Posted by sherlock on February 20, 2008 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would love nothing more than to have a better life and be able to financially support my family. I would love to be able to keep most of my money and not have it stripped from me in the name of taxes. I would love to be able to shop at wally world, actually I would love to be able to shop anywhere with extra money but you see, I am a legal citizen, born and raised here, worked all my life and continue to struggle from payday to the day before payday just to put food on the table and pay bills. Head is just below water and I dont see a cure. I could do better, Im sure, if my money was being spent on me and MY family and not illegal immigrants who get to keep the money they earn while taking my tax money (from social services ie food stamps, medical insurance, day care services, welfare checks etc). Every shop now caters to these illegals because they are the ones with the money to spend. Its sad.

Posted by merrillthinks on February 20, 2008 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its time we look at the jobs lost by American corporations moving their operations overseas. Picking on the vulnerable and ignoring the corporate raping of America is a flaming red herring.

Signed, Scots-Irish American

Posted by merrillthinks on February 20, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sherlock,
I feel for you. Paycheck to paycheck is a stressful way to live. But you are focusing blame in the wrong direction. The money from our taxes supporting undocumented workers is pennies compared to the billions corporate welfare leaches from hardworking people like you and me.

Posted by MidMike on February 20, 2008 at 2:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is there even a debate over this? The Undocumented Immigrants are breaking the law.
1. They have entered the U.S. ILLEGALLY.
2. They have provided ILLEGAL documentation to employers.
3. They have no SC Drivers License, so they are diving ILLEGALLY. How many laws have to be broken before someone is a "CRIMINAL"?
I am sure that most are very nice people, but they should be held to the same laws my Grandparents were. If they are identified as Ilegals, they should be deported. Not because they are not good people, but because they broke they law.
If you break the law you are punished.
It is completely absurd to print SC State materials in Spanish. Why would a government print a certain document in one language when that government accepts “legal” immigrants from all over the world. The fix to that problem is to learn to speak, read, and write in the language of that government.

Posted by Riptide on February 20, 2008 at 5:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Webster's dictionary: alien 1. Belonging to another country or people; 2. a foreigner, a foreign-born resident in a country who has not become a naturalized citizen. 3. An outsider. 4. a hypothetical being in or from outer space, as in science fiction.

Since the illegal aliens (Mexicans and others) in this country are not hypothetical I’ll stick to the first 3 definitions in my Webster dictionary.

Ms. Salazar represents a special interest group and our politicians are no longer govern by the rule of law or a constitution but by special interest groups and others that have a vested interest in this issue. The Mexicans can stand in line and apply for green cards like every one else. That way they are on level playing field with all the citizens in this country competing for jobs. The employers will have to obey the labor laws and the Mexicans will have to pay taxes, learn our ways, speak English and assimilate into our culture.

Posted by pirate42 on February 20, 2008 at 5:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CONSIDER****** well you go with them if you have no right here in this country documented,, your a felon you should be deported also GOOOD__BY just like mexico no papers over your visa felony never come back

Posted by moonpie on February 20, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GO HOME ILLEGALS! See the sign in the picture reads" america was built by immigrants" SHOULD READ LEGAL IMMIGRANTS! You broke the law to get here MOST continue to break the law while here.
GO HOME ILLEGALS YOUR NOT WANTED HERE BY AMERICANS!

Posted by jammer on February 20, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

it wasn't too long ago that they were chanting in the streets of california for US to leave and that they'd retake THEIR country

now they are pleading with us?

simple solution, leave and come back legally

we have to obey our own laws, what makes you think you don't?

be an immigrant, not migrate

Posted by Paul on February 20, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Revamp the Immigration Bill to require all businesses to use verifiable identification ID's for all workers.

Posted by NativeSon on February 20, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Note to Salazar ~ All criminals are human beings. So what! If you buy the ticket by illegally stealing your way into America, then you ride the train of consequences for your actions. You have no right to pride that you have engaged in repeated criminal activity. You have nothing but SHAME on your head that you chose to rape America by wanting what you wanted when you wanted it without due process.

This Native Son says tear up your illegal documents, stolen ID, and phony social security cards and get your sorry butts back over the border - in other words, GET OUT OF AMERICA.

If you want opportunity, go to the American conselate in Mexico City and apply for a visa because, if you are LEGAL, you will be welcome with the proper respect.

Posted by n4dhs on February 20, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What about us HUMAN BEINGS who came over here legally at great financial expense and NOW pay taxes legally, social security legally and work for a living in a legal capacity.....

Now I find out it will cost me nearly a grand to become a citizen yet these people just waltz in and get everything - oh and BTW I am NOT talking about race or country of origin - I know a lot of people from European countries who have done the same thing......

Posted by tadii on February 20, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I liked the sign "America was built on immigrants" & the hispanic guy is right. He just doesn't understand it's the ILLEGAL part that American's are against. Enter our country legally, period. If not, you are ILLEGAL, & have no rights. You have no right to a job, drivers license, free health care, or anything else. The only right you have is to be deported!!

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just love it when posters like Merrilthinks try and avoid the enescapable facts of the topic at hand by introducing a completely separate issue as though it is relevant to this discussion. Makes for great entertainment!

These 'vulnerable undocumented workers' (read: CRIMIMALS) knowingly break our laws and have not earned the right to be here.

All who come here legally are welcome to enjoy the opportunities that America offers them. This isn't rocket science, it's common sense.

Coldbeer, Nativeson and Mouth pretty much summed it up for me!

Posted by Reader on February 20, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Salazar said this: "They just want to keep their families together."

But later, she said this: "They just want a better life. It is not their fault that the Mexican government doesn't (offer) what you and I have."

Obviously the only reason people are coming here is for better economic conditions. I don't fault anyone for that. I don't even oppose federal efforts to ease the burden of commuting back and forth for work (but not gain citizenship). But like everyone else here, I think that people should obey the rules and come here legally.

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some questions I would love to pose to someone like Salazar are as follows:

Are you here legally?
Does the hispanic organization of Charleston support legal immigration?
What alternatives do you propose to the laws currenty under consideration?

The problem I have with people like Salazar and her ilk is they don't really want equal treatment under the law. They want sympathy and special treatment.

Posted by RTC on February 20, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you know of a business that employs illegals.....boycott them! Citizens have to ban together in order for this to have any effect on them. Start with the restaurants. When people refuse to eat at their establishments then they will feel the loss substantially. Don't use any contractors, landscapers, tree services, etc. that hire illegals. If an employer cannot show proof that their employees have legal status then don't patronize their business period.
Don't be afraid or embarrassed to demand this proof, as it is our right to do so.

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly, Harpo. And rather than recognize the common sense requirement that if you want to come here you must do so legally, Salazar and her ilk play on the emotions of bleeding heart liberals to make the people who want to enforce and obey the law look like heartless bullies.

Says a lot about their character - or should I say lack thereof...

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right RTC, businesses who hire illegals are part of the problem as well!

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bienvenidos a Carolina del Sur (Welcome to South Carolina)

The answer is simple:

Support a 50% excise tax on all money transfers to Latin American Countries.

