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LATEST LETTERS

DREAM Act still needed

Monday, November 5 at 2:08 PM

Awilda R. Marquez, President, Colorado Hispanic Bar Association writes:

On October 24, 2007, with encouragement from the White House, the U.S. Senate, on a 52-44 vote, killed the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would have permitted high school graduates who immigrated to the United States as minors, and who have lived here for at least five years and completed two years of college or military service, to apply for legal status. In so doing, the Senate rejected one of the most important values of this wonderful country, which has always given immigrants a chance to succeed and become fully integrated into our great society. The late President Reagan recognized this value, too, when he granted amnesty to hundreds of thousands of illegal and undocumented immigrants in the mid-eighties.
The DREAM Act would have grown and strengthened our country’s pool of educated youth that will build the future of our nation. For that reason, the Hispanic community will not give up the fight. These young people deserve our country’s support and compassion. They have proven themselves to be productive members of our society by completing high school, and some college or military service.
The drop-out rate in our high schools and the low number of students seeking careers in science should compel us to encourage rather than reject them.
The United States was built by immigrants. Many them were illegal or undocumented ... including perhaps those of some of the shrill voices heard on this topic. Embracing the children of undocumented immigrants who strive toward higher education or military service is the right thing to do.

This letter has not been edited.

READER COMMENTS

Bring it back, it will be defeated again and again. You do not reward people for BREAKING INTO YOUR COUNTRY. Sorry.

Just like Mexico, we have immgration policy and we are starting to enforce it. Not as BRUTALLY as Mexico does, but no rewards for lawlessness will be given.

The party is over.

Posted by truthy on November 5, 2007 02:23 PM

Any bill that rewards citizenship to persons that come here illegally is amnesty plain and simple. This nation was built by immigrants but they did it legally by following the rules. If these young people are so smart as you say they are then they should have no problems following the rules. If they cant follow the rules they are the same as criminals!

We dont need a "DREAM" act. We need people to enforce the laws of the USA and people who follow the laws of the land are more than welcome to request citizenship.

Posted by Real American Citizen on November 5, 2007 02:57 PM

Ditto comments from Truthy!

Posted by Real American Citizen on November 5, 2007 03:00 PM

As a attorney I would think that you would have read and interperted this legislation in it's entirity,I am sure you did, yet you choose to summarize the least offensive pieces of it, what about the parents and extended family that could be awarded citizenship, or the numerous other loopholes?? As for Ronnie Raygun, he should have stuck to acting, union busting and amnesty are nothing for a President to be proud of.

Posted by Zero on November 5, 2007 03:44 PM

Posted by Zero on November 5, 2007 03:46 PM

These mexican citizens should be concerned about the future of their nation, not mine, spend more time improving mexico instead of trashing my country, sincerely, A American Voter, Citizen, and Taxpayer.

Posted by Zero on November 5, 2007 03:51 PM

Dittos to Truthy, Real American Citizen and especially Zero.

There's too many loopholes and other bullsh!t in the legislation.

Posted by on November 5, 2007 04:22 PM

Where's the DREAM act for our CITIZEN high school graduates?

These legal citizens already already get the short end of the stick, as money that should be going towards betters ways to educate our children is instead spent on better ways to educate illegal immigrants.

Posted by on November 5, 2007 06:06 PM

Thank God for George Bush!

Posted by Keith on November 5, 2007 06:19 PM

The racist "La Raza" agenda is typically not concerned with American citizens unless they are hispanic. There are plenty of Americans who would like to go to college, and are qualified, but cannot afford it. Many of these young men and women joined the service as a means to a education, they are now paying for their dream with their lives, while the mexicans demand they get special treatment, because" it's not my fault I'm here". Pathetic. And the United States currently offers expedited citizenship for non-citizens military service, so those non citizens serving our country are allready rewarded for their efforts.

Posted by Zero on November 5, 2007 06:28 PM

I wonder if you would be so driven toward the "DREAM" act, if most the illegals were Canadian? Of course your opinion is based on race. It's a shame that your efforts are not to improve the lot of citizen children. To deprive AMERICAN children of access to college is wrong. Monies available for college is limit. College space is limited. Race is a determining factor for college admission. So what about your opinion, Mr. Marquez, is not racist and anti-American.

