non-greek newby |
04-12-2005 01:37 PM |
Quote:
Originally posted by WCUAXID
HAHA, I just knew that someone was going to bring up the whole "your ancestors were immigrants" thing. One of the things that makes the situation different today as to back when my great great grandparents came over from Poland was that my family, even way back then, made it a point to learn english. My great great grandfather was a very smart man and knew that in order to make it in a new country that he and his family would have to embrace the American way of life and not expect Americans to learn Polish. I don't understand why I, as an American, am expected to be tolerant of the non-speaking residents. Why are there billboards in Spanish, why do ATM machines give you a choice of language. Why do I have to have some of my pay go to the education system only to fund a teacher to teach Spanish to American children?? Why does that teacher not teach English to the children who can not speak English?? We are not helping the illegal immigrants by catering to them, we are only making the situation worse. I don't care if we have millions of immigrants that come in on a daily basis, as long as they can speak English or are willing to go to classes to learn and that they are here legally!!
Oh I know that they take crap jobs that Americans just don't want to do, but that is not neccisarily the case any more. Alot of construction jobs are now going to illegals because they do it cheaper and they do not have any health benefits. I know that it is also the fault of the companies or individuals that hire out this type of help. It still does not help the situation.
Also I have had several friends and family members that have been involved in several auto accidents which were not their fault, unfortunatly they were hit by an uninsured Mexican mototist that was here illegally. Now get this, their insurance went up through no fault of their own, is that fair??
I guess what I am trying to say through all of these rambelings is that I am absolutely for immigrants coming over to America, as long as it is legal and they can speak English or are willing to learn. I believe that everyone should have a great life and be able to do all the great things that Americans get to do. And one of the ways to ensure that they have a quality life in America is to make sure that they are here legally. This way they can not be taken advantage of on their wages, they can pay into the system and get something back, and they can instill theses values into their children.
I can respect your point of view please respect mine
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I totally respect that you have this viewpoint, but I am going to have to disagree with it. This is simply because the type of immigration reform you are advocating for is assimilation -- something I whole-heartedly disagree with. The reason for this is because (1) I believe the variety of people and their cultures in this country is what makes it so beautiful; (2) You believe in an assimilation of language, but think how your reasoning could just as well justify an assimilation of something as small as clothing or hairstyle and as big as religion or culture.
I'd also like to say, and this is not just for you, but for all GC-ers, that I have come to the realization that when we complain about certain aspects of our society, maybe we should attach our own solutions or alternatives to these problems based on researched observations. Therefore, I am going to give you my solution to this "illegal" immigrant problem:
1. Just as we do with "drug wars," infiltrate avenues of illegal immigration to stifle its future occurrence in the USA.
2. Give legal status to all undocumented immigrants under the age of 21.
3. These people must partake in some community or civil service.
4. Formulate an education system where immigrant children can learn English in an environment where their culture is not ostracized.
And finally,
5. Make more stringent rules for companies who employ illegal immigrants. (most companies just get a slap on the wrist)
I know that many of these are easy to say, but very hard to carry out. However, I think our government should be taking on more long-term daunting tasks these days, especially when it comes to reforming the education system. (but don't get me started with that one)
Please feel free to disagree with any of my claims or give your own solution.
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