You guys are a bunch of idiots if you really believe that this speech is going to cause any republicans to support comprehensive immigration reform this year or the next. Obama has been saying the same thing over and over again and you overpaid national immigration groups keep on falling for it hook line and sinker.

Senator Charles E. Schumer and Senator Lindsey O. Graham I have a bipartisan bill for you.

Earned Citizenship & Ideal Immigration Reform

1. If you are in the United States and out of status but enter the country with inspection, must show I-94 (Arrival – Departure Record) or other entry documents.

A) 20 years plus stay in the US : you will get a green card immediately.
(must show past Federal Tax for 18 years)
B) 15 years plus stay in the US : you will get a green card after 1 year.
(must show past Federal Tax for 13 years)
C) 10 years plus stay in the US : you will get a green card after 5 years.
(must show past Federal Tax for 8 years)
D) 5 years plus stay in the US : you will get a green card after 10 years.
(must show past Federal Tax for 3 years)
E) less than 5 years stay in the US : you will get a green card after 12 years.

2. If you are in the United States and out of status but enter the country without inspection, cannot show I-94 (Arrival – Departure Record) or other entry documents.

a) You will be given a special visa to go back to your country and a guaranteed return (within 90 days), and inspection with USCIS.
b) After 12 years you will get a green card.

3. If you are in the United States and out of status but accompanied by your parents before the age of 16.

a) You will be given a special visa to go back to your country and a guaranteed return (within 90 days), and inspection with USCIS.
b) You must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 5 years
c) You must either complete 2 years of collage or serve in the military for a minimum of 2 years.
d) You will get a green card after your 26th birthday.

4. You must pay $3000 fee to USCIS regardless of your status to process your application.
5. All applicants must prove their common English language skills within one year after you file your application.
6. Pass a background check with FBI.
7. Barred from any Federal Welfare Program until you get your Green Card.
8. If you are married and have children (under 21) they will be united to you immediately.
9. You must prove each year as a TAX PAYER. Must pay $2000 or more per year FEDERAL TAX. If you pay $5,000 or more FEDERAL TAX, you can expedite your application process by one year. $10,000 or more by two years and $15,000 or more by three years.
10. All applicants will be issued a 5 years Work Authorization Card immediately.
11. You can travel outside the country but cannot stay more than 90 days.
12. After you get your green card, 2 years later you will become a US Citizen.

I think its time he starts living up to the promises he gave the Latino community during his campaign. PASS THE DREAM ACT! AND WORK ON COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM!

I believe the system should receive more founding so the process for immigration will speed. We need a system that will resolve immigration statuses in a effective way. Also, increase the numbers of immigrats allowed for each country or really fill the number allowed each year (that also includes refugees.)

Actions speak louder than words, pass a comprehensive immigration reform NOW!

please stop deportiotion.
THE FAMILY TOGETER ONLY!!!!

Please ensure that LEGAL immigrants are not caught up in a limbo.

Pls ensure that LEGAL immigration is not caught up in a limbo.

1. Push to pass the DREAM act this year as a start on comprehensive immigration reform.
2. Path for undocumented immigrants is normalize their status and work in the US.

Why did it take almost 1 year for me to be allowed to return home to the USA, with my wife, after we were married in Prague, Czech Republic?

From my perspective I was placed in prison for 1 year simply because I chose to marry someone not from the USA.

Dream Act needs to pass THIS YEAR! We depend on the young people to re-build our economy!

I want the President to say that there will be no more targeting of immigrants who have actually become citizens and who are being threatened still with deportation if they have served time in prison and are exonerated. I want the President to allow immigrants to get a working visa easily and to be grandfathered in to legal status, if they are not on any terrorist list. I want the “no fly” lists to be updated so that 6 year old girls are not mistakenly put on such lists and then impossible to get their names off. I want there to be apologies to immigrants, for they do so much of the work; instead, they need to be thanked, given asylum, given priority, given care, and services ie education for their kids, healthcare, respect. Thank you.

Our immigration policy is incoherent. It is a patchwork of quick fixes, driven by reactionary motives over the years, and makes no sense. We need comprehensive reform, starting with a policy that is based on the needs of immigrants, employers, and other groups. This nation has always, and needs to continue to be, a sanctuary for the huddled masses.

please change deportiotion, FAMILY TOGETHER ONLY!!!!
Please ensure that LEGAL immigrants are not caught up in a limbo!

1. Push to pass the DREAM act this year as a start on comprehensive immigration reform.
2. Path for undocumented immigrants is normalize their status and work in the US.

Dear President Obama,

We cannot continue to blame our refusal to deal with our broken immigration policy on our brothers and sisters who labor day after day so we can enjoy a better life. They too deserve a better life and our gratitude rather than our disdain. Please help us live up to the ideals America stands for. LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

I sincerely hope he endorses UAFA and helps put an end to the unequal treatment of bi-national same sex couples.

Pass the Dream Act, with or without comprehensive reform – stop picking on children for the “sins” of their parents in bringing them here in the first place, when they were too young to object. Now they are here and have moved through High School they have a right to the “American Dream”

I want a
response
to recent the law passed in arizona. Will the passing of this law be appealed? Is there a real plan
In place that will think about the families that this effects?

What we would like to hear is for President Obama to embrace a comprehensive immigrigation reform, with a path to citizenship. To grant the dream act to these intellectual young inspiring young tallents that are going to waste and could make a valuable contribution to the future of the U.S.A. For the U.S.A. to reinstate family reunification which is a human right this will help the U.S.A. to reclaim is position as the main leader in human justice and human rights in the World.

He cares about hard working decent people forced to live in fear
He cares about the children who love the USA, the only country they know, whose dreams are dashed once high school graduation approaches
He cares about giving every person the opportunity to live with dignity
He cares about the contributions of the immigrants to this country

I like to heard from him that he will use all his political assets and leverage to push/negociate for an immigration reform, that there is a temporal ban on the immigration raids and police stops just because racial profiling, I woul love to heard that he will dedicate the same effort time and resources that he used on the health care reform, and that he will do that because hi will make his best to honor his word

I wish President Obama would take this as if it was his fight, as if he was the one suffering everyday, because many families are separated. I wish he would act strongly about this problem instead of just talking because actions are worth more than a thousands words. Please help us accomplish this dream, do it for all the good people that love this country and just want a better life for the family.

Thank you.

The lack of a complete, comprehensive immigration reform that returns to the Federal government the control and management of immigration in the U.S. has opened the door to vast abuses, deformations and acts of discrimination that has separated families, criminalized innocent individuals, and has also opened the Pandora box of hatred, fear, racism and misunderstanding. We MUST fix the deformed, anachronistic laws that do not serve any other purpose than the destruction of our long-held humanitarian values.

First, that we are a Nation of immigrants and that immigrants have made an enormous contribution to this country. Secondly, that we should take into consideration the needs of certain industries for the help of immigrants because American natives do not want to do that kind of work. Third, that whatever laws are enacted to facilitate entrance to immigrant laborers, it should take care that these laborers are not exploited. The first measure is to fine industries that hire undocumented laborers.

President Obama:

I know you have too much on your plate. Nevertheless, we cannot wait for immigration reform. Our families, economy, national security, and sense of decency all require it. Enforcement alone is not the answer. We need to provide vehicles for individuals who have violated our immigration laws to get right with our government. It is not true to say this would be rewarding them for “cutting in line”, as the vast majority had no line to stand in. Increasingly, communities are seeking to criminalize mere presence in the U.S. without documentation–regardless of whether the person was trafficked here as a slave, brought as an infant, or lured here by unscrupulous employers. Many Americans–including those serving in our military–are in fear each day that their loved ones could be banished forever due to the bars for unlawful presence. Talented graduate students who have fruitlessly tried to navigate our immigration system are recruited by Canada and other countries who recognize their worth. As you said before your election: we are a country of laws and a country of immigrants. We can and must harmonize those two truths.

Include UAFA in any comprehensive immigration reform because LGBT Americans need to be able to sponsor their foreign-born partners for a green card. We cannot allow this injustice any longer. Too many if us have to move abroad to stay together–and that’s only for those with the means to do so. Sadly some couples have to split or live apart. Help pass UAFA!!!

“Now is the time”

What I hope President Obama will say? I hope the President says that he remembers that he was elected to office to “UPHOLD THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES”…inclucding ENFORCEMENT of our existing IMMIGRATION LAWS.
That said, it’s important to recognize that EVERYONE who has entered the U.S. ILLEGALLY is BREAKING THE LAW, disrespecting our nation and its citizens. ILLEGAL immigrants MUST return to their native homelands immediately, fill out the necessary forms for LEGAL immigration, pay their fines, fees and penalites and WAIT THEIR TURN just like every other person seeking U.S. citizenship.
NO AMNESTY!!! NONE…ZILCH…NADA!!!

I want to hear from President Barak Obama that our immigration system will be fixed permanently this year 2010 and that our families will be reunited and legalized immediately after signing an immigration reform in to law. Our children are the future of this country and deserve a strong, secure and united family.

I want him to say there will be an expansion in visas to deal with the multiple-year (or even multiple-decade) wait times. I want him to say that there will be useful legal non-immigrant and immigrant options to allow businesses to bring in workers they need. I want him to fix the current system which mandates removal for a host of minor offenses. I want a path to legal status for those already here that covers those who came as children as well as options for those who were ordered removed in the past for reasons other than serious criminal offenses. I want an end to the 3/10 year bar so that people in the US can leave and reenter legally as they were able to before 1997. I want a renewed emphasis on waivers for immigration infractions to ensure family unity. I want him to say he is ordering DHS to resolve the 8000 pending green card applications from refugees and asylees who have lived in the US for many years but who are now caught up in the ridiculously broad “undesignated terrorist organization” designation (e.g., pro-democracy activists from Sudan).

I want to see permanent partner left in the bill or the uniting American families added to the bill. I want to bring my married in Canada husband home!

I hope to hear President Obama acknowledge that our nation has been created by immigrants; that immigrants are not villains, but people who are trying to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Instead of painting them as resource consuming drags on our economy, let’s listen to their stories and understand their motivations, show some compassion and create a system that will help them.

Dear Mr. President –

A reasonable path to citizenship for those undocumented immigrants who live among us is absolutely critical to effective comprehensive immigration reform. These hardworking people pay taxes and contribute to the fabric of our society, but are forced to live in the shadows. We have the Statue of Liberty as our national icon. To treat these immigrants as we now do is a national disgrace and dishonors our republic.

Wade Mitchell
Atlanta, GA

I want him to address the children of immigrants and the Dream Act’s enactment nationwide, so these descendants could get the education they richly deserve!

IThink that Presindent Obama needs to a t further more tjan this speach that will tell us again that he is comitted to. Make inmigracion refor need to is an. P must on his agenda,time is running and I he is not foing. To take action on this,he. Need to do someting else than tell us is a priooriy

I support a bill that enables immigrants who are already working, paying taxes and have no criminal record to gain and official work visas and earn citizenship through a grandfathering in process.

Mr. President,
We are millions waiting for your action, for your promise to have a normal life again, we need to work to support our families and not be afraid to live in this beautiful country. If you do something for us, be sure that we will always be gratefull with Democrats and in the future, when we are citizens we will always support you. Thanks your Mr. President.

I would like to hear from THE PRESIDENT to come out with a clear cut settlemment for the IMMIGRATION POLICY,. without dragging the whole issue for long, THE PRESIDENT Should realize the healthy IMMIGRATION POLICY will fetch lots of TAXES to the country, bring the all aspiring person to come out openly participate in the GREAT NATION”S ECONOMICAL REVIVAL, KEEPING ALL THIS IN MIND WE EXPECT THE PRESIDENT WILL INITIATE TO PASS THE LAW
REGARDS
BHIMESH

i want to hear about a reform!!! is about time for another one!

I think this immigration reform is B.S. Those in this country illegally are criminals who intentionally violated our immigration laws and should be sent back to wherever they came from, wherever it is, untill they can comply and enteer legally. Hispanics are supporting them because they’re hispanic. If they were French or Irish I doubt if they would even open their mouths!!! Those borders need to be TIGHTLY SECURED so that a mouse couldn’t get through without the proper papers.They are costing this country billions in health care and taking jobs that legal Americans could be working, I don’t care what the biased reports say to contrary. I understand they’re entering at a rate of nearly 4,500 a day and that is an absolute invasion of our hard earned country! Make them comply with our existing immigration laws and quit pussy footing around with it!!!

It is unfortunate that some one comes to USA for advanced studies, better opportunities, completes their education and contributes to American Technology in excellence, pays higher taxes/medicare/supports the local and federal economy but still has to go through such pain and trouble over years to even just get a Green Card.

If a comprehensive reform seems distant then atleast steps to address legal immigrants plight who are stuck in queue’s should be addressed promptly. Thanks

Please to stop deportations of people who did not commit crime while the reform for immigration is in process. Please stop separating families.

The Fourteenth Amendment needs to be amended and made retroactive (at least back to 1982) to DENY citizenship to any/all child(ren) born in the U.S. of parents who are both ILLEGAL immigrants. If any/all child(ren) have one LEGAL (U.S. citizen) as a parent then there should be dual citizenship.

The republicans and far right will *never* support any Obama administration initiative, even if it has popular support. However, I do think it’s important to address the *fear* and *racism* that is so deeply seated among these groups. The political backlash will be strong if people feel Obama is giving their jobs away to brown people. I also think moderates could be won over by the heart-wrenching true stories of “illegal” immigrants, before and after coming to the US.

I want the President to commit to stop deportation of DREAM Act students and families until CIR is passed, stop deportation of all undocumented individuals except for those being deported because of felony crime convictions. This is a first step to signal to immigrant communities that he is serious about CIR. Then work on getting CIR passed that provides a path to citizenship.

We pay taxes, we help USA to exist! If illegal immigrants will leave – who is going to clean houses, cut lawns, work so hard in constructions as immigrants for so low money????

This reform will help millions of undocumented workers but will also push our economy forward, its s lie to say that there will be less jobs, this workers are already here, they are alreafy working, but know they will be able to do it legally and they will be able to spend and invest their money in this country, which they were not allowed while they were undocumented, this is why this should be taken as a priority for this government.

