Beyond The Border

December 7, 2009

LOOK OUT, IMMIGRANT CROSSING!

This just rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it’s just me, but instead of making signs to warn drivers that immigrants may be dragging their children across the street (at least that’s what it looks like the sign portrays), we should find a way to make legal immigration a more viable option. Who knows it might just be beneficial to our society. We know they’re coming here anyway, and instead of complaining how they’re taking from the system without giving back, we should allow them and others an easier way to become contributing taxpayers.

It seems like our law makers are taking this sign a little to seriously for that to happen though. Every time immigration makes its way to the floor we take the low road and call for beefed up security. Maybe this time we should actually try for real reform.

- Austin Ellington

8:24pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/Z49jTyGLF1B
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Filed under: new media

December 6, 2009

Immigrants buying up all the “best” steaks…

“THIS IS A DISGRACE AND A SLAP IN THE FACE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHEN, PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES (ie) MEXICO CAN COME HERE ILLEGALLY AND TAKE JOBS FROM LEGAL CITIZENS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. ITS NOT FAIR AND NOTHING GOOD WILL COME OF THIS. THINGS ARE GETTING WORSE FOR AMERICANS INSTEAD OF BETTER IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY. OBAMA SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE PROMISES TO THESE PEOPLE THAT HE KNEW HE COULDN’T KEEP. ITS NOT UP TO HIM AS TO AN AMNESTY BEING PASSED FOR THESE PEOPLE, WHICH IS SOMETHING THEY DON’T DESERVE. THEY’VE GOT ALL OF THE JOBS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE FREEBIES THAT THEY WANT. ITS NO WONDER THEY CAN AFFORD TO EAT THE BEST STEAKS IN THE GROCERY STORE! THIS SUBJECT MAKES ME SICK.”

Found this comment in a forum on this article from the Americans for Legal Immigration PAC website.

First of all, immigrants are most definitely not to blame for the plight our country has gotten itself into. Take that anger to corporate America, where mortgage companies, super-banks, and backwards CEOs have all seemingly found a way to line their pockets with the money of American taxpayers.

And as for steak and freebies, while it may be true that illegal immigrants do take from the “system,” they’re also contributors. Sales, property, income, and social security taxes are all paid by immigrants. That’s not all though. Many Americans have the audacity to complain, saying that illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from citizens and those here legally. All I can say to that is (1) you probably wouldn’t do the job they’re doing anyway, (2) certainly wouldn’t appreciate the salary they’re making as much as they do, and (3) you probably wouldn’t work as hard as they do.

Immigrants come to the United States in search of a better life, and once they find it, are then forced to live in a state of constant fear of deportation. If we had a system where legal immigration was a more viable option, and there were less “illegal” immigrants, would that make those in favor of deportation happy? No.

Save the best steaks for yourself, just throw those here illegally a bone.

- Austin Ellington

11:46am | URL: http://tmblr.co/Z49jTyGH0_Y
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Filed under: New Media the lobby

November 29, 2009

A friend recommended that I see this movie a while ago. I watched it nearly four years ago, and now that we have discussing the issue of immigration, it comes to mind. This movie depicts what Californian society would be like if Mexicans suddenly disappeared. And while this movie is a “mockumentary”, I find it to be a perfect example of how American society is dependent upon our Southern neighbors. I feel like America has developed a bias towards Mexicans, depicting them as job stealing, uneducated criminals. But the simple fact is, that Latinos have become embedded into our culture, becoming apart of the great diversity that makes up this nation. This movie truly exemplifies what sort of ruins our society would be in if we woke up one day and all the Mexicans were gone.

-Katy Johnson

10:35pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/Z49jTyFhTWz
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Filed under: New Media new media

November 26, 2009

We often forget how time-honored and historical the practice of immigrating to our country is.Thanksgiving reminds me that once upon a time my ancestors immigrated to this country. The basic question is: Should this right of immigration be revoked once a country and its resources are saturated? Furthermore, who draws the line and how does it get drawn? To me, it resembles a large sum of people waiting in a line that stretches for decades to get into a night club,once the club is full the bouncers start to regulate and only let in people for personal favors or money. The others are left to sneak in the back door to get out of the cold, which they often do.

Austin H.

2:03pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/Z49jTyFQSwo
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Filed under: New Media

November 25, 2009

People question why immigration is such a hot button issue. How does the issue really affect our country socially and economically? Is immigration a benefit or a detriment to our nation? Why are we paying providing social services to those here illegally?

All valid questions and thoughts. I think before anyone can decide what should be done as far as immigration reform goes, a true understanding of the issue is essential.

Although short and simple, this video provides a brief introduction of the issue. Take a look.