I am tired of paying the way for illegal aliens. Now they are feeling entitled to the privilages and rights accorded to citizens. All this at the cost of Americans and their children.

Posted by Breeze on November 5, 2007 06:33 PM

I seem to remember Keith's favorite imbecile, George "GeeDubya" Bush, trying foist a policy that would give both amnesty and "guest" worker programs (actually cheap illegal labor for wealthy corporations who believe too much is never enough) to criminal illegal immigrants. The same corporations addicted to this cheap labor are Dubya's and the GOP's biggest supporters and he can't resist pandering to his base, the have's and the have mores (Dubya's own words). In his usually style of ranting, Keith is aiming his venom at only half of the culprits. His beloved GOP is just as culpable as the Dems who voted for this bill.

Posted by Keith and Hank sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G on November 5, 2007 06:58 PM

What we need is to boycott organizations and entities that continually "dream" up this garbage, and those that support amnesty for illegal aliens in any manifestation. We can no longer afford to be complacent or silent on the issue of illegal immigration.

Posted by Ben's Border Street on November 5, 2007 07:47 PM

Zero,

As a lawyer, you can't spell for sh#t! (typical). No wonder you sign your name, Zero!

Posted by Stan B on November 5, 2007 07:47 PM

Mexico needs a DREAM ACT to get it's citizens back in their own country and out of ours.

Posted by on November 5, 2007 07:50 PM

I said "never again" damn it.

Posted by Ronald Reagan on November 5, 2007 07:52 PM

The Dream Act is probably a good idea, considering that there are so many hotheads who oppose it.

Posted by Truth on November 5, 2007 07:55 PM

oops, misspelled maybe earlier, hope the spelling police will take it easy on me. Signed Zero, non lawyer, non speller.

Posted by Zero on November 5, 2007 08:09 PM

Non-passage of the Dream Act is the most humanitarian gesture possible towards the illegals still here.The more unattractive it is for them here,the more of them will leave,and the less is the likelihood of vigilante action against them in the event of a major terrorist strike in the US.

Posted by Paul Atreides on November 5, 2007 08:30 PM

“The DREAM Act would have grown and strengthened our country’s pool of educated youth that will build the future of our nation.” – Build what? An expansion of Mexico? Get them out of here before it’s too late.

Posted by Uno on November 5, 2007 08:48 PM

There is a covert agenda lodged in the Dream Act as well as in the various initiatives to obtain in-state tuition for illegals. The college system has become a manufacturing concern whose product is subversion,disguised as a host of environmental/diversity concerns.This system always needs new recruits to indoctrinate.What better source than the children of those both resourceful enough to evade detection and criminal enough to scoff at federal law?

Posted by Jimminy on November 5, 2007 08:49 PM

The only shrill voices I have heard on the topic of illegal immigration is from racist Hispanic apologists and illegal immigrants demanding special rights and legal loopholes to reward themselves for their arrogance.

I wish these same members of La Raza would direct their energies at the corrupt latin american governments who escort their nationals out of their countries to become foreign agents of financial returns. That is the real tragedy in all of this.

Posted by Humberto on November 5, 2007 08:49 PM

I'd like to direct the reader's attention to Awilda Marquez' original statement about immigrants "Many them(sic) were illegal or undocumented".False. The waves of immigration in the late 19th-early 20th century took place because the United Statse government invited them.Processing centers like Ellis Island were built to handle the influx,and every one of them was as legal as the Mint.If our leadership and the citizenry hadn't wanted the millions who responded to the invitation,there'd have been no invitation and no Ellis Island.There would instead have been U.S. Navy ironclads patrolling the Atlantic,Pacific,and Gulf Coasts.

Posted by Jimminy on November 5, 2007 09:09 PM

Ms. Marquez,
I find it intresting that you were appointed to a high level City of Denver job by the great Mayor "El Sanctuary" Hickenlooper, the very same mayor who made his riches off of the backs of illegal immigrant labor, one of whom murdered a innocent police officer. Would Raul Gomez-Garcia have benifitted from the Dream Act?? I also find it intresting that you are in charge of issuing various business licenses, including liquor licenses, given that you are a outspoken supporter of amnesty it appears it will be a lot easier for non-citizens to obtain business licenses in Denver. I guess time will tell if there is any special treatment for non-citizen run businesses in Denver.