THe immigrants come because of jobs. If employers had a secure way to ensure that workers were legal AND we held employers accountable, the immigration problem would largely go away. We need a secure document system and employer enforcement, not “show me your papers” stop and search tactics that smack of b-movie Nazi stereotypes

i EXPECT HIM TO TALK ABOUT THE DREAM ACT!!

I want to hear that we will have CIR by the end of 2010!!!

I want to know that Obama is FOR REAL and going to do whatever it takes to push through and pass reform. He cannot keep saying the same thing over and over for years and expect to keep his support. I want him to know that this issue is not going away, but just going to grow and continue. If states and jurisdictions keep passing laws and having law enforcement involved, it is only turning us into a racist country. It also takes away from real crime being attended to, but importantly, also causes people to not speak up. With what AZ did and other states are now talking about, I do NOT know one immigrant who would speak up even if they knew who committed the worst crime ever!

There are many criminals here who are not legal, but there are also many “white” Americans from here who are criminals as well. Look at the jails in the Midwest and with higher populations of white people; they are not exactly empty. They do not choose to be this way. Many come without knowing how it is, or get brought here by family when younger and are clueless about anything and everything in life. Countries also do not easily issue visas, take Central American countries for example. So when there are no jobs, or they work for $5 per day, yet their cost of living is creeping up towards ours…what do you expect them to do?! So please realize that there are millions here who deserve to make a good life for themselves here. Many have learned English, gone to school or learned a trade, pay taxes using an ITIN etc. For the ones who do all of this, how can they utilize their skills and education to get jobs? They can’t now.

So PLEASE do whatever it takes to pass immigration reform as it is not going to go away. Give those who deserve a fair chance, a fair chance even if they have to pay fines. Stop splitting up families. Imagine if it happened to yours with the girls.

This is all what is making you become less popular as well as Democrats overall.

Thank you…

We want a humane law that reunites families, gives folks a path to citizenship, and gives workers their rights. We do not want money spent on building higher walls. We want the Dream Act passed now. There are many young people who can contribute to the future of the U.S. but they are denied their right to higher education. They have been excellent students and are able to receive scholarships but cannot because of their lack of papers. Look at the case of the Harvard student who was possibly going to be deported. We want grants given to organizations who are teaching English–the need for these groups will increase as the law will require that people learn to speak, read, and write English.

an immigration reform will help our economy …all those fees to file documents, plus taxes filed properly and no more injustices from employers paying “under the table” taking advantage of needed families, police efforts and budgets will focus in real crimes and felons, families wont be separated and a ripple effect in the welfare offices where children born in the USA are elegible to receive help will be avoided, because kids will be taken care by their parents that are able to work legally, brilliant young people will be able to continue their education and bring pride to this country.

Use existing federal laws to secure the borders and vet incoming immigrants.
The alternative is a lot of tension when individual states have to start doing this on their own as we have recently seen.

Look at what other countries are doing to get some ideas.

Take into account the special category of nurses from developing countries. The rules changed suddenly 4 years ago when retrogression was begun and everyone new had to wait until a very long visa line was worked through. This placed an absolute embargo on nurses from the Philippines and India after nursing had been long established as a pathway to citizenship.

Nursing schools in the US cannot keep up with the aging baby boomers, and these foreign born nurses have been well trained entirely in English, and tested with the NCLEX and US state nursing exams. They are just as qualified as any US trained nurses. Many have been interviewed in their own countries and offered jobs by major US Hospitals, but they can’t get visas. So they stack up in the capital city of their home country waiting for a visa, or they go take a temporary job in the Middle East waiting to get their visa.

Don’t let this sort of skilled professional languish. They are needed here, and they are being tossed aside because politicians have been afraid to tackle immigration reform.

I would like to see the dream acted passed. I want all those kids who came here with their parents and were not at fault that became illegal to be able to gain citizenship.

I Need to hear him say that the Uniting Families Act will be included. My Partner of almost 5 years is a German national surviving on Student Visa’s. I need the ability to bring him home for good!

Please pass UAFA, Mr. President. It is unfair to separate law-abiding U.S. citizens from their foreign national partners on the basis of sexual orientation. These bi-national couples love each other like any other normal couple and are often find themselves struggling to remain together because of the lack of legal recourse.

We should have a legal means of sponsoring our foreign life partners without having to resort to other means (such as falsifying a heterosexual marriage). Passing UAFA will grant the same immigration sponsorship rights to the LGBT community that heterosexual couples take for granted and will most likely reduce ‘convenience marriages’.

Please pass UAFA Mr. President and bring a new day of greater equality to this great nation of ours.

I want to hear that he is going to push for enough legal immigration that people will not feel the need to enter without documents and so that smugglers and terrorists will either have to undergo scrutiny before being allowed to enter, or will still be crossing illegally and be much easier to spot as there will not be so many crossing illegally looking for work.

I want to see workers that our economy needs cross legally and pay into social security and other taxes rather than be paid under the table.

Although most governments try to limit migration, it has been going on longer than there have been borders and I do not believe it is practical or desirable to try to prevent it. Control yes, prevent, no.

1. Get Monsanto out of Mexico. They have destroyed over 80% of the small farmers there by importing genetically modified seed. Farmers out of business have no way to earn a living.
2. Help Mexico develop a good plan to keep their people working and safe.
3. Legalize drugs – bingo! no more drug war. WE are doing most of the buying.
4. Penalize, heavily, those industries and individuals who hire illegal workers.
5. Background checks on all individuals over 15 who come here, legal or not.
6. STOP deporting families who have lived responsibly and contributed by working and paying taxes.
7. STOP exporting American jobs by subsidizing offshore manufacturing.

I want our legal immigration fixed. Legal immigration is being held hostage due to some people wanting the great wall of China built on the boarders first! A qualified skilled worker wanting to come here to work, like a nurse, currently takes 5 years! We are punishing the legal workers. What message does that send to the skilled people of the world wanting to immigrate to the US the legal way?? What message does that send to the skilled workers of the world, where we have shortages of workers, who pay taxes, buy homes, cars, etc; and just want a better life for their families?? Our immigration system is broken from top to bottom!

A realistic path to citizenship for undocumented workers who are already in the United States.
Real consequences to those who employ undocumented workers and exploit their labor without providing benefits or a living wage.
Practical support in the native country for those who want to immigrate because they can’t earn a living (help in setting up coops like Just Coffee/Cafe Justo, reform NAFTA)

Stop deportation until inmigration reform will approved. fine if they want more security on the borders, but stop deportation. give the opportunity to legalize at least people has a real job, and are not dependent of the goverment help to survive in this country. people has a business, houses.

DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT DREAM ACT

Commentator # 11. (Obama?)This is a fantastic starting point. It addresses the issue of legalization in a very fair way. I hope that your proposal is given due notice. Sadly I believe it will be ignored. I for one will mail it to everyone I know. It is not perfect, but it is leagues better that anything I have seen from Schumer, Graham or this Campaign.

I think, that is time about the promeses for president Obama, for compresive inmmigracion reform.

Mr President,
Think of those left alone and behind children, when they see their parents scaping or hiding from ICE finally getting arrested. Think of the fear they feel. And on those that came very young, with no options just to come with their parents, they are here already, lost, not knowing what to do, just because they don’t belong to this land even when they feel it and love this country. They don’t know their real country and have no clue how they could live in other place. Please we urge to have a inmigration reform in order to organize all those that are already here, count them and have their real information. We are good people, with love and care in our hearts. Bad people are everywhere, in all of countries, make a selection, find out who deserves to be here, and help us with your permission to start a life, open in the daylight and no be hiding in the shadows anymore.

In order for immigration to work, in my opinion, (4) things need to happen: (1) those who are waiting for an interview for a green card since 1992 need to have one within 12 months; (2) while clearing that backlog, the process to make application for a green card needs to be reformed to where can get through the process with an answer to whether one is granted a green card or not in 6 months; and (3) either the conditions for Cuban immigrants to become U.S. citizens needed to granted to all immigrants, or it needs to be revoked entirely; and (4) those who are in the country illegally who want to be residents need to be allowed to make application for residency with an equitable fine, $10,000?

If they are here working,paying taxes and obeying the laws… and not sucking up resources, they should get in Line and become Citizens in the proper manner. Otherwise Kick their Asses Out. This could define your Presidency.

I would like to hear the president say that we should let those already in our nation to remain and get a green card if they do not already have one. After all we are all immigrants! Our relatives were for the most part immigrants Very few of us can claim to be from American Native People. See that our nation is made up of immigrants then we need to keep those already here to be able to remain. Our relatives were all had working people just like you and I.

1. Control of border
2. Guest worker program with robust workers’ rights protection
3. Earned citizenship including “Dream” Act for veterans.
4. End to harassment of immigrants, employers, landlords, etc.

Go home illegals and stay there! You are breaking the law, and we as American citizens don’t want your gangs, your drugs, your illegitmate babies, your crime and your work ethic.
Get the hell out of our country.

The U.S. currently has one of the EASIEST immigration policies in the world. NOTHING needs to be changed…EXCEPT THE ENFORCEMENT! If a person ILLEGALLY enters into ’some’ countries, that offense is punishable by impriaonment and/or death. The U.S. MUST stop the gratuitous FREEBIE mentality that aids ILLEGALS in deference to its own (legal) citizens.

Granted driver license immediately so people can drive, can buy a car and go to work.

Please keep families together. I don’t see how we can retroactively deny citizenship to anyone born in the USA; this would open lots of cans of worms. Work to streamline the application for USA citizenship; this does not mean everyone would be admitted as a citizen, of course. I do not want to see families split up.

I’m sorry, but this is internet micro-management gone insane. Let’s hear the speech first before we start telling him what he should have said! This is like reviewing a movie we haven’t seen yet, but have heard something about it. Have you ever heard of getting the cart before the horse?

People who have the energy and wit to get here are the kinds of people who will build this country. our own ancestors did likewise and we praise them. Open borders are needed. Quick access to citizenship for those already here will regularize their status and allow them to work legally instead of ss cheap undercover laborers. Legalizing and controlling drug use instead of trying in vain to prevent drug smuggling will help solve border problems.

I am a true believer that a reform will pass and pass soon as long as it is fair and balanced in a way. Most of the radicalized right are so small in numbers now that they cannot do anything during elections. If Mr. President outlines a plan that allows the undocumented become documented by paying fines and taxes, and if a % of those funds go to fund more border patrol agents / fence / unmanned drones, I think he will gain the support he needs to pass the reform.
Grant the Amnesty and grant it now, fear not fining people reasonably as people would be delighted to pay for the opportunity to become legal citizens. Bar them from welfare for a minimum of 5 years if you have to make the right happy, no one will complain. People are desperate and need your help Mr. President, please issue an amnesty, protect the border, make people proud. The time is as good as any, and the time is now. We believe in you.

1) Unless you are native American then we are ALL immigrants!
2) The must be a path to citizenship
3) The Constitution must be amended so that only citizens “count” for political representation.
4) The criminals in all of this are the EMPLOYERS. They are the ones who should be locked up
5) The border MUST be made absolutely secure – it could just a s well be Al Quida crossing with a nuclear bomb! If it moves it should be shot DEAD!!! This is WAR not economics or politics!!! And I’m A life-long progressive, liberal!!! If they KNEW crossing meant almost certain death they wouldn’t come!!!

The moral requirement is that every productive person and their dependents, of any nationality or origin, working in this country (regardless of legal status) should be offered the option of becoming a citizen. If we accept their work, then we accept them and their families. Otherwise we are engaging in immoral exploitation. We all take care of each other. Kindness and generosity are where we begin.

Please speak about the 10 year ban that forces American Citizens to live outside the US just to be able to stay with their husband/wife if their request for a waiver doesn’t go through. If American citizens fall in love with immigrants we lose our rights. There are millions of undocumented immigrants here, you know that many actual American citizens are going through the heartache of being separated from their loved ones. This is not just an immigrant problem.
Also, please speak about how this could help our economy. Thousands of dollars in government fees paid by immigrants to come work here (or continue working here) legally for each immigrant could really add up if you times it by millions of people.
Finally, please speak on the identification issue. Since undocumented immigrants live in fear of getting caught and are unable (in my state) to get drivers licenses or any other form of ID, we cannot track these people. If an undocumented immigrant commits a serious crime there is no way to track them. It is in the interest of national security to give them identification, not to allow them to continue to hide out of fear of being deported.

I want him to say that the employers of illegal immigrants should be held responsible & fined. They have benefitted from this slave system so fines are justified. These employers should pay to transport their recently hired illegals back to their origins. Long time resident illegals with families should have to get in line for citizenship & U.S. citizens should be offered their jobs. In the meantime, jobless illegals should be supported by the employers who encouraged their immigration. (Wages should be increased so our U.S. citizens will take over these undesirable jobs.) I don’t understand why it takes so long to gain citizenship so maybe the process could be speeded up.

I want Mr. Obama to tell me that my husband doesn’t have to go back to his country and wait 5 yrs to get his green card. Why does our gov’t want families to be seperated. We’ve been married for 7 yrs and he has been legal for 9 yrs but yet he still has to go back to his country and wait 5 yrs to get a visa/green card. That really BLOWS…

Dear Staff:

Thank you for your E-mail on comprehensive immigration reform.

I would like to hear President Obama tomorrow make a committment to finish
his promises on comprehensive immigration reform. Yes, the first step is to stop Arizona laws that are sending all Hispanics back to Mexico and fleeing their homes.We know it is racial stereotyping, and a federal law should be immediatly put in place to stop this law and other states that follow.Secreatary of State Hillary Clinton has posed this action to stop this hateful law.

When this federal law to stop Arizona law is in place, I feel now is the time to move immigration reform along. Naturalization does not happen over night, but people can now feel there is hope to stay in America with their families by following U.S. laws. Law abiding hard working families is what we want, and Many families have proven the reward of living this American dream. Learning English takes time, and much help should be on hand. While working toward staying in this wonderful country, decent pay and jobs should be available. S.B. 1070 also should be abolished, so families are not afraid to go to work, rent homes, etc.

Now is the time for all of us to unite for a better country, so we can become one people and live without fear.

Truly,
Deborah Exum

I forgot to add, I would like reform to penalize employers who seek illegal immigrants for low paying jobs. This has been a big part in encouraging illegal immigration in my opinion.

The family reunification act needs to be passed. First time offenders, non violent, non drug related crimes, green card holdrs, should not be deported and separated from their children and families. Us residents should be recognized under the justice system as u.s citizens.