The tax dollars collected will be in the billions and can be used to offset the increased cost of police, medical services, schools and other social services.

These people are here to stay and the reason is the money. If you reduce the attractiveness of making money in South Carolina they will go elsewhere. If they don't then at least the cost of their presence will be offset.

The amount of money that leaves our economy via western union heading south of the border is staggering.

more commentary at:

http://cedarposts.blogspot.com

Posted by coachken on February 20, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is about choices. Illegal aliens knew the risks before comming here. The laws are not enforced so the risk is small. The reward is a menial job, low wages and long hours. A better life by thier standards. There are some business owners that choose to exploit illegal aliens, they make money. The risk that business owners take is small and the profits are worth the risk.

Laws are made by elected officials. The law abiding citizens that excercised thier privilidge to vote want the situation corrected. The exploitation of illegal ailiens and immoral business practices need to be stopped. There is an interesting editorial about the reaction of the illegal workforce in Arizona to similar laws that SC is considering. Investors Business Daily Editorials, interesting reading.

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles...

Posted by JohnS on February 20, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to see some Americans put in jail for hiring and continuing to evaid labor and tax laws by keeping a phony documented work force in SC.

Posted by Larz13 on February 20, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ask the Mexican government why they heavily guard their southern border with Guatamala and deport more back there than the US does to Mexico.

Posted by blah_blah_blah on February 20, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The politicians are ALL to blame. They let this issue get out of hand. Illegal immigrants can't all be swept up and taken back home overnight. Do you know what that would do to the economy? Feel like paying $5.00/lb of tomatoes? Don't just sit around and HATE them, but they do need to be punished, and a long difficult pathway to citizenship should be laid out for them. It is not the answer you want to hear, but it is compromise that years of sitting on the sideline watching illegals come in, have brought us to.

Posted by greyrider on February 20, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, we are talking about human beings. Yes, I believe in keeping families together. I agree with her on this. I am very concerned about these people, and especially their kids. THAT IS WHY I want them deported. Do these activists ever think that we have been corrupting these people all these years by "looking the other way" while they break the law? It's no different than a parent who refuses to discipline their child. We have been affirming their criminal behavior by our non-action. THAT policy is wrong and we have actually been doing a disservice to them. Imagine you are a mexican child growing up realizing your parents brought you to America illegally and got away with it. What message does that send? Kids are kids, they get crazy ideas. When you grow up in an atmosphere of law enforcement showing a hesitation to prosecute, it encourages would-be young criminals. With all due respect Ms Salazar, you are the villain here.

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Blah, blah, blah, I suggest you read the article provided by coachken above - very illuminating.

The blame lies with politicians, the illegals themselves (who could have come LEGALLY, after all) and businesses that hire them. It is not just the poiliticians fault.

As to your assertion that 'Illegal immigrants can't all be swept up and taken back home overnight,' consider the following excerpt from the same article referenced above:

Amnesty advocates argue it's not feasible to deport millions of illegals. They say it's impossible to round up 12 million people and kick them out of the country.

But the out-migration in Arizona proves you don't have to. Just making a strong show of law enforcement at the work site and on the street corners is enough to discourage illegals from staying.

Arizona is a model for other states being overrun by illegals. If they just send a clear message to immigrants living here illegally that they're serious about enforcing the law, they'll pack up and leave. And they'll tell their friends and relatives waiting to break in on the other side of the border that it just ain't worth it.

It costs a lot of money to hire coyotes and smugglers to get here. They'll see in due order that they'll be wasting their money and will stay home — or get in line with law-abiding immigrants who actually want to come to America and be American citizens.

Posted by PJM on February 20, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

America was built on LEGAL immigration! This is like saying "Criminals are human beings too, let's just pardon all the prisoners and give them another chance....peace and love, baby!"....Right. If they're so eager to come to the U.S., then why don't they do it the RIGHT WAY? Go and protest against your own governments in Mexico, and all of Latin America to give you the jobs and freedom that you are being denied!!

Posted by CHRISJIII on February 20, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a non issue being whipped up by the GOP for political gain. To hear all of the talk you would think that the illegals just happened to show up yesterday!!! They have been here always and will continue to be here. The political saber rattling going on in Columbia is just that. This is a federal issue that the states cannot touch no matter how much and hard they blow.

Posted by Citizen on February 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant"

is like calling a drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist ".

Posted by singleroni on February 20, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what say you Lindsey Graham? gonna cry for them or are you crying for us who have lost our jobs to plants leaving the country

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ChrisJ - Even assuming that your assertion about the GOP and political gain is correct, you are dead wrong about this being a non issue. Illegals are criminals by virtue of the fact that they are here illegally. Equal treatment under the law is but one of many issues that we should be concerned about. Arizona is doing something about it, (the steps they are taking are working) and so should we!

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles......

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by MooMoo on February 20, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For some reason my link above doesn't work but coachken's does. Sorry 'bout that.

Posted by yongkal on February 20, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A. 'illegal' = CRIMINAL.
B. Driving without a license AND/OR insurance = ILLEGAL
C. Salazar wants 'illegals' to be able to get spanish, ie mexican, SC Drivers' Licenses
D. A picture ID,ie Drivers'license is one of the forms of ID employers use to verify 'legal' workers.
E. Salazar obviously thinks that just because we refuse to read the signs in 'mexican' behind her in the P&C pic,that we are stupid enough to fail for her 'backdoor' invasion scheme.
F. Yes, business that hire 'wetbacks' are part of the problem too, BUT,if there were no wetbacks, then businesses couldn't hire them.
G. 'Wetback' is a generic put-down of 'illegals', just as 'thug' describes most of the criminal population in our prisons and jails... Lets call a wetback a wetback...if YOU don't like it, TS, if the 'illegals' don't like it, then they can LEAVE.
H. If wetbacks were to get drivers' licenses and the written tests in mexican, then the obvious next step would be for ALL traffic signs to become bi-lingual And of course, all the wetbacks Salazar champions will pay the cost of mexicanizing our society, right? No wait,that's right, as 'illegal' criminal, undocumented workers, they don't pay taxes now!!!!!
I. Salazar seems to believe that if Washington is slow to act against the wetbacks, that Columbia shouldn't do anything. She hopes!
My 2 cents + change
Sorry 'bout the length, folks. :)

Posted by olschool on February 20, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How Do We Forget.......
Where Will Our Children Live...

A lonesome warrior stands in fear of what the future brings,
he will never hear the beating drums or the songs his brothers sing.

Our many nations once stood tall and ranged from shore to shore
but most are gone and few remain and the buffalo roam no more.

We shared our food and our land and gave with open hearts,
We wanted peace and love and hope, but all were torn apart.

All this was taken because we did not know what the white man had in store,
They killed our people and raped our lands and the buffalo roam no more.

But those of us who still remain hold our heads up high, and the spirits of
the elders flow through us as if they never died.

Our dreams will live on forever and our nations will be reborn, our bone and
beads and feathers all will be proudly worn.

If you listen close you will hear the drums and songs upon the winds, and in
the distance you will see....the buffalo roam again.

Submitted by Tommy Flamewalker Manasco

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll stand by my idea to tax the hell out of the money they send home.

