Posted by kath21445 on October 24, 2007 at 4:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And then there is the case of my daughter who is now permanantly disabled due to a drunk illegal from Mexico who drove across the median on I26 and crashed into her car. He had no insurance so he didn't provide any financial assistance and he fled the hospital and disappeared, thus, didn't pay the price for his crime.
Kathleen Appleby

Posted by mac0cm4 on October 24, 2007 at 6:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ship 'em back, I say!

Posted by poorboy on October 24, 2007 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"kath21445" I have had 2 accidents in my family with illegals. Both people were hit and they got out and ran. One was caught and he paid his fine and that was it, he then disappeared.
I'm glad our state gov. is finally stepping up. We need more meetings like this with our legislators to FORCE them to do something. This proposal is a step in the right direction.

Posted by mggoose2000 on October 24, 2007 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kath21445,
I'm sorry for you daughters disability. I know of a similar case; My friend was hit head on at the intersection of Dorchester Rd and Trolley Rd by an illegal alien. She (alien) had no vehicle registration, no drivers license, no insurance, no green card and couldn't speak a word of english. My friend suffered a severe concussion, loss of his truck because he only carried liability insurance on the truck(no uninsured motorist). His health insurance covered 80% of his doctor bills and he lost time from work, resulting in lost wages. She was fined $400 and never showed in court. Guess what the police did about the no-show; nothing because they couldn't find her. They actually did not know who she was. They believe she gave them a fraudulent name and address (go figure).

My fathers side of the family emigrated from Germany in the early 1800's, my mothers' mother side of the family emigrated about the same time and were indentured slaves (worked off their passage for 10 years). Her father was a Cherokee indian of the Aynor, SC tribe. My fathers' people assimilated themselves and did not speak German, even in their home. My mothers family was persecuted becuse of the color of their skin (Native American). Neither family was rich; quite the contrary, they were quite poor. The worked hard and never had much more than what it took to live day to day. Health care and retirement were never a part of their lives.

We are never going to see an upward trend in our economy and lifestyes if we don't stop spending all the money we spend every day taking care of those that want to exploit the system. We already have a social welfare system that is straining the purse strings of the US, now we want to add to that by taking care of people that are criminals. I don't care what they want, they are criminals. They are here illegally, they are using services that the taxpaying US citizens are providing.

To those that believe we should embrace them, pull your heads out of where ever you have them stuck and look at the thing realistically. This is a dourge on our society and a drain on our national economy. We have to get it right or we are going to see some terrible times and they aren't too far away.

Posted by James52 on October 24, 2007 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was in attendance last night at the hearing and found it quite educational. Keep up the Good work. Does anyone know how I may contact the union president from Georgetown? I found his comments quite factual and educational. I would like to discuss some ideas that I have relating to jobs that illegals are performing. I find it strange that none of his comments made it in the paer. Why isn't the S531 resolution mentioned in the paper this morning. In my opinion, this is newsworthy. The Senates passes unamiously a resolution in March of 2007 requiring that our State agencies stop providing free services and the Governor refuses to sign it. Why? I didn't realize that we had 138,000 people in South Carolina unemployed in September of 2007. We could reduce this number by getting rid of the illegal aliens. This issue should be on the front burner and shouldn't go away until its resolved.

Posted by JPSartre on October 24, 2007 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds amazingly similar to my sister-in-law who was t-boned by some drunk (not Mexican, born right here in the good ol' USA!). He had no insurance, my brother was responsible for everything, including a new vehicle and my sil hasn't worked since. What's your point? Only illegals cause accidents and have no insurance?

Reality check. What jobs are being taken? Minimum wage, if that. Many WHITE business owners take advantage of these people because they ARE illegal. They get hired on as construction workers, put 6 (or more) to a room in a motel. They get paid under the table. They'll put in 12 hrs (or more) a day, in 110 heat index while everyone whines about it, no problemo! They eat bologna sandwiches and they are GRATEFUL. Most are afraid to go to the hospital for fear of being outed. Now once you find enough strapping young men (and/or women) to take these incredible jobs that offer so much advancement (dishwasher, construction worker, short order cook, etc.) watch the price of homes, home repairs and groceries go up. Then you can whine about THAT.

Please feel free to offer these jobs to crackhead Bob or Mr. DealsOnWheels who enthusiastically do untaxed business down our dark road at night enjoying the moonlit skies while there aren't enough law officers to do anything about it. I'm sure they'd be willing to put in the time and effort of 12 hr days, certainly the pay would be so much better wouldn't it? I've seen their houses. They should be condemned. I bet there are some Mexicans who'd consider it a castle, and take far better care of it.

Maybe that young man working at McD's would like a 12 hr day job with no chance of benefits. It might help him pay for that $45k car he drives around, and all those gold chains and name brand clothes. Isn't it wonderful how he can afford that on minimum wage?

I am not saying that illegals from ANY country should be given carte blanche, but there's got to be a better way than anger and hatred just because of someone's country of origin.

WHY hasn't anyone else noticed that the "War On Terror" shifted to the "War on Illegal Mexicans"? Maybe people should be reminded that the MIDDLE EASTERN terrorists who took out the WTC came in from CANADA. Stop being led around by the media and others. Think for yourselves. You CAN still do that, can't you?

Posted by MHA on October 24, 2007 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Quoted: "I don't think this bill has the right to change the kind of person I am or the community I want to live in," Brown said.

I guess Ms. Brown is saying that she wants to "live in" a community of criminals, as that's exactly what illegal aliens are, and "what she is" is someone that wants to educate criminals. Sounds to me like she'd be better suited to live in one of our fine prison establishments.

The mentality of the criminal huggers just amazes me sometimes.

Posted by JPSartre on October 24, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MHA said: "The mentality of the criminal huggers just amazes me sometimes."

Wow. Just as ignorance and self-righteousness amazes me. It starts to become obvious in short time that some people's minds have not been open in so long they have rusted.

Posted by TarNFeatherEm on October 24, 2007 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Illegal Immigrants should say it all...ILLEGAL!! Come in legally, speak our language, pay taxes and contribute like the rest of us. What about the effect they are having on our public schools?

Posted by MHA on October 24, 2007 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's not rust on my mind JPSartre... it's gold.. pure gold :)

Did you have a point to make about the article or did you just want to post sarcasm? Your opinion, although most likely wrong, is always welcome :)

Posted by carolinabeachgirl on October 24, 2007 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Illegal alien - that means an individual came here illegally which is a CRIME. Then, we the residents of the US are expected to pay for your healthcare, pay for the accidents you cause, and allow you to have rights. Even DSS is involved with the illegal aliens because, hey, they beat their kids too.

Posted by bhippey on October 24, 2007 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ALL illegal immigrants need to be deported. Regardless of ethnicity. If they truly want to stay in this country, they need to obtain a green card or work visa.

Posted by tripsa on October 24, 2007 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I don't think this bill has the right to change the kind of person I am or the community I want to live in," Brown said.

She should do her good deeds on her time and her money. Not the taxpayers.

They don't come here for a bigger house," said retired educator Jane Dyke. "They come here for the same reasons our families came from Europe."

No they come here for the free health care, education and ability to break laws at will with no fear of punishment.

JPSartre;
Wow. Just as ignorance and self-righteousness amazes me. It starts to become obvious in short time that some people's minds have not been open in so long they have rusted.

Thats it? JP, instead of the usual reliance on personal insults from the typical leftist, think for your self. Ignorance exist on the left and with those that want to ignore this problem.