DREAM Act ASAP. Denying access to public services of any kind to persons born elsewhere but brought here as babies or toddlers by their parents, who have spent their entire conscious lives in this country & done well here so far, makes a mockery of the principle of equality before the law.

Green cards & genuine social security cards must be made readily available to people who have responded to the urgent demands of our labor market & overcome great difficulties to come here with or without documents, then worked hard & honorably for periods of, say, two years or more.

Convicted criminals who are citizens of other countries should of course be deported to those countries.

A clear, inviting & efficiently administered path to citizenship must be opened up for green card holders — requiring at a minimum that they learn English (in classes made readily available everywhere), pay taxes & refrain from committing serious felonies.

Work visas should be made readily available in the sending countries to folks who have gone to the trouble of learning some English, stayed out of serious trouble at home, & saved up the money for a stiff fee (say $1000) that is calculated to defray the costs of providing the extra consular services required to issue these visas.

Once all of that is in place, nobody should be allowed to enter, live or work in the U.S. who lacks U.S. nationality or valid immigration documents.

I expect the president of the united states to finally acknowledge the role our foreign political, economic, and military policies factor in the migration of peoples from Latin America. Most US immigrants documented and otherwise come from Latin America, where the US has had and continues to influence the living conditions of millions of people through its foreign policy in the realms described above. Obama is losing the progressives, getting real about the causations of immigration LIKE HE DID WITH RACE during his campaign is what I expect from him. That was the Obama I voted for. I expect him to show up.

The inclusion of The Uniting Americans Familes Act (UAFA) that would FINALLY give LGBT citizens the right to sponsor their partners for US citizenship and help keep binational families together.

All you people who say they are here Illegally… so are YOU!
Unless you are Native Americans, like me…get the Hell out and Go Back To Where YOU Came From. Hypocrites!

Let us keep those immigrants that are already here. We need all the good working people we can get. We are all from immigrants. Our relative were all hard working people just like all of us. This is the richest nation on earth. Lets be as open as much as we can to those who are seeking a better life.
Yes we need to put limits on how many we can take in each year! But lets not deport those who are already here and are working and earning their way. Bill

If anything we should pass the DREAM act. I have doubts that CIR will pass so we should take care of those who are most needing it which are the students who want to got to college.That’s my take on it.

By now I’m quite disheartened with the entire thing, but I am so passionate about immigrants’ rights that I figure it can’t hurt to leave my $0.02 here.

I live in New Mexico, and the image of illegal immigration that I see every day consists of hardworking, honest, kind-hearted people who just want desperately to give their families a little more than they can access in their home countries. But as a border state, we’re subject to a Bush-era policy called “Operation Streamline” which mandates that Border Patrol officers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas refer all unlawful border crossers to the United States Attorney for federal criminal prosecution. This means that undocumented immigrants — most of whom are attempting to escape the border violence that’s caused primarily by our country’s insatiable appetite for drugs — are criminally prosecuted, spend some time in prison, then get transferred to immigration detention to prepare for deportation.

Unlawful entrants and re-entrants make up 70% of the federal criminal case load in New Mexico. This is absolutely CRAZY. Federal judges and prosecutors have complained that Operation Streamline has diverted so many resources to petty immigration offenses that they can no longer focus the time and resources they would need to prosecute big time drug smugglers and human traffickers. Obama’s been in office for a year and a half, yet this Bush-era policy keeps on chugging. In fact, it’s growing. This is absurd. Among about a kazillion other things, I believe that comprehensive immigration reform needs to include a repeal of Operation Streamline and other similar policies that criminalize immigrants.

Mr. President,
Keep your promises you made during your campaign for the presidency. The Latino Electorate put you where you sit, stand, and sleep. Manage ICE from the Oval Office. Stop catering to the Nativists in Congress; stand up to the mean-spirited governors. Don’t turn your back on Human Rights. Don’t ignore the World Court. Good Luck and Best Wishes.

I believe that Obama should emphasize the fact that he is still aware that the reason this country is so great is because anyone could come here and make their dreams come true and have a better life for their families. Next, though, he should declare that reform is necessary because there are more people out there who wish to destroy what we have here and that we cannot be blind to that fact. I’m not sure what the reform will look like but I do believe there is way to keep everyone safe without being cruel to people we may be suspicious of.

Why are we still talking about CIR? It’s obvious no Republican will get behind it. RI4A, please wake up and support piecemeal legislation. You are holding certain reforms up because you want comprehensive legislation. The DREAM Act needs to be passed; it has more support than CIR can ever hope to get.

1.Families together, when one is a citizen, all immediate family members should be given that chance, especially HUSBAND AND WIFE, parents and children, and then siblings and parents.
2. Pass the DREAM act.
3. Allow visitation of family who don’t necessarily want to stay here, especially granmdparents. If there needs to be more strict checking, or shorter time limits, so be it. But there needs to be an affordable way fore them to visit, just like a family member can easily go visit someone in Mexico. Not everyone wants to live here.
4. Exclusions of people with felonies should be limited to CONVICTED felons, and one felony permissible for crimes involving drugs and human smugglers under 5 in the car, as those are primarily crimes of economy.
5. For people here who have worked in the fields, papers should be allowed if they’ve been here for more than a year.

Offer a realistic way for them to become legal and go after the businesses ans peoples who hire undocumented workers. They are here because they can get a job, unfortunately they are often times taken advantige of because they have no rights. Nothing will ever change until we start going after the employers though.

dear President Obama,

this country was Founded by immigrants as you well know. I would like to see a plan for a Relistic and financially Reaonable way for immigrants who have been living in this country undocumented And their families to stay and obtain documentation. I would also like to see the disgraceful Arizona immigration law repealed and a law put in place that does Not promote racial profiling (that would include any other states that followed Arizona in implementing such a terrible law.) This country has been a melting pot of cultures since the beginning and should be able to come up with an immigration plan that keeps families Togrther and treats people like People, not like animals.

thank you for all of your hard work!

I want to hear the President say that partners of gay Americans will be allowed the same rights as those of straight Americans… the same legal immigration status. The amount of gay families that have been torn apart because of immigration is appalling!

As the Anointed One- stop war and make peace with America’s neighbors.
Order #1. Do ask, Do tell.
Order #2. Call home our prodigal sons and daughters.
Order #3. To form a more perfect union- defend human rights for all.

All people have the right to travel, live, and work. Protect the Constitution,
not corporate whores who bought Congress and owns most federal judges. By the way- children with married same-sex parents actually DO have rights to have and to hold both parents. Ask God why.

I believe that immigration reform needs to include a path to citizenship for all illegals already here. I think deporting them sends a wrong message. Since we are a country of immigrants, we should have both empathy for those who wish to come here and some sort of support system for those who do until they establish themselves. That support system could be family members who are already here.

Comprehensive immigration reform means paying attention to security as well as the causes for why immigrants choose to cross the border in spite of the increasing hostility and attacks. Make sure that the focus is on improving conditions for all people and on solving issues in a way that doesn’t just move the burden over to people who happen to live on the southern side of some fictitious border.

Stop deportation. Legalize undocumented immigrants. Create legal channels for foreigners to come to look for work and do businesses, and to stay over to look for work and to do businesses.

Tell the American people the truth about “getting in line” to do the right thing, and how there is NO line for undocumented immigrants who have been contributing to the USA for years. Also, include that immigration reform is not amnesty for undocumented immigrants, it is freedom from fear for the American citizen families of undocumented immigrants!

I have a same-sex partner from Japan, and for many years we tried to get a work visa for Fumiko, to no avail. I could not sponsor her for a visa — under federal law, we are “strangers before the law” although we have been permanent partners for 23 years. We have now emigrated to Canada, where we are both legal. This immigration policy causes needless heartbreak and disruption to gay and lesbian couples in the U.S., where one partner is a U.S. citizen and one a foreigner, and it serves no good purpose that I can see. Please incorporate the provisions of the Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024, S. 424) in any new legislation.

Immigration is and always was at the foundation of our incredible success. Many of our social and scientific innovations originated in the minds of early arrivals who saw America in new ways and acting on this new creative slant inhanced if not transformed the nation for the better.

Just immigration reform where everyone who is not a criminal is included and also immigrants should have health care and insurance, they cannot afford it and they are underpaid. It’s not always their fault if they came here illegally their country’s government’s fault for not providing them with their proper papers. Only arrest people suspected of drug smuggling, criminal or terrorist activity who come here illegally (clandestine). Create new jobs (Green/environmental, foreign language jobs) for everyone and include the immigrants in the work reform or stimulus package of employment.

Maybe the President will speak about how my upper middle class neighborhood has become a haven for ILLEGAL immigrants, drug deals right in front of my home, theft, vandalism, trespassing, destruction of property, distrubution of raw garbage and dirty diapers on the sidewalks/drives/parking lots/streets, assault, drunkeness and threats to my life and property, etc…let alone the billions of dollars in “ILLEGALS” UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS which U.S. citizens are burdened by…or, maybe, the billions of dollars being drained from the U.S. economy by ILLEGALS mailing U.S. money out of the country…and the list goes on… “ILLEGALS”…GO HOME!!!

I want to not only hear, but also see enacted, a comprehensive immigration act that will allow hard-working immigrants receive the opportunity (one that is not cost-prohibitive) to become legal as citizens or workers and that will prevent current abuses they suffer at the hands of employers or traffickers.

To those slamming them for “taking Americans’ jobs (Mexico is part of America, too), take a job away from them by signing up at takeourjobs.org – by becoming a farm worker, you can help to send undocumented workers back to their homelands. For those that clamor that they are lawbreakers and should come here legally only, check out the US immigration lottery system – Mexicans are not even eligible.

A path toward open borders. Pass AgJobs, the DREAM Act, drivers license, and other bills about access to public services now. Grant amnesty to everyone living here now, and do not make them pay any punitive fines. Grant infinite work visas to Mexicans who want to work in the U.S. temporarily. We don’t need a special guest worker program, just more greencards. Guest workers need to have the same rights as every other worker, including the right to quit lousy jobs and seek a new one without fearing deportation. Don’t waste money on building a more militarized border–invest instead in rebuilding both the US and Mexican economies from the damage done by NAFTA. Then open the border completely.

Clear eb3 backlog

They should only be allowed here if they want to work and provide for their own family, not the government giving them everything FREE. Also, if born to an illegal the child should be also. Non-tax paying parents help noone, the childred stay in this country FREE and the parents don’t have to pay any taxes, schooling, medical, child care, the list goes on. Meanwhile, hard working people are denied help.

Dear President Obama: I would like to asked you this question concerning immigration. How would you as the president help advance U.S. immigration law, so that it serves the needs of immigranst and the U.S?

The last President who did something good for inmigrant was President Ronald Reagan, it was 24 years ago, since then many children were born in this country with ilegal parents, Mr. President, if you were one of those parents, what will you expect from the Goverment? Please, do the right thing for us, I have been here for 12 years, and I have not seen my parents since 1997 or my siblings and other relatives, comming to this country made me and orphan, please, I need to visit my family and hug my old parents again.

DREAM ACT!!!!! I would like to hear the president assure the graduates of 2010…both high school and college that they will be eligible to continue their education and pursue a career (pay taxes also). It is heartbreaking and shameful to know that these young people are about to be the next group forced into the shadows despite their accomplishments and their devotion to the U.S. where they have grown up. Their status is not their fault!
PASS THE DREAM ACT!!!! NO MORE STALLING!!!

I fear that whatever the President says at this time, there is little that CAN be done now on comprehensive immigration reform, regardless of much we want want it to happen. The Republicans are in lock step against it, and even many Democratic legislators are afraid to touch the issue.

Under the circumstances, I would like consideration of small changes that would have profound impact on the people involved. This includes addressing the plight of children and young adults who were brought here by their parents many years ago. Many have little or no relationship to their countries of origin. Often families are made up of the children brought here — and the children later born here. The families live in terror of being separated. Another issue that could possibly be addressed is that of fiance visas. Most Americans think that it is still the case that a legal or illegal alien living in this country can marry an American and then get a green card. I’m not positive, but I believe that changed with 9/11. Now, our country sends the spouses of American citizens (who are also often the parent of American citizen children) back to their countries, where they frequently must stay for years before being allowed to obtain or apply for a visa. The impact is devastating on the family. I have personally seen clients who have lived in limbo and fear for many years, terrorized by the thought that at any time their spouse (and co-parent) may be forced to leave the USA. As a result, that American citizen is forced to decide if he/she will be forced leave their own country, just to keep their family intact. This is not how our country has treated our own citizens in the past (fall in love with a foreigner and marry him or her, and you could almost guarantee — absent a criminal record — that s/he could get a visa and live here legally). It is time to change our law back to what it had been for many decades before 9/11.

@Wayne:
I am a German legal immigrant and I AM opening my mouth!
Coming to this country wasn’t easy and I really didn’t intend to stay but I married an American and since then my life is not nice!
I had neighbors calling Immigration on me because of spitefulness, I spent about 10000 Dollars in fees for my papers so I can obtain a TEMPORARY Green Card so I can life with my husband – that means if my Immigration officer doesn’t like my nose I can be easily deported and loose the life I built up here in this country.
Do you know that my husband a born American has to financially vouch for me that in case of a job loss or sickness I will not be a burden for this country?
I pay taxes and Social Security in this country for 5 years now and he still has to prove that he and his family have enough money to catch me if I loose my job or get sick.
So, where is MY money going?
This fall once again I have to PROVE to an Immigration officer that I married my husband out of love and not calculation to come into this country.
Ever sat through one of those things? My first interview was hell and I had a very snotty Immigration officer yell at me and my husband (after we were married for half a year) that we “are not an unified front yet”.
Yeah, we Immigrants are living the big life!
Ever tried to register a card and needed a Birth Certificate in three languages because the lady at the DMV had a bad day and decided to let it out on that Immigrant? Happened to me!
Ever being treated like less a person in a Town Hall because you have an accent?
Immigration is not just affecting people that were climbing a fence. These stupid laws also affect highly trained and educated people that try hard to make a living and try hard to stay with their loved ones!

Immigration needs to be regulated on the federal level, not the state level. Repeal Arizona’s radical racist new law.

Make immigration reform a top priority, it affects our country, our communities, our economy as much as anything else.

