The American Dream
The DREAM Act may not come soon enough for Benita Veliz.
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11 comments
Monday, April 13th, 2009, 4:22 pm
Devin Greaney says:
Any soverign nation has the right to control its borders.
But along with making it more difficult for imigrants to do the wrong thing... We should make it easier for them to do the right thing. It is too easy for imigrants to live in sanctuary cities violating our laws in a nation they feel hates them. From there it is not a huge leap to violate our voting laws, to use the system paid by other people’s taxes and then to balkanize into their own groups rathrer than view themselves as Americans.
But what about these people who want to do the right thing? Maybe their visa is expired. Maybe they did cross over in ’94 but maybe all they have on their record is a traffic violation. These people are not all going back and it is logisticallly impossible to deport them all. Make a system where generally good people can become resident aliens, ineligible for government benifts and emphasize teaching them English, American history and the Constitution or else demagogs will teach them the country is evil, Americans owe you money and votes should go to whomever promises the most goodies.
Deport the convicted felons(after serving their sentences, of course) and the folks preaching violence instead of the people who try to do the right thing or else those two groups may become indistinguishable from one another.
Devin Greaney
Memphis TN
Friday, April 10th, 2009, 12:03 pm
RCT says:
Although the case of Benita Veliz is heartwrenching, and I hope it works out for her, why is the USA so schizophrenic and hypocritical about its immigration policies? I am a legal immigrant, and before we were allowed to come to live in this country, we had to pass interviews, health exams, and get documents stating that no American citizen could be found to do the job for which my husband was applying. I have relatives who would love to join us here, but they are not sure of being allowed to come. Why are they expected to stand in line and watch while others sneak into the country and take up the available spaces? And who then seem to be welcomed with open arms?
Friday, April 10th, 2009, 10:01 am
dr. hebert says:
Rll, I’m not assuming. I know.
Friday, April 10th, 2009, 9:07 am
RLL says:
dr.hebert,
The article does not state that she has previously attempted to gain legal access (which I expect is would). Therefore, I do not want to ASSUME that she has (as you seem to). Maybe she has, and that is good. Our system DOES actually allow this as I know others who have become citizens.
BTW, I do not think that she should be deported. I merely think that immigrants should be more urgent in their attainment of citizenship (tax paying, voting, etc.) and not wait until they are caught for it to become urgent.
I am also a graduate of St. Mary’s University and I’m glad that the students are rallying in support of her. But I still believe these efforts (on her’s and other illegals part) should have taken place along time ago. They should not be waiting until deportation is threatened.
Friday, April 10th, 2009, 8:32 am
dr.hebert says:
RLL,
Of course she tried to gain legal status, but our current system does not allow. Do you really believe she has not been active in trying to gain legal access? She is seeking legal status now because of the urgency of the moment and because of the community’s support.
dr.hebert
Friday, April 10th, 2009, 8:23 am
RLL says:
She has clearly spent time educating herself and working in the community. Why couldn’t she spend some of that time working towards a LEGAL citizenship? Why is she waiting until now, after she faces deportation, to beg for a chance to pay into the tax system? She should have been doing that for a long time already, not just after she’s caught. Typical!
Thursday, April 9th, 2009, 12:50 pm
KM says:
Ridiculous
Thursday, April 9th, 2009, 12:20 pm
Angela says:
As a St. Mary’s student involved with the movement, I thank you for writing such a top-notch piece.
Thursday, April 9th, 2009, 11:26 am
RJ says:
Great story- I like the way just small steps of action can turn into a great big movement. I hope Immigration reform passes this year to help everyone- not only students.
Thursday, April 9th, 2009, 11:04 am
Katie says:
What an important issue. Thank you for bring this to our attention.
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009, 10:15 am
KML says:
I’m praying for you Benny. Margaret, awesome job writting the article.
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