Get the illegals out of this country and fine the businesses that hire them.

Posted by JPSartre on October 24, 2007 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

People like you scare me. You're the same ones that will smile at me in the store and at my job. I'm your neighbor. My kids go to school with yours. They influence them to think with their own minds instead of the brainwashing they get at homes, assuming they have homes where parents even bother with them. The hypocrisy amuses, yet disappoints me. I'm sure the god you believe in will find your charity to your neighbor sensible (maybe you should reread that mythology book). After all, they're just wetbacks, it's not like they're people or anything. All you've done is changed a 140 years or so and lightened the skin color a bit. Betcha if they worked for you and all you had to do was feed them, you wouldn't feel so bad about having them here. After all, them strappin' black folk was illegal aliens that could be bought for a price too!

Posted by crankyyankee on October 24, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What most seem to overlook is the fact that these folks are running from a corrupt government. They do not have the inititive or the backbone to change their government because their government will not surrender power without a fight. They come here knowing we won't fight back and many with no investment in this Country will joint there cause to change us into Mexicale Norte'. Why don't the illeagle's supporters protest the harsh treatment Mexico gives their illeagles? I'll tell you why because Mexico wouldn't listen to a mob of idiots in the first place but we will so the bleeding hearts accuse us of being intolerant while ignoring Mexicos policy! These illeagles aren't the cream of the Mexican society they are the failures to assimilate into the Mexican society and they will be the failures to assimilate into this society. Another thing most need to stop thinking is that these folks want to be Americans. Where do the bleeding hearts ever get that idea? They could care less about our Country, citizenship, or our culture what they want is our money. As for doing jobs others won't, if the illeagles had to pay state and federal taxes, social security, medicare and health care costs out of their paychecks, they wouldn't be willing to work for the pay the builders offer. If the builders had to pay workmans comp, offer retirement and health care programs for these interlopers they wouldn't be so quick to hire them. Why should a doctor from Asia be denied entry into this Country while a criminal from Mexico is put on the fast track and provided benefits while he waits? If you want illeagles here I don't have a problem with it but you provide the education, medical and social services they require don't ask me to do it and call me names when I don't. I would really like all of you who are fed up with our Governemnts handling of the illeagle issue to go to the polls next November and vote Lindsey Graham out of office! Thanks for reading my rant. I feel much better now.

Posted by captivated on October 24, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it that an American citizen has to sue his state government to stop them from giving drivers licences to illegals? Why do I have to stand in long lines at the package store so the cashiers can cash all those checks for illegals? We know why they can't cash them at a bank and, unless they are being paid once a month, some of their checks are way above minimum wage. They live 6 to an apartment so that they can send most of that money home to Mexico or wherever. Some say it is to support their families back home, but I think a lot of it goes to help support the relatives as they make their way north. When they move in next door to you and start playing loud latin music all night and littering the yard with old cars and furniture while refusing to cut their grass, then maybe we will come up with a solution to this INVASION! There are already laws in place for this so all we have to do is elect some politicians with enough balls to inforce them.

Posted by majorjohnson on October 24, 2007 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it a tad interesting that JPSartre uses the name of a staunch communist and his writing reflects that. Apparently he not only uses the name, but shares the ideology.

Posted by ndv on October 24, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, all of these arguments are so sophisticated and carefully thought out. Good analysis. It's no wonder SC ranks at the top of the list, or bottom, depending on what's being compared and how it's ordered.

Posted by SLK29406 on October 24, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know that many of the illegals are paid $10-12.00 an hour. Their employers save money because they do not have to match FICA taxes, pay workman's comp insurance and other benefits.
I left South Florida becuase you can't work with out being bilingual. No one will hire you if you speak English, the signs are in Spanish, Creole and sometimes English. How would you like to lose your job because you speak the language of the country you are living in?
Why do I have to pay higher insurance because illegals cary no drivers licenses, registration or insurance?
Rents go up because landlords will happily rent to 10 people in a 2 bedroom apartments if they pay the normal rent plus $100 for each for all the extra people?
I can't sleep nights because the the partying and the loud music.
My neighbors had 7 boxes of Modelo out by the trash. That is a lot of money, these were not 6 packs, these were large boxes.
But we give them food stamps, pay for their many babies, pay their medical bills, educated their children let them eat up our tax dollars, take up rental spaces, have to learn their language. Let them keep having knife fights and injuring and kill other drivers because, hey, we aren't going to do a damn thing about it, except tax the legal Americans .

Posted by crankyyankee on October 24, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JP wants everyone to have everything as long as he doesn't have to provide it! The war hasn't shifted to illeagles, many of us have been trying to get our representatives to enforce the law for years. It is now become an issue because our ecconomy can no longer support these individuals and they are looking elsewhere for income (crime). Another interesting event is some developers in Texas are being sued in a class action suit for overtime/backwages by a group of illeagles. If the illeagles win that suit watch how fast the construction community severs it's ties to the illeagles. That giant sucking sound will be all the illeagles heading south. Personally I'd like to see the illeagles stick it to the builders!

Posted by charleston on October 24, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sure, you cannot fault an illegal alien for coming to the States to make a living. We all would do the same if the shoe were on the other foot. You, me, them, they, -we must all provide for our families. Illegal aliens are being exploited by our own non-insurance, non social security paying US employers. These are the real scoundrels in all of this. Make no mistake. Until the political base is voted in that heeds the average American's interest then don't expect a change least of all in S.C. for we have no one to blame but ourselves -moral majority values and all.

Posted by MHA on October 24, 2007 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I enjoy a good debate, when the people I'm debating with can actually make sense of what they are trying to say. Your rambling baffles me, JPSatre.

Have you ever been in a car accident, hit by an illegal alien, only to find out they have no license and no insurance and that you have to file a claim through your insurance company, affecting your rates, while the illegal alien walks away scott free? My mother has.

Have you ever owned your own brick laying company and done quite well until the last ten years or so when contractors that hire illegal aliens were constantly able to under bid you because they don't pay insurance, social security or decent wages? My Father in Law has.

How much of your tax payer money goes to print government paperwork in multiple languages... while the trailer your kid goes to school in falls apart around them.

Lightened my skin over 140 years? I'm part Cherokee Indian, most people think I am hispanic. My ancestors that did come over from Europe did so LEGALLY. They paid taxes, followed the laws of the land and contributed to society... they did not burden it.

I'm agnostic, so god and mythical books don't shape my opinion.

I don't smile at you in the store. I have a 6th sense for spotting bleeding heart liberals. I doubt many people smile at you anywhere. If they do, it's probably one of those small smiles one uses to try and convince the crazy person that everything is going to be alright.

Actaully, I shouldn't stoop to your level, posting only to belittle someone. Please disregard this entire post :)

Posted by SLK29406 on October 24, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If they are not legal and don't pay taxes, they should not receive benefits, period. How many of these women stay and have babies just so that they are NOT deported???
Simply they think America will not break up their family.

The USA granted amnesty to Cubans, but NOT Haitians, they sent the Haitians right back to their country. I think we have more Mexicans in the US that Mexico has in Mexico.

Posted by bhippey on October 24, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SLK: You read my mind in both of your posts. It pisses me off that these people come to our country and WE have to conform to THEM. THEY should be the ones learning OUR language, and abiding by OUR laws....My god. My 19 month old and I can't watch noggin ot nickjr without seeing Handy Manny, Dora the damn Explorer or Go Diego Go. I refuse to let him watch these shows. I will not encourage my child to learn Spanish when he's trying to learn his own language.

