just like any of us, if he's legal then no reason to sweat it.
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Three 540 Bimmers and a 5.0 Explorer.... got a Ford back in the stable!
It's time for the country to do what Obama's own father did.
Abandon him.
Posts: 6069 | From: Rocklin, Ca | Registered: Oct 2004
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RedBaron
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Member # 4361
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by Yaterstang:
One worker caught in Monday's sweep at the Howard Industries transformer plant said fellow workers applauded as immigrants were taken into custody. Federal officials said a tip from a union member prompted them to start investigating several years ago.
John Foxworth, an attorney representing some of the immigrants, said eight appeared in federal court in Hattiesburg on Tuesday because they face criminal charges for allegedly using false Social Security and residency identification.
"We have kids without dads and pregnant mothers who got their husbands taken away," said Velez's son, Robert, youth pastor at the church. "It was like a horror story. They got handled like they were criminals."
my favorite three paragraphs.
Yep, the pastor said they were "handled like criminals".. obviously not comprehending the word 'Illegal' here, is he?
And how about the attorney, defending these clowns for false Social Security and residency paperwork? Why do I just know that if I falsified MY paperwork, my ass would be gettin' some sweet lovin in prison?
And the best part:"Fellow workers in the plant applauded during the raid." Ever been to Ol' Missippi? There's a hell of a lot of folk that would gladly take those jobs down there- not everyone in this country is afraid of a little hard work.
It's a shame it had to come to this, but as I understand it, it's not rocket science to apply to immigrate here LEGALLY.
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1988 4i coupe,
88 gt
85 ttop-
Posts: 830 | From: S.S.F. | Registered: Apr 2004
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mustang928
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Member # 2123
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posted
quote:
We all get hassled for different shit. We look suspect when we roll by in a nice Mustang. Just like any of us, if he's legal then no reason to sweat it. [/QB]
Why the anger.... Geez.
Posts: 333 | From: CALIFORNIA | Registered: Nov 2002
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N8
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Member # 6048
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by dizzle-sizzle-hotdog:
more raids means more jobs for american citizens GO ICE
Not to go all controversial. But you would be surprised how much our economy is predicated on illegal aliens. These folks do jobs for pay that A. Most Americans are plain out are too lazy to do B. Would not do it for even double what some illegal immigrants are getting paid. It will never go away completely. But if it did, we would be paying 10 bucks a pound for tomatoes. I think more time should be spent on trying to get programs to naturalize these people. And maybe do some kind of program on the other sides of borders to ease the transition. I know it is easy to say. but forcing them underground then popping up and snatching fathers from children and disrupting lives is not the way to go.
Just my .02
[ August 27, 2008, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: N8 ]
Posts: 11638 | Registered: Sep 2005
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phildog
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Member # 1214
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posted
For everyone who has immigrated here legally, it is a slap in the face to them for illegals to be allowed to stay. It is a lot of time and paperwork to get legal, reward those who do, punish those who shirk responsiblility.
Posts: 1554 | From: 510 | Registered: Apr 2002
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IvanFive0
built for twisties
Member # 5574
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by N8:
quote:
Originally posted by dizzle-sizzle-hotdog:
more raids means more jobs for american citizens GO ICE
Not to go all controversial. But you would be surprised how much our economy is predicated on illegal aliens. These folks do jobs for pay that A. Most Americans are plain out are too lazy to do B. Would not do it for even double what some illegal immigrants are getting paid. It will never go away completely. But if it did, we would be paying 10 bucks a pound for tomatoes. I think more time should be spent on trying to get programs to naturalize these people. And maybe do some kind of program on the other sides of borders to ease the transition. I know it is easy to say. but forcing them underground then popping up and snatching fathers from children and disrupting lives is not the way to go.
Just my .02
I second that, Most people work hard. I know for a fact American Citizen will not work in the fields picking fruit and all that good stuff.
[ August 27, 2008, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: 92_chp ]
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2012 Coyote - Daily
91 Coupe - HCI turbo
88 Mclaren - Griggs, T56, S trim, B50
87 Coupe
Posts: 883 | From: At the apex, passing you! | Registered: Apr 2005
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Rigo5.0
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Member # 5247
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by phildog:
For everyone who has immigrated here legally, it is a slap in the face to them for illegals to be allowed to stay. It is a lot of time and paperwork to get legal, reward those who do, punish those who shirk responsiblility.
I agree. I'm Mexican-American and didn't feel this way until my grandmother explained how hard she worked to "Legally" get into this country. It upsets here alot that people are able to get away with illegally staying here. I cannot say I agree with taking people away from their children, but for those that don't have family ties, they should get sent back.