But fair and balanced I'll be and post the other view of illegal Mexicans:

http://cedarposts.blogspot.com

ya'll going to hate it but...

Lo que la cogida

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Methinks someone did not get the meaning of olschool's poem.

When the pilgrims came over do you honestly believe they were here legally (seeing as the law of the land was the Native Americans)or is that something that you try to convince yourself of? PS --- I got from the poem that the white man came here illegally so no, the poem isn't saying that the native americans are here illegally.

Archdude - Mexico is part of NORTH America sweetie.

By the way if you really want to know what is damaging to our economy look to China. How much of our actual jobs (IT, factories etc) are being outsourced to China, India etc??? No one is crying foul over that but apparently immigrants making 20 dollars a day is a bigger deal. It always amazes me how one-sided people are.

Someone said earlier that they are being made scape goats and that is correct. Instead of actually fixing what is wrong with the economy we are now using the Nazi way of saying everything is bad BECAUSE of this one group. Lovely.

Yongkal - You are a racist idiot. That is a generic term used to define ignoramuses who troll p&c board and post racist crap.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love how people are on the native american side when it suits their argument. Yeah right you would be on their side to reclaim "their" land which just happens to be most of the country. No one cares about the native americans until they have to make a point.

For the record, if you use the native american argument you could also say that places such as Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico and I believe parts of Louisiana were originally Mexican territory (spaniards) so why not just give that back to them?

I'll say it again. The only real americans are the native americans. All the rest of you are frickin illegal. Sorry.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Archdude - yet again you fail to COMPREHEND (love it? I took that from your book) my post. I did not say that the native americans were here illegally. I said everyone ELSE IS. For someone who claims to be so intelligent you have the attention span of a gnat and personality of a donkey.

Now, can YOU please read it and comprehend. You always claim someone isn't reading your posts right or not comprehending maybe if you express yourself in a manner where you aren't coming across as an ass, people will actually care. For now I equate your posts to Palmettomans.

Posted by mom_28 on February 20, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A "better life" well dont we all want a better life. So go back to where you came from and make your BETTER LIFE. I work very hard for my better life and do it the right way. A person breaking the LAW is not doing it the right way.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And I noticed no one mentioned the outsourced jobs. We skip over that entirely. Factories close all over the country. I am almost positive Dell support is no longer in the US but no it has go to be the illegal immigrants causing all the problems? Hoodwinked. While you look in another direction all of our money is heading over to china (who makes all of our crap anyway) but no that can't be our problem. Even a lot of our food comes from Asia. I guess it will take some people to drop dead or some more lead based items for us to pay attention to real issues.

Posted by BajaRat on February 20, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This Salazar woman is a complete kook and a common ethnic hustler of the most disingenuous kind. Sneaking into this country to squat and filch isn't a 'right.'

Illegal aliens are criminals, one and all. They turn once pleasant suburbs into gang-infested barrios full of chickens, goats, old uninsured beater cars, blaring ranchera music, and soaring crime rates. They tend to irresponsibly reproduce like rabbits, put a huge strain on our social safety net, refuse to assimilate, and are extremely crime-prone (i. e. stealing IDs or faking IDs in order to steal jobs from Americans and legal residents).

These criminals need to be ferreted out, rounded up like cattle, and promptly dispatched back to whence they snuck in from. Enough is enough! It's the law. Enforce it!

Posted by CHRISJIII on February 20, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Test2007. It's always nice to read something in these comments written by someone who has an informed idea of what is going on instead of having to read uninformed racist banter all day.

Posted by CarolinaWren on February 20, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am insulted that Ms Salazar stated that we as “legal citizens” of the United States and do not understand, that, “These People” are humans! I do not believe I have ever recalled hearing anyone saying they are not! It is a very sad situation that the Mexican government does not offer to them what you and I have. My reply to that statement is for the people of Mexico to do something about it. We have enough problems trying to provide for our own citizens without the burden of being forced to provide for other counties citizens.

Ms Salazar stated, The Illegal ALIEN works long hours for low pay and they contribute tax through wage withholdings but do not claim income tax return. I have heard repeatley that they are doing the jobs no American Citizen will do. Is it because the US citizen refuses to do these jobs or is it because an illegal ALIEN will work for $ 5 an hr versus paying someone minimal wage. Why? Less money out of the bosses pocket. She also stated that the illegal ALIEN contributes to that tax base through withholding from their wages. Is she telling me that the day workers who are standing on the corner, hoping they will find work for the day are not being paid under the table?? She also said that if the legislation becomes law it will dry up jobs for immigrants and hurt the state's economy because of the long hours they work for low pay. How can giving the United States back to its citizens hurt the economy!

Posted by CHRISJIII on February 20, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry for adressing my last comment to the wrong person. I meant to thank Archdude not Test!!!!!!!

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

archdude - I am a pseudo intellect? Yeah, I guess since the pseudo intellect says so it must be right huh? You know you have a lot to say about SC's reading comprehension but I can assure you that reading comprehension is tested in elementary school and I did very well. Do you want to know why? Well it is because we were tested on important articles and books. Not idiotic posts on a fledgling newspaper. I love when a pseudo intellect with a superiority complex thinks that he is insulting me. It makes my day so much more fulfilling. No I am not in middle school but I have noticed that you have the temperament of a 12 year old.

Also, your analogy about given illegals amnesty is equal to giving meth producers amnesty is crazy. You used a broad brush with that comment.

EVERYONE claims native american ancestry (my grandmother is a cherokee princess NOT) so no I am not going to believe you are just because you stated that you are on this board.

Anytime I hear an argument about illegal immigration I hear "hispanic" but no one mentioned hundreds of thousands of illegal irish laborers in NY. What about illegal Asian people (esp women) in this country?

Posted by mac0cm4 on February 20, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Those who lose their jobs to illegal immigrants who will work for less are also human beings too. Those who have to pay for the infrastructure (schools, roads, etc) that the illegal immigrants utilize are also human beings too. Do they forget that? The wants of few (the illegals) do not outweigh the needs of many (the legal citizens).

You want to come here - great - do it legally please.

Posted by SCdeacinNYC on February 20, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see ARCH "If someone doesn't agree with me they obviously can't comprehend, function or read and is infinitely below me in level of intelligence" DUDE is back at it again.

Can someone disagree with you without you jumping on that SAME boat? Why don't you COMPREHEND what an opinion is, accept it, argue about that and stop trying to flaunt whatever it is you are trying to prove with your ridiculous posts and jabs.

TEST is right, we are being hoodwinked. The acutal economic impact of even illegal immigration is minimal. A bigger impact is our struggling healthcare systems, our capacity to care for our OWN poor and needy, our barely-post-1950s education system and oh lets not forget an all-consuming foreign policy crisis in Iraq costing almost a trillion dollars. Besides, illegal immigration is only a product of our global economy and our own busted immigration system which welcomes some with open arms and others with a swift kick in the butt out of the country (and I am NOT just talking about those coming from Mexico even those with legitimate asylum issues as well).