Posted by tripsa on October 24, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MHA said;"I don't smile at you in the store. I have a 6th sense for spotting bleeding heart liberals. "

LOL, they are the ones with the smug "i know better than you" look on their face. Elitist and dangerous.

Posted by enlightenme on October 24, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you are worried about becomming a Spanish speaking country, don't learn or speak Spanish. If you're worried about immigrants taking jobs, don't hire them. If you're worried about the rising costs of healthcare (wait that was going to happen anyway, something about malpractice insurance and inflation). If you're worried about them speaking English, your local underfunded and underappreciated school system is handling it. If legality is the issue, give them the citizenship test, if they fail it send them home, if they pass it "Welcome to America."

Posted by proudmomma on October 24, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crankyyankee- the term is "illegal", not "illeagles". They are not sick birds, or are they...?

SLK- I can't sleep nights b/c my neighbors play loud music too, but they are in the Navy.

I am in agreement with many of you. Personally, I hate paying taxes, but I do it, because I love what the taxes provide for my family. I get upset when I notice that a car hasn't paid their car registration taxes on time. That being said, I don't have a tremendous problem with the immigrants coming to America- AS LONG AS THEY PAY THEIR TAXES!!!!

Posted by JPSartre on October 24, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TarNFeatherEm - I agree with everything you say. Figure out a way to let people who want to be here for good cause legally be here. Teach the language (which does require funds that some others are whining about btw), ensure that taxes are being paid and contribute to society in a positive way. That is how it should be. Getting it there is the hard part. There are circumstances that have and will arise that complicate black and white situations. For instance, a family was deported to Peru with their 17 yr old daughter. They had been in the U.S. since she was 2 yrs old. She was educated in the U.S., spoke perfect English, and was completely adapted to the American way of life. She had a job and was assisting her parents with income. Both parents had jobs, no criminal record. Yet they were illegal. Is it right to say "you have to go" to these people? While convicted illegal felons out on bail are hiding out and shooting kids execution style in New Jersey? There is an absolute unfairness to all of this. There is a HUGE gray area that needs to be well defined, with exceptions for those who have contributed to society, who MUST pay restitution for their illegal acts, but are given the opportunity to make good on their desires to better their lives. Those who WANT to work, who have been working. As a state, we are arguably stepping over the line in attempting to put into law, even mediocre statutes before the Federal gov't has come to any decisions that mean so much to us as a nation.

Carolinabeachgirl -You are correct, it is indeed a crime and there should be punishment. There has been mention on the federal level of financial restitution. Again, sort those who want to be here, who are working and contributing to society from the true criminals who are here for all the wrong reasons. Insurance companies have an uninsured and underinsured coverage amount. Everyone who is bringing up accidents that illegals have been a part of need to check their insurance policies. It does not apply to only illegals. To say so indicates ignorance. Anybody who would happen to hit you the result would be the same. If people want to have a reasonable intelligent conversation, I have no problem with that, but the lack of logic is astounding. There appears to be an assumption that every Mexican you see is illegal, has no insurance, or driver's license. Give them a vehicle and every one will get into an accident with it being their fault. They will then flee the scene, leaving the poor helpless individuals who they have injured physically or assessed property damage to deal with everything on their own.

bhippey - The gray area exists, but thank you for recognizing that there are illegals of all races here as I attempted to point out in my original msg.

Posted by JPSartre on October 24, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa - I'm not so easily labelled. I am three dimensional with the ability to see most sides of all issues. I don't choose sides, we're not picking a volleyball team. I'm sure you're a good faithful rightwing christian and somehow that is supposed to have meaning just by saying it. I assume you never learned that if you feel the need to call other people names it only shows your own insecurity. Please go right ahead and think I'm an elitist, I doubt we'd have much in common.

majorjohnson - puhlease

ndv - bravo/a

charleston - you've made the most sense out of everyone writing

MHA - you wound me so. You're also lacking in correct information. Unless you're under 25 your insurance rates are not going to change if it was someone else's fault. Unless you didn't have uninsured motorist? I had GEICO and mine didn't change when I got hit. Nor did my brother's. I'm from Arizona. My family originally from Oklahoma, well not really, they were forced out of their homes. I'll put my Spirit Guides up against your 6th sense anyday and I have 15 power pts against your shield of doom!

I'm sorry to hear of failed businesses, if your fil was aware of the other contractors hiring practices did he go to the proper authorities and file complaints? OSHA? If not, why not? If he knows for a fact that his competition is hiring illegals, it's not exactly difficult to call INS. It's in the phone book.

enlightenme - insurance and medical _argh!_ (gee, let's be like Canada and have free medical, then we can wait in line for months for surgery! Do they tell you that part? no! Typically politicians only tell you what you want to hear, or is it that people only hear what they want to...hmm... ;)

proudmomma - agreed completely!

Oh, btw, for those of you who continue to remain clueless, there is a difference between sarcasm, wit, and realistic conversational debate. If you are unable to recognize the difference in my writing, please don't bother referring to it or me.

Posted by jammanofdi on October 24, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, JPSATRE is definitely wrong! I work in the construction field and see the money that these guys are bringing in. It is not uncommon for these workers to make $12-15 an hour - untaxed, which is not bad at all considering that they are uneducated, and speak not a word of English. At $15 bucks an hour untaxed, if you work a 60 hour work week, you would bring home $1050 weekly (including overtime, which most of these guys DO receive - while they seem dumb, they are suprisingly smart enough to know what they are eligible for money-wise). These are well-paying construction jobs that many legal Americans would love to have. And they do live in 1 bedroom apartments, 6 to a room - but it is because they save every sent that they make. What isn't spent at Wal-Mart on Mexican Sunday is sent back to Mexico via Western Union. What they do do is refuse to assimilate, congregate in the seediest, most crime ridden parts of our town, ignore our laws and policies - and nothing happens. The US economy is is a free fall and like it or not, illegal immigration is playing a huge role in this. We are way beyond the point that we need to seal our borders and start taking care of ourselves. It's a sad day when I am sitting in a drive-thru and have a cop in the parking lot eyeing me because I don't have my seatbelt on, but there are 25-30 illegal's congregating in the same fast food parking lot without a care in the world. They're not concerned, and do you know why? Because, when has anything ever happened to any of them and they were held criminally liable for anything - at all? Never. The cost is too high to ship them back. This has got to stop! Our government needs to detain every one that we find in the streets, confiscate and sell anything that they own property-wise (because it all has been purchased and used illegally), and use the money to fuel up our C-17's and drop them back off in the most southern, remote spot in Mexico.

Posted by crankyyankee on October 24, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How do they treat illeagls in Mexico? Why can't we?

Posted by SCHoser on October 24, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these illegal aliens and their supporters. Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house). According to the protesters: You are Required to let me stay in your house You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan You are Required to Educate my kids You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family (my husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part). If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hard-working, honest person, except for, well, you know, I did break into your house And what a deal it is for me!!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction if any of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior. Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you to learn MY LANGUAGE!!! so you can communicate with me. Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!

Posted by halfsheli on October 24, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone who wants to come into my house and wash the dishes and do the laundry and sweep the floors can come on in anytime!!! The key is under the mat!

Posted by GG on October 24, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just some question I want to ponder...

When all our American companies shipped their manufacturing to Mexico, who were they intending to work in those jobs? I thought the purpose was to give Mexicans the jobs. So why are they still coming here?

When will the USA start holding the greedy leaders of Mexico accountable for the welfare of their own folks?

