Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Great Immigration Laws

  • If you immigrate to the United States of America, you must speak the native language.
  • You have to be a professional or an investor.
  • We are not going to take unskilled workers. You will not be allowed.
  • There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools, no special ballots for elections, no government business will be conducted in your native language.
  • Foreigners will not have the right to vote nor will they ever be allowed to hold political office.
  • If you're in our country, you cannot be a burden to taxpayers.
  • You are not entitled, ever, to welfare, to food stamps, or other government goodies.
  • You can come if you invest here, but it must be an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage. If you don't have that amount of money you have to stay home.
  • If you do come and you want to buy land you will not be allowed to buy waterfront property in the United States. That will be reserved for citizens naturally born in this country.
  • As a foreigner, you must relinquish individual rights to property.
  • You don't have the right to protest when you come here.
  • You're allowed no demonstrations, you cannot wave a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our president or his policies or you get sent home.
  • And most of all - You're a foreigner. You shut your mouth or you get out, and if you come here illegally, you go straight to jail and we're going to hunt you down 'til we find you.

Oh, and by the way, these are all actual laws of Mexico. Yes, it's official Mexican Immgration law. WOW!!!! Those Mexicans know what their doing!!!

10 comments:

BlogMasterT said...

Jose can you see?

I will add that it shall be a capital offense to sing our National Anthem in Spanish.

Go to:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193481,00.html

Jason G. said...

I love the statistics of California prisons. Something like 80% of the inmates guilty of violent crimes are illegal immigrants. Hmmmmmm, don't hear that on the news regularly.....

BlogMasterT said...

This just in...
The Congress of our not-so-beloved neighbor has passed legislation to legalize the consumption and possession of every drug known to man. (At least at levels considered standard for personal use.) While this will probably not cause a decrease in the invasion of our borders, it may very well cause an increase of our own citizens fleeing the oppressive legal system that constrains them to be subjects of militant and dogmatic moral restraint. Kind ladies and gentlemen who desire an utopia "where all that is solid, melts into thin air", I shall take you to the airport free of charge.

graham baily said...

Guys, I do not think, at least for me, that this is an issue of the equity of immigration laws between Mexico and The United States. The issue is what we should do, as a nation built on the triumphs of immigrants with all the people who want to come here and benefit from the opportunities our country has to offer. I do not expect any country to have the same laws and charity that we do toward immigrants because no other nation is a nation of immigrants. I understand that there is a need for law and the enforcement of that law. However, polemics about the equity of laws between countries is not going to solve any of our problems with the current immigration crisis. Like it or not, we are all the son if immigrants, we all have to be willing to offer people of our generation the same opportunities our fathers were afforded. If your problem is that they send their money back to their home country, you are kidding yourself if you think that our fathers did not do the same thing. If your problem is that they come and participate in illegal activity, immigrants have always done that and it is not acceptable. However, we cannot keep all of them out because some of them do illegal things. One thing that bothers me the most about this discussion is that none of you seem to be willing to point the finger at business owners who have capitalized on the exploitation of immigrant workers. We are partly responsible for creating this problem and it is not fair to only blame the immigrants. Finally, I have to say that I feel my first obligation is not to the state in which I live but to the God whom I love. I must remember that these are people created in the image of God and it is a sin to exploit them or simply reject them as being beneath me. The words of Malachi seem appropriate here,

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner (alien), and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.”

Well, Perhaps I am guilty of reading more into your statements than was intended. I do hope to continue this as a charitable dialouge.

Blessings,
Graham Baily

Jason G. said...