Posted by icbmman on February 20, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PalmettoMan and JohnQ, thankfully, this is an issue that we totally agree on. It is time for the illegal aliens in this country to be deported, for the businesses and politicians who kow tow to these criminals to be put in jail or fined, and for associations like the one reported on in this article to be charged with sedition or aiding/abetting criminals.

Posted by KidYendor on February 20, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember to write to Seth Whipper and let him know how you feel because he still is in the dark, he does not know how the community feels. And why does he ask for the Hispanic community to "weigh in on the debate"? I think he needs to ask the legal American/registered voter community to weigh in.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was saying that the issue with China is more of an issue than what this article is spouting. I don't care if it doesn't talk about outsourcing. I am bringing it up because everyone here is on this bandwagon about blaming the immigrants for the economy. The blame lies on US. We live in a plastic society where everything is on credit. We don't make anything anymore because that is China's job now apparently. But that isn't important because a hispanic immigrant is picking fruit for less an hour than a regular worker???

Archdude - I hate to inform you that I equate your posts that of scnative or palmettoman. The only difference is you TRY (emphasis on try) to make your posts sound more intelligent. Once you strip it down bare your posts are no different. All ego, stating your opinions as facts and daring anyone to disagree.

PS - I equate walmart to hell but I don't blame anyone who does shop there. It is cheap. That is the only reason people shop there. It is definitely not for quality.

Posted by SCdeacinNYC on February 20, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No it IS a matter of opinion and if the person's happens to differ from yours then you get pouty and stomp off with your "well....sooooo I can use bigger words than you can and you can't read...so there!"

Maybe you should be more lucid in your statements.

This whole debate doesn't really excite me. I am more worried about the meth lab bust yesterday. But I see where people in SC's priorities are....as always no where near where they need to be.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

uh oh one more person disagrees with Archdude so it HAS to be the same person. There could never be more than one person disagreeing with him. NEVER.

Yes, so committing murder is the same as jaywalking???
DUI is the same as public intoxication??

Both are illegal. By your argument I guess it is.

SC - don't worry, apparently the only person who can "comprehend" archdude is in fact archdude himself. No one else can read or interpret his posts. If you disagree then obviously you can't comprehend. If you agree well then it doesn't matter if you comprehend or not.

Posted by LutherVanderhorst on February 20, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What has this country come to when we have to apologize for not wanting people sneaking in illegally?

We are a nation of polite idiots.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Archdude

I think you're right on that. As I pointed out the other day the Charlotte Observer played around with allowing comment posting and pulled the plug after a 9 month trial. The reason being they couldn't monitor all the nasty comments and while they thought they had a couple thousand active posters and review found that more than 1/2 had multiple accounts.

Go figure

Posted by SCdeacinNYC on February 20, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

Haha, I know you aren't trying to suggest that Test and I are the same person because we both disagree with you.

Wow, I think I'm going to just laugh about that one and get back to my day :)

Posted by icbmman on February 20, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Luther, unfortunately, the Constitution indirectly gives people in this country the right to be morons. And many of those people exercise that right everyday.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was told I shouldn't put the link to the Cedar Posts and Barbed Wire Fences Blog on the comments.

That my comments were nothing more that advertisments.

I'm crushed!

So here's the blog comment.

I thought I hated illegal mexicans until I heard this on NPR.

In the noisy argument over what to do with illegal immigrants, the common assumption is that America has done a great deal for them already.

The question now is what more should we give them?
Should we give them a green card?
Grant them amnesty?
Or stop all this generosity and send them packing?

No one speaks of what illegal immigrants have done for us
and it occurs to me I've not heard two relevant words.

If you will allow me, I will speak them. Thank you.

Thank you for turning on the sprinklers.

Thank you for cleaning the swimming pool and scrambling the eggs and doing the dishes.

Thank you for making the bed.

Thank you for getting the children up and ready for school.

Thank you for picking them up after school.

Thank you for caring for our dying parents.

Thank you for plucking dead chickens.

Thank you for bending your bodies over our fields.

Thank you for breathing chemicals and absorbing chemicals into your bodies.

Thank you for the lettuce, and the spinach, and the artichokes, and the asparagus, and the cauliflower, the broccoli, the beans, the tomatoes and the garlic.

Thank you for the apricots, and the peaches, and the apples, and the melons, and the plums, the almonds and the grapes.

Thank you for the willow trees, and the roses and the winter lawn.

Thank you for scraping, and painting, and roofing and cleaning out the asbestos and the mold.

Thank you for your stoicism and your eager hands.

Thank you for all the young men on rooftops in the sun.

Thank you for cleaning the toilets and the showers, and the restaurant kitchens, and the schools, and the office buildings, and the airports and the malls.

Thank you for washing the car.

Thank you for washing all the cars.

Thank you for your parents, who died young and had nothing to bequeath to their children but the memory of work.

Thank you for giving us your youth.

Thank you for the commemorative altars.

Thank you for the food, the beer, the tragic polka.

Gracias

By Richard Rodriguez

Posted by nomorebull on February 20, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you think this is all these people want, just check this out from my home state of Connecticut. This is just one example of what these Illegal Aliens DEMAND from us, the tax payers.

http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-...


Next, we will all be told drivers licenses are a Human Right. We have all been told that it is privilege not a right to drive. Now, we are told it is a right for Illegal Aliens to have drivers licenses. What's next, a drivers license is a Human Right?
If ANY politician thinks this is a right, or that these Illegal Aliens have these rights, then the politicians have to be sent packing! If we don't do this, we'd better get a firm grip on our wallets and purses, because it's going to cost us ALL, a lot more!
Don't think it can't happen here!

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Archdude - contrary to your opinion I understand everything you post. Like I said before. You only bring up comprehension if someone doesn't agree with you. Any other time you have nothing to say.

MotoryachtSoco - While you are probably right. I have no need for multiple accounts. I can comment just fine under one username thank you very much. Anyone who does this is either crazy or an idiot. Probably both. I believe what I believe without caring if anyone if anyone agrees at all. Unlike others I don't need cheerleaders to state my opinions or a "dummy" account to back up what I believe.

Posted by LutherVanderhorst on February 20, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Richard Rodriguez, thank you for leaving.

Posted by Booniechic on February 20, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone ever seen the gas stations on the corner of Stall Rd. and Ashley Phosphate Rd. in the mornings? I would love to pull in there and yell out "Immigration"!!!!

Posted by carlosthedwarf on February 20, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all due respect, Ms. Salazar, you just don't get it. It was America's lenient, laissez-faire attitude pre-9/11 which allowed terrorists into this country to commit crimes. It is this same attitude which allows ILLEGAL immigrants from other countries to enter the United States and commit crimes. While it may be true that there are some bigots out there who not only want to prevent illegal immigration, but legal immigration the fact is that illegal means "against the law." Someone like yourself who works in government and understands the laws of the land should obey them in addition to seeing that they are enforced.

Most Americans are hypersensitive to the issue of illegal immigration now because it is apparent now more than ever that our borders are in chaos. We need leadership in Washington and the states to call for our military on the borders. We need to build a wall to keep illegals out. What we don't need is amnesty and sanctuary states, Ms. Salazar.

