Immigration Rallies Planned Nationwide

[Verisimilitude]

It applies to their children only. You’re the only one that says that the amendment applies to Mexican Nationals so you’re the one that has to accept that it doesn’t apply.

No, it’s not what I said.

No, because the Amendment does not address that issue.

Does having a US citizen child afford the parents any special protections. What if the parents are deported?

The amendment address only birth rights. It can’t then apply to the parent.

I asked if you thought it was a good idea for it to be so.

No the system is broken because the laws do not operate under the Rule of Law and do not work. It’s senseless to continue to attempt to enforce laws that don’t work. Without new laws the system cannot work.

The laws work well. You don’t like the law. Are you talking about immigration to become a citizen, or guest workers who do not?

Of course not and neither do the proposals currently under consideration

Yes, to all currently here illegally.

To all.

This was done in 1986. It was a bad idea then, and is a bad idea now. Do you dismiss the dangers of the current world with respect to terrorism and those who wish to do the US harm?

Immigration Reform only provides a path to citizenship. They still have to qualify under the program and they still have to meet the requirements for citizenship. Though I do believe that those who have been here the longest could be Naturalized.

Doublespeak.

 

[Verisimilitude]

It should not be a requirement to become a “citizen” in order to work here.

Existing law already accomdates that condition. What is wrong with following it? IF you don’t like the current law, flooding American cities with millions of unlawfull people is not the way to change it.

I don’t think that one can tell that by an oath but would be nice if we could.

We have to trust people, which is why we ask them to be of good moral character.

I don’t see how exercising one’s Constitutional Rights can be deemed “unduly” by anyone. I think those people who try to limit Constitutional Rights are actually attacking the Constitution. I’m defending the Constitution by acknowledging their right to Free Speech.

If you would understand that Mexican et.al. nationals illegally in the US do not have US Constitutional Rights you would see why it is deemed unruly. If Hitler snuck accross the southern border in 1942, you think he should be allowed to protest the government just becasue he got into the US?

We’re not going to protect this country by wasting security resources on people who are not terrorist threats.

How do you know they are not? How do you know all those people who come through the borders, specifrically the southern border are all of good intent and good will? Do only Mexican nationals cross illegally into the US through the Mexican border? We won’t protect it if we don’t patrol, enforce, and stop illegals crossing.

One of the ways to help is to channel the flow from the borders to a legalization process that will give us an opportunity to weed them out and make it easier to detect the “bad” in those that remain. Since all the 9/ll terrorists came in legally we need to make some changes in those procedures as well.

A better way would be to abide by and enforce the current law. If you want to add to or amend current law- do so in the courts, not by illegal assembly by non-citizens that dirutpt citizens peace and posterity. No matter how you spin the law to your favor becasue yo think it should be that way, it does not apply to non-citizens. If they have the right to assemble they have the right to bear arms- non-citizens illegally in the US do not have those rights.

 

[DeaconTony]

Did somone once say, “I was a stranger and you took me in.” And when people asked and said, “when did we see YOU a stranger and take you in?” The King will say, “whatever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers you do to me.”

Wow. Can you imagine denying Christ entrence into the country, think of the next time you receive Jesus into your hearts and souls during Holy Communion.

 

[Verisimilitude]

Did somone once say, “I was a stranger and you took me in.” And when people asked and said, “when did we see YOU a stranger and take you in?” The King will say, “whatever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers you do to me.”

Wow. Can you imagine denying Christ entrence into the country, think of the next time you receive Jesus into your hearts and souls during Holy Communion.

Inappropriate analogy.

Give a man a fish you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.

Would/did Christ break the law for personal gain? Did He not say the poor wold be with us always, and to give unto Caesar which is Caesars? The compassion you speak of is there by not turning away at schools and hospitals. Ask the coyote to show compassion and not abandon people in the desert since he already has his fee, or the madame who accepts illegal girls for prostitution in order to payback what they promised to get here. Ask the Mexican government to be less corrupt and make a better life for their people in their home instead of exporting their people.

Mexico is reported to be a mostly Catholic country. Tell it to them as well as America.

 

[meeshy]

Excellent response, Deacon Tony. Too bad some might think yours was an “inappropriate analogy.” It’s not at all.

I have to remind everyone of the official position of the USCCB. They want immigration reform, NOW. Their position is that any new reform legislation on the table must do the following:

"—include a legalization program which is workable and which includes family unity and a realistic and achievable path to citizenship;

—create a new worker program with worker protections, living wage levels, and a path to citizenship; and

—preserve family reunification in our immigration system by reducing family backlogs and maintaining all family preference categories."

For more information on the USCCB’s position, please see their official website: http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/

I would liken accepting immigrants into our country and relying on God to provide for us to a family following NFP. We do the right thing; God will provide.

Peace,
Meeshy

 

[Verisimilitude]

I would liken accepting immigrants into our country and relying on God to provide for us to a family following NFP. We do the right thing; God will provide.