Posted by Zero on November 5, 2007 09:33 PM

Such courage 11:47

How about we make a real change? Real teeth in local laws? Ballot initiative with harsh penalties for hiring illegal immigrants. Another with mandatory English Only applications for all government benefits. Lastly an order to the state attorney general to challenge in the courts the federal mandate granting citizenship via the 14th amendment. End result would be fewer illegals, lower budgets and a new appreciation for the real intent of the 14th amendment.

I'm going to check and see how much time we have left. We might make the penalty for an employer include the cost of sending the entire family back to their home country, the middle of their home country or, in the case of Mexico, the southern border. They might just decide to stay home or, at least out of Colorado.

Now those of you who want to surrender to illegals can vote against these initiatives. Somebody has to make up the 15% who will oppose them. Best of all the noise La Raza and other pro-illegal groups will make will provide free publicity for the issues. I can just see the average Colorado citizen trying to figure out why anyone thinks they should vote to reward law breakers.

I already posted my e-mail in another thread, don't worry, I have a great twit filter, so if you want to work with me on this I will be available at:

rmyers458@hotmail.com

Again, if you want to be juvenile, profane or violent don't bother. I have a delete key and I'm not afraid to use it.

Posted by momma y on November 6, 2007 02:13 AM

There seems to be a rash of shootings lately. All of the participants seem to be Hispanic.

Halloween night a 16 year old was killed and a gunfight broke out at a party ,all Hispanics.

Over the weekend at a club 8 people shot one killed coming out of a club ,by two trucks with Hispanic gunmen in them.All the victims were Hispanic.

It's sad when anyone dies. The point I'm trying to make is we are seeing a rise in crime involving Hispanics,legal or illegal? Nobody knows because all the news outlets won't tell you whether the criminals were legal or illegal unless the crime is over the top horrific like , a cop killing or a man dragging a girlfriend behind a truck and killing her.

What really gets me is the guy who was killed at the club over the weekend was according to his friends was a dedicated father and had at least one kid. No one said anything about a wife so I'm assuming he wasn't married.Either way ,dedicated fathers are not out clubbing in packs.They are with their children.

Posted by on November 6, 2007 06:39 AM

Once again "truth" drools onto a thread.

And once again, (and again, and again, and again) "truth" is a tiny, tiny minority with his(her?) bleeding-heart, cry-baby, "we can save the whole entire world" drivel.

By my count, "truth", you've only one ally out of 29 posts. Does this tell you anything?

Posted by RickyLee on November 6, 2007 09:59 AM

"By my count, "truth", you've only one ally out of 29 posts. Does this tell you anything?
Posted by RickyLee on November 6, 2007 09:59 AM"

You've got to be kidding, Ricky, right? You seem to be saying that a person can tell what the right answer to an issue is by what the majority of posters to this forum say it is. You don't read or think very much, do you?

Posted by Truth on November 6, 2007 10:33 AM

What open border advocates and unlimited immigration folks don't want you to know