[ August 27, 2008, 01:18 PM: Message edited by: COBRAreflection ]
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91 5.0 [331|T56]
87 Grand National
02 Z06
08 Challenger SRT8
13 Shelby GT500
00 Lightning
14 Camaro SS
Posts: 1454 | From: Kansas City | Registered: Jan 2005
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N8
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Member # 6048
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by phildog:
For everyone who has immigrated here legally, it is a slap in the face to them for illegals to be allowed to stay. It is a lot of time and paperwork to get legal, reward those who do, punish those who shirk responsiblility.
Imagine the resources we spend on the punishments and round ups. And the mess it leaves behind. A lot of times the humanitarian law leaves behind the pregnant mothers and those with small children. So now you have a mother who will likely be on welfare. So now the fuels the welfare argument. Then there is a good chance the child will grow up and be a delinquent. Now that fuels the immigrants cause crime problems argument. But if 18 years ago they would have had a immigrant reform program or at least the option. Things "could" have worked out differently. I mean I am in observance of the law they are breaking. And I see how the cut corner would piss off those who worked hard. but it just isn't working the way it is now. It just helps the system blame immigrants for society;s transgressions.
Posts: 11638 | Registered: Sep 2005
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Cobraboy
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Member # 7826
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by N8:
quote:
Originally posted by phildog:
For everyone who has immigrated here legally, it is a slap in the face to them for illegals to be allowed to stay. It is a lot of time and paperwork to get legal, reward those who do, punish those who shirk responsiblility.
Imagine the resources we spend on the punishments and round ups. And the mess it leaves behind. A lot of times the humanitarian law leaves behind the pregnant mothers and those with small children. So now you have a mother who will likely be on welfare. So now the fuels the welfare argument. Then there is a good chance the child will grow up and be a delinquent. Now that fuels the immigrants cause crime problems argument. But if 18 years ago they would have had a immigrant reform program or at least the option. Things "could" have worked out differently. I mean I am in observance of the law they are breaking. And I see how the cut corner would piss off those who worked hard. but it just isn't working the way it is now. It just helps the system blame immigrants for society;s transgressions.
Hate to break it to you but illegal immigrants are the cause of a lot of crime in this state. Ask me how I know this.... I know quite a few cops.
I personally could care less to hear about their sob stories of "oh i'm pregnant" "my husband got taken from me"...
Well fucking sucks to be you then. Should have put in the effort to come over here legally so you can pay some taxes like the rest of us instead of suck of the tits of this liberal hippie state for free.
God I get SOOO tired of all these people who sympathize with the A-holes that come up here and demand all this shit. I want a driver's license. I want health care for me and my kids. BUT I don't want to pay taxes.
You would be surprised at how many people would step up and do the jobs that "nobody else would do."
Posts: 552 | From: California | Registered: Aug 2007
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Insurance Guy
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Member # 8241
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posted
being an immigrant myself who was given my citizenship at 2 years of age. i never understood how hard it was for my parents to make it happen. my dad told me he applied before he was even married with my mom and it took him 4 years to make it to the usa. so i understand the legal immigrants being upset over illegals coming here but compnaies need workers who they do not need to pay minimim wage too.
if those workers do not come to us then we will go to them. we will end up out sourcing jobs to other countrys. and if you think that is bull call comcast late at night or dell anytime and ask were the person is when you call. at least these illegals living here will spend money here too. but if we kick illegals out comapies will leave too and our economy will be even more f#@ked.
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01 GT Drop Top (R.I.P.)
02 GT Drop Top (Sold)
17 5.0 GT Coupe
Posts: 597 | From: San Leandro | Registered: Feb 2008
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Rigo5.0
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Member # 5247
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by Insurance Dude:
being an immigrant myself who was given my citizenship at 2 years of age. i never understood how hard it was for my parents to make it happen. my dad told me he applied before he was even married with my mom and it took him 4 years to make it to the usa. so i understand the legal immigrants being upset over illegals coming here but compnaies need workers who they do not need to pay minimim wage too.
if those workers do not come to us then we will go to them. we will end up out sourcing jobs to other countrys. and if you think that is bull call comcast late at night or dell anytime and ask were the person is when you call. at least these illegals living here will spend money here too. but if we kick illegals out comapies will leave too and our economy will be even more f#@ked.
Good analysis on your last post N8.
Ins. Dude is right. I work for Comcast and they cut down the billing dept. to less than half and now outsource to call centers in Canada and Guadalajara, Mexico. But, the good news is that Comcast has rated soo low in customer svc, that they are bringing everything back locally here in the Bay area. So those of you that need jobs, be on the lookout real soon.