I must confess that I believe you are slightly missing the point....at least in relation to the current immigration debate. Yes, we all may be sons of immigrants, but I dare say they were all probably LEGAL immigrants. At this point the issue is not even about immigration; it’s about ILLEGAL immigration. Our southern border is more open then a postmodernists moral convictions. Mexicans, Central Americans, undesirables, and possibly terrorists come and go as they please. The very first step in securing a sovereign nation is to secure borders. The Bush Administration and Congress are abject failures at accomplishing this. And yes, I hold those companies who employ them guilty also. Illegal immigrants pose a huge national security risk, cause economic devastation, and effect cultural perversion. 1) I hope the national security threat is obvious. We have no idea who is coming across our border and what they may be carrying. On top of that, the statistics are staggering as to the felons in border states are made up of an astronomically high number of illegals. 2) Second, if a business can pay an illegal Mexican $5 a day to work then why would they hire a legal citizen who must receive minimum wage? Thus, illegal immigrants drive down the fair labor wages for blue collar workers. Also within the economic realm is the huge welfare and socialized healthcare strain that illegals put on border states. California spends hundreds of millions a year educating, clothing, and feeding illegal immigrants. That is hundreds of millions of pure loss – these are no tax payers that the benefits are going to. 3)Lastly, these illegal immigrants flooding our borders bring their corrupt, third-world, and sometimes communist cultures with them. Unlike our forefathers who were immigrants, these new breed of illegals do not want to amalgamate into the American culture. They do not want to contribute their unique cultures into the larger American culture. They do not want to take on English as their language. Instead, they want us to conform to them. Much like the modern homosexual movement, many illegals represented in the “May Day” marches want everyone around them to conform to their culture. When you are entering into a country that is not yours you do as they do, not arrogantly vice versa!!!

I would like to add one more note. Just because we are all sons of immigrants is not an objective reason as to why we should now allow numerous legal immigrants into our country. As a sovereign nation it is our government’s primary responsibility to protect us as citizens. If this protection requires the closing of borders to ALL illegal immigrants (which it does) and the severe restriction on legal immigration, then the U.S. Government has the divine mandate and obligation to do so.

I love polemics by the way. After all, an enlectical theology is one that will last because it has been tried by fire….. Nevertheless, nuttin' by love for ya baby!!!

graham baily said...

I do no think I am missing the point. I understand that the problem is with illegal immigration. I also understand that you used the Mexican immigration laws as fuel for your fire. My point is that, on a fundamental level, we cannot be concerned with the equity of immigration laws between Mexico and the United States. For that matter, we cannot expect that we will have the same strict standards on immigration as any other country in the world. We are a nation of immigrants, like it or not. Our laws need to accomadate that. You say that we are all probably sons of legal immigrants, maybe but it was also a lot easer immigrate to our country when our families came over. I am not in favor of opening wide the border to anyone who can walk accross. However, I do not think that the problem can be solved as easily as saying we should be as strict as other countries are on immigration. I also think it is unfair to make generalizations about a massive group of people so as to assume that the majority of them are going to be problematic.

As to your three points on the necessity of strict immigration laws, your first point was on the issue of national security I agree that we have no idea who is coming over our borders. This means that they could be coming for unrighteous purposes and that is a danger. It also means that we do not know who is coming over for righteous purposes. Not knowing who is coming to our country is a problem but it is a problem, like many, with two sides. If you would suggest that righteous immigrants should make themselves known via legal processes, which you probably will, then I will tell you the story of the Mortley family. The Mortley family came to America seeking political assyslum from a corrupt government. They were used, by our government, to build a case against their home country. After we were finished using them, it took them seven years to obtain green cards for the men in the family to work legally. During their waiting period, they were only able to work illegally, if they were to support the family. They were not free to return to their country becase at home they were considered enemies of the state, subject to prison or possibly execution. Their story reflects problems with legal immigration. Even when our government brings people here from foreign countries, they fail to deal with them in timely and efficent manner. I am not foolish enough to think that everyone crossing in the border states are crossing for righteous purposes, but I am also not foolish enough to think that everyone poses a threat to national security.

Second, on the issue of the cost to border states. I undestand the economics of illegal immigration. First, we do need to as the question as to the nature of the work these people are doing. Is it possible that they are doing work that Americans do not want to do? Maybe. Regarding the cost of feeding, clothing and education for the needy, YES it costs money. I find it interesting that you are willing to cite biblical authority when it comes to maintaining the moral fabric of our nation (against homosexuals, and "postmoderns") as the will of our Founders but unwilling to recognize the biblical madate to feed, clothe and educate the needy. Are we or are we not a Christian nation? If we are a Christian nation or a nation founded on Christian principles, then we must lead with compassion, not with profit margins, especially when it comes to feeding and clothing needy people, among whom are vulnerable and desperate people, maybe even some widows and orphans.

