Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

I don't hear much discussion about the employers who are knowingly employing these people and what kind of punishment they should receive for doing so.

I also don't hear much discussion on these people being treated like modern-day slaves, abused, not paid fair wages, sometimes not paid at all for their day's work, living in constant fear, inhumane and unsafe working and living conditions because Americans know they have no means to defend themselves because of their status and take advantage of them.

As usual everything is always one-sided.

Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

My dad worked with them in Iowa. He would translate and transport them to the local hospitals and speak to the doctors for them. They were transient as they came and went with the crops. HIs wife would help them fill out paperwork at the bank so they could get their money.

They were treated different to be sure. Subclass. They lived in fear of losing what they had. Medical care was sketchy. They had to be super sick to get the good meds. Dad wanted to start an immunization program but I warned him they'd never do it. They fear that. They denied him. He would often go to the jail and talk them down or out of a bad situation. He also carried a gun with him cause they were quick to defend if need be. He as shot at a few times.

The women would leave their children behind on purpose if they were disabled and the women in town would adopt them to make money from the state. It was an odd scenario. It was browns and whites. But they lived in relative harmony until the reds came into it.

yes they were used and employed. they weren't given jobs that the white kids could have mostly. My brother is super dark and called paki so that caused a bit of stress for us as his twin is much lighter. Dad tried to be a voice of peace. He was the guy who walked children home from school, created safe walking spaces, space speaking places, etc.

Point is. Its never one sided. They'd still kill my dad if he wasn't careful even though he was one of them. He knew that. He never stayed alone with their daughters for fear of talk. They never stayed alone with white girls. yet those girls still got pregnant. Bias is there on both side of the fence (or blanket).

But they came and they won't stop. They risk it all because we give them more. They are willing to die here to send money back. They will TRY To have children here so they are American because its better here no matter how bad. It's a different mentality and they outnumber most and they know it. What are you going to do? You and what army?

Wait long enough and the generations behind you are all American and there's nothing you can do. Meh. Some move in packs others don't care. It's about the groups you see and how they choose to live.

There's ALWAYS more to the story.

Because in my city I see the other side. The advantage seekers. Which are a different breed entirely.

Re: Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

Re: Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

I have been thinking the same thing. There is so much talk about not deporting people and having open borders - but is this really so we can just exploit these people? If the employers were hiring Americans they would be forced to pay a fair wage and treat them adequately. What are we saying when we say we are going to open our borders so we can treat illegal immigrants like crap? And frankly that's what's been going on for DECADES. Personally I would rather pay more for things produced domestically by legal workers, than get a good price because someone was exploited.

Message edited 2/13/2017 7:39:44 PM.

Re: Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

I live in an area with a large number of people who are likely undocumented. It seems like there are a lot of single men who cram into single family homes and apartments, though in recent years there has been a crackdown on landlords who allow that (as there should be) which has alleviated some of the problem.

It's interesting, though. Many of these men hang out in town, waiting for people to pick them up for day jobs. I have neighbors who are vocally anti-immigrant, which is their right, but whenever they need odd jobs done around their house, they drive into town and pick up a worker. They are not the only people who do that- rant and then use them for cheap labor when needed. It's foolish and it adds to the problem- they won't leave as long as they have work.

Re: Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

There are always two sides to the story. There are many employers who exploit migrant workers, but at the same time, there are many who do what they can to help improve the situation. Fortunately, or unfortunately, nothing is black and white - it's all just various shades of gray.

Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

As a teacher in high-risk areas, I know hundreds of students who are likely undocumented immigrants or their parents are. There are always bad apples in the bunch, but I see the ones who work their butts off, live in crowded conditions until they can get on their own two feet, who shop at our stores and who attend our schools. They're humans and they're trying to just make a better life than what they had in their corrupt, drug-lord driven, war-torn countries.
ALL immigrants struggled when they first got here to the "new world". Then it's on to the next group.
Again, no one prevented their immigration, no one prevented them from renting homes, getting licenses and buying cars etc. Why all of this backlash now?

Re: Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

Speaking of unauthorized immigrants

I don't feel that there's any argument with giving people a viable timeframe. I just plainly disagree with fear-mongering raids, as well as deporting undocumented immigrants simply for crossing the border illegally or overstaying a visa.
I think my argument is more about, "they're already here, they're contributing to society and the economy, for years we looked the other way. Why such a huge fuss now?"
I also think that when my great grandfather came to the US in 1903 without his wife and kids (3 times before they were able to emigrate) our political, economic and social structure was vastly different. The Italian malefactor was considered to be the greatest scourge of the cities, cities were slums, and the quotas weren't yet enacted. Vetting wasn't what it is now, and we did not have a financial system set up to balance the equation.