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91 5.0 [331|T56]
87 Grand National
02 Z06
08 Challenger SRT8
13 Shelby GT500
00 Lightning
14 Camaro SS
Posts: 1454 | From: Kansas City | Registered: Jan 2005
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asskickn88
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Member # 4957
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by mustang928:
quote:
We all get hassled for different shit. We look suspect when we roll by in a nice Mustang. Just like any of us, if he's legal then no reason to sweat it.
Why the anger.... Geez. [/QB]
Who's angry? I was just saying we all get hassled in one way or another. People try and point out they get hassled because of their race. I'm white and have been pulled over and hassled before, it happens to us all.
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Three 540 Bimmers and a 5.0 Explorer.... got a Ford back in the stable!
It's time for the country to do what Obama's own father did.
Abandon him.
Posts: 6069 | From: Rocklin, Ca | Registered: Oct 2004
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N8
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Member # 6048
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by Insurance Dude:
....if those workers do not come to us then we will go to them. we will end up out sourcing jobs to other countrys. and if you think that is bull call comcast late at night or dell anytime and ask were the person is when you call. at least these illegals living here will spend money here too. but if we kick illegals out comapies will leave too and our economy will be even more f#@ked.
Very smart man. It's funny when clowns just spew at the mouth what they here in pubs or local PD ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif) . Our country has a bigger problem and its the dependence on illegal immigrant labor. It's a screwed situation. I can go deep with it but I wont.
Posts: 11638 | Registered: Sep 2005
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turbo50
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Member # 6700
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posted
If we have to outsource jobs that is fine with me.
It is these illegals that come over here and use our resources without paying in, like every other hard working american, tax paying citizen.
Yeah, it may suck that some lose jobs due to outsourcing but it is alot better than having these illgegals using our resources if you ask me.
And the shit about being too lazy to pick the fields and it not paying enough is just that, bullshit.
Who the fuck you think did it before there were so many illegals raising their hands to do it?
Who do you think did these "shit" jobs?
Trust me, these illegals cost us way more resources, jobs etc than they "produce"
.....sorry to rant, but if I fucking pay taxes, so do you!!
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.........when was the last time YOU built something with YOUR own hands?
I offer quality sidework at reasonable prices. PM ME
Posts: 7606 | From: Discovery Bay, California | Registered: Apr 2006
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2stangs69-91
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Member # 1951
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posted
Illegal imagration is a huge burden on the American tax payer. For all those people who say Americans would not do these jobs...there are plenty of Americans doing them now. This country was not built on the back of Illegals. I expect all these answeres from bay area type people who are out of touch with the reality of the real world. I have worked at many diffferent jobs growing up you say Americans won't do. I don't have to now because of the trade I learned in schools. Stop insulting hard working Americans with that bullshit. I totaly agree with Turbo50 on what he said
[ August 27, 2008, 05:50 PM: Message edited by: 2stangs69-91 ]
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69 Mustang on hold
1991 LX hatch getting a make over
1994 F150 4X4 351
2006 Yamaha V-max 1200 Modded
Posts: 3711 | From: Redding | Registered: Oct 2002
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DLo
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Member # 6133
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posted
Personally I also think it is unfair to those who came here legally. I am the son of an immigrant family, and I'm very grateful that I was born here, and that my parents came here the right way. Having said that, I think the immigration problem is complicated, for the same reasons that some of you have listed above. But for those of you talking about who is going to do what crap job, etc etc.. what about the people who are leeching off the system with welfare? (No, I'm not saying everybody on welfare is a mooch, but I'm sure there are some able bodied workers out there who can do some type of task.) The taxpayers are all helping them out. Make them throw in some work too.
Everytime I get my paycheck I wonder where nearly a quarter of my hard earned money is going. If you ask me, illegal immigration is one of many problems that attributes to a seemingly downfall in this country.
Just my .02
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94 GT
Posts: 1876 | From: Bay Area, CA | Registered: Oct 2005
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turbo50
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Member # 6700
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by DLo:
Personally I also think it is unfair to those who came here legally. I am the son of an immigrant family, and I'm very grateful that I was born here, and that my parents came here the right way. Having said that, I think the immigration problem is complicated, for the same reasons that some of you have listed above. But for those of you talking about who is going to do what crap job, etc etc.. what about the people who are leeching off the system with welfare? (No, I'm not saying everybody on welfare is a mooch, but I'm sure there are some able bodied workers out there who can do some type of task.) The taxpayers are all helping them out. Make them throw in some work too.
Everytime I get my paycheck I wonder where nearly a quarter of my hard earned money is going. If you ask me, illegal immigration is one of many problems that attributes to a seemingly downfall in this country.
Just my .02
Because when the welfare "leeches" get caught or start earning a PAYCHECK they pay TAXES just like the rest of us.
