As we see the national news coverage for the Arias-Tovar family of Illegal Immigrants that are being detained we see two opposing opinions either in support for the family or the hardline stance of deportation.
Yes, they are what we might say are an established family, but the question must be asked why wasn't there any attempt to become naturalized citizens of the United States in the time which they've been here?
Further questions must be answered as for how the father established a business as for having a business license, driver's license, Social Security number to obtain a EIN, and then be able to pay proper state, federal, local taxes and Medicare and Social Security withholdings on employees.
Sympathy for the apathy has got to cease as how many legitimate domestic contractors have had to go out of business not being able to compete with companies as such who utilize illegal aliens not paying competitive wages and paying cash under the table.
Some will say that these "menial" jobs will not be done by domestic workers, but we must understand that these jobs are steppingstones to eventually learn the trade and then start a business. I myself did jobs as such and each one was in preparation for the next to the point now my wife and I have a successful business.
Economically we have to take into account the billions of dollars sent back to their home country which is uncalculatable loss for the United States because when that money leaves it does not generate further revenue as that money goes through transactions here.
We've reached a tipping point in our country as the present administration addresses the past neglect of immigration, or should I say invasion reforms and there will be pain and suffering but for those in our country illegally they have been offered a chance to do things right and they only have themselves to blame.
Jay Reed
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Now now, Jay.. How do you know for a certainty the family of the immigrant teen haven't sought legal status during their time in the U.S.? It can take years, decades even, to become legal. It's not like they're of the recent 'privileged' group from South Africa who will be fast tracked to becoming legal U.S. citizens.
You assume much, Jay.
Personally, I'd just as well walk away and throw in my hat before going along with and following orders that go against my principles and moral compass. I've quit positions in the past because upper-heads wanted of me something I wasn't willing to go along with. But then again, one would have to have principles and a moral compass to begin with, right?
As someone on the inside once said of the horrors of WWII. Even those who resisted in the beginning, in the end "JUST FOLLOWED ORDERS."
And I've long gotten the deep, disturbing feeling, all these roundups and deportations are a buildup to something even more dark and sinister. Just like........................well, another dark and sinister period in world history.
Brenda Washington
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Now now Brenda. The family of the illegal immigrant teen are here illegally. If this family had applied for citizenship or to be in this country legally over the years, I would think they would have a green card or some type of visa. And that's certainly not been reported. So, the premise of your "pie in the sky" story of their, maybe, possibly, applying for legal status and maybe, possibly getting a pass is what I would call "generating a false narrative".
So Brenda, if the previous regimes had followed the law and not allowed illegal aliens in this country unchecked through open borders, this family would probably not be in the position they are now in. They made a choice to come here illegally which, as everyone knows, is breaking the law and has deportation consequences. Yes, it's a crummy deal to be deported after all these years, but illegal is illegal. And as we've been told over and over, no one is above the law.
As for your deep, disturbing feeling the deportations are a build up to something more dark and sinister.....take a deep breath and be thankful the new sheriff, President Trump, has closed the border and made you a bit safer.
As a side note for Jay, I asked the Google "how does illegal alien get a business license" and it appears immigration status is not a factor in getting a business license and other business oriented things as well. Go figure.
Phil Snider
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As Mr. Phil Snider stated, the ICE detention of the Arias-Tovar family of illegal immigrants is “a crummy deal to be deported after all these years, but illegal is illegal.” And as we've been told over and over, no one is above the law, although a separate discussion is necessary for one prominent Republican.
I wonder how many conservatives, and especially the hard-liners, agree with Mr. Snider that it is a crummy deal?
Certain federal crimes, such as murder or terrorism, do not have a statute of limitations for prosecution. The seriousness of these offenses is exhibited because there is no such statute.
I could not find a statute of limitations for the crime of “improper entry into the United States.” The non-existence of a statute of limitation places that crime into the same category of as murder, terrorism, et.al.
With regard to deportation as a penalty for the crime of improper entry, is that always equal to the penalties for crimes with no statute of limitations? Especially for illegal immigrants with otherwise exceptional standing in their community?
Do we really want to deport persons of exceptional standing solely because the person is an illegal immigrant? Should the spouse, a child or relative of such a person, who also is of exceptional standing, be deported?
However, a “get out of jail free” card is not a solution though. Of course that begs the question of what is exceptional standing?
For example, exceptional standing could include a minimum continuous residence period after illegally entering the U.S., paying all monies due all jurisdictions, no convictions for any felony in the U.S. or any felony committed in another country. A requirement for felonies could be subject to time periods, perhaps seven to 10 years. I’m sure that other requirements should be considered.
A statute of limitations that prohibits deportation, perhaps after seven years, should be enacted. Instead of deportation, a more lenient penalty should replace deportation. Such a penalty might include fines, community service work, or a probationary period. Any conviction for illegal entry, presently a felony, could be expunged after a successful probationary period if legal citizenship is obtained.
To close, I’m not advocating a “get out of jail free card.” Nor am I advocating automatic citizenship. As a nation, though, when illegal immigrants have proven themselves as law abiding, wouldn’t that be a better basis to adjudge worthiness of entry that any information derived from foreign sources?
Joe Warren