When will the Mexican citizens start holding the greedy Mexican leaders accountable for the welfare of all Mexican citizens.

Why can't they just sign the guest book to come to America? In other words, do it legally like the rest of our relatives of the past did.

Posted by scguy on October 24, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Give me your tired, your poor/
Your huddled masses yearning to breath free,"

I guess we could have the last immigrant whitewash that off the statue right before we put him on the boat home.

Posted by jammanofdi on October 24, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

scguy - We Americans are now the "tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breath free". Do we not have those same rights and expectations?

Posted by sheeple on October 24, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"you cannot fault an illegal alien for coming to the States to make a living."

Yes, I can. Millions of people go through proper procedure and wait for a visa to come here and make a better living; it's not fair to give the criminals trashing this country special treatment while educated law-abiding people who would make the country a better place get the shaft.

Posted by halfsheli on October 24, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We may be "tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breath free", but I do not blame illegal immigrants for that. I blame the government. I suppose I have to also blame us for allowing the government to be such a monster.

Posted by SCHoser on October 24, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Deal Halfsheli-you just leave that key under the mat. I hope you like what I do with the place, but then again, what will I care? It won't cost me a thing, yet I will reap the rewards. Thanks for all your hard work, it will really pay off for me!

Posted by captivated on October 24, 2007 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One day last week, I gave a little son of an illegal a hand full of pecans that I picked up from under my tree. The next day when I came home from work, I found three grown illegals filling a large bag with pecans from my trees. Since they "don't speak english", I had a hell of a time trying to explain "trespassing" to them. I believe that if this invasion continues, we may see verbal interaction turn toward the physical kind, if you get my drift. I guess they think, free education, free health care, free pecans; boy, we really love this "democracy" thing!

Posted by WAres on October 24, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The issue regarding car insurance and accidents is only relavent in that citizens of this great country who fail to have coverage run the risk of incarceration and civil action. Illegals don't have that concern. They may be arrested, but they post a few hundred dollars bond and disappear. It's much cheaper to take the risk!

The overall problem is not easily resolved, however, something must be done to stop the drain on government resources. If we make it so costly to employ the illegals through fines and prosecute/deport those illegals criminally charged, perhaps we are stepping in the right direction. We must attack the problem on a finacial level where they are most concerned. Local authorities must check everyone's citizenship if arrested and notify federal authorities to have illegals deported. Perhaps if we take away all the freebies, illegals will be incentivized to go through proper chanels to become citizens. Show up at the financial aid office without proper paperwork, we deport you. Show up to the ICE for proper documentation and we start the process of legal status.

Until it is does not pay to be here illegally, it will not change.

Posted by islandlife on October 24, 2007 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have nothing against illegal aliens. My husband is hispanic and we have been married for twenty years now with seven beautiful kids.He is legal, has been since we first married.I have been to Mexico and was shocked to see how they have to live and how much money they make in one hard weeks work.While we were visiting, my husband worked with his uncle from sun up to sun down digging ditches. He made a whole $40.00 for that week working more than 50 hours.He just done it to help out, not for the money.No wonder they love the USA! They can make that in one day here! Don't get me wrong,none of my kids have health insurance either. They say that we make to much,but we cant afford private insurance either.I don't think it is right for the illegal ones to get free health care and have everything handed to them.I think that there should be limits to what they have access to without being legal.I have alot of illegal aliens as friends and they work very hard for their money.That is all that they want,to make a better living for the ones they left back home.I was shocked to some of the living conditions there.I was never so glad to be back home after a month long visit.I never took anything for granted anymore.I didn't realize how good we had it back at home in the good old USA.The little things we complain about!There are alot of jobs that americans won't do and the hispanics will.I have been out in the fields picking tomatoes just to bring back home to eat.I thought that I was going to pass out from the heat with me having only been picking for about thirty minutes.This kind of job you don't see americans doing! Who else is going to do it?I think that some of these companies should be fined for what little pay they give these immigrants to work.They take advantage of them.They know that they will work for almost close to nothing compared to what they make back at home.I had a friend of mine tell me that his wife in Mexico wanted a bottle of cologne from Avon.But in Mexico he could never afford it!It would take half of his pay to buy it for her.When he came here,He bought her several bottles on a days work.I just think there should be limits on to what they have access to while they are here.

Posted by islandlife on October 24, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone ever questioned Habitat for Humanity?In the past I have applied several times for a Habitat home!I was turned down everytime with different reasons on each application that I done over six years.My husband has been on his job for twenty years and we had a big family and at the time couldn't afford a regular home on our income.Now we have a nice home that we bought on our own,Thank God.But do you know that most hispanic habitat home owners are illegal?I have many friends that have one and have no papers.I wonder to myself how does this happen when I tried so hard for so long.Im not bad mouthing immigrants,they are hard working people.They do alot of jobs that most americans wouldn't touch.I just think that there should be limits to what they have access to.Everyone is entitled to there own opinions.Did you know that most illegal aliens have tax payer numbers that they use at work.The goverment still gets there money while they are illegal.Why do they give tax payer numbers to illegal immigrants if they are trying to get rid of them?

Posted by PJM on October 24, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you're serious about enforcing immigration law, just send the ICE folks to all the construction sites around Charleston, on Daniel Island, in Summerville, in Mount Pleasant.....and listen to the cries of the developers as all their "private contractors" are escorted to the county jail! Of course, they're not on their payroll, we wouldn't want to encourage anything "illegal" .....The problem with immigration is the ILLEGALITY of some while othere pay their dues, go through the bureaucracy, take the tests and wait patiently for the system to complete the processing, such as my wife and I....We're now proud US Citizens, we pay our taxes, and we're grateful for this great country that welcomes all who would come here LEGALLY!!!

Posted by blondjes on October 24, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think I've met anybody who doesn't know somebody who's gotten into an accident with an illegal, my husbands cousin got rear ended by one, the mexican wasn't wearing his seatbelt and him and his friend slammed into their windshield, my husbands cousin was ok, but the mexicans actually did go to jail, this was in NC though, i know another woman i work with who got hit by an illegal here in Charleston, nothing happened to him!?! and of course she was left with the cost, i don't see how anybody agrees that we should be paying for their expenses, healthcare, education and CAR ACCIDENTS!!!

Posted by NewsToday on October 24, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ship’em back I say!!!!
They have become a nuisance to society and deplete the limited resources for the deserving citizens. The school system is overtaxed with schooling children that lack skills and language abilities. Medical care is limited to deserving citizens because federal regulations stipulate that everyone must be attended regardless of status. D.O.T. was kind to provide these individuals with Spanish language manuals and tests…my congratulations to the D.O.T. department.

Posted by lisagary on October 24, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have no problem whatsoever with anyone from any country coming here LEGALLY. You're more than welcome; diversity is a wonderful thing in my opinion. But every single solitary person who enters this country illegally is a criminal. I don't care how persecuted you are, or how horrific your life is in your country of origin; that's not my problem. You come here illegally, you have broken the law and you deserve punishment and deportation, and that includes taking with you all the children you have had while you're here. I'm not saying those innocent children are guilty of anything, but they don't deserve citizenship when their parents broke the law to get here. The best way to start to turn the tide is to crack down hard on the businesses that hire illegals: refusing to patronize those businesses and reporting them when you know they're employing illegals. When businesses are facing heavy fines and constant scrutiny, they'll stop hiring illegals. When there are no jobs for illegals, they'll go away. Thanks to the trainwreck that is our federal government, immigration laws, like most of everything else, are in total disarray. You don't like immigration policy? Then work to change the laws, but in the meantime, anyone who comes here illegally is a CRIMINAL and needs to be punished swiftly and definitively, as do all business owners who hire them.