Thirdly, it is not illegal to hold a communist ideology. Maybe, these immigrants do not want to contribute. Maybe they do and they are frustrated that they it is so difficult for them to contribute. In your system, they would not have any food, clothing, education, money or housing so as to make a significant contribution.

I undestand that I have been a bit polemical here myself but it is only to make a point. The immigration discussion is more complicated than just saying, "keep them out." Ther are more complicatied issues at hand regarding how we are called to treat people and the role of the Chirstian in the fight against tyrany, injustice, and opression. I undestand that it is hard on all sides, we have a country that needs protection, we also have people who need our help, they would not be coming here if their country gave them what they needed. What do we do with all this? Well, back to the Mortleys. Our church reached out to them, cared for them meet their needs for clothing, food, education, and even housing. Is'nt this where we should focus our efforts and energy, on loving and caring for people, if the State is not supposed to do it then certainly the Church is suppossed to. What have you done brother, what have I done for the oppressed people in the world who need the resources we have at our disposal to give them a better life.

Blessings,
Graham

grabgirl said...

The debate over illegal immigration has become a “hot” topic. I think we can all agree that illegal immigration is a huge problem for our country. The debate comes over how to fix the problem and as Christians what is our role? What do we do with the over 14 million illegals who have unlawfully (hence “illegal”) invaded our country making a mockery of our laws? That is definitely a tough question and our government has yet to come up with a solution. Even if the government does not yet have a solution to this crisis, we as citizens and as Christians have certain responsibilities. Therefore, I ask, “As Christians, what role as individuals do we play? What is the role of the Christian Church? And what is the role of the government, especially since this nation is a nation founded on Christian principles?” I think these are important questions. God’s word explicitly commands for Christians to care for the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers (to include aliens in our land). “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34. That is a good example of how we individually, as Christians, and how the Christian Church at-large should treat the illegal aliens (immigrants). Hebrews tells us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” And Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:34-36 gives blessings to those who minister to strangers in their midst: “Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'” As Christians, we have an obligation to assist those who are in need whether they are Christians or unbelievers. We are to love our neighbor. Scripture commands our obedience. And as a Christian, I have an obligation to uphold the laws of this land. God appointed men to authority and laid down the function and role of government. “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.” Romans 13:1-2. When immigrants come to the United States illegally, they are committing a crime. They may have seemingly good reasons for breaking the law, however, that is no excuse for law breaking. Even though we should show compassion and help those in need, we should not be blinded to the fact that they are criminals, none-the-less. So what is our responsibility as Christians to those who are breaking the law? We are not to ignore or oppose justice against law-breakers. We are to be Christ to them; giving them food, clothing, and shelter. We need to take the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. BUT, we are also obligated to report them to the authorities. That is a tough thing to hear, especially to those who know or have befriended an “illegal” personally. But if we believe the Word of God that states we are to respect and obey the law over us, it is our duty. Encouraging illegal immigrants to return home to try to make their own country a better place is morally the right thing. (There is always the exception…)This is perhaps going to be an extremely difficult road for them, but it is what is right. To not report them or encourage them to turn themselves in is a crime on your part, as you are willfully partaking in a criminal act. This does not mean that we are to treat illegals badly or to treat them as not human. We are to respect them as humans made in the image of God. We extend love and charity to our neighbor without condoning the law-breaking.

How is the Church at-large to deal with the illegal immigration issue? Just as individuals the Church is obligated to help alleviate the suffering of others. The Church is to be charitable, meeting the needs of the poor and the less fortunate. However, the Church has failed in fulfilling its duty. The Church has failed to be Christ. It has not taken on the responsibility of feeding the poor and taking care of the needy. Hence, this is part of the reason why government has assumed so much responsibility in taking care of the poor because the church has not. What is biblical instruction to individual Christians and the role of the Church has been taken on as a function of government. The government has taken on a role that was not intended by God.