Simplify the process to allow people to legally enter the US. There really isn’t a sound reason to keep law abiding people out. More people living and thriving here will feed our industry and strengthen our economy.

Give families who have been separated, or live in fear of separation, by a broken immigration system a real and efficient way to come out of the shadows and openly contribute to our society and their families the way that every American dreams.

1) Hold employers who seek illegal immigrants for low paying job accountable (this, in my opinion, is the driving force behind the problem).
2) Establish a clear and fair (emphasis on FAIR) road to legal status for those already in the United States.
3) Establish a work residency program for those who wish to work in the US but are not legal immigrants.
4)Raise and require minimum wage for all employees.

Look at the Dream Act.

Our country was founded on the concept that people outrank government. This was so elegantly stated in the Declaration of Independence. Government justly exists only at the will of people. I call it the concept of America. Furthermore, the concept applies to all people, not just American citizens. I understand that the Obama entry above is a great improvement over the current law; but it is still much too complicated and restrictive and, therefore, contrary to the concept of America. The American concept is also amplified by the inscription on our Statue of Liberty:

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
‘ With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

I believe that, if we as a nation want to hold our heads up as a beacon to the rest of the world, we must walk our talk. Indeed, we must strut it! Let’s make it a LOT easier for folks of good will to join us here. Our beacon will only get brighter.

If Obama is serious about getting anything done to fix the broken immigration system this, he should the DREAM Act as stand alone bill. The DREAM Act has a bill in each house, bipartisan support, and more cosponsors than any other immigration reform proposal. The DREAM Act would legalize 1.5 million young people, who currently fear deportation daily despite being American in every sense of the word. These young people would then be more able to fight for a broader reform that addresses the situation faced by their entire families. The DREAM Act is a building block to a human immigration reform package. It is widely supported by immigrant communities, educators, and 70% of the American public. Those who do not support passage of the DREAM Act as a stand alone bill are not truly listening to immigrant communities, but, rather, are watching out for their own professional interests. I am not a DREAM Act beneficiary and my family has been waiting for for comprehensive immigration reform for 30 years. But I do not feel that young people’s lives should be put on hold for this currently non-existent possibility. We have a small window to make a great change. Let’s not squander it.

Please support UAFA! Allow gay couples to sponsor there partners for imgeration just as straight couples already can.

We need to stop stripping away the ability for third world countries to be able to be self-sustaining, particularly through the use of our tax dollars that enable the multinationals to overtake the agricultural sectors of places like Mexico.

Those who have come here to feed their families are courageous, not criminals, and should be invited to become legal Americans in a simple, orderly way.

It is time for the President to address the immigration issues;
I am particularly concerned about the heavy bias against LEGAL and ILLEGAL immigrants at State DMV Offices where any immigrant has a CATCH 22 situation to get a drivers license. Immigrants repeatedly denied driver licenses for reasons of any “missing documents” even where passports with legal entry shown. I have checked several of the Western States and found that the most flagrant racial discrimination occurs in California and Nevada. Many immigrants are targeted, repeatedly ticketed, arrested by local police for driving to work or school with driver licenses not issued by the State.
THE GIVEN STATE REFUSES TO ISSUE THEIR DRIVER LICENSES WHEN APPLIED FOR!!!
This issue must be addressed and corrected by a Presidential Order!!!!

Dear President Obama,

We can no longer wait, It’s now that we need to fix this matter, Familes have been broken, seperated, Children have suffered, and have been taken advantage of thier labor. When will this end!?? Please help make this right. for the sake of these children and their Familes, We need this reform now, What ever happen to Justice for all? Immigration reform is a priority. Please Mr. President act now!.

I want to know why when I call the US embassy, they tell me there are no visa’s given to Mexico. Why not? When I asked where they are issued they told me to India, Samolia, England, Europe and the Middle East!! The Middle East, we are at war with those people!! I don’t see and Hispanic’s swimming the Rio Grande packing bombs!! If we gave visa’s to the hispanics we wouldn’t have the problems that AZ claims to have and the Hispanics I talk to are willing to pay several thousand dollars to get a 3 yr visa. That would cover administative costs plus get a handle of who is here, then they can get drivers license, insurance etc. Would be a win win situation.

He needs to put a face on the people who have fled extreme poverty, persecution and violence. Today’s NY Times reports that Benito Zaldivar, who fled gang violence in El Salvador returned there after he was denied asylum and was murdered. Many Mexicans have been forced off their farms, unable to compete with subsidized US agribusinesses that cornered the market on corn. Desperate, they are here working long hours at far below the minimum wage. My great-grandparents arrived here under the same circumstances, as did millions of others. They built this country.

Obama is campaigning. He will give an empty speech and do nothing. He is all talk and no substance and I am so very sorry I voted for him.

He has no concept of the laws of the United States, stands with a foreign President against the country that he swore to protect because he does not like the laws so Arizona is in the wrong.

He shows contempt for the American people and you want to know what I want to hear in another empty speech?

He is going to tell us that he sent a nice little group to the border to “help” with our problem while soothing people to get votes and figure out how to allow ILLEGALS into the country so he can be re-elected.

ILLEGAL-means you get rewarded under this administration.

This man has shown time and time again that he hates this country and I for one am sick of it. I don’t listen anymore. Him and his Congress can go to hell as far as I am concerned.

I am voting against him no matter who is running. He may win, but I am not going to help him do it a second time

Please look into clearing the EB3 backlog and releive us legal immigrants of this never ending stress that we’ve been enduring the last 10 years.
We legal immigrants are never given any attention when we are the ones who go by the books and pay taxes and have all our papers in place. We too deserve some kind of attention from the government.

Sr. Presidente ya es hora de actuar, no podemos seguir permitiendo los atropellos de aquellas personas con pensamientos racistas inhumanas pisoteen nuestros derechos civiles… USA es un pais de inmigrantes que brinda la oportunidad de una mejor calidad de vida para nuestros hijos.Me gustaria escuchar al nuestro Presidente decir qe la Ley de Inmigracion se va a dar este ano, no mas excusas ni mas obstaculos, El lo puede hacer!!!!!

We want an immigration reform that gives eveyone an opportunity to apply with minimal cost. Immigrants do NOT have the money to pay HIGH application fees although they would put themselves in debt for the opporunity to become legalized. Keep the fees low and minimal. A reform that isn’t so stringent that it makes it almost impossible to even apply. Yes, pay your taxes, yes, to learning english but with time, they can’t be expected to be fluent at time of the application, and no to a fine for being here illegally. And most important if the one adult member is eligible then the undocumented minor children should be eligible also!!

This is I want to hear from President Obama, Please separate the Legal Immigrants issues from illegal immigrants issues. Legal immigrants issues are very simple and straight forward. It will not affect the nation resources or economy. Because, we are equally paying all the taxes and following rules of nation as main stream citizens. We are leaving with insecurity and spending thousands of dollars in renewal process to maintain status.
I do sympathize with illegal immigrants and equally want justice to them. We need to have two separate bills.

Obama needs to enforce the laws already on the books. Penalize employers who hire illegal alliens, Reperal CAFTA,NAFTA and GATT and start makeing goods in this country again. And BUY AMERICAN.
Tell Mexico to take care of there own people NOT EXPORT THEM TO OUR COUNTRY.
WE SHOULD CHARGE MEXICO 1 BARREL OF OIL A DAY FOR EVRY ILLEGAL IN THIS COUNTRY AND IN OUR PRISONS ,AND IN OUR SCHOOLS.

It is time that this country learn to live with humility and respect for all people and the environment. Our malady of spirit spills into the Gulf of Mexico and builds walls literally and figuratively between us and Mexico. It is time that we address the causes that drive people into deep poverty and force them to migrate; until then, we are hypocrites if we celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall and then build a guarded wall that separates families between here and Mexico. It is time for amnesty for immigrants and to take down the wall. If we want people to stop immigrating because we are so selfish with the resources we have stolen from their land, then we must invest in their economies and allow them to develop without economic policies of NAFTA that takes their resources and leave them nothing.

IF the President and USA citzens do not want illegal immigration they have to stop letting the Greek, the Chinese, the Koreans, the Italians and most of the restaurants around the USA hiring people illegally and paying low salaries
So if USA cannot aprove an immigration reform> What they are going to do with their force work, because I don’t think so you white ans black americans can work in the kitchens and agriculture fields.
Or you are planning to bring chinese and indians to work in here, because that is what has been happening with the USA economy the USA citizens do not have jobs because the big corporations are sending the jobs to the asian countries because they get cheap labor ,a nother thing is that the comapnies do not want to stablish business here because to much restritions and regulations.
If you want to aprove an immigration reform you have to be very wise and select the people that you need take out all the criminals and let the people that really work and are trying to succeed in this country stuying and learning english and getting adapted to the american culture.
You have to search a background of every immigrant that in this country.

I would like immigration reform to include prioritizing the reuniting of gay and lesbian partners, and allowing same sex partners to sponsor their foreign born other halves for green cards, the way straight couples are allowed.

In response to those who say “convicted criminals who are citizens of other countries should be deported,” I’d offer that it’s not so black-and-white. “Alien smuggling” is a deportable offense, and deportation is mandatory. In many states you can be convicted of “alien smuggling” for knowingly transporting your undocumented family members to the grocery store to buy food, because this is an act “in furtherance of” their remaining in the United States. The list goes on and on of criminal offenses that the average person would not see as a basis for mandatory deportation. (You can read the list at 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43).) Moreover, keep in mind that many of those undocumented immigrants who are deported after committing very minor crimes have been in the U.S. since they were small children, and they are deported to a country where they have no family.

I/we need President Obama to say, “I remember I promised to work on immigration reform soon after I become the President of the United States.”
Comprehensive Immigration Reform is required as soon as possible. Different states are passing anti-immigrant laws that will only affect our country.
Deportations, racism, and hatred need to stop. A channel towards legalizing undocumented workers must be created and the time of peace, liberty, and hope must be re-established in our beautiful country!

I hope the President will say he will increase the worldwide immigrant numbers. We’ve been working with the same numbers forever, despite population increases. Educated and enterprizing foreigners create jobs – they are rain makers. We are shooting oursevles in the foot by not stirring up the ecomony with fresh minds.

The Federal government needs to and will take control of the immigration system. That a fare and just legalization process will be established that will keep families together. Make the process easier to understand. Scrutinize but can we do away with the ridiculously complicated forms? That under no circumstances will racial profiling be allowed and that children born in this country regardless of circumstances will not be denied citizenship(aka Arizon laws). Prosecute those who would take advantage of immigrants (crocked lawyers and tax “preparers”).

Immigration of peoples from this continent has been caused by foolish ‘unfair’ trade ‘ laws which have pushed people in Mexico off the land causing mass migration. We need to accept our responsibility and write an inclusive law providing safety for their hard working families and give them the protection of wage laws. They need to be allowed to receive fair wages, pay taxes, apply for citizenship and definitely not be subject to the breaking apart of families which can only cause fear , anger ,poverty and anti social behavior. Inclusive not exclusive laws are needed. Their labor is needed along with the strength of their culture and family values. People will come out of the shadows when they are treated fairly and recognized for the positive contribution they make to society. This costs a lot less than building walls and chasing ‘illegals’ from place to place like criminals. Our gov’t needs to make this step to “inclusiveness” not “exclusiveness”.

What I would like to heard from President Obama is that Immigration Reform will happen in the next legislative session regardless of the all the dirty political games being played between parties. As the President of our Nation he needs to set an example of honesty in politics, and fight for it. We are tired of all those elected officials that use their power to convince voters that undocumented workers are the cause of all problems that our nation is going through.
Our country is in trouble because of those greedy powerful individuals in the mortgage business that destroyed our economy with sub-prime loans at horrible interest rates knowing borrowers wouldn’t be able to repay,as well as many other industries that were not honest in their deals. Now everyone wants to blame the immigrant community for the problems they have not caused.
PLEASE Mr. President, brings the truth into the actual mess. Let people know that the fight between the major parties is what is not letting you accomplish anything, fight with all your heart and power to honor your promises, give us back the faith we need to continue believing in this country. We don’t want to hear more promises , we want action, we want you to do whatever it takes to pass a comprehensive immigration reform that allow undocumented workers to get out of the shadows and to legally work as hard as needed to give back to our country a vibrant economy.

President Obama,
When will our border with Mexico be closed and secured? And when will you back Arizona’s law which enforces the existing federal laws on immigration? That you and your cronies refuse to enforce.
William Links

he just need to fixed the damn situation as he promesed

Comprehensive Immigration Reform has to be just and humane, remembering the lives and stories of people and why they have come (or want to come) to this country. The DREAM Act also has to be part of any reform.

I also hope the president will dispel some of the myths that so many people believe about our broken immigration system.

I agree we need to fix our immigration system right away. But not everyone should benefit from such reform. Only immigrants who can prove they are not criminals, immigrants who have been hard-working, immigrant college students all deserve an opportunity. If we have to secure the borders to the max by sending all troops, let’s do it. If we have to keep building a wall/fence let’s do it, if we have to shoot immigrants to prevent their entrance to the country let’s do it. But all immigrants who can benefit should get benefits. And any immigrant trying to come into the country should be sent back. Also understand that many US citizens do not take the chance to take advantage of this country’s benefits, they are drop-outs, they are also drug dealers, gangsters, getting killed all the time, this country will be more powerful with harder working individuals who want to succeed and actually be someone in life.

To Yvonne-I want to say-I am sorry. We have seemingly lost our minds in our country, and lost site of the fact that most of our own families came to this country from somewhere else once upon a time.My apologies to you.

President Obama must address the facts that ILLEGAL immigrants are receiving benefits that citizens are denied. This when our debts are spiraling. The claim that we need their labor pales when we are at one of the largest unemployment figures in our history. Our citizens are justified in being upset when we are held to the laws of our Country when immigrants are not.

I think we need a work VISA for all those currently in the United States. The VISA maybe time limited, and renewable. That should help get it pass the conservatives. A permanent VISA would be issued to those with earliest dated work VISA. Employers should be penalized for those employees not having work a VISA.

I also think the Republicans should take the lead on this.

I think President Obama should speak about the foundations of the United States of America. This is a nation of immigrants that have come here in search for liberty and justice for all. We should not dehumanize America.