I can't speak for any American except myself when I say that this has nothing to do with race or background. This is about legal vs illegal. Most Americans welcome immigrants who want to come to this country LEGALLY, understand that English is the national language while still respecting their background and pursuing the American dream within the laws of the land.

Last but not least, your flippant remark regarding "aliens" was totally unnecessary. It's about time that you and others stop this political correctness nonsense and tell the truth.

Posted by singleroni on February 20, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

my question is - if the salaries are lower and the prices of toys and goods are cheaper from china. why have we not seen a reduction in items to us the consumer. or could it be it is not being passed on but just go to the companies prifits and high salaries of the owners. from construction to wal mart some one is getting rich off of us the consumers.

Posted by blackwoman on February 20, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you are here illegally-go home-fix your own country. I'll pay $5 for a head of lettuce instead of the continued burden on the State economy and influx of crime.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Elmer

The illegal issue is pretty complex. And for some people it might be a little too much to deal with.

Israel has been dealing with the same thing for the last 40 years. The Jews need the Palestinian labor but the risk is huge (terrorist attacks, rapes and petty crime) and the Jews hate the Palestinians.

But Israel's economy would collapse without them. The demographics are shockingly similar. Any job here that is held by latinos is held by Palestinians over there.

I don't like change, I'd just as soon that people who don't understand me when I say "I'm fixin" or people who look at a serving tray full of shrimp and grits at the Mills House and blurt out "Oh That's Nasty" go home.

I'm not racist or even a mean person, I'm pretty open minded, but when people like Diana Salazar start getting pushy I don't like it.

I don't like it that most illegals don't pay taxes, or drive without insurance, or that some cause touble and most think I should speak spanish.

Hablo un poco de español

I don't want to mow grass or clean hotel bathroom, if they want to then great, but stop sending all of your money back to Mexico!

And if you sneak in the back door you should expect to be tossed out the same way, without a formal GOODBYE!

Posted by mosinfan on February 20, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Archdude, its not often that I find common ground with you on issues but have to be fair and point out when I do. Your treatises above on the illegal alien problems are right on target!

Posted by deaconsbench on February 20, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course not. Why is this even a question to ask? Are we not a sovereign country with laws?

Posted by YankeeLady on February 20, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've said it before and I'll say it again (along with lots of other folks). This is a twofold problem; people seeking better employment than what they find in their own country, and employers very willing to take advantage of the situation and hire them at subpar wages, without any benefits. The taxpayers bear the brunt of the social and medical services incurred by these immigrants/illegal workers. Let the workers pay for a work permit and have taxes withheld, and let the employers contribute a surcharge for each person hired.

Let's not make this a racial or ethnic issue. It's an economic issue.

Posted by whome on February 20, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks, RTC. An actual constructive mini-solution to the immigration problem.

To those floating the idea of an excise tax on money transfers, I do believe that both NAFTA and the WTO would not allow that. And no, SC can not contravene the requirements under a US treaty.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whome - you might have a vaild point.

My guess from talking to people about the amount of money puts it at about 12 Billon a year that jumps the fence leaving the country.

Pew Research estimate is about $300.00 to $600.00 per month per person who is not a full time resident.

So 7k x 20 million?

Posted by savannah501 on February 20, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a great concern about all this debating.

what are we has a country or state going to do about all of the children that are born here, who are legal but yet there parents are illegal, do we seperate the two are do we send the american citizen children to the homeland of there parents. How do we take care of all of the american women that have developed relationships and children with illegals, who are currently being supported by there signifcant other (undocumented worker) and are not using our goverment aid to provide for the family-they work for it. Please does any one have a response to this, everyone talks about the aid that the mexicans are receiving but there are just as many american citizens that are abusing the goverment aid (housing, foodstamps,wic,medicaid,tanf) so what do we do about that. I feel that if we were to give undocumented workers that are here work visas and not citizenships-they need to earn that,then we can cut out all low paying wages and make our state and country a better place. I know there will be people that do not agree, but put aside all prejudice by race and look at it from a human being life.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Archdude - I generally try NOT to quote you whenever possible. I think it only adds to your elitist personality. But I stand by my previous post regardles.

Elmer - hmmm?

Posted by nomorebull on February 20, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This isn't a racial, ethnic, or economic issue. It's a Legal issue, that is economic in terms of what it cost tax payers.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PalmettoMan

3/4 of the labor on my job sites get paid in cash. I hate to be Sgt Shultz but I see nothing, I hear nothing and I know nothing.

I contract a brick mason who lives in Holly Hill and two weeks later 20 Latinos show up and in a weeks time they've laid out ten flat beds of cinder block.

I pay the contractor by check and he runs to the bank 1/2 an hour later he's handing out cash.

Sheetrock, roof, parking lot all the same thing. Trouble is without that work force it doesn't get done.

The way I see it is I'm not the gate keeper. Do I benefit? Sure but not like the sub contractor who if I ask do all those guys riding eight to a pickup truck have greencards? He's cleaning up or is he?

I think not he's just making ends meet.

IMO

Posted by postman01 on February 20, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They should be rounded up and expelled immediately.

Here we have an ethnic group whose societies are all 2nd rate by our standards.

Yet these people refuse to learn our language. Should we take this as evidence of INTELLECTUAL INFERIORITY to immigrants from non Latino cultures who learn English without complaint or something more sinister, such as the concept that they want to eventually TAKE OVER OUR COUNTRY?

Also, people who are entitled to be here and especially natural born citizens are required to OBEY THE LAW. We have a SICKNESS in our political leadership when an exception is made for any reason. This sickness has a name. I beseech everyone reading this to get through his or her head that the LEFT WINGER is as dangerous to us as the terrorist and maybe more so, since that belief structure is what is EXCUSING IMMIGRANTS BREAKING THE LAW.

The LEFT WING sicko thinks that he or she is serving some higher authority or power than We the People that elect them. Think about this.

Posted by Hey_U_Guys on February 20, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All illegals should be sent back to where they came from, if they have no intent on becoming legal. No amnesty should be granted, no special priviledges, NOTHING. They are here ILLEGALLY and have NO legal rights. I'm sick and tired of businesses catering to the illegal immigrants. Especially those from Mexico. Billboards are in Spanish, the labels on food in the grocery stores, and some commercials. The daycare my son goes to told me he would be learning Spanish in his Pre-1 class. This class is for 2-2 1/2 year olds. I want my child to learn ENGLISH first. Considering he is an American, this should be his first spoken language. Needless to say, my husband and I expressed our opinions to the daycare. I'm so sick and tired of citizens having to learn Spanish, when the damn illegals should be the ones conforming to OUR way of doing things. You're in OUR country, you speak OUR language. End of discussion.

If you're going to live/work here, you need to do the following:
1.) Apply for a green card, citizenship, or work visa.
2.) Learn the English language.
3.) Pay taxes to cover your own EBT, WIC, and Medicaid.

Posted by give_me_a_chance on February 20, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savannah501,

Thank you for introducing that subject. I find it useless to post arguments over who is right or wrong, but your comment triggered me to thank you for thinking about something more humane. For those who claim high intellectual, would you be so kind to offer an opinion over what savannah501 wrote?