Posted by charlene68 on October 24, 2007 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

whoever made the comment that an employer does not have to pay workers comp because of them being mexican.... well you are dead wrong... They are also entitled to workers comp if they get hurt on the job whther they are chinese, japanese. or whatever other race they maybe. if a company has 4 or more employess, he is required by the state of sc to have workers comp insurance, it does not matter what race the employees are..... so please people get your facts straight, cause giving information that you know nothing about makes you look mre ignorant than the person or people you are talking about......GEES!!!!!!!!!! IF THE PERSON WHO SAID THIS WAS ANYBRIGHTER HIS NAME WOULD HAVE BEEN LIGHTBULB..... GEES!!!!WHAT AN IDIOT

Posted by justme2 on October 24, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Illegal is just what it says. If you trespass illegally, you get a fine or go to jail, If you don't have lnsurance or proper papers on your car, etc, and you get caught driving, you can go to jail and priviledges suspended, because it is illegal. Since when is it ok to be illegal. We try to make what we do LEGAL to follow the law.

Work - if people and businesses were not trying to be so cheap, and want free labor or next to free labor there would be enough work for everyone. My friend lost his construction business he had for years, due to being under bidded by a company that hired all illegals. Everyone deserves a right to a better life THE LEGAL WAY.

Illegal means, in other words, breaking the law, with no regards to others. JMO

Posted by MHA on October 24, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When my mom was rear ended, nothing happened to the criminal illegal alien. My mom filed a claim with her national company, one she'd been with for decades, under the uninsured motorist coverage she had.

She was not allowed to renew her coverage when the time came up and that was the only claim she had ever filed with the company.

But.. I've been told I'm lacking in correct information, so maybe my mom lied to me???

Posted by afternoondelight on October 24, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OLA!!! quetal Amigos y Amigas. Como Esta?

Posted by PJM on October 24, 2007 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Afternoondelight...si tu eres legale, ahora somos amigos. Si no, adios!

Posted by whome on October 24, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

in the same comment that criticizes language skills, we have the expression "D.O.T. Department".

but on a more serious note, all of these local initiatives that target illegal immigration are somewhat pointless, because eventually, they'll get shot down by federal judges. And please don't start blaming "activist liberal" judges: the irony is that the last twenty five years, the federal judiciary has been populated by judges who sip the federalism kool-aid and think that every issue should be within the ambit of the federal government.

That being said, illegal immigration really is a federal issue, especially since it's committed to the federal government by the Constitution. Furthermore, you don't want states imposing restrictions on whose allowed to enter their borders; and you sure as hell don't want local authorities enforcing federal laws. But what states can do is impose NEUTRAL restrictions that incidentally affect illegal immigration. For example, try enforcing zoning restrictions, or household composition. How about requiring licensing for most construction jobs? SC requires licensing for massage therapists, but not the workers that are framing your house? Go figure. But of course, those would affect businesses. I guess it's just easier to blame illegal immigrants.

Posted by justme2 on October 24, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Most of them speak english. How do they read signs, etc. I have found that that is a ploy used to send you away,by pretending not to know or understand english.. The children go to classes in school that teaches them english.

Posted by eyfigueroa on October 24, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mggoose2000: i don't always agree with you however i found your first post very insightful and on point. Without the normal bigoted rants some of the other posters would post.

Posted by sjmehlhose on October 24, 2007 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our lawmakers in Columbia need to pass a law that would in effect punish any employer who hires illegals with a fine so large that he would have to sell his business and personal home to pay it. If you hit these employers where it hurts, they will stop employing these criminals and they will leave of their own accord (or starve).

Posted by chrsd on October 24, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are a lot of people on both sides of the fense on this issue as well as most issues commented on in the P&C. The simple fact is that we have laws some are just and others are not so, but they are in place for a reason.

There are a lot of hard working people who would do just about any job that they can, but Illegal's are filling them up. If someone is in this country legally then so be it if not sent them home. The goverment tracks almost everything we do and charges us for everything they want to do, and ILLEGAL's dont worry about it we pay for them.

If you are member of a club and pay your dues to use those facilities. wouldnt you be upset if a group of people were entilted to the same facilities for free? I would!!!

Posted by cnast777 on October 24, 2007 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fair is fair and illegal is not fair to the Citizens who play by the rules. Period.
Now, most folks backing the other side of the coin are doing it for reactionary purposes or trying to impress their college professor. I voted for Nader twice but even I know that there is nothing good about rampant illegal immigration.
You all know that, all of you. Quit posing.

Posted by allenwayne1 on October 24, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Immigration has become a heated and emotional issue but the fact remains that the US MUST reform it's immigration laws.
We cannot afford the cost anymore.

$186 million extra each year for SC taxpayers! Multiply that by
48 states and the number is staggering! This state must act to
enforce immigration because the federal government is not doing it! i.e. a certain fence that was to be built a year
ago.

I keep hearing how Americans resent and discriminate against Hispanics. Discriminate? There are to many laws in this
country to discriminate against anyone. Resent? Oh yeah!
Take Mexico as an example: Mexico encourages it's citizens
to go to the US (and send money back), threatened to take the US to the United Nations for building a fence, annually
deports more illegal aliens than the US does and under Mexican law, it is a felony to be an illegal alien in Mexico! Yes, I resent being played for a sucker!

For national security and to solve our illegal immigration
problem, we must have ironclad laws that ensure that foreign
visitors and immigrants are:
# in the country legally;
# have the means to sustain themselves economically;
# not destined to be burdens on society;
# of economic and social benefit to society;
# of good character and have no criminal records; and
# contributors to the general well-being of the nation.

As a state, we must crack down on immigration. I believe we
need to make our state a place illegal aliens do NOT want
to invade. We need to do it as a state because Washington
is doing nothing to solve the problem.

Posted by crankyyankee on October 24, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

charlene68 I am the idiot you refered to and I thank you! Any time a locally educated person (such as yourself) calls me an idiot I am delighted. You are wrong of course but I doubt that curbs your zeal to defend illeagls. Builders do not pay workmans comp because they don't directly hire any of these folks. There is usually one individual that speaks english and he is sub contracted to do a job for a certain price. He directs his crew independently from the builder. This way the builder is absolved of any responsibility and you remain fat dumb and happy! Bless your heart.

Posted by NS_Highlander on October 24, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that not all illegals are bad people and they certainly do the hot, dirty work that American's won't do.
However, they are still illegal. If Americans are too lazy to do certain jobs it should be opened up to legitimate immigration. The problem is all the red tape.
This problem is a multi-dimensional one where there is not any one good solution to the problem. There has to be a way to crack down on companies that hire illegals, yet get companies the manpower if they cannot find it here in the USA. Job sites should be visited by immigration officials and spot checks should be conducted. America cannot just focus on the supply, but they have to also control the demand.

Posted by pirate42 on October 24, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In any event there still illegale bottom line they broke the law send them back ASAP. should look at Ladson Flea market immagration would have field day out there on weekends they would need several busses to tote them away.