Peace,
Meeshy

God helps those who help themselves. If you read the posts above you would see that a path to citizenship is not always desired or intended by the millions of illegals. Reform the law, don’t break it.

Who is doing the wrong thing? Is it the employer who hires an illegal for a lower wage, or the citizen who says that is against the law? Is it the landlord who allows 20 illegal people to live in a dwelling designed for 4, or the citizen who lives next door and complains? Is it the school that permits illegal non-english speaking children into the classroom, or the legal students who don’t learn as well because the class is too large and divided by language? Is it the illegal who uses a false ID to drive, or the citizen that pays for repairs in an accident with them becausew the former does not abide by the other requirements for the privilege to drive?

Can America accept all of the worlds poor, or are you only concerned with Mexicans that happen to be here now? What about the next 20 million that will come in the next 20 years? Is it only because Mexicans and some other South Americans can phyiscally walk accross the border to get here? What of the poor Filipino’s, Africans, or Chinese that cannot walk accross the border and demand their “rights” like Mexicans do? Where is your compassion for them?

 

[davidmammola]

I would like to know what my fellow Catholics think about the actions/stance of Cardinal Mahoney with respect to the illegal immigration crisis. Comments anyone?

 

[meeshy]

I have only one point of view: the same that is held by the USCCB. If anyone needs information about their position, here again is the website: justiceforimmigrants.org/

When the Bishops, as a group, give us their official position on an issue, it’s time to stop yapping and listen to them.

I don’t have anything else to say.

Peace,
Meeshy

 

[Verisimilitude]

I have only one point of view: the same that is held by the USCCB. If anyone needs information about their position, here again is the website: justiceforimmigrants.org/

When the Bishops, as a group, give us their official position on an issue, it’s time to stop yapping and listen to them.

I don’t have anything else to say.

Peace,
Meeshy

Pity- you should have something to say about it.

Then you also agree that the US has a right and obligation to enforce her laws as each of the Bishops declare. They disagree with the border fence- do do I. They disagree with breaking up families with raids- so do I.

I do not support turning away the ignorant, hungry or the hurt. But feeding, educating and healing them does not also include making everyone who crosses the border illegally, legal. Many don’t want that. Many just want the work. Those that do want citizenship already have a legal pathway to obtain it.

 

[meeshy]

It is incorrect to say that illegals living in America have a pathway to legal citizenship. They do not. No one can apply for citizenship who came here illegally. Please check the INS website for further information: Naturalization

The Bishops have covered all the arguments. Their plan is comprehensive. I cannot add more to it nor take anything away from it, as they have covered it all. To me it is useless to continue to debate the issue. Just go with what the Bishops advocate, and “¡ya!” as the Mexicans say.

Paz,
Meeshy

 

[Verisimilitude]

It is incorrect to say that illegals living in America have a pathway to legal citizenship. They do not. No one can apply for citizenship who came here illegally. Please check the INS website for further information: Naturalization

I’m familiar with the requirements. You made my point, thanks. They need to go back home to their home country and apply legally like they should have before they came here illegally. Like prayers, sometimes the answer is no. Why not support their demand for change in their home country where it is needed?

The Bishops have covered all the arguments. Their plan is comprehensive. I cannot add more to it nor take anything away from it, as they have covered it all. To me it is useless to continue to debate the issue. Just go with what the Bishops advocate, and “¡ya!” as the Mexicans say.

Paz,
Meeshy

No they didn’t cover all the arguments. Not talking about it will not make it go away. But it seems you too are only concerned with Mexicans. All laws apply except to Mexicans?

 

[YinYangMom]

I have only one point of view: the same that is held by the USCCB. If anyone needs information about their position, here again is the website: justiceforimmigrants.org/

When the Bishops, as a group, give us their official position on an issue, it’s time to stop yapping and listen to them.

I don’t have anything else to say.

Peace,
Meeshy

Hold up.
That link isn’t to the USCCB so it’s not correct for you to make the claim that you would be within your Catholic obligations to follow what is put forth in that particular site.

The site belongs to an organization called Justice for Immigrants. They are not the end-all for Catholics on which to base their positions.

While the USCCB concurs with several of the positions on the site that is not the same as such policies and positions being **the official position **of the USCCB as a whole.

Look, the USCCB position on immigration reform is not the issue here. Yes, immigration laws in our country need to be reexamined. Yes, the Catholic church has much to say about how justice can best be served for all parties when that discussion takes place.

But please stop jumping to the conclusion that every time a USCCB speech, pamphlet or document which uses the word immigrant applies also to illegal immigrants. I** am so annoyed with the lumping in of illegals with legals. They are two separate groups of people which require two separate approaches for proper management.**

 

[meeshy]

I said nothing about Mexicans, except the word “ya.”