PS> I do relate although I am a legal immigrant. I came here legally, I can read, write, and speak English just fine. By the way, I do pay taxes too. But what are we doing here? What’s inside our hearts? Do we claim to be right over this argument, and then we go to church on Sunday and ask for God to bless America and no place else?

Posted by SCdeacinNYC on February 20, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Elmer you reak of as much ignorance as your moniker suggests.

Do better.

Savannah brings up valid points, the problem is most people on this board are more concerned with scapegoating than the actual human rights issues at work here. There is a broken system, but the people on this board with their rampant paranoia are making it no easier to fix it.

Posted by waterbug on February 20, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We shouldfollow Oklahomas" policy quickly. They have ceased granting these illegals all these free handouts. Illegals as you read are leaving Ok. by the thousand everyday. S.C. being their primary destination!!!!!

Posted by CarolinaWren on February 20, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is American citizenship of such little concern, that we don't mind it being awarded as the result of a crime?

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Elmer - Archdude isn't right. Say it for what it is. You believe what he does. Point blank. That is all there is. He is stating his opinions (no matter how distorted) just as everyone else here is stating their opinions. Get it right. No one is dragging you into anything. You included my name in your post first. Don't get it twisted. You obviously wanted to be dragged into something or you would not have mentioned my name numerous times in your last two posts.. Seriously. You are no better than archdude in this matter. People don't believe what 95% of the other posters belive so obviously they are the same person or they cannot "comprehend". God forbid someone has a dissenting view.

I can honestly tell you that I am almost on the "other" side of the fence so I don't need ANYONE to agree with me but apparently you and archdude do. I could care less if you or anyone else disagrees with me or not. I am not some pollyanna who thinks everyone should bend to my whim. But thats just me.

PS - Good for you. You can spell. Since we have sunk so low as to start calling people losers (so 90s). Maybe I'll bring this back. Takes one to know one. Great, now let me age it up a bit.

Singelroni - You are dead on. Who is making money off of us? No one cares apparently.

Also, the chinese DON'T have to be at our doorstep. We are at their beck and call b/c we want cheap items and that my dear is our downfall. As long as people want cheap items we will be China's doormat. As long as people work for cheap, there will be illegal immigration (jobs you don't want anyway) and outsourcing (highly skilled jobs).

Posted by swtnchas on February 20, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In my experience as a builder, I have had plenty of experience in dealing with Mexicans for very difficult jobs such as the framing and roofing of houses. In all of the years of being a builder and dealing with these people, I can tell you a couple of truths.

In my experience, Mexican immigrants work harder than any other help that I have hired. They are on time, they take few breaks, they get the job done in the allotted amount of time and they are normally completely problem free. You can tell them that you need something done and it simply gets done.

Now if you take your normal contractors in Charleston who are not from Mexico. Not all, but in my experience, most of them have absolutely no problem in slowing down your construction projects, they want their money before the job is done, if work is done poorly it is difficult to have them come and fix it. Pulling teeth is probably easier.

We do give SOOOOO much more money to people who are on welfare that sit at their homes that we provide for them and do not work. Whereas these Mexican laborors are willing to do honest work for a fair wage. Why don't we just take the millions of people that are on welfare off of it, find a way to organize the people that are here to work into a legal structure and let them do it.

I'm sure that all of these Mexicans would try to go Legit and Pay taxes if we made it easier for them to do so.
In my opinion, a lot of the people that fail to see these facts are simply racist and cannot comprehend an America they might have to learn a little spanish. Check the facts, most countries have more than one National Language.

Before writing these Mexican workers off as criminals, try to see things from all angles.

Posted by mom_28 on February 20, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey_U_Guys

i couldnt have said it better. My daughter had a girl in her second grade class (just last year)that could only speak a little english. this made it hard for everyone in the class. I wouldnt go to mexico and expect them to speek english why do they come here and want us to speak spanish

Posted by nomorebull on February 20, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savannah501
Now you mix apples and oranges to try and make your point. If some citizens do these things, it must be Ok for the Illegal Aliens, Bull!
Ask someone who waited for years to make it here legally, how they feel about people who jump the fence.
I have always been taught that actions have consequences. These people knew what they were getting into. Why should the tax payers have to pay the consequences for these people?
Germany tried a temporary work program with the Turks, in the 60's and 70's. Guess what, the Turks never went back. Most never learned the language, and today 20% to 50% are unemployed. This isn't brain surgery, and there are many examples as to what happens when situations like this are allowed continue.
Secure the Borders, no temporary worker programs, and they can watch the U.S economy go into the tank without them here. If you believe that garbage, I've got some prime land down in the Everglades area, you need to know about.
Wasn't it an Illegal Alien that was involved in a fatal accident this past weekend. According to your theory, citizens do this also, so it's OK for them, the Illegals.
This isn't a Heart matter, it's a Right matter!

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savannah - Just last week I read posts on the number of people on government assistance. It is strange to hear those who fall into this category (welfare,food stamps etc) talk about illegal immigration. As if they are so much different just because they are here legally. I know of full grown legal adults who do not pay taxes. How can you not pay taxes?? We have people like Wesley Snipes, who is a millionaire I might add, who did not pay millions of dollars of taxes. Still don't know how he got off.

You are right in that we are not actually answering the more complex questions. To some it is a black and white issue. Right and wrong. There are very few (if any)issues in this world that are that clean cut. If someone is thinking about it in a one-sided manner than I am sure the answer is easy but sorry I cannot tell you what the "right" thing is to do in those situations. It is a very complicated topic.

Posted by mosinfan on February 20, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

swtnchas,
I dont doubt your observations of these folks work ethic one bit. They put our countrymen to shame.

With that said...none of your observations justify breaking the law or our country turning a blind eye to the illegal breach of our borders by 12 million people.

savannah501's posting was emotional but fails to recognize the issue at hand. Illegally breaching our borders.

What is it about the word "illegal" that is so hard to understand?

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On another note -I love how we have 130 posts here but hardly any comment on the exploding meth lab. That is the S.Carolina I know and love.

Posted by CarolinaWren on February 20, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If one parent of the child is an American citizen, then their child is here legally. As far as I am concerned they have a right to claim US citizenship... If the parents are here illegally in the United States any children of their union in my opinion should NOT be considered US citizens but citizens of their parent’s home country. I would vote for any candidate for public office who would be willing to change immigration laws so that if you are here illegally, you get punished, no work, no nothing and sent back home.

If you or I go to China, that does not make us Chinese. If we go to Mexico, we cannot demand the right to vote there. And similarly, if they come to America, that does not automatically make people Americans.

Is not an illegal alien -- key word illegal -- someone who, by definition, is not subject to our laws? By their very presence here, with every step they take, an illegal immigrant declares himself or herself to be not subject to our laws, but rather, subject to the power of his native land.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I was saying earlier. People are more concerned on being "right" rather than getting down to the complex issues. People feel as if because they say the word "illegal" in front of immigrant that makes it the same as murder or some other heinous illegal act. This is not some simple issue where we can just kick everyone who isn't legal out. If that were true I am sure it would have already been done before now.