Posted by amhsmom on October 24, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe what really needs to happen is to have an easy way to make illegal aliens legal. Let's say a landscaping company wants to hire a bunch of hard working illegal aliens. Well, maybe he fills out some paperwork, sends them to the local post office to get their picture taken, they get assigned a number (like a social security number) the paperwork is mailed in, and in return they get a card that can be similar to a passport or something. Whenever the alien gets a new job, the employer has to stamp the "pass", and the pass needs to be renewed every so many years. Money is then taken out of the alien's pay and put into a fund which can then provide for some of the items that is said that our tax dollars are spending. They will then be taxed, too. Isn't that what living in America truly is all about??? paying your taxes, so you can pay for the government? I think that's what everyone seems to be mad about. We don't want to pay for them, so they should be granted an easy way to work, but they must pay, too, to be in our country.

Posted by halfsheli on October 24, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"In any event there still illegale bottom line they broke the law send them back ASAP"

This quote comes from a person whose username is PIRATE42!

Posted by shellkaz on October 24, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pirate,

They could also go to the BP Gas Station on the corner of Ashley Phosphate and Stall Rd. I've even e-mailed BP Corporate offices about the "day labor Fair" that is being run at one of their stations. Of course the reply is that "It's a Franchise and we don't have any control over Franchise stores."

I'm sure that nearly everyone posting could list a different place where illegals go for day labor jobs.

Next post: exactly how the employers get away with hiring illegals!, Not paying workman's comp, taxes, etc., And how OUR government helps both of them get away with it.

Ahhh yes I've actually seen it happen.

Posted by trod on October 24, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In short they are here illegally period its against the law it is a slap in the face to any one who legally immigrated here.let them get in line and wait and apply and earn it like everyone else then i welcome them otherwise they are criminals no if ands or buts.and a strain on the economy we have to have Spanish speaking teachers now why i ask? i never ever saw a
Tagalog speaking teacher for all the Filipinos in school they learned English studied and did as well if not better than their counterparts.come hear legally and assimilate.

Posted by singleroni on October 24, 2007 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think we should remember Lindsey Graham and his push for legalization of all illegals. Maybe Summey also since he is also protecting them. Election year is coming- remember these traitors to SC

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on October 24, 2007 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW~!!! Look at all the anger!!!

I have a better answer, it’s simple and effective. It's not confrontational, or racist yet it's a ground breaking proposal that I've suggested to both our President and Congressional Representatives, but I have received ZERO support on.

The reason we are over run with illegal immigrants, is that in South Carolina they can make 100 times more than they can make in Latin America, and because we allow a Latin “cash” subculture to not only to exist, but to thrive.

Latin American’s are predominantly catholic, by God’s law they are instructed to give to the church and to support their family and support the family is what they do best.

The typical illegal immigrant earns $10.00 per hour, works 60 plus hours per week, is paid in cash and shares an apartment with four to six others. They car pool, live on the cheap and therefore have very little expenses and...

They send money home by the millions, every week.

The average illegal immigrant will send home in excess of $600.00 per month.

Some simple math....

$600.00 times 20 million (based on the illegal immigrant counter at:

http://www.theamericanresistance.com/ref...)

Equals $12 Billon a Month,

THAT’S 144 BILLION EVERY YEAR!

CASH THAT LEAVES OUR COUNTRY AND IS NEVER TAXED! EVER!

So I propose a tax on cash being sent to Latin American countries. The tax should be 50% of any amount sent by Western Union, Wal-Mart or whoever.

Income from this tax should be used to provide medical benefits to illegal immigrants, increase border protection, provide for our schools, beef up our national security and police department.

Illegal immigrants do not pay property tax or income tax and this is the only way we can pay for the run on our government services.

And a side benefit this is that it suddenly becomes a whole lot less attractive to come to the United States of American when you have to pay tax on your pay check like the rest of US!

All in favor raise your hand!

Chris McIntire

Posted by MinoritySouth on October 24, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW! Funny how history repeats itself. An industry (slavery) or industries circumventing laws and/or ethics to get free labor in the past or in this case discounted labor. Then once the utility gained from the labor pool is less than the cost of the mountain of issues caused by the void of ethics (Civil War, bloodiest in this Nation's history, 600,000 dead over allocation of tax dollars collected on slavery profits), the employers(Wal-Mart, Contractors and the like..) hide their hands and cast the workers aside. "You do not have to go home but you can't stay here, the nation is watching."

Should those who broke the system fix the system? Should those who lacked ethics pay a price? Well they didn't in the past, they probably won't now. You can count on history.

Posted by MHA on October 24, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by charlene68 on October 24, 2007 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

whoever made the comment that an employer does not have to pay workers comp because of them being mexican.... well you are dead wrong... They are also entitled to workers comp if they get hurt on the job whther they are chinese, japanese. or whatever other race they maybe. if a company has 4 or more employess, he is required by the state of sc to have workers comp insurance, it does not matter what race the employees are..... so please people get your facts straight, cause giving information that you know nothing about makes you look mre ignorant than the person or people you are talking about......GEES!!!!!!!!!! IF THE PERSON WHO SAID THIS WAS ANYBRIGHTER HIS NAME WOULD HAVE BEEN LIGHTBULB..... GEES!!!!WHAT AN IDIOT

Um... wow... talk about opening your mouth and inserting your foot... in CAPS even <lol>.

Ok, MsLIGHTBULBcharlene68... Just to bring you up to speed on a subject you obviously know nothing about... when these employers hire illegal aliens, they don't put them on a payroll. They don't fill out I-9 forms and they don't pay social security or workman's comp for them. They pay the illegal aliens in cash. Sometimes at the end of the day, sometimes at the end of the week and sometimes never at all. As far as the company records are concerned, the illegal alien employees do not exist. Yes, we all know that if you are hired and work here legally, your employer must pay these things regardless of your race. What you, Ms. Lightbulb, fail to understand, is that these illegal aliens aren't really "hired" in the same sense that us legal citizens are. It's all under the table. If you've got $20 on you right now.. you could probably run down to the corner of Ashley Phosphate and Stall and pay one of them to take that big foot out of your mouth. Guess what.. YOU wouldn't have to pay workman's comp. or anything :)

Posted by MMitchum on October 24, 2007 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have worked on state/federal projects in SC. & NC
In NC I saw how the men came in from Mexico and lived in the same house appx. 6 + total at times. I was in quality and safety back then. These guys were nice and all but we only had a few that were going to night school to learn the english language. But every few months they went home and took the money to their families, because they didn't live here with them. The money they made here....gave them the wealthy status in Mexico. But they had no plans of moving here. I had to mark all containers, tanks etc. so they could read. I gave the new hires a safety orientation, with an interpreter........it is amazing how they can't put on a safety harness, and we send them up to work among the cranes and other heavy equipment appx. 50' and higher for bridges, powerhouses and dams. If a crane has a load and is blowing the horn it is to let them know a load is overhead to get out the way. They don't know this. They don't understand the dangers in heavy construction but we need laborers and that is what they are mostly. So when they get hurt...their goes workerscomp and lawsuits...
SC - 1 project we had injuries due to them not understanding....I am sorry but the project managers and supervisors should not be made at this point in their lives to change what they know and do to satisfy 1 group of people...these Americans have worked hard to get where they are and have paid their dues and know the jobs well, they range from 40's to 60....and now you want them to learn spanish...be bi-lingual. And now most of the classifieds for job openings want this for there company. Also this same project we would have illegals with the same name and SS#'s. Yea...we had to fire them.
Another project in SC that I was on...the town is booming with Mexican restaurants and the families have made this their home. But you better understand they don't speak much english.