Address the root causes of migration. The United States can play a significant role in addressing the larger global economic and political structures that cause people to migrate.

As a public school counselor and teacher my first priority is the DREAM Act. I have worked with so many wonderful immigrant students over the past 30 years, most of whom had little choice in their move to the U.S. Now that so many of these young people are so well integrated into this country and often have no memories of their countries of origin, and may not even speak the language of their parents very well. These young people deserve a chance to earn residency through 12 years of successful study. Those who graduate from our high schools should get at least temporary resident status with the right to achieve permanent residency after earning an associates degree or holding full time employment for 2 consecutive years.

My second priority is the parents of U.S. citizens. They should not be deported while their children minor children need them for support. I believe their children have no less right to a positive future than any other US citizen born in this country.

I also support temporary residency for all those law abiding employed tax paying self supporting people and the families they support, who presently reside in the U.S. (or who have lived and worked here for for six months or a year)

Let me keep my husband and let my children keep their father!!!

Take away the lure that brings them here by prosecuting the violations of American employers who exploit them.
Please make citizenship easier for those who are already here if they will only register.

I would like president Obama to talk about the dream act; I am in the process of becoming legal resident but I have been waiting for 10 years and I don’t know how many more years I have to wait. I have my degree but I cannot do anything with it because I do not have a social security number. I have been living in this country most of my life.

I would like to have our President Barack Obama to Please open up his speech by saying to the Nation that this country has always been about Immigrants – and this means our lives, our families, our hopes and dreams, that our personal reasons for working for comprehensive immigration reform will be resolve this year. Our voices make us strong, and that our petitions will be resolved by this year.

I want him to say that family reunification is important and that includes gay and lesbian families. I want him to endorse Senator Schumer’s outline of a CIR.

He needs to say that this is a national security issue and there is no solution unless it is comprehensive and federal.

Mr President,
Please keep family together and stop massive deportations. We don’t want to see more American citizen children left behind, alone and helpless when their parents (hard working people with no criminal records) are deported. Most of us immigrants come here to look for a better life, to work hard and live decently. Many of us had to escape our country of origin for many reasons, looking for freedom, or to be able to work and provide our families with basic necessities like food and shelter. We are not criminals. Yes, we may have broke the law by coming here illegally but I’m sure that anyone in our shoes would have done the same. You just have to live it to understand it. Please we urge you to do something and put pressure for a fair immigration reform.

I would like to hear that there will be NO FREE RIDE INTO THE US! My immigrant grandparents has to have a sponsor, prove they were in good health, have money in their pockets, have an address where they were going to live and LEARN ENGLISH. I am sick and tired of this country offering something for nothing to ILLEGAL aliens. What part of ILLEGAL isn’t understood. Don’t march in our streets like you own the place when you are nothing more than COMMON CRIMINALS.

I would like Obama to (1) explain why there are undocumented people here; (2) what their contributions are; (3) why and how we will all benefit from creating a process through which they can apply for legal status; (4) how we can reform our immigration system so that people who need to come to the U.S. can do so and receive the integration services that will enable them to become economic and social contributors.

We need to have a way for families to stay together. Comprehensive immigration reform should include a legal pathway to US citizenship for those undocumented immigrants, who are married to a US citizen and now have children to rear in the USA. We also need to protect the immigrant who is here legally, but whose visa or work permit is revoked because of past history or non-criminal error. We need to find a way to help undocumented immigrants who have contributed to our economy and communities become US citizens.

I want to hear the President explain why he is addressing Comprehensive Immigration Reform long after the opportunity to actually do something this year has passed us by. I have to say that this feels like Obama is doing this now to try to convince Latino voters he really wants reform even though he is unwilling to expend any of his effort to achieve it. I feel betrayed…

I would like President Obama to say they are going to do something this year to help illegal immigrants to become legal citizens, as long as they have no criminal record. And I think if there is some way we can help there country to do better we should help. Like help them to find out what to do about there low paying jobs there etc. Like #18 said in #2. Help Mexico develop a good plan to keep their people working and safe.

It is a very complex problem.
I like Number 41’s solution.

There definitely needs to be a program for screening of every individual.

Otherwise, why don’t we just open our gates and invite the whole world to come live in this space of land on the planet? That would only be about 5 billion more people crowding in here.

No other place on this planet has it together to provide peace, freedom and the opportunity to work for pay in a civil environment like the United States of America.
So, because everyone else in the world is suffering in their unliveable country, why not just have everybody come here! Their country is unliveable, so instead of them trying uselessly to make it liveable, why not just invite them all to come here. We can all double up!

They don’t need to learn our language (which, the last time I looked, is still English), they can just live together in ethnic blocks and communicate with each other.

And as far as jobs go, there are plenty of jobs to go around, right? Those of us who are citizens will have no problem getting or keeping our job, right, if 5 billion more people (most of whom don’t speak English) come here to escape the brutality of their own countries.

So is that a solution? Of course not. But the need IS pressing, Mr. President. A program like the one detailed in Number 41 looks like one that would work.

Only problem is how to enforce it, such that thousands of desperados daily cannot invade our land illegally.

The plight of illegal immigrants is a conundrum: they need to be allowed a reasonable path to citizenship if they desire it.
We need to stop the killing in the desert of those desperate people who risk their lives daily to try to reach a better life.
We need to pass the DREAM ACT now! Those young people who have been educated here in the US, and will only go on to enrich our heritage if they can attend college after achieving their high school diploma need to be allowed to stay in their adopted country!
We need to become a more humane, open-minded community, and refuse to buy into the message of Hate the “Other”

Please ask that President Obama’s reform consider international human rights standards especially those in the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our laws should be better harmonized with international human rights standards.
Our federal immigration laws have been constructed and reconstructed through periods of racism and xenophobia in our history. They were developed to create a certain type of citizenry and to keep out the “Others”.
I am a Public Defender in New Mexico and in the last few weeks I have had at least two U.S. citizens (with spanish surnames) detained on ICE holds. This is insanity!

Most important:

1. U.S. Citizen children under 21 should be able to petition for change of status for their parents and siblings and have them present – not waiting in 30 year waiting lines because they come from Mexico, India or the Phillipines – while other applications from Europe etc.. are expedited much much more quickly.

2. Stop deporting long time permanent legal residents under the 1996 IIRAIRA laws. At least give judges discretion to cancel removal when those LPRs have strong ties to U.S., are members of mixed status families. have U.S. citizen children, spouses etc… and for those who have only been convicted of misdemeanor crimes – including domestic violence crimes.

3. Give federal judges discretion in sentencing when they are dealing with cases of illegal re-entry.

4. Require immigration judges to be better trained for dealing with refugee/asylum cases and require them to know more about intl. human rights, rule more consistently and less arbitrarily and to be required to use FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE!

ok – one more – address the intersection of criminal law and immigration law better by requiring legal representation and recognizing that immigration detainers, removal etc… are harsh punishments – not just administrative civil law actions and proceedings. Communities are living in terror and being subjugated to the worst abuses under our current system. End the madness!

Immigrants are not the problem. The companies that hire them are. Their need for cheap labor draws Mexican citizens to the United States for jobs that will allow them to have a better life. Are they taking away jobs from US citizens? Yes. But who hires them instead of hiring US citizens? Again, companies looking for cheap labor. The way to prevent illegals in the US is to reform/create legislation to make companies hiring immigrants accountable for their actions. These companies are out to break up unions and lower salaries for US citizens. How can US citizens compete for jobs when these companies can hire cheap labor? A construction worker making $18 an hour (or much less) cannot compete when a company hires illegals for way less money and not having to provide benefits. Construction companies, restaurants, the fast food industry and all companies who hire illegals should be fined for hiring them. If companies that hire non-US citizens and provide the documentation required, immigrants would be paying taxes and would be paying for services provided by the US.

Stop roundups and deportation immediately! Pass legislation that starts a realistic path to citizenship for everyone living in our country, protects American families from the pain of separation from loved ones and the financial hardship of losing bread winners in tough economic times, and explicitly invalidates local discrimination laws. We need to support our local police by protecting their access to witnesses and the goodwill of the citizens they serve. We need everyone living and working here to be first class citizens.

We’ve heard a lot of “commitments” and “promises” from the President, I want to see an action plan for comprehensive immigration reform – reform that honors human dignity and family unity.

I Hereby Resign as President of the United States!

As a first step, allow people to get green cards and work legally on the books. Create a path to citizenship from there. Tear down the wall!

Mr. President
A generation is at stake. Immigrants are not just hispanic & they are not the problem, immigrants are all those people that believe in the American Dream, that still believe there can be a better life for them here. I am a social worker and I can tell you these people are hard working, tax paying, law abiding people.

Let’s make this a nation for ALL. Thank you & may God Bless America

Tighten up the borders
Allow states and cities to incarcerate illegals
Keep illegals in dentention until they can be returned to their land of origin
Return them within 5 days
Make the children of illegals ineligible to attend public or private schools
Amend the Constitution so that children born of illegals are no longer citizens
Remove the incentive for them to come here. Penalize companies who hire illegals, fine them, or even put the owners in jail.

freedom, freedom and freedom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Work to legalize immigrants & not deport them!

Obama needs to make the argument for passing the DREAM Act as a stand-alone bill.

I want to hear that when we pull our troops out of the middle east that our boarders will be sealed and protected with the full might of our military.

Since employers have benefitted by hiring slave labor, fining them is justified. Illegal employees should become the responsibility of the employers who hire them. Recently hired should be returned at the expense of the employer. Long term illegals with families must get in line for citizenship & their living expenses should temporarily be paid by the employer. Their jobs should be offered to U.S. citizens & wages should be realistically adjusted to appeal to our citizens. The process to attain citizenship should be speeded up.

yes, do what he and others have promised. bring back 245i so that the families of citizens can legalize without haveing to return to their countries and face the uncertainties of waivers and capricious consular officials. 90% of the undocumented immigrants in the US today are regular hardworking folks who want to live their lives, get driver licenes. The kids need to be certain that their parents will not be deported. Finish with the TPS from Central America. Let them get their permanent green cards now that they have been waiting for over 10 years, some 20 years. All are taxpaying hardworking people. Grant asylum to the ones who have been in the system for over 20 years. These fixes will legalize half of the people now in the US and will do it without any major law changes. The framework is already there. It’s a no brainer. and also have automatic waivers for those with minor immigration violations (illegal entry, or multiple entries) European Americans what would you do if your mother was dying overseas???? Thousands have been stuck here, willingly stuck here but cannot go home to be with dying relaltives!!!My mother was from Germany married to a Citizen. My great grandmother’s dad was from the Jersey Islands. I see the tradgedy every day that our laws are causing. FIX IT

I think immigrants who come here are good people who want to work hard, and do jobs a lot of Americans don’t want to do. So I think we should make it as easy as possible for them to move here.

At a minimum, allow people to get green cards and work legally. Create a path to citizenship from there. Tear down the wall!

On the smaller end of things, figure out ways to keep immigrant families together. In the middle, incorporate the understanding that the US wants and needs these workers–offer protections for workers and incentives for employers to treat them fairly; acknowledge how hard it is for people who are struggling who live as American citizens to make room in their own small boats for those who are even less well off; point to how the wealthy benefit from immigrant work in innumerable ways (including keeping wages low for the owners of corporations and large agribusiness). And finally, address the root causes, including the structural economic problems in our relationship with Mexico and other Central American countries.

This should be a bi-partisan issue as it affects everyone equally, regardless of political affiliation. Those who are here illegally should not be handed a free pass – they should go through the same process by which “legal” immigrants go through on their way to EARNING

I am a college student I came to this country when I was only 2 years and two months old. Why should I be punished for a crime my parents committed. If I was under their care at the time because I was under the age of 18 why would I be breaking the law??

Give illegal immigrants a chance to get their Green Cards and allow them the opportunity to continue being productive members of our society. Why would we expect them to go back and live in a country that has probably gotten worse since they left to come here? If our country failed to keep them out and they have created a life here, then it would be our best interest to keep them here and improve our economy.

I want him to finally step up and deliver on all the promises that he made during the campaign. The more I listen to him make these speeches, the harder it is for me to belive that he will do anything at all to rectify our broken immigration system. 1. No deportations for those that are already living here and working to build this country; offer a way for them to register, pay whatever fines that they need to pay and work towards citizenship. 2. The Dream Act – which is the core foundation of our country! remind those that seem to have forgotten what it means! Overall – I am not very optimistic about this speech as that is all I seem to be hearing from President Obama.. wonderfully writen words that hold no merit. While it takes more than him alone to rectify this; it would be great to see some type of ‘movement’ on this issue.

Yvonne @ Wayne tells everything that is wrong with our immigration system. Secondly the people that come to this country are looking for survial escaping from destitute envirnments. How many of those poor people have $10000.00 to invest in obtaining documentation. Yes our system is broken down and needs fixing. Change the laws to where an individual does not have to wait till death to obtain appropriate documentation to enter legally.

I want to hear him say the truth: That the reason people come to the U.S. now is the same reason they have always come, to get away from oppression, to make a life for themselves and their children, to get away from slavery and indenture. It is the same set of reasons my forebears came here from Estonia, and the same reasons the forty-niners left the East for the West. It is the same reason people risked their necks to get over the Berlin Wall, stowed away on boats, or jumped the cliff rather than accede to Roman rule. Let ‘em all in, I say.

I would like president Obama to talk about the immigration law and the immigration reform for the undocumented families. He needs to pass the dream act for the undocumented students. He needs to do what he promissed that is the reason why they elected him. The families that don’t have any documents are very scared because of the sb1070 law. He needs to do something now to stop all of these unjustices. We are humans not animals or criminals. We came to the united states to Have a better life For our Next Generation. It makes me very dissapointed to hear that obama doesn’t do anything. Most illegal immigrants come here to the unieded states to work they are not here to take any job away from anyone. They come here to support their families and have a better life here. I don’t think its a crime to work here as a farmer to crop the fruits and veggies that you guys eat or to work as a housekeeper or any kind of work. we need to stop this unfairness now. God bless America

Legalize the millions of immigrants who are in America and end the racist and deadly attacks on immigrants in this country.