Posted by To_live_and_die_in_Dixie on February 20, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, this country was built on immigrants, but the majority were LEGAL immigrants. Most came through Ellis Island and attended naturalization classes, learned to speak English, took an oath of allegiance to our great country and became real, naturalized American citizens. They worked hard, paid taxes, joined our military and fought and died to protect the freedoms they so longed for. Those legal immigrants EARNED their citizenship. There is a difference in the immigrants this country was built on and the immigrants who are currently overtaking our country.

And, no, it is not their fault that Mexico doesn't provide the opportunities that this country does -- however, it also is not OUR fault that Mexico doesn't offer what is needed to improve their lives! We, as a country, should not have to suffer and sacrifice what we have just to make another country's citizens' lives better. That is not the job of our government -- it is the job of their government!

Posted by icbmman on February 20, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Test, deportation is what MANY other nations do for their illegal aliens. You can't even relax in many of the Caribbean islands without a proper passport or travel visa. If poor countries like these can deport their illegals, I would think that the US is far more capable.

The problem is that as a nation, our officials are too fat and lazy to do anything about it...they're also political opportunists; allowing illegals citizenship equates to millions of free, uneducated voters. We're already seeing the results of this travesty with the current Presidential election. It's only going to get much worse if the problem isn't solved.

Posted by nomorebull on February 20, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In the community I live in they are starting monthly meetings, and here are some of the topics of these meetings. WIC, welfare a how to apply, consumer protection, day care, and other subjects. This was never done until our community became 60 to 70% Illegal Alien.
We have had three and four families living in one dwelling, with cars parked everywhere, and yards used as body shops.
Just last week, my son 13 and his two nephews, were outside kicking a ball in our yard, when two young Mexican boys (8 to 10 years old) were walking by. Something was said to my son and his nephews, when I asked them what was said, my son said they are calling us Putas. Not sure if that's how you spell it, but you can look it up. When I asked them to leave, they just laughed, and wouldn't leave. We had to threaten to call the police, before they would leave.
What do you think is happening in our schools, with young thugs like this. Do you want your daughter sitting next to one of these want to be thugs in school. According to some we have thugs that are citizens, so what are a few more.
I've had enough excuses from everyone on this.
Illegal is Illegal, no matter what excuses people make for these ILLEGAL ALIENS!

Posted by buildthefencenow on February 20, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its amazing to me that this Salazar person actually believes these employers are witholding taxes from their ILLEGAL CRIMINAL workers. These criminals pay no taxes and just take from the system. Charleston county property owners absorb the brunt of the taxes from which the ILLEGALS enjoy roads and schools and even healthcare. They are all on medicaid paid for by you the taxpayer. We need to hold businesses who hire criminals accountable for it. How crazy is it that some would suggest we give them even more priveleges like a SC drivers license.

Posted by ProudtobeanAmerican on February 20, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm saddened and somewhat ashamed by the comments I've read here. It's because we live in America that everyone is entitled to their opinion. But - what ever happened to "Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses." That's the America I want to represent.

Posted by Robdawg30 on February 20, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its unfortunate that there are so many illegal immigrants out there that have made it bad for the rest. I have met some really nice illegal immigrants, but unfortunately the bad ones make most of us feel the same way. If all the immigrants that came to this country illegally were hard working, not abusing the system, and law abiding citizens who just wanted a better life, we probably wouldnt even be having this conversation. Unfortunately there are so many that live off the system or are not law abiding citizens that it has demanded that something be done about it. Maybe if we changed the law to deport anyone who breaks the law (i.e. theft, violence, DUI, etc) or if they have been living off the system for more than six months and have not been able to find a way to support themselves, or if they cannot speak English within a reasonable amount of time. I can tell you just from working in an ER that the amount of illegals that come thru the ER due to violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and using the ER for free healthcare is a very large amount. I do not care what race anyone is, but whether they are law abiding and respectable people. Based on that, we have a lot of housecleaning of american citizens too!!!
Oh..and lets stop all this childish name-calling on here...just share your opinion and let others do the same! We all have a right to our opinions...thats what this country is based on!

Posted by CarolinaWren on February 20, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

allwoman... You are a jewel! Thank you!!!!

Posted by ginj on February 20, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savannah501 - I have address this point on several posts in the past and have even suggested a solution to our Representatives (like that'll do some good). Even though those children born of LEGAL aliens on US soil are granted dual citizenship (that of the US and their native country). They must make a decision on their 18th birthday as to which country they swear their allegiance. For those children born of ILLEGAL aliens this should not be the same as their parents are not here with the permission of the US Government. Hence, if the tree is bad, the fruit of that same tree must be bad. JMHO

Posted by savannah501 on February 20, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To everyone that has responded to my post, Thanks.

I am an american citizen that works full time, and to certain points I can agree with some post and with others I only see a race card being used.

Children will have to have studied a foreign language inorder to get in to college, and spanish is the easiest language to learn, when children start learning at a younger age they understan better, but to each is ther opinion. I would choose for my childre to learn and be multicultural.

Posted by mosinfan on February 20, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ProudtobeanAmerican,

How about putting your "Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses" into the context in which it was penned.

Those words refer to our system of LEGAL immigration.

Posted by Test2007 on February 20, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

icbmann - While this is true. How many of these nations are the size of America and have the number of illegal immigrants that we do? The passport/visa restrictions were adopted by the US post 9/11. Many of the islands were against this policy. While I have not heard of anyone trying to immigrate to a Carribbean Island I am sure it happens just not at high rate. To be honest, I know a ton of islanders who have immigrated to the US. Places like Jamaica for instance are considered a 3rd world country and usually if a poor country like that gets all huffy about immigration it is usually to use it as a scapegoat for their other economic issues.

To live and die - not all immigrants (legal) learned English I know a few who still speak their native language and only that. Those are usually people who were older when they came over. It isn't that they didn't want to learn but it was harder. The english language trickled down with younger generations. It is easier to learn a language while you're younger. I am trying to learn a language and I can honestly say it is not as easy as it seems and I don't consider myself old.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Elmer your are correct about the sign

My personal fav protest sign:

No hay igualdad de ilegales no burritos

No Illegals means No Burritos

You better think twice America!

More crazy anti emigrant at:

http://www.noinvaders.org/home.shtml

Posted by mosinfan on February 20, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it so warm and where are we going in this handbasket?

Posted by icbmman on February 20, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Test, the size of a nation is a poor excuse for the government to dismiss its responsibilities. The travel visa and passport policies FOR THOSE OTHER NATIONS were in place far before 9/11. Even though the US is much larger than island nations, the government still has an obligation to protect its borders. While the our government does great work in becoming a socialist bureaucracy--giving "free" health care, "free" education, "free" tuition assistance, and even "free" housing--it chooses to neglect its primary function: protection of its LEGAL citizens.

This has got to stop, or we will lose our nation. We're already losing it now!

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK here's a question for the smart people:

What well organized corporation, with offices world wide, that has been in business since forever benefits the most from South Carolina's illegal Latino immigrants, so much so that they always turn a blind eye as they contribute millions to this corporation's annual revenue.

Need a hint?