Illegal immigrants as compared to welfare recipients is apples to organges.
You said it yourself illegal immigrants need to get the fuck out.
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.........when was the last time YOU built something with YOUR own hands?
I offer quality sidework at reasonable prices. PM ME
Posts: 7606 | From: Discovery Bay, California | Registered: Apr 2006
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threethirty1
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Member # 7814
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by N8:
quote:
Originally posted by Insurance Dude:
....if those workers do not come to us then we will go to them. we will end up out sourcing jobs to other countrys. and if you think that is bull call comcast late at night or dell anytime and ask were the person is when you call. at least these illegals living here will spend money here too. but if we kick illegals out comapies will leave too and our economy will be even more f#@ked.
Very smart man. It's funny when clowns just spew at the mouth what they here in pubs or local PD . Our country has a bigger problem and its the dependence on illegal immigrant labor. It's a screwed situation. I can go deep with it but I wont.
N8, where do you stand on the tax evasion side of the story. Our government is missing out on billions of $$ in uncollected taxes from illegals. Not to mention the strain they put on our public health systems. I know when i got to mexico to surf i have to bring extra money to pay my "taxes" to the federales.
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1987 Black GT
factory zero option car
Posts: 777 | From: North Bay | Registered: Jul 2007
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AL STOCK
Its All Stock
Cuzzon
Member # 1852
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posted
Thats a lot of immigrants! But why not get legal?
Shit i had to go through hell to get my Alien Card / Passport renewed. I had to do paperworks at 6am, stand infront of USCIS in line at 8am etc etc But i got all my sh!t done.
I think if they knew they were illegal, why not TRY to get legal.. I mean sounds like they had been working there for over AT LEAST a year so they couldve easily gotten work permits and such.
I feel for the family of those who got deported, especially wives, kids who lost their husband/father.
But i still don't see why they couldn't get some sort of legal paperwork.
Posts: 6498 | From: San Bruno | Registered: Sep 2002
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Insurance Guy
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Member # 8241
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posted
i am reading a lot of people on here complain how much illegal immigrants drain our welfare and they should be paying taxes. i really do understand this seintement i mean whats fair for me should be fair for others also. However for those who feel this way please consider the following...
only about 18% of those who recive welfare are illegeal immigrants. the majority of these cases are situations in which the husband and wife illegally immigrated here had a child (born in the usa. so the child is a citizen) but then the working spouce was deported causeing the remaining spouce unable to take care of their child. hence the need for welfare.
47 of every 5,614 is the number of illegal immigrants we prevent from crossing our boarders. how much of our taxes go toward this effort?
the illegal immigrants who work here spend money here they buy cloths, food and shelter. all which we collect sales tax on. if we got rid of all illegal immigrants can you imagen the effect it would have on sales driven business?
Thus far we have not been able to make even a dent in preventing illegal imigration. so why even bother. do not even gaurd the border just make it so unworth it for an illegal immigrant to come here. we can do that by make stiff penalties to empolyers for hiring illegal workers and making it much easier to become a citizen. that way we will get most of the illegal work force legal and paying taxes.
on a side note anyone who says they are okay with out sourcing and being upset about immigration is nuts. thats like being upset someone stole $100 cash from you while being okay with someone stealing $1,000 from your bank.
[ August 27, 2008, 07:46 PM: Message edited by: Insurance Dude ]
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01 GT Drop Top (R.I.P.)
02 GT Drop Top (Sold)
17 5.0 GT Coupe
Posts: 597 | From: San Leandro | Registered: Feb 2008
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2stangs69-91
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Member # 1951
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posted
Illegals getting money out of the welfare system is a issue but not what most of us are talking about. I agree with you on the stiffer penilties for hiring illegals. If there were no jobs why would they cone here. I wouldn't be worried about higher food costs they are up anyhow because of the fuel issue. You can always plant a garden.
[ August 27, 2008, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: 2stangs69-91 ]
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69 Mustang on hold
1991 LX hatch getting a make over
1994 F150 4X4 351
2006 Yamaha V-max 1200 Modded
Posts: 3711 | From: Redding | Registered: Oct 2002
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N8
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Member # 6048
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posted
I do agree to a certain degree with taxes. But that portion is such a minority its not even worth mentioning. I agree with insurance dude. If you are worried about your tax dollars, worry about the botched efforts to control the border. And as far as welfare again that is a very minuscule minority. I do agree it is a issue and there are unfortunate side effects so dont get me wrong there. But I am telling you, paying 8 bucks a pound for grapes is not cool. And it has been proven and written about constantly how much we depend on this illegal worker situation. I am just saying the problem is deeper than the surface you guys are touching on.
Posts: 11638 | Registered: Sep 2005
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