It seems the American people are going to have to fight this one to keep their rights, benefits, and language. You think if we bombbarded there country as they have us they would change their policies for us? Give us foodstamps, medical, and unemployment benefits. If they want to live the American Dream...you come here and stay here and learn the language and abide by our laws. Your money doesn't go home to Mexico or wherever. It stays here. If something happens here you get only what you have paid in as not to tap in to what you don't deserve. Let's say after 10 years of putting in then they are allowed to get something in return...but the ones that don't make a commitment to our States fully....should not be allowed...we have enough people without jobs, medical, and in poverty here. But good old USA we take care of other countries but not our own. Shame on us.
I could go on & on about our system....as medicaid , medicare...how our Elderly and 19+ year olds are falling through the cracks, and we are taking care of other countries.

Posted by jammanofdi on October 24, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris,
You have a great idea with the taxation of Western Union transactions to Mexico, but it would never work. In this day and age, I would imagine that 95% of Western Union transactions are between the U.S. and Mexico. Western Union / Wal-Mart would most definitely find away to skirt away from any law that would penalize their most loyal customers. And if they did not penalize them, our illegal friends would simply use a 3rd party to transfer funds between our country and theirs, so the transactions would go from The U.S. to Panama to Mexico (as an example). These people are not as ignorant as they seem. (The mockery that they have made of our government and economic system should be a testament to this.) And these 3rd party transfer businesses would pop up all over the place and charge much less than any tax that we could impose. To hold these people criminally liable and deport them is the easiest, quickest strategy. We, as the politically correct Americans that we are, simply choose to be nice and look the other way.

Posted by singleroni on October 24, 2007 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What has helping other countries got us.? Respect? Do they help us when we are in a conflict? Has Mexico sent any soldiers to any war we were in? ww1 ww2 Viet Nam ? What have they supported us in - oh yeah send us the people they don't want and the drugs. While these people send our money back to them. What country will really stand with us? At least Canada supported us in the wars.America should stop all of this junk and start taking care of ourselves, our young men and get us right first before we get drug down like the rest of the 3rd world countries. We can not afford to pay for the world.

Posted by Southern1 on October 24, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SCHoser- That is the best way to put it! And your right it doesnt make anysense.

JPStartre- I think you have a great sarcastic sense of humor and I'm loving it! I agree with most of your comments because they all sound reasonable but I'm confused as to what your status is on the discussion. I hate to ask this question in this way but What side are you on exactly? I also agree that yes there is a "grey area" that should be addressed. Poeple who are hard working and who will share the same financial burdens as everyone else should be allowed to live here. But how do you go about sorting out the ones who should stay and the ones who should go?

Islandlife - I understand that these people may not have it as well in thier own country but that is something that should push them to action IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY! They should not run away from their problems, come here and put the strain on us.

And just throwing this out there... has anyone here seen the movie "A Day Without A Mexican?" What are ya'lls opinion?

Posted by whitey333 on October 24, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is part of an old article I saved. What are you white liberals going to do when you or your family becomes a victim of an illegal immigrant drunk driver? RALEIGH, N.C.—WRAL has learned that 33 percent all drunken drivers arrested in Wake County are Hispanic , although the latest census numbers indicate that Hispanics make up only 7 percent of Wake County’s population.

Posted by singleroni on October 24, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This remind me of Red Dawn. The invasion has happen.

Posted by singleroni on October 24, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yanqui somos de casa es usted que debe adaptarse.

This seems what is happening

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on October 24, 2007 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Single Roni your spanish is a bit off...

But who must adapt?

Posted by eyfigueroa on October 24, 2007 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i thought about commenting but someone on this board will just tell me to go back to where i came from.

lololol

Posted by singleroni on October 24, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry just trying to learn a translator program- will be the only way I can go to Lowes or Wal mart to shop.

Posted by jammanofdi on October 24, 2007 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whitey33 -

Your comments about hispanic drunk drivers is racist and stereotypical. We, as American's, must embrace other cultures - and the good and bad that come with them. Drinking and driving are as much a part of the Mexican culture as cockfights, pinata's and "tacos y tortas" stands on the side of the road.

Posted by nrthpole on October 24, 2007 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with most of the comments here to answer one qustion...."how do you sort them out ..the ones that should be allowed to stay that is...." it's called the immigration system.It is set in place to protect the american people and the country as a whole.From some of the comments I have to question your beliefs...God says we are to obey the laws of man,if we agree or not,we should obey.Don't misquote God,it's just not right.Yes,we are to love our neighbors but, that doesn't mean allow people to break laws.Are you aware that it is illegal to bring fresh fruit or vegs. across the boarder because of the bacteria they carry or that there is a medical exam you have to pass (that is quite involved)most of these illegals wouldn't pass through the system legally.They are huge carriers of T.B.(no cure)and HEP C (no cure).And don't kid yourself by saying they only do jobs americans don't want because there are lots of homeless people and peolpe who struggle to feed their families every day who would love the chance to have that job.

Posted by archdude on October 24, 2007 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No such thing as a melting pot...just multiculturalism.

Posted by rollo on October 24, 2007 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd Like to know if (Gov)Jim Hodges or his pal Wilfredo Leon leave the doors on their houses open for anyone who wants to to walk in, look around, and use the house as if it was their own?

Apparently Mr Leon believes that we need a "treaty" to deal with foreign lawbreakers, before we can enforce our own sovereign laws.

Posted by Bolunga on October 24, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you people need to think about the children that were born here,they are the ones this will effect the most. they may wake up tommorow without their mom,dad or both.who,s going to take care of these some 100,000 children. Not all of these mexicans are drunk drivers,alot of them are very good people.The goverment needs to do something i agree,but they are going about it the wrong way,If they have a bad record or cause alot of problems, send them back. But the good ones should have an easier chance to become legal;such as having to read,write, and speak the english language.I THINK THE GOVERMENT NEEDS TO RETHINK THIS PROPOSAL.

Posted by shellkaz on October 24, 2007 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They are NOT taxed if they are employed as "Independent Contractors" This is a graven in stone fact. And how do I know that this is a fact? Well friends, I was employed as an Independent Contractor. Taxes were not withheld, work men's compensation was not paid, and if I had quit without having another job, I would not have received unemployment benefits either. I was "Self Employed"

Now you ask, How did my employer manage this? He reported my income via IRS form 1099 for Independent Contractors. Totally legal AND that is how he paid his illegal Aliens. They could get a TAX ID number. It looks exactly like a social security number, and our wonderful government will supply them to anyone who applies with the appropriate proof of ID. (Note: the ID does not have to prove they are here legally, just prove who they are) Supposedly, with a Tax ID number now our Illegal Immigrants will obey the law and pay their taxes.

Come on now, if you believe all illegals with tax id numbers pay taxes I have some ocean front property in Arizona for sale cheap. :-)

And as you can see it's all tied up in a nice little bow,
Illegals come over border
Illegal gets Tax Id
Illegal is now Independent Contractor
Illegal is hired to do a job
Illegal gets paid $10.00 an hour
Illegal does not pay taxes
Illegal now makes approx 20% more than any legally employed person because the legally employed person has taxes taken out of his pay check.

Cause I've been there, done that and as the saying goes, I own the T-shirt. oh yeah yes I was born in the USA, as were my parents and grandparents. My great grandparent came over on the boat through Ellis Island. Legally I might add.

And as Paul Harvey says: Now you know the rest of the story.

Posted by cypress on October 24, 2007 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is a slap in the face that I have to press one for English. That we as Americans let this group of criminals benefit from the dear blood of the fathers,mothers,daughters,and sons that gave so much so that Americans CAN LIVE FREE! This is being taken away slowly but surely.