They don't have a CEO, CFO or COO

Posted by nochasgirl on February 20, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with swtnchas, with experience in the building business, which by the way, we use one Mexican sub, and he has a Federal ID # and I give him a 1099 at the end of the year. But he shows up when he says, he works hard, he cleans up the job site when he is finished, very respectful. Which I can assure you is not the case with a lot of subs. While this sub is legal, and there may be others who are legal, but for the few that are legal, there are thousands who are not. For those employers who are withholding taxes, I'm not sure that they are paying those taxes to the IRS, if they do not have legitimate ss#'s or FEI's. So the government is probably not getting the taxes, but the employer is keeping it? I do not believe the impact of illegal aliens is minimal. How much does it cost to educate a child? Health care? I am equally upset with people who are able to work, but choose not to, and collect welfare. I work, pay taxes, pay for groceries, clothes, etc. No free lunch, everything we have, we worked to get.

I recently went with a friend to traffic court, and one Mexican guy was arrested for speeding, and then charged with driving without a license. His speeding fine was $80, and the other fine was approximately $ 250. He never blinked an eye. He went to pay the fine. He appeared to be alone, so not sure why the officer didn't follow him outside to see how he was leaving court. What about insurance?

Posted by tigerdsn on February 20, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. I have never seen such a long post where pretty much everyone agrees with one another! We should send this post to the state legislature saying, "Look, we actually agree on something!"

Posted by give_me_a_chance on February 20, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Forget about the reasons and
the treasons we are seeking
Forget about the notion that
our emotions can be swept away
Intentions are not wicked, don't be tricked into thinking so
And soon we will all find our lives swept away

You seek up an emotion
and your cup is overflowing
You seek up an emotion,
sometimes your well is dry
You seek up a big monster
for him to fight your wars for you
But when he finds his way to you, the devil's not
going, "Ha ha, ha ha"

Fall back again, fall back again"

Dave Matthews

Posted by SCPDBLUE on February 20, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People I told you in the past that this was going to happen and we needed to do something about it before it was to late.I wrote to the PC letters to the editor section and on TALK BACK on Ch.5,Well folks,I hate to say I told you so But I told you so.Now the Illegals are demanding rights.like I stated in the past and was called a racist. I told you that politicians would be looking for the taco vote to keep their jobs,I was right again and was called a racist.I told you that the illegals aliens will take jobs of the working man ie:Roofers,brick mason,framers,lawn care,cooks ect.Again I was right but was called a racist.Mrs.Salazar states that the U.S. was based on immigration,that is true my people came from Italy but they became LEGAL citizens of this country and got a real SS#,learned English and became proud citizens of this great country I call home,they did not call themselves Italian-Americans,they were proud to be in this country and thus called themselves Americans ..The United States welcomes all but do it legally,learn English.Then I to will welcome you.But until you follow the rules of this country you have no right to demand anything...If this makes me a racist for speaking my mind in a country of free speech,then call me what you will but don't cry foul when you or members of your family losses a job,or is shot during a robbery by an illegal alien because he has no money and cant get a job because he doesn't have job skills or cant speak English.Also don't forget his family who is living off of your tax money,and hospital visits cost go up because you have to pay for your injury and the illegal alien also.After reading these comments about this topic,Its time to vote for people who will take a stand against this injustice and not try and pass PC feel good laws,with no bite.Stop every pickup at Stall rd who picks up Illegals and start with a fine for every illegal in the truck $100.00 a head ,contact the builder that his contractor, Subcontractor is using Illegal aliens and if they have illegals on site they will be fined $1000.00 a head,if caught again they will lose their business license.No DL's unless they party shows is SS# which would be checked on site,If the persons SS# comes back to a person who died in 1955 ICE is called and he or she is deported..If they have no auto insurance they go to jail and ICE is called and he or she is deported.NO food stamps,SSI or any other state or government tax payer payed program..But with all this I've written about along with all of you do you think it will happen? doubt it.Get out and vote,Make change happen,call,email or write letters to the powers to be.DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ILLEGAL ALIENS AND DO IT WITHOUT PC FEEL GOOD WORDING OR WE THE PEOPLE WILL VOTE YOU OUT. people this is your country,your state do something about the illegal alien tidal wave but do it legally..

Posted by icbmman on February 20, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Elmer...I'd laugh if that wasn't such an actual possibility for the future!

Scary times are ahead, for sure.

Posted by nomorebull on February 20, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you realize we already have an Alphabet soup of Visas, from H-1B, H-2B, L-1, E-2, and Visas for Doctors. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of people we take in a year.
You can be Proud to be an American, because we already do what you yearn for.

Posted by MotoryachtSoCo on February 20, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SCPDBlue - OMG!

It's not an accident report, for God's sake man take a breath or two. Double space after a period and coma. Please.

I'm looking as this mess above and I know there are some valid points but it makes me dizzy.

Did you type that on your cell phone or something?

Posted by SCPDBLUE on February 20, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MotoryachtSoCo,I hear you sorry will try better next time.I do agree with you 100% on your comments.How did you guess I typed it on my cell phone,good job.

Posted by ProudtobeanAmerican on February 20, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I watched a Twilight Zone episode a long time ago that has stuck in my memory for many years. It was about a caucasion male who didn't like anyone who wasn't "like him." He walked off a cliff one day and ended up a Jew in Nazi Germany, walked off another cliff and was a black man at a KKK meeting - get the point? I wonder what each of us would do if our family was starving and we had a chance - criminal or not - to make a better life for them? Think about it.

Posted by CarolinaWren on February 20, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

• The nation’s immigrant population (legal and illegal) reached a record of 37.9 million in 2007.
• Immigrants account for one in eight U.S. residents, the highest level in 80 years. In 1970 it was one in 21; in 1980 it was one in 16; and in 1990 it was one in 13.
• Overall, nearly one in three immigrants is an illegal alien. Half of Mexican and Central American immigrants and one-third of South American immigrants are illegal.
• Since 2000, 10.3 million immigrants have arrived — the highest seven-year period of immigration in U.S. history. More than half of post-2000 arrivals (5.6 million) are estimated to be illegal aliens.
• The largest increases in immigrants were in California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
• Of adult immigrants, 31 percent have not completed high school, compared to 8 percent of natives. Since 2000, immigration increased the number of workers without a high school diploma by 14 percent, and all other workers by 3 percent.
• The share of immigrants and natives who are college graduates is about the same. Immigrants were once much more likely than natives to be college graduates.
• The proportion of immigrant-headed households using at least one major welfare program is 33 percent, compared to 19 percent for native households.
• The poverty rate for immigrants and their U.S.-born children (under 18) is 17 percent, nearly 50 percent higher than the rate for natives and their children.
• 34 percent of immigrants lack health insurance, compared to 13 percent of natives. Immigrants and their U.S.-born children account for 71 percent of the increase in the uninsured since 1989.
• Immigrants make significant progress over time. But even those who have been here for 20 years are more likely to be in poverty, lack insurance, or use welfare than are natives.
• The primary reason for the high rates of immigrant poverty, lack of health insurance, and welfare use is their low education levels, not their legal status or an unwillingness to work.
• Of immigrant households, 82 percent have at least one worker compared to 73 percent of native house