Blog #8 - Response to "Can I See Your Papers Mr. Hernandes"

I agree with this writer, that this country is a melting pot of various nationalities and cultures. America was founded on the belief that we can provide a better life. I don’t disagree that there are illegal immigrants who are living in this country as though lawful citizens, however there are plenty of people coming in illegally who are participating in criminal activity in our country.

There is too much violence and drugs that is spilling over into our country. We must gain control. We have rules in this country for a reason. If people want to live the “American Dream”, let them apply to be citizens and enter legally. There are too many people in this country that we know nothing about…who they are, whether their intentions are good or bad.

So, Mr. Hernandes, or for that matter Mr. Jones or Mr. Goldstein, please show your papers. If you have nothing to hide, you’ll show them proudly…as an American.

Good and Bad Immigration Law

The New York Times published an article this week that shows how the country is split with different views with polls showing who favors or disapproves the new Arizona immigration laws. Americans overall, think that immigration policies need to be overhauled. It’s funny that a majority of Americans support the new law that Arizona has adopted, even though they say it may lead to racial profiling.

In one way, I agree with Arizona. Why not grant police officers the right to ask for their papers? I’m Mexican-American – born and raised in Texas. I have no problem being asked for proof of residency if I passed through or lived in Arizona. I have nothing to hide – especially with all the violence and corruption coming from Mexico.

On the other hand, there’s the 36% polled in this New York Times article who agree that it went too far by passing the law in Arizona. I can agree with this too, as I see where the “rule” may be abused by officers if there are illegal immigrants who aren’t doing anything wrong but singled out because of their ethnic heritage.

It’s a win/lose situation in some ways.

Now, Governor Jan Brewer has made changes to the law keeping police from racial profiling and looking into immigration status only if they are stopped, detained or arrested in enforcing existing state laws. I believe she put these necessary parameters in because she was intimidated by other state politicians and American protestors.

When it’s all said and done, I believe current illegal immigrants should go through an application process to become legal citizens, with a deadline of about 2 years. Once that deadline passes, everyone who resides in the United States of America should carry paperwork and if it’s determined that you are here illegally, you get deported. Our government needs to take control of our immigration problems on a federal level.