John W. Slagle
October 28, 2007
Recently Mexican President Calderon has been very outspoken, critical on U.S. Immigration law enforcement efforts and supports Amnesty for all illegal aliens from Mexico residing, working in this nation.
Contrary to popular belief, Mexico has very strict immigration laws which are enforced by every police agency in the country. The Bureau of Immigration can call upon any law enforcement officer to assist in their mission. Citizens from the United States traveling in Mexico without proper documents, work permits or non immigrant visas are subject to arrest as illegal aliens.
The laws regarding foreign national visitors, immigrants, non-citizens are as clear and concise in Mexico as are our own U.S. laws which are considered unenforceable by many politicians in Washington, D.C.
* Reglamento de la Ley General de Poblacion (General Law on Population) in Spanish dated Abril 14 de 2000 Capitulo Quinto --Migracion Seccion 1
Mexico welcomes only foreigners who will be useful to Mexican society:
Foreigners are admitted into Mexico "according to their possibilities of contributing to national progress."
Immigration officials must "ensure" that "immigrants will be useful elements for the country and that they have the necessary funds for their sustenance" and for their dependents.
Foreigners may be barred from the country if their presence upsets "the equilibrium of the national demographics," when foreigners are deemed detrimental to "economic or national interests," when they do not behave like good citizens in their own country, when they have broken Mexican laws, and when "they are not found to be physically or mentally healthy."
The Secretary of Governance may "suspend or prohibit the admission of foreigners when he determines it to be in the national interest."
Mexican authorities must keep track of every single person in the country:
Federal, local and municipal police must cooperate with federal immigration authorities upon request to assist in the arrests of illegal immigrants.
A National Population Registry keeps track of "every single individual who comprises the population of the country," and verifies each individual's identity.
A national Catalog of Foreigners tracks foreign tourists and immigrants and assigns each individual with a unique tracking number.
Foreigners with fake papers, or who enter the country under false pretenses, may be Imprisoned. Foreigners with fake immigration papers may be fined or imprisoned.
Foreigners who sign government documents "with a signature that is false or different is subject to fine and imprisonment.
Foreigners who fail to obey the rules will be fined, deported, and/or imprisoned as Felons. Foreigners who fail to obey a deportation order are to be punished.
Foreigners who are deported from Mexico and attempt to re-enter the country without authorization can be imprisoned for up to 10 years.
Foreigners who violate the terms of their visa may be sentenced to up to six years in prison . Foreigners who misrepresent the terms of their visa while in Mexico -- such as working with out a permit -- can also be imprisoned.
Under Mexican law, illegal immigration is a felony. The General Law on Population States…
"A penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of three hundred to five thousand pesos will be imposed on the foreigner who enters the country illegally."
Foreigners with legal immigration problems may be deported from Mexico instead of being imprisoned. Foreigners who have contempt against national sovereignty or security" will be deported.
Mexicans who help illegal aliens enter the country are themselves considered criminals .Under the law, A Mexican who marries a foreigner with the sole objective of helping the foreigner live in the country is subject to up to five years in prison.
Shipping and airline companies that bring undocumented foreigners into Mexico will be fined. The general immigration laws of Mexico are very similar to 8 U.S. Codes of the I&N Act. The review of basic Immigration laws of various nations including Mexico have been researched by various authors including Professor Michael Waller and Reports for U.S. Congress. Open border advocates, special interest groups in the United States do not appreciate this information made public although the facts have been readily available and widely distributed. Condemning U.S. Laws as cruel and inhumane lacks any measure of common sense when the majority of nations in the world including Mexico have very strict immigration policies.
Sources*
1, J. Michael Waller
Walter and Leonore Annenberg Professor of International Communication
The Institute of World Politics
1521 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
www.iwp.edu
2, Personal LEO experience, Intelligence information exchanged on arrests of Special Interest OTM illegal aliens arrested by Policia Federal Mexico in transit to the U.S. 1998-2000. Immigration checkpoints, railroads, bus stations, detention of non Mexican foreign nationals held for security purposes, false documentation to human trafficking in Mexico. Arizona HIDTA Intelligence Center. 2001, HQ WRO Interpol information worldwide on human trafficking arrests in Europe, Central America to Maritime arrests in the South Pacific. Illegal Immigration is a very real global problem country to country from the UK to the Mid East.
3, Report for Congress April 2006. Directorate of Legal Research LL File # 2006-02877 titled Immigration Law Sanctions and Enforcement in Selected Foreign Countries...Brazil, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, and Switzerland. 2006-02877
Under Mexico, page 16 , the immigration laws of Mexico is contained within the general population act of Jan. 7, 1994. Section C. Sanctions , Article 6, Federal Penal Code, Article 140. D. Illegal entry is a crime in Mexico (delito) subject to imprisonment for up to 2 years.
© 2007 John W. Slagle - All Rights Reserved

John W. Slagle is a U.S. Navy Aviation Veteran, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engines rated and was a Firefighter, Engineer Lt. prior to United States Border Patrol service spanning 30 years. Duties included Agent/Medic, Special Tracking and Rescue Unit, Intelligence Officer, Sector Pilot to Criminal Investigator.
Slagle spent 12 years in undercover operations nationwide as a Special Agent, Anti-Smuggling Operations involving organized human trafficking, narcotics, certified Master Gun Smith and second degree Nidan black belt Goshin Iaido.

Posted by on November 6, 2007 10:44 AM

We will not stop until illegal immigration is stopped completely. If you don't believe us, keep pushing. This could get ugly. Only when our borders are completely secured and we have absolute control over who enters the country, will we back off.

Posted by Frustrated on November 6, 2007 11:36 AM

There can be no question that we are better off if young people get educated. There can be no wiser expenditure of public funds than to help make this happen. Despite the desires of so many posters, the vast majority of these young illegal immigrants will stay in the United States, either to become an enemy of society or a friend, depending to a large extent on their education. We do this for two reasons: it is in their best interests. And it is in our best interests.

There are citizens being excluded from education? The answer is not to deprive these young illegals of an education but to make sure that the opportunity is extended to all.

We need to help the young people in Iraq to get an education, as much for our sake as theirs, but they are not the only ones we need to help.

Posted by Truth on November 6, 2007 12:19 PM

"Excluded from education",huh? Considering what's been coming out of the university system for the last 40 years,internment of illegals would be a merciful act indeed.

Posted by Jimminy on November 6, 2007 01:08 PM

Truth ,
Illegals deserve nothing from us!

we need to eliminate the possiblity of employement and all benefits for them, then the problem will correct itself!

Posted by Fresh on November 6, 2007 01:27 PM

Check this out:

http://www.miamiherald.com/418/story/295183.html

Basically it says, "Give us what we want or we will get violent!".

How do you respond to threats?

Posted by truthy on November 6, 2007 01:31 PM

"truth"

What do you think about Anthony Garcia,
author of the letter in my 12:35 post?
Afraid to answer that simple question?

Well, here's another;

Why should some illegal alien be given in-state-tuition before some "talented and gifted" kid from....say...Birmingham Alabama?

You ARE out voted, smarty. Face it, you're about the only bleeding-heart on here. Most everyone else wants to get control of illegal immigration BEFORE
any sort of amnesty or any other rewards are given to illegal aliens for ILLEGAL behavior.

Why should I believe the gov. when they've lied and lied to the CITIZENS of this country about securing the borders and controlling the flood of ILLEGAL ALIENS?

American CITIZENS are fed up with this endless line of bullshit, and they want the borders secured BEFORE any other discussion on ILLEGAL ALIENS takes place.

Posted by RickyLee on November 6, 2007 02:13 PM

RickyLee: "Face it, you're about the only bleeding-heart on here."

Thanks, Ricky. I knew I was good, but I didn't realize I was that good. I always have liked being number one.

P.S. My apologies to the other bleeding heart liberals.

Posted by Truth on November 6, 2007 02:18 PM

One word (MINES)

Posted by joe on November 6, 2007 02:38 PM

Notice to all pro-amnesty supporters:

If you want to put illegal immigrants children through college then put your wallet where your mouth is!

Anyone who tries to put there hand in my wallet will get it amputated!

Is that clear enough for you to understand?

Posted by American Taxpayer on November 6, 2007 03:51 PM

JOE,
DITTO!!!!

Posted by on November 6, 2007 04:22 PM

Danny come lately on this topic, but I hope this would be a rational solution.

Have those students apply to Universities of their country of origin. They are still citizens of that country, and as such should be able to attend a University there. Once they graduate, they may apply for legal entry into the United States.

Sound fair?

Posted by Dan2 on November 6, 2007 05:12 PM

Yes Dan2, that actually does sound fair. I would be willing to back something like that. Finally some sane ideas around here.

Posted by truthy on November 6, 2007 05:56 PM

"truth"

Care to answer the simple questions,
or are you afraid of your own "truth"?

Your silence speaks volumes about how much credence you put in your flimsy position.

Posted by RickyLee on November 6, 2007 06:24 PM

Keith says: "God bless George Bush," and god blessed him and bushwhacked America by sending Bush over to Iraq. It is any wonder Keith is such a repugnant character put down by every poster in this forum.

Posted by JVB on November 7, 2007 11:54 AM