If you feel the Bishops have not covered everything in their plan for immigration reform, you should contact them. Here is the address:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Migration and Refugee Services
3211 Fourth Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017-1194

(202)541-3224 Phone
(202)722-8755 Fax

As for me, I give the Bishops’ plan my full support and I will do everything I can to make others aware of their plan.

Peace,
Meeshy

 

[meeshy]

YinYangMom, you are incorrect.

From the USCCB Office of Media Relations:

Catholic Bishops Launch Immigration Reform Campaign

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2005)—Saying the nation’s immigration system is “broken and badly needs repair,” U.S. Catholic bishops and leaders of a diverse group of Catholic organizations today announced the official launch of Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope. The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform.

The rest of the article can be viewed here: usccb.org/comm/archives/2005/05-117.shtml

The official website for the USCCB Campaign for Immigration Reform is justiceforimmigrants.org/

Peace,
Meeshy

 

[meeshy]

In case you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s the end of it:

Some 20 Catholic organizations with national networks have come together to form Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope. The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform. Member organizations include United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Migration and Refugee Services, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Domestic Social Development, International Justice and Peace, Hispanic Affairs, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC); Catholic Health Association (CHA); Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA); Catholic Relief Services (CRS); National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM); National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW); National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA); U.S. Jesuit Conference; Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR); Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM); National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors (NASCCD); Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network; Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors; The Irish Apostolate, USA.

 

[YinYangMom]

Did somone once say, “I was a stranger and you took me in.” And when people asked and said, “when did we see YOU a stranger and take you in?” The King will say, “whatever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers you do to me.”

Wow. Can you imagine denying Christ entrence into the country, think of the next time you receive Jesus into your hearts and souls during Holy Communion.

It was my understanding Christ also spoke about obeying the laws, giving unto Caesar what is due to Caesar and so fort.

Again, the topic of overall immigration policies is one thing.
Lumping the illegal immigrants already here into that same pool of people we are trying to serve is another.

The pool immigration reform is trying to address are all those other families on the other side who do not have the $5,000 per head to pay to help them break US laws and make them into felons but who most certainly would love to have the opportunity to live and work here legally.

 

[YinYangMom]

YinYangMom, you are incorrect.

From the USCCB Office of Media Relations:

Catholic Bishops Launch Immigration Reform Campaign

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2005)—Saying the nation’s immigration system is “broken and badly needs repair,” U.S. Catholic bishops and leaders of a diverse group of Catholic organizations today announced the official launch of Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope. The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform.
The rest of the article can be viewed here: usccb.org/comm/archives/2005/05-117.shtml

The official website for the USCCB Campaign for Immigration Reform is justiceforimmigrants.org/

Peace,
Meeshy

Meeshy,

I am not opposed to reforming the U.S. immigration policies.
I support completely the Church’s desire to lead the change for all those outside the country who would benefit greatly from participating fully and legally within our governmental system.

I read that entire article and not once did I see the word illegal appear before the word immigrant.

I agree that as a Catholic I am obliged to listen to my shepherds on matters of faith and morals. Certainly I do not squabble over their position for immigration reform because the position is for the benefit of legal immigration.

Again, I caution you from lumping the illegal immigration matter in with the legal immigration policies and from trying to justify opening all arms and resources to illegals by claiming the USCCB supports that position.

 

[YinYangMom]

In case you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s the end of it:

Some 20 Catholic organizations with national networks have come together to form Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope. The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform. Member organizations include United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Migration and Refugee Services, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Domestic Social Development, International Justice and Peace, Hispanic Affairs, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC); Catholic Health Association (CHA); Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA); Catholic Relief Services (CRS); National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM); National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW); National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA); U.S. Jesuit Conference; Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR); Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM); National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors (NASCCD); Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network; Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors; The Irish Apostolate, USA.

Please note the absence of illegal before the word “Immigrants”. There is a valid reason why the word is missing.

 

[SamG]

A bus ticket to where? Will you ship many of them all the way to South America? Again, not everyone coming through Mexico is Mexican. Is it only Mexicans we are picking on, or will you ship back all the Hatians and Cubans as well? While we’re at it, what about the Irish, and Italians, Jamacians, Viet Namiese, and Chinese. How about all the Sudanese refugees? Some melting pot, huh?

Kim

I completely agree with you. I don’t care whether they’re black, white, yellow, purple, or polka dot: If they are illegal, I don’t want them here. I think it is painfully obvious to most people, however, that the majority of illegals are from the Central and South American countries.

 

[mary_bobo]

I completely agree with you. I don’t care whether they’re black, white, yellow, purple, or polka dot: If they are illegal, I don’t want them here. I think it is painfully obvious to most people, however, that the majority of illegals are from the Central and South American countries.

Some of the folks on our forum are very kind and idealistic. But just how many illegals are we to assimilate? We already have 13 million. Our hospitals are stretched, our schools are stretched. I just don’t understand why they can’t see that. My father came as an immigrant LEGALLY. I just don’t think the ends justify the means here. Whatever happened to laws?