1st – define the words “illegal”, “illegal entry”, “illegal alien” and state to the American people that breaking the laws of our country is not the way to acquire anything.
2nd – State how 12-20 million illegal aliens blatantly violated our laws when they came to United States illegally. Therefore subject to heavy penalties and jail time
3rd – State how they take jobs away from hard-working legal immigrants who played by the rules and waited in line to have a chance at living the American Dream!
4th – Acknowledge how for every job an illegal alien has is a job an American doesn’t
5th – Request a change to the 14th Amendment to the Constitution so that it states that children of illegal aliens are illegal as well and subject to deportation. (End anchor babies)
6th – Pass the SAVE Act
7th – Make E-verify mandatory for all employment and school entry to include kindergarten through our highest universities
8th – Place heavy fines on those that rent, employ, or harbor illegal aliens
9th – Make illegal entry into the United States a felony
10th – Mandate the implementation of the REAL ID Act

We need to make people wish they never broke into OUR country!!!

Since employers have benefitted by hiring slave labor, fining them is justified. Illegal employees should become the responsibility of the employers who hire them. Recently hired should be returned at the expense of the employer. Long term illegals with families must get in line for citizenship & their living expenses should temporarily be paid by the employer. Their jobs should be offered to U.S. citizens & wages should be realistically adjusted to appeal to our citizens. The process to attain citizenship should be speeded up.

I would like to hear President Obama talk about the dream act. What is going to happen to all the young teenagers who were brought here as little children. They were brought across the borders and therefore most of them are EWI cases. How can these young adults now be sent back to a country which is not home to them, how can they be sent away from what is now their home. To me this is a heartbreaking issue.Please please please!!!!President Obama do the right thing.

I remain your loyal supporter.

Maire

A fair and reasonable process for legalization. Big fines and jail terms for the companies that are profiting from the illegal hiring. No more fences! Legalize pot and start the process for legalizing ther street drugs. Educate the public and our legislators on the difference between legal and illegal immigrants. For a so-called Christian country, there’s a lot of vicious demonization of legal immigrants or anyone with an accent.

I would like to hear President Obama publicly acknowledge that the GLBT community in the United States is not afforded the same rights as the straight community. Loving and committed same sex partners cannot be together because the current immigration laws do not allow immigration sponsorship of a same sex partner. It is discriminatory and contradicts the basic idea that all American citizens are equal and afforded the same liberties. I would like to hear President Obama say that the immigration reform will indisputably include UAFA and that the LGBT community will no longer be forced to choose between thier country and their partner.

I want the President to do two things:

1. Clearly articulate the likely costs (monetary, social, business, and prestige) of 100% deportation in order to show those who would advocate deportation that it would not be to the benefit of any American, citizen or no. The comparison costs of 1) 100% deportation 12-15 people, 2) reality, and 3) doing nothing should be the only way to deal with this, since the likely racist subtext of the “100% Deportation Demand” only serves to denigrate our Country.

2. Advocate a reality-based approach to the current immigration problem of so many folks being here without legal documentation. For me (IMHO) only, this would incorporate (not necessarily in order) the following:
a. Closing the borders — if necessary at the most visible points within our actual borders — so that they are physically unpassable. However, using violent, radical measures such as landmines, shoot-to-kill are not part of such a solution, right?
b. National IDs need to be issued to every citizen. I have a passport, and so cannot have any objection to this. A National ID is the same as a DNI, Cédula or US Passport, but is the same size and technology of any State ID. It would be used domestically as a form of ID, relegating driver’s licenses to IDs for driving, nothing more.
c. Self-Identification of all those who are not citizens or who already do not have resident-alien green cards and issuing of a Resident ID, same as a National ID, but for non-citizens. After a period of time, all persons within the borders should have IDs. On an well-publicized date, giving appropriate time to all persons to have a National or Resident ID, those who do not have them can be deported immediately to their country of origin.
d. Identify those families with citizen children and formerly illegal parents in order to protect US Citizens from being abandoned or technically being deported by reason of association with a foreign national.
e. Those with Resident IDs who have complied with the law will be interviewed, have background checks, now have SS numbers, and will be assessed a fine for their previous illegal statuses. Resident Aliens already with Green Cards can continue to work, and are on the path to citizenship. Those former undocumented workers also can continue to work, but are not yet on the path to citizenship.
f. Those found with legal or criminal problems can still continue to work (but be on rigorous probation), but must settle their cases, pay restitution, go to prison or be deported to their country of origin. Any break of probation would undoubtedly result in deportation.
g. Those with Resident IDs, with legal employment, having been assessed a fine, and still not on the path to citizenship, will be put into a queue behind those legal immigrants who are still entering the country under current quotas. I suppose an 80/20% ratio could allow for legal/formerly illegal rate of being put on the path to citizenship. Those with citizen children or relatives might enter the path first, followed by those with extenuating circumstances, or not having citizen relatives.

And do we think that this would be MORE costly than 100% deportation of 12 to 15 million? No. In fact, it would create the National ID, something that we have been sorely in need of. It would create an ethical and moral method for settling the problem that 100% deportation and doing nothing would not. It would preserve the economic benefits while removing illegal business practices. These are generally good workers. Those relatively few criminals would benefit these good workers as well as the Nation.

This is not a simple matter. It is very complex. Most USers cannot deal with complex issues, while the President can. It makes it a very delicate problem, trying to sell logic and reasonable, ethical behavior to those whose “religious” beliefs incorporate denial-of-humanity to selected others (”racism”).

I hope the immigration reform will also take in consideration husband/wife’s of US Citizen awating for some reform to allow their spouses to come back to the US after deportation for being in the country ilegal or over stay. There are many US Citizens that can’t not use their right to happiness because of the broken immigration system. I have been separated from my husband for 12 yrs. I’m US Citizen and as a Citizen I’m being penalized for loving my husband, whom was in the US ilegaly.

They must clear the existing backlog for Employment based and Family based green card before issuing green card to illegals.

Our nation has a dilemma the emigrants from western Europe has dried up.
The mass production lines are outsource in the far east. And other parts of the world.
We spending more on incarceration than education.
We have a Senate divided on partisan lines.
We need citizens not consumers, this means more education not incarceration. Yes any one who wants to make America great regardless of its origin should be welcome to ourshores wading our rowing.

I will wait until I hear what he has to say. So much speculation in a very complex situation. We do not know all the ramifications involved with the Government. One thing we should do is enforce the laws, that would be a start. I am against a baby being born here from an illegal immigrant being automatically a US citizen and mother gets a green card. Wrong. Emergency Room immediate care Wrong! So much to consider and when they come to the border one sign says help wanted and the other sign says no trespassing. Hiring illegals with very low pay is wrong and many farmers are doing it. Talk to them and enforce laws forbidding hiring any illegals.

The only way is : Executive order from Obama, forget about Republicans can come together with Democrats on immigration

1. This solution(s) should be developed in a bi-partisan fashion as the problems affect all of us equally, regardless of out political affiliation.

2. Those who arrived here illegally should not just be handed a free pass – they should be required to go through the same steps that “legal” immigrants are required to go through on their path to citizenship. And, they should be required to learn and become reasonably fluent in the language of their newly-adopted country. All those who do not register to enter the path to legal citizenship should be deported back to their country of origin, regardless if they have children born in this country. It should be all or nothing.

Read Emma Lazarus’ poem on the Statue of Liberty. We should be a welcoming country, not xenophobic or excluding. We feel no shame in sending our exploitive maquiladores down there and making huges profits off them, nor do we want to “give up” our cheap seasonal labor, nor do we take any responsibility for being consumers of the drug trade that is one of the only options left to poor … but then we call the “foreigners” invaders when they try to come here. We have set up a giant lure, bragged about its glories, and then punish people who try to come here. BRING ON THEIR TIRED, THEIR POOR, THEIR HOMELESS AND TEMPEST TOSSED…. that’s how most of US got here.

I think we should treat the issue on a much more individualistic basis- NOT broad.
I married someone who’s VISA ran out and now because of current laws we are faced with having her go back to her country for 10 years?I was born here- We have 2 children born here, we pay taxes etc. but because she can’t get a SSN or drivers licence and have to wait-wait-wait and be subjected to the current system and be treated the same as someone who comes here and hangs out looking for day work or becomes a criminal it’s stupid. We need something similar to welfare where case workers can determine the difference between those here illegally in sham marriages, criminals, etc. and those who are simply leading otherwise normal live but are drowning financially and emotionally because of the current dysfunctional system.

i want to hear about the dream act and the ag jobs bill this kids need to know that they can be a part of the american dream and keep all our kids in school and know that they need an education. the ag jobs bill is needed for our farmerand dairies i feel that hog farms,feed lot amd poultry hatcheries should be included, there is no way that this people on lay off are going to work at this jobs let move on this two now to show that we did not waste our vote. and something is been done now.

I want all illegal immigrants who do not intend to pay taxes, who cheat and lie for government aid to leave this country. I don’t care about who they leave behind. Take them out also. We are at risk on so many levels and must not allow ANY person to further weaken our country.

We need to be tough, and STOP giving away our resources.

A clear and reasonable path to citizenship.

More compassionate and consistent ICE processes and policies.

Respect for immigrants, with and without legal status.

Mr. Obama should promise to immediately freeze any deportation proceedings that threaten to tear apart families, particularly those involving people married to a U.S. citizen or with U.S. citizen children. NO MORE BROKEN FAMILIES!!!

“It’s all about the money”. If you want things to happen, it must be presented in a way to have both parties support the effort. To do that, one must first acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of your arguments. It isn’t about you but about the PERCEPTION OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. Talk about the VALUE of immigrants that will accept the essential jobs at low pay that minimize cost of operations nationally. Talk about the unfairness of immigrants paying into a Social Security System for benefits they will never receive because of phony IDs and the inability to sustain Soc Sec without their contributions. Talk about the calculated decline in birth rates that will bankrupt our retirement pensions and Soc Security without the over producing birth rate of immigrants. We are in a global economy in which we are trying to learn competitive practices. Unfortunately, most “Americans”, (not indigenous Am Indians) speak ONLY English sufficiently to negotiate for exports and imports that sustain or declining ability to balance our deficits and preserve our National economy. Without immigrants who have learn English, we wouldn’t be able to even conduct many of these trade negotiations.
The immigrant has historically been victimized by every country that can do so. The companies that hire them are usually winked at as they prosper paying low wages for difficult or unpleasant work. They can threaten exportation for complaining or requesting fairness. The consumer benefits from lower prices. The government assists in the victimization by deporting those turned in as punishment by the companies that benefit from victimizing them. The public doesn’t realize the benefits of immigrants but, they do understand that anyone that has a job instead of them is a threat. Immigrants are the most popular threat but, not the cause of unemployment.
Did anyone ever ask: How can you stop terrorists or infiltrators to the U.S., Afghanistan or Iraq if you haven’t figured out how to stop our own border walk overs? All testing of border security checks fail to even prevent nuclear components from crossing the borders. Immigrants are not the problem. Government prioritization is. Remember to argue what’s in it for the average person to be more convincing. We all benefit from immigrants. 3 of my 4 grandparents were immigrants. I’m pretty typical. Only 3 of them could read and only 2 could read English. All but 1 of their 8 children finished high school. My generation included PhDs, business owners, educators, and a couple of losers like most families. Italian, Mexican, Irish, German, Spanish, N African Moorish, with a Polish step father and study in French, I AM AN AMERICAN. The spice contributed goes beyond culinary.

Whatever happened to immigrants needing to speak English BEFORE becoming American citizens? Everything we buy has increased in cost to accommodate people who will not learn to speak English like my Grandparents did. Also I agree with Arizona in making sure everyone here is here legally. If I break the law, I will be arrested. It shouldn’t be any different for anyone here.

I would just love to actually hear him stand up for this country for once. To think of our country and our people over any other people group. I am so disappointed in him and the administration and the fact that they are sending money to mexico, instead of keeping it in our own country who desperately needs it makes it even worse. He is a disgrace to this nation. I hope he will finally do his job, and do what is right for America, and its people!! The border states are in desperate needs of serious help and we need to stop the bleeding! HELP AMERICA OBAMA!!

One thing is essential when it comes to immigration. We know there are many problems and these will not solved without great difficulty. But in the end we also know that these problems must be solved, and they must be solved in a way that when the suffering and persecuted from every nation can share the American Dream with us. That dream is expressed on the Statue of Liberty. And what that says must always remain true.

Immigration reform MUST include the DREAM Act. Young people who have grown up in this country must have hope and inspiration for the future. Unless this law is passed the states will have wasted the efforts of so many teachers and will be left with an entire generation – or two – of young people with no future except to hide in the shadows and be abused and taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers. I want comprehensive immigration reform but at a minimum the DREAM Act needs to be enacted to prevent a disaster which will affect immigrants and our community for the next 50 years.

I want President Obama say that the solution to illegal immigration from Mexico rests in working with Mexico on innovative projects, which will create jobs in both countries and reduce the desperation that motivates people to illegally cross our borders for exploitation by greedy employers. For example, establish a new Mexican agricultural industry for growing and harvesting medicinal plants, currently in short supply due to the decimation of tropical rain forests. The plants, transported and processed in the United Stated, serve as the basis for drugs ranging from muscle relaxants and weight loss, to life-saving cancer treatments. Not only would both countries benefit from job creation, cancer patients would also benefit from reduced costs of currently prohibitively expensive drugs because of increased availability of the plants used to create them. The point is, the best solution to a problem is addressing its cause with creative solutions.

1. Look to the north and consider the Canadian model – incorporating flexibility and a nimble response to market needs – such as the Canadian IT initiative facilitating entry of certain IT workers – one of the most effective “brain drains” ever – no wonder Canada is a star economic performer!

2. Counteract the restrictive xenophobic attitude permeating the anti-immigrant sect by actively recognizing the value of both legal and undocumented alien workers, and promoting a facilitative attitude within the adjudicating administrative agencies (DHS, DOS, USCIS, USCBP)

3. Eliminate the outrageous adjudication backlogs, pass the Dream Act, remove H-1B quotas, add Nurses to H-1B category, update NAFTA professional list to include wide swath of IT professions, instruct northern border CBP to welcome Canadian business people instead of making them feel like criminals. CREATE AND PASS COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM THAT SUPPORTS ECONOMIC GROWTH – LET’S BECOME THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ONCE MORE AND WELCOME THE AMBITIOUS, THE INNOVATIVE, THE LIFEBLOOD THAT SUSTAINS US. NEW BLOOD= NEW GROWTH!!! And we sure need a transfusion right now!