Posted by 1mom on October 24, 2007 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Bolunga:

There are millions of children separated from their families in prisons all over this country why should illegal aliens children be treated any differently?

Posted by JPSartre on October 24, 2007 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MinoritySouth - Most excellent

Southern1 - Illegal is just that. But rounding up a bunch of people like cattle and sending them back to where they came from saying "Start over and do it right this time!" just because they did one thing wrong, is that ethically right? Hmmm...anyone ever heard of a little thing called ethnic cleansing?

I am NOT talking about known criminals. I am NOT talking about those with ill intentions (which we would or would not necessarily be able to know, we can't predict a Korean murderer either can we?) However, those who recognize their responsibility should be given the opportunity to make some form of restitution. I don't feel that any person should be judged by any one act in a lifetime. I don't think anyone here would want that to happen to them. Karma's a bi...

I don't have all the answers, I was hoping for intellectual debate but then I remembered where I am. "Swiss logic" is easy, the holes are already there. Will somebody make up their collective minds? Either they are lazy, loud drunks (who have no proof of insurance, license, registration please, causing every accident in a 50 mile radius of Charleston) or they're stealing jobs that all of these people are apparently so desirous of because they have to send billions of our US money back to Mexico! For Pete's sake PICK ONE!

Cypress - Actually I agree. I think it should be "press 1 for any language OTHER THAN English"

I seem to be running into more and more people who trace their family tree back one very long branch. That's what happens when lemmings mate. ;)

Posted by OLLIEOYL on October 24, 2007 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How can anyone support a group of people who are immoral in the first place if for nothing else-- breaking our border laws. I'm a SC teacher who currently teaches in our hard working elementary schools. Every year the illegal Mexican pupil population increases; more pupils mean more teachers must be hired to teach them; no one but TAXPAYERS are responsible for our salaries, schools and materials; not illegal’s; it is many times hard work for a school's staff as illegals do not arrive prepared with the necessary language skills to be considered 'r e a d y' for our American schools in the elementary grade levels they are assigned; don't the illegals know it is immoral to knowingly partake of and be so much not ready for a product that costs so much and is expected to cope with language barriers that increase the burden on all and detracts from educating our very own youth; our educational system is paid for by
American citizens; illegals have to know that they should do the right thing and do their part. No citizenship: No education: Pay the $2,500 to $3,000 per pupil price tag as we do. No wonder American citizens are outraged!

Posted by Gator_slayer on October 24, 2007 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We've become the United States of Mexico...thanks to the
Bush administration for placing our country's priorities
in all the wrong places. Forget Iraq..save the US...FIRST!!

Posted by whycantitbebetterhere on October 25, 2007 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just want to end all of the illegal activity. I don't care what the law is. I want them to pay taxes, I want them to speak English. I want them to have insurance, and when they do something illegal, I want them to go to jail. I want them to be able to come here by signing up and walking in. All of my ancestors came that way (except the Indian ones - they really got screwed - they were already here), it was an open door, and they came and assimilated. There isn't a way for them to come now, we wouldn't have 10 million illegals if it was an option for them to come legally. It really makes me mad though - they are not dealt with at all. There are laws for everything else, and we all follow them - but these people ignore all of that. I wouldn't dream of sneaking into Germany, running around partying and driving on the autobahn, refusing to speak German, and showing up at the hospital with no money when I get the flu! I would be a complete and utter wreck after first day! It makes me feel that they are either so desperate, or so greedy that they have no morals left. It is not their right to come here. It is for us, those that are here, to decide what happens to them, not the other way around. So I am in favor of turning them "legal" with a hell of a lot of requirements, and if they don't meet the requirements, send em back! After that, if you are caught here illegally, you go straight to prison, no MIRANDA, no due process. I'm not kidding. They can see how they like going to prision for that. It is for us to decide.

Posted by KG on December 1, 2007 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hear a bunch of complaints about illegals not paying taxes. I hear how it has a huge impact on our medical care, both in the time it takes to be seen and the cost. I see how my children are not receiving as good of an education as they should be. The thing I see from everyone on here is a bunch of complaints, how bout some solutions. Ship em back. How? Who is going to transport them, who is going to round em up? Also, I think people need to take a hard look that if the shoes were on the other foot, would you not be doing the same thing. Lets be realistic about this, we will never ever deport them all or even half for that matter, so what should we do? I suggest that any male or female for that matter, illegal alien that would like to remain in the US would have to server in the US military. They would then have to serve a required tour in Iraq or Afghanistan (say 2 years) After serving their tour they would receive citizenship. By them working in the military they get paid, this money is taxed. Do we need people over there, yes. Would it allow some of our sons and daughters to come home, you bet. They would also have medical paid for by the gov. They would be contributing to our society and they would be proving their worth as a citizen before being allowed in as one. I say let them enlist, they would start as a private, airman, seaman, marine and be making probably less money as an E-1 then they are currently making working construction. They would however now be paying taxes and they would be serving our country (doesnt matter if your believe it is right or wrong that we are over there) Now granted this wont solve everything, but i think we would finally get a hold of Osama. Who better to send over the Afghan border to Pakistan but someone who has trained in doing just that?

Posted by fields on January 8, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

captivated wrote:
"When they move in next door to you and start playing loud latin music all night and littering the yard with old cars and furniture while refusing to cut their grass, then maybe we will come up with a solution to this INVASION!"

Are you guys kidding me?? Enough of the stereotypes. My next door neighbor does that, does that make him an illegal? I was hit by an uninsured driver, guess what, he wasn't illegal. US citizens pay other US citizens under the table and they still send their kids to school along with the rest of us, go to the emergency room, and they don't pay taxes either.

We used to have Honduran's working for our construction company. Found out later they were illegal but didn't know at the time. But here it is...They came in to work EVERY DAY, they worked HARD all day long, they never COMPLAINED, they were always RESPECTFUL, their country is the size of TENNESSEE...they don't have the options us US citizens were given as a birth right. It is next to impossible to find full time work. I'm not as educated as some of you on the subject, but this is what I do know; 3 of my current employees (all white) miss work every week, have drug problems, drinking all night and missing work, call from jail, and want to cry on my shoulder about their problems...boo hoo! When I fire them they skip and jump all the way to Unemployment and I'm stuck training 3 more who have a timeline of approx 2 months. If only there were a way for an employer to "sponsor" hard working honest illegal aliens to become legal.

Posted by dwissba on May 2, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sick and tired of this issue and the pussy footing around with illegal immigration. If they are refered to as illegal's then send them back! Our so called public servants have done nothing. They are suppose to serve us, the lawful citizens of this country not the other way around. Why call them illegal and then give them health care, education and other benifits? They take to the streets protesting and demand to be heard. Why are not the American people being heard? I think a lot of "American citizens" are angry about this issue of immigration but are unsure if they should voice their outrage cause after all we might be labeled as rascist. Oh and we don't want that. Our voice should be heard. Loud and clear. Not because it's rascist but because this is our country and we are sick and tired of our Government doing nothing at all. Maybe we (the lawful citizens) of this great republic need to take to the streets and demand that our voice be heard. Why not? It's our right. Demand that we do not like what is going on in our communities, schools, health care system and many other things that are affected cause of this immigration nightmare.

I wanted my voice heared...and this, however small, gives me that chance. I am a frustrated American who feels our Government and public leaders have turned their backs on me and refuse to inforce this issue. I am not just frustrated...I am angry.