What is the government’s role? The government’s job is to preserve order and to do justice. The government has a responsibility to provide the needed resources to provide for the common defense and security of its people. This means it must enforce the law and control the border for the sake of the security of the American people. Therefore, the government should be enforcing rules stating how foreigners may enter our country. In the United States, we have a legal process for immigration. When the process is ignored and foreigners enter our country illegally, the government has a biblical responsibility to punish those people. The government needs to be enforcing the laws already put in place. The security of the American citizen is at risk when laws are not being enforced and our border is not secure. America need a secure border (knowing who is coming in and who is going out) if our government is going to enforce its laws, punish lawbreakers, and reward those who have entered our country legally. It is not the government’s duty to reward those who break the law. Government is suppose to punish law-breakers. It is not the government’s duty to provide food, clothing, and shelter to those who come to this country illegally. The Bible does not give the role of charity to the government. That is what is required of the individual Christian and the Church.

So, what do we do with the illegals who are already here? We do not reward them for breaking the law. They are not above the law. Deporting them back to their own country and having them go through the United States immigration process should be our focus. Yes, our current immigration process is not perfect and takes much time, but until these current laws are changed to improve the process, they need to be enforced not dismissed. America is a land of immigrants and law-abiding immigrants are always welcome.

graham baily said...

grabgirl,

I think you have some insightful remarks. However, I do not agree that we are always obligated to turn people in who have been labled by our gonernment as "criminals." Of course, the classic example of the Nazi Germany in which the government had was rooting out the Jewish race. A Jew who did not submit to extermination was breaking the law and Christians who gave them safe haven were criminals as well. The situation of immigraition is not analagous but the rational that because the government lables them criminals then we are obligated to turn them in does not sit well with me. Anyway, thanks again for you thoughts.

Blessings,
Graham

Jason G. said...

Well GWP, I must confess that your line of reasoning seems to contain more complaints than it does solutions......

grabgirl said...

I can understand the compassion you have towards these people. I too, have compassion towards them. Immigrants, whether legal or illegal, come to America to improve their standard of living. I cannot imagine what it must be like for them to live in a country where they are not able to support their families. I understand their desire to move to the United States, where there is opportunity to feed, clothe, and shelter their loved ones. I suppose if I were in a similar situation, that I too, would want to do whatever it takes to take care of my family. Yet, that does not mean that it is Biblically right. And if I choose to pursue an illegal avenue then I also deserve and should expect to receive the punishment that comes from breaking the law. Just because there is the desire to better one’s life does not mean “illegal” actions can be taken and not be punished. If this is the case, we are saying that America has two types of citizens: those who are law-abiding citizens who come to America through the legal process and means dictated by the United States government and those who are law-breakers who receive the same rewards as those who have upheld the law and yet go unpunished. I, too, would love to be able to “better” the lives of my loved ones. Does this mean that I can work “under the table” so that I do not have to pay taxes so that I would have more money in which to support those I love? Health insurance is an expensive I would rather not have. Why should I be paying such high premiums when I could just cancel my policy and rely on the government to take care of all my healthcare issues? If this is how one group of citizens live then why should I be following the laws? How are the laws benefiting me?

I am just afraid to see what America will turn into by allowing and rewarding law-breaking. We already see what has happened because America has not upheld its own laws and holding people accountable. I am not sure what a solution to the problem will entail. I do think that we should TEMPORARY close the border NOW. Let’s take the focus off those that are already in the U.S. and look at how to stop more from coming in. Let’s focus on the security issue of who is coming to and going from the country. Let’s get a handle on crossings at the border. I really do not have a problem with allowing those already here to stay. I am not sure what that would look like….as they should not be given instant citizenship. My issue with illegal immigration really stems from those illegals who have been protesting. I find it quite arrogant that those who come to our country illegally then have the audacity to stand-up and protest for “rights as citizens”. Who are they that they think they can just walk into our country and demand what they want? The whole “entitlement” mentality really bothers me. They do not even pledge allegiance to our country, but wave around flags of their own. (And obviously, this is not every illegal immigrant….) Legal immigrants wait years to receive “rights as citizens”. This is my issue….I could not imagine illegally sneaking into and living in a country (this in itself would be humbling). I would think that I would be trying to keep a low profile as I am the one in the wrong. I could not imagine myself then protesting and demanding that I should be given this or that…especially when I only deserve punishment and deportation back to my homeland because of my law-breaking. Love to hear more of your thoughts…….