The President should suggest that Congress inact a provision in the law that says employers must give first preference for a job to a US citizen. If no US citizens will take the job – like in farm labor – then the employer can offer the job in an immigrant who has met minimum requirements which are realistic for an immigrant to accomplish and not as a deliberate barrier. All employers must offer minimum wage – EVEN FOR FARM LABOR. No exemptions.

Please make the DREAM Act a priority. Sending OUR successful, energetic, and creative young people back to a country they have limited ties to or memory of is a waste of talent for America and a terrifying nightmare for them. There has to be another way!!! The DREAM Act is a start.

Pass the DREAM Act now! Let us allow millions of young people who have been in this country for many years because of no fault of their own, out of terrifying shadows and to continue pursuing their educational aspirations and to become fully contributing citizens. Their should also be a fair and humane way for others who have been here, working hard and contributing to our economy to become permanent residents and later citizens. The undocumented people who have not committed crimes and have been working and contributing should have a fair, humane and dignified path to permanent residency and citizenship.

Unite American Families. Allow same-sex couples to sponsor their spouses/partners for a green card and put a stop to our being treated as second-class citizens.

I’d like to hear his plans to reform immigration for skilled immigrants who want to contribute this country’s economy.

Specifically, permanent residence should be granted immediately and retroactively to all immigrants who hold an advanced STEM degree from an accredited university.

Also, I’d like to see family reunification streamlined. Currently applications are processed as on the date the USCIS gets to them, not based on the receipt date. This has resulted in many children who would have benefited from permanent residence petitions aging out and being denied such benefits.

Finally, I’d like him to remove the requirement that an immigrant has to exit and re-enter the country via an external consulate if he needs a new visa. Such immigrants should be able to get a new visa within the US if they are already there.

One person leaving a comment here stated flatly that ‘the last time they looked, our language [which immigrants must be required to learn] is English. It is not. We are a polyglot nation, and should stay that way. There are hundreds of dialects of English, which BTW, is composed partly of Saxon and partly of French, with an underlayment of Latinate grammar. American languages are sufficiently diverse that some dialects are mutually unintelligible.

I would ask that person to specify which of the many American dialects based on English they would prefer new immigrants learn- TV news? Midwestern? Broadly Southern? Brooklynese?

Please people, think about this question, and try to make some semblance of sense. In my view, immigrants ought to retain whatever parts of their culture and language they can, even as they adopt new ways and new idioms.

First, if we took half the funding that is currently put towards the “enforcement” budget (i.e.- building a fence in the desert and contracts with Haliburton and others) and put it towards systems to more efficiently and effectively process applications and claims, we would have a more fair, just and sane immigration system that would reduce the number of undocumented.
Second, generate some reliable research that will help challenge the mis-perceptions and biased claims in much of the public debate around topics like “illegal immigration is leading to rampant crime”, when (as the NY Times pointed out recently) data suggests the opposite. I think we need a commission to look at this.
Third, pass the Dream Act today. It is a compromise and a step towards Comprehensive reform that provides a pathway to legal status for some of the young people caught up in the maelstrom of debate about our failed system. Don’t let another generation pass before we give these young people a chance.

I think that President Obama should talk about how he will make the DREAM Act a reality. TO stop mass deportation for people that are trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. The cost for immigration is a ridicules amount that obviously illegals can barely afford. They need to make the process easier and faster.
I know that some of these people are REAL criminals and do things that makes the rest of the illegal population look bad. Those people should be sent back and fined.
Right now this nation is rounding illegals up like Hitler’s death squads. Are we going to ask all Latinos to wear a taco on their shirts & coats so we can easily target them? The hate and bullying of Hispanic people legal or not is getting out of control and something has to be done to end that.

Mr President
We need a reform immigration now, because we believe in your sense of justice, as imigrant we pay taxes, help a economy this country strong. As immigrant we don’t have right to drive in this country. Please, think in how
many people
can’t see their relatives for years, when somebody dies, we can’t be there for the last good bye. We trusty you Mr President.

The president needs to make it clear that the immigration “problem” rest squarely on the shoulders of the employers who hire illegal immigrants, from the individual who hires an illegal nanny for her/his kids through the wealthy Hollywood types who all have cleaning ladies, cooks, and gardeners who do not have papers, to the businesses and corporations who hire illegal immigrants at lower wages. To place the blame on individuals who are just trying to feed their families the only way they know how is not just disingenuous but atrocious. The people of Arizona who support the new law should focus their attention instead on identifying and punishing those who are hiring illegal immigrants and taking advantage of them by paying low wages and not providing health care. If there was not work for them, the vast majority of illegal immigrants would not come. I believe that if we start arresting those who hire illegal immigrants we soon would find the Republicans and those who live in the border states singing a different tune. So, perhaps we should give them what they want . . . make it impossible for businesses to hire illegal immigrants. The economies of those states would crash in the blink of an eye. Federal officials should conduct unannounced inspections of businesses extremely frequently and should arrest the owners, the personnel officers, the accountants, and anyone else responsible for the illegal workers being there. People in the border states would learn quickly how much a legal work program is needed.

We also need an amnesty program. Children should not be separated from their parents. Without the parents being here to work and support them, those American children will require taxpayer support, and then the bigots and right-wingers will bitch about that! Furthermore, we need to set up a legal system for foreign workers to come into the country to fill those roles not embraced by American workers. And, if we allowed these people to join unions, businesses would not be able to pay low wages.

Additionally, the president needs to make it clear that no law revoking citizenship for anyone born in the US will be allowed to stand. If such a law passes, it should require that, except for the American Indians, we all should lose our citizenship. It is infuriating to hear some people talk as if they have more of a right to be here. Drawing a line in time is arbitrary, so why not draw it at 1618 and send us all “home.”

Security on the border should be focused on stopping the sale of illegal products, going both ways. These activities create the major security issues, especially the high murder rate, that people living along the Rio Grande have to endure. If we had a workers program, we could be fairly certain that those who still had to sneak into the country were doing so for nefarious purposes, and we wouldn’t be shooting innocents on the other side of the border.

Finally, any immigration reform bill must be created in the context of discussions with the government of Mexico and the governors of the states on BOTH sides of the border. If all who are affected are engaged in the process of solving the problem, they will have more incentive to make any new laws work effectively.

So many scientific innovations and contributions have come from
immigrants that we can’t do without them! Thanks.

Press Congress and the Senate for an early solution migratotia comprehensive reform, but while the process of debate, the president should give a temporary executive order allowing all immigrants to work without being deported or reported. this average executive can be a TPS or something similar that runs quickly

Presionar al Congreso y al senado por una pronta solucion integral de la reforma migratotia, pero mientras dure el proceso del debate, el presidente deberia dar un decreto ejecutivo temporal que permita a todos los inmigrantes trabajar sin ser deportados o denunciados. esta media ejecutiva puede ser un TPS o algo similar que se ejecute rapidamente

There’s a famous parable about a village that depends on a river for its water and one day, while filling buckets with water, a villager sees a basket floating in the river. It turns out that there’s a baby in the basket. The village decides to take care of the baby but the next day there’s another basket and another baby, and day after day the baskets with babies keep floating down the river. No matter how the villagers cope (adoptions, orphanages, etc) the babies keep coming. Finally, they all agree that without going up river to find out where the babies are coming from and and WHY, despite all their compassion and caring, they will be overwhelmed. I want Obama to go up river and talk about the reasons the babies are coming — ruined economies in the Global South. Decades of unfair trade policies and structural adjustment programs that are the price paid for loans have not helped the poorer countries in Latin America and Asia. I want Obama to signal that he will move toward fair trade & loan polices that do not extract wealth from other countries and ruin their economies. When cheap US corn flooded Mexico as a result of NAFTA, out-of-work Mexican farmers flooded the border. Immigration reform must include trade and finance reform or the babies will just keep floating down the river.

I will thank you personally for this opportunity to give my point on what i want to hear in his speech tomorow. Show me an immigrant and I will show you an American. We have come from all over the world to make America.I would very much want to hear the President define What immigration is.
Secondly, say WHY people migrate?
Thirdly,WHY a lott chose to immigrate to America?
4 – What motivates them to stay
5 – Now that they are here, why don’t they want to return to their countries of origin?Is it for economic, social or political reasons.
6 – When they have made their intentione known to stay, why do they have a lot of bottle necks for identification
7 – I will also want to hear that those who are already here should be granted the same statuts
8 – Others will come in future from all over. What new conditions must be implimented to handle the policy as nothing remains a constant except change itself.
Mr President, when these issue is addressed with common sense, there will be a lot of burden removed fom your shoulders. Things change with time. Lets move on. I know after legislation, a law will be passed. I know also that you will do another better job soonest. This matter will be handled and adressed by you in a more convenient way . The Lord guide you i all you for human kind. He will direct you every step of your way. He will give you the right words to address this issue. The Lord is God. I know he will guide you again through his son Jesus Christ. I am praying for you. IN GOD WE TRUST.

I would like the President to stand up and finally reform the immigration that we as a country have needed for years. I do not agree that every illegal deserves to be legalized. We need to do this with rules, regulation, fairness, and most of all equality. If you are here to work, have not committed any felonies, are not living off of welfare, do not lie and manipulate the system, and make an honest living, then yes, you deserve and should receive legalization, but proof is needed.

I also believe that the president should step in and give back drivers license to all those who have had their expired and can no longer renew for being here illegally. Having either a driver license or a simple ID, keeps them in the system and helps states identify them through this identification. They then in turn cannot turn around and change their name when they please, to just start over, like many do.

The health care system would also benefit from a reform. If they want to be part of America, they to, need to pay for their own health insurance and not live and depend on Medicaid for their children, when they to, can but it at their work place. This would take a large burden off of the Medicaid system in many states that do not or will not ask for proof of Social Security numbers provided.

Another advantage is we can keep up with all that do and do not work. A great burden is placed on all states, Social Services, Health Departments, Hospitals, Welfare systems, housing, food stamps, and other areas by illegal’s manipulating and lying and basically living off the system, when they to can work and make an honest living. This is why they come to America, to live the dream, but in reality, it is much easier here for them. They receive all the help and free healthcare.

Many things need to be FIXED and many thing need to be overlooked about our system. They need to weed out all who are here to sell drugs, to be criminals, or to just live off the system. Those who are here to work and live peacefully among other immigrants deserve, by all means to stay in this country and not have to look behind them to see if ICE is looking for them. Many deserve it, but many DO NOT. Hopefully we can find a fair way to legalize all that do and not make the mistake of Amnesty for all and then look back years from now and think, what were we thinking. For my closing note, let both congress and the American people decide who and if….

Dream act is a most. Clearing up backlogs and streamlining the path to citizenship for current legal permanent residents is a most. Developing more functional and sustainable partnerships with neighboring countries including re-thihking border security measures and illegal drug smuggling enforcement measures is an urgent need. These issues need to go hand in hand with helping Mexico and Central America to effectively develop their economies and provide a legitimate source of employment for the millions of people who are starving there. Having said that, we should not forget that the US is currently in a stage 4 demographic transition, meaning it has a low death rate and low birth rate with a stable or slowly declining natural growth rate mainly sustained by persons of Latino background. In fact, 1 in 5 children under 5 years old is Latino. While acknowleddging the concerns of the Malthusian crowd about scarcity and overpopulation (still a far cry from Japan’s), it should also be acknowledged that with the upcoming retirement of the largest cohort in the US demographic history (AKA the babyboomers), the only way to maintain the country’s economic growth is by continuing to have some immigrants. Setting aside all the angry, the fear, the racial and ethnic hatred that have underlied this debate since it started more than 100 years ago, there is nothing wrong with that. After all, the unique beauty and strenght of this great nation comes from her diversity. Smart, sensible regulation and peaceful coexistence. Or in a word, Equilibrium (as in John Nash’s). That’s what it takes.

I want to hear him say that he is really going to do something about illegal immigration, and then actually do it instead of making a promise he will never keep. I voted for him in 2008 and he has not lived up to the promises he made during the election. He has forgotten about all the little people who voted for him, and has spent to much time appeasing corporate America.

I would like to hear a plan outlined to address the fact that many families have been separated due to the very harsh deportation policies that have been continued by the current administration. In particular I want to see those mandatory and arbitrary 10 year ban on re-entry after deportation removed or substantially reduced. No good is served to the society or the community when a parent is deported and a broken family is left behind, especially when the person deported has no criminal record, and was working and contributing in a positive to the society at large.

I want President Obama to show that he is serious about his commitment to immigration reform by ending the abuses in the existing immigration enforcement and deportation process that are within his power and coming out strongly for immediate passage of the DREAM Act.

We need comprehensive immigration reform with strong labor rights protections, but right now our movement needs to hold our elected officials accountable to measures that they can deliver now.

Keep immigrant families together. No more scapegoating immigrants for Wall Streets sins. Comprehensive Immigration Reform = Economic Stimulus Package. Pass the DREAM ACT!!!

No fake promises he can’t keep. Realistic plan. And that he will push for the dream act this year, because it’s too late for the CIR this year or even next year. America has waited long enough for a bill like the dream act!!! Take youth that had no choice in breaking immigration laws out of the heated debate!!

Illegal means illegal, no matter where the people are from. Mexico in particular is allowing and actively encouraging it’s people to come here illegally. This must stop. Those here already should go back and start over and come in legally or not at all. Free medicaid, food programs, housing programs, etc. must stop without proof of legal residency and a drug test. This country is strained to breaking already and can not afford to ignore this issue any longer.

I agree with this one.

I want the President to do two things:

1. Clearly articulate the likely costs (monetary, social, business, and prestige) of 100% deportation in order to show those who would advocate deportation that it would not be to the benefit of any American, citizen or no. The comparison costs of 1) 100% deportation 12-15 people, 2) reality, and 3) doing nothing should be the only way to deal with this, since the likely racist subtext of the “100% Deportation Demand” only serves to denigrate our Country.

2. Advocate a reality-based approach to the current immigration problem of so many folks being here without legal documentation. For me (IMHO) only, this would incorporate (not necessarily in order) the following:
a. Closing the borders — if necessary at the most visible points within our actual borders — so that they are physically unpassable. However, using violent, radical measures such as landmines, shoot-to-kill are not part of such a solution, right?
b. National IDs need to be issued to every citizen. I have a passport, and so cannot have any objection to this. A National ID is the same as a DNI, Cédula or US Passport, but is the same size and technology of any State ID. It would be used domestically as a form of ID, relegating driver’s licenses to IDs for driving, nothing more.
c. Self-Identification of all those who are not citizens or who already do not have resident-alien green cards and issuing of a Resident ID, same as a National ID, but for non-citizens. After a period of time, all persons within the borders should have IDs. On an well-publicized date, giving appropriate time to all persons to have a National or Resident ID, those who do not have them can be deported immediately to their country of origin.
d. Identify those families with citizen children and formerly illegal parents in order to protect US Citizens from being abandoned or technically being deported by reason of association with a foreign national.
e. Those with Resident IDs who have complied with the law will be interviewed, have background checks, now have SS numbers, and will be assessed a fine for their previous illegal statuses. Resident Aliens already with Green Cards can continue to work, and are on the path to citizenship. Those former undocumented workers also can continue to work, but are not yet on the path to citizenship.
f. Those found with legal or criminal problems can still continue to work (but be on rigorous probation), but must settle their cases, pay restitution, go to prison or be deported to their country of origin. Any break of probation would undoubtedly result in deportation.
g. Those with Resident IDs, with legal employment, having been assessed a fine, and still not on the path to citizenship, will be put into a queue behind those legal immigrants who are still entering the country under current quotas. I suppose an 80/20% ratio could allow for legal/formerly illegal rate of being put on the path to citizenship. Those with citizen children or relatives might enter the path first, followed by those with extenuating circumstances, or not having citizen relatives.

And do we think that this would be MORE costly than 100% deportation of 12 to 15 million? No. In fact, it would create the National ID, something that we have been sorely in need of. It would create an ethical and moral method for settling the problem that 100% deportation and doing nothing would not. It would preserve the economic benefits while removing illegal business practices. These are generally good workers. Those relatively few criminals would benefit these good workers as well as the Nation.

This is not a simple matter. It is very complex. Most USers cannot deal with complex issues, while the President can. It makes it a very delicate problem, trying to sell logic and reasonable, ethical behavior to those whose “religious” beliefs incorporate denial-of-humanity to selected others

any body before 9/11 is citizen after checking back ground and english take oath after that is eligible for green card less than three year is eligible for work permit i like to heard

We need to commit to lifting the economies of our southern neighbors. If we continue to insist on “free trade”, we must stop subsidizing US industries which makes it harder for local business to compete with US production.

We must make it unlawful to outsource unless foreign workers are compensated appropriately and are treated fairly.

Finally, stop labeling people struggling to survive as “illegal aliens” by abolishing immigration limits. If our non-native ancestors’ claims to this land are legitimate, then all immigrants’ claims are as well. The vast majority of immigrants want to contribute to society, and we are a richer country for it.

This nation is made up of different ethnicity from all over the world. I would like the Government to fix the immigration system, and give legal rights to people who have been wronged by the immigration officials. The treatment given by the officials have been horrendous, and not conducive to this country’s ethic policies.

I want to hear that he will instruct all to treat immigrants with the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings…to help those who are fleeing oppression and looking for opportunity to live constructively in peace–as well as our current citizens–to find honorable well-paying work while becoming our newest citizens, in keeping with the values of liberty and pursuit of happiness our country purports to stand for.

1) Give a brief history which includes the global effects of NAFTA and the direct hit on the MX small farming sector 2)Supply relevant info backed by research demonstrating immigrants are not a drain economically 3)Explain the monetary cost of deportation and the monetary and human costs in dividing families 4) Improve and enact Dream Act ASAP 5) Provide a viable path to citizenship 6)Explain, as you would to a child, that working with the MX gov’t to create opportunities & change would stem the flow of immigrants FAR more effectively than harsher border measures.

It is an urgency to pass the Dream
Act there are millions of students whom r strugeling to get an education simply because they don’t have the aid to receive an education and when they do what’s next they go to school fight hard to get a degree but then what can they do with their degree if no one would hire the
Because their illegal it’s time to do somthing this can’t wait any longer

We don’t need reform – we need the national will to enforce existing immigration laws. The existing laws are more than adequate if enforced! Anything else, is feel good rhetoric.

I want President Obama to be clear about when he is going to do an immigration reform, we dont want to hear more excuses, there is a lot of families, students, workers, etc that are loosing everything they have worked for because of new laws and discrimination.

1. First, let’s acknowledge that it would be virtually impossible to deport 12 million or more illegal immigrants.
2. Many of these illegal immigrants – leaving aside for the moment the fact that they broke our laws by entering the US illegally – have, for many years, been good, law abiding, hard working people who pay their taxes, contribute to our economy, and without whom many businesses would suffer, possibly adding even more people to the ranks of the unemployed.
3. We must provide these illegal immigrants a clear path to legalization, which would include a fine to be paid before they are granted full citizenship rights.
4. We must root out the criminals and other undesirables among the illegals and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law and deport them to their countries of origin and do everything in our power to ensure they do not return.
5. The 14th Amendment must be amended so that henceforth children born to illegal immigrants on American soil are no longer automatically granted US citizenship.
6. With so many people out of work, we could create a CCC, such as FDR initiated during the 30s and early 40s, to provide work for them guarding our borders, thus solving two problems simultaneously: illegal entry into our country and widespread unemployment.
7. We must end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, bring home our troops, and stop the wasteful outflow of money so that programs such as the above can be implemented, along with the building of low income housing, schools, hospitals, roads, and other much needed infrastructure.

STOP TRIGGER-HAPPY MILITIAS! STOP THE BORDER PATROL FROM MURDERING INNOCENT PEOPLE!!!!

The immigration reform can be a win-win situation if we work together. Let’s provide either visas or permanent residency to bring out of the shadows all of those residing in this country illegally. The millions of immigrants living here illegally can help our nation by paying taxes, contributing to our society like the rest of us law-abiding citizens.

This HAS to be fixed. Tearing apart families is not the answer.

We MUST immediately cease 287(g) and other programs which allow harrassment and illegal activities by law enforcers. We MUST rapidly provide a means for long-term resident undocumented immigrants who have already paid taxes and in every other way been responsible “citizens” to become legalized. We must CEASE wasting millions on further enforcement and a “wall” that is nothing more than an emotional bandaid, and address the TRUE problem of undocumented individuals that we as a nation and government have tacitly permitted to settle here. If we do not do all of these things, the myths and misinformation propounded by Mr. Tanton, FAIR, FOX et al, Sheriff Arpaio, and Governor Brewer (”Illegal immigrants are all drug smugglers”) etc., will cause increasing hate crimes throughout the nation.

Have a clear route to citizenship for those here and working. Have penalties for employers who mistreat and exploit workers and pay less than minimum wage. Get rid of walls. Penalize border patrol police and guards who commit abuses. Work with Mexico to create guest worker programs and also to combat drug trafficking. Start planning to legalize or decriminalize some illegal drugs. Educate American public about immigrants and what they face to become legal and to stay legal. The immigration system is a mass of red tape so that even those who want to follow the rules find it hard. Make it simpler to get work visas, for nonskilled and simple skills work as well as for professional jobs. Educate the American public about myths and lies about immigrants.

I want Mr. Obama not to speak but to act on the cases that are pending and were approved by Immigration. Reunite families NOW!

Law general principle: When the judge is in dilemma if apply the law or the justice, the jurisprudence says apply the justice.

I will ask our President Obama TAKE ACTION NOW. Tardy justice is not justice. God is watching us. Honest worker people can’t live in fear.
My vote will be again for our President Obama, but TAKE ACTION NOW, IMMIGRATION REFORM URGE, LOOK FOR JUSTICE!!! WE WANT THE SAME ENCOURAGE THAT HIM PLACE IN THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE.

I don’t want blanket amnesty. I do think there should be a policy that would allow illegals the opportunity to become American citizens but amnesty is NOT the answer. I don’t believe that anchor babies should be denied citizenship. The Constitution makes it clear about who a citizen is. I would like to see flexibility. Situations like that Harvard student should be decided quickly. There are a lot of kids who have lived here all their lives and they have a lot to contribute to the country. I also recognize that illegals are an important part of our economy, however, I believe they need to be legal.

i have been is the line waiting for 12 years to get my GC and guess what iam stll waiting. 12 yr ago i was workig in a gas station now i own 3 business and employing 5 people but in the interview with immigration officer din’t give a single look at my bussiness doc bt said you are suppose to be working in a gas station where you had your sponser from. that was 12 yr ago and just because they never processedmy case on time now they want me to work in a gas station. don’t you think i did better then working in a gas station. they need to clean all the ols cases first and then bring rest in the line. i have seen the new case applying and processed in less then 2 years.

We need to send all illegals back to their countries,if they do not want to obey the law to come over here like the ones who waited there turn to do it the right way.Its like you get up early to get in line to catch a sale and there is a long line and you been there for hours and then someone who just got there gets in front of you,what our you going to say or do,tell that person to get to the back of the line and wait your turn.These arew different times than when people came over here during ellis isle,when everyone was coming over here,times have changed.It killed me when i had to apply for benifits because i lost my job and cant find another one right now,but they told me i could not get benifits because they were out of money,because so many ilegals come over here and get on the wellfare programs and want there rights.

Dream act. Must have a way for our students to move toward citizenship NOW!!!

Obama its abought time you Sent the National Guard to Guard our National Border you Shold had Done this As you Know This Past June the 29 National Guard Found thousands of Wepons Riffles Machine Guns Assult Weppons Granades Rockit Launchers Even Bullit Prof Vests And Helments.Exc. Just Days After you Finall Woke up to the Fact that there Was A Problem On that Border.But Sir Look What it took to get it through your Thick Head to Finally do the right thing Through Fed Gov Naglagence Airazona Had to Pass a Law to protect there Home State Just to Get Daddys Attention Listento your Kids Mr Presedent this Country is Suposed to be a Familey Pay Attention .thank you.

My only advice to the President would be to listen to your better self, and to pay more attention to Michelle, and to your heart, than you do to public opinion polls.

Living in Arizona, this is a big issue. Ronald Reagan (yes, Ronald Reagan) proposed amnesty for illegals 30-some years ago. The vast majority are honest, hard-working people who just want jobs to support their families – no matter what our hate-mongering governor says. I’d like the President to propose (and INSIST Congress act on) an amnesty plan for any “illegals” who are interested in becoming card-carrying, tax-paying citizens. Some sort of financial restitution and a multi-step plan toward citizenship (registering for Social Security, learning English, etc.) Mexican criminals (drug dealers, etc.) should be sent back to Mexico – why should we house them and pay for their support here?

It is crucial to pass the Dream Act. I am a high school teacher and I see the faces of students being denied the opportunity to continue their education because of a broken system. Passage of the Dream Act is the first step of fixing the problem. Pass the Dream Act or lose my support and the support of thousands.

We need a SOLUTION!!! either we get a reform or not but we have the right to know where we standing at … I mean: We live in the USA, paid taxes. do what we got to do to put a food in our tables like everybody else, life is not easy and is getting worse because all the laws they trying to put agains latinos just because they hate us… Because we can do a better job for less & we are a hard working people, all we want is a better life for us & our people. TPS extentions for those who already qualified. Is not an easy decision to make but is up to you Mr. President. Look far away from borders and you will see life is much harder than what people think it is …

Thank you Mr. President

FAMILY UNIFICATION!!!! Stop the deportation of those married to US citizens and who have children who are US citizens and have contributed to this country for years by working hard, paying taxes and having no criminal record.

I want him to acknowledge the U.S.’ role in forcing people from other countries to leave their countries, homes, and families in order to survive.

I want him to say that not one more person will die on his watch while they are making the journey to come here.

I want him to say that not one more person will be raped while making the journey to come here.

I want him to say that under current child protection laws that not one more child will be subject to the abuses they have suffered under current conditions.

I want him to acknowledge that constitutional rights have been denied and ignored to many who have died or suffered abuse in the very refugee camps that are privately owned and have made billions for corporations such as Geo Group and Wakenhut.

I want him to declare this a human rights crisis.

I want him to apologize to the people of Latin America.

Mr. Obama is a very good orator, I would like simple words that will give the opportunity to become legal, those so call illegal are not the problem.
Here is an instance. I’m a naturalized citizen but I don’t wait for any governmental help I want jobs and I will do anything to support my family in this country or any other, learning a language shouldn’t be an obstacle.
Educate the illegal so we have intellectual people in this country, I’m an Engineer and I have seen illegals that have better grades than legals so give the opportunity to those that want to take advantage of education.
This Nation was founded with the goal of freedom of religion and have a different constitution to apply all man are equal lets follow those words, shall we?

Please include legislation that will allow committed partners in same-sex relationships to bring their overseas spouses into this country as citizens, just as is granted to opposite-sex couples. Thank you.

I want to hear Obama rebuke corporations and industries that hire illegal workers and stand in the way of immigration reform. I want to hear him say that the immigrants who are already here will be given a fair chance to continue working and become citizens. I want him to say he will fight for fair and balenced immigration reform that won’t abuse foreign workers.

It looks likde we are zeroing in on the wrong folks. The penalties should be meted out to those who hire the “illegal” immigrants. If they were not being hired for less than legal wages, they wouldn’t be so anxious to move to US and let the employers make money off them.

Whoever wrote “Earned Citizenship & Ideal Immigration Reform” could you clarify your proposal that “you will get a green card after (x number) years”

Will people remain without status during that time?

Immigration Reform needs to be comprehensive and compassionate. It needs to enable families staying together and not separated because of unnecessary deportations. It needs to ensure a living wage for those who are granted work visas in areas such as agriculture, construction, hotel maids. It needs to ensure that the children can get into our colleges and universities without the penalty of higher tuition. Credit for being a good “citizen” and having paid taxes also needs to be part of the equation of a comprehensive, compassionate, reform of national immigration laws. Oh. It also needs to affirm that protecting our borders is a national prerogative, not a local one.

We need a immigration reform now. Mr Obama can sign to give a permit
to every undocumented person for six months, then investigate if some people
owe money to this country,doctors,hospitals,or courts, make them pay back if
they want to stay in this country.
Or if they have a bad record make them pay.

How dare you send only 524 troops to seal that border!!! Oh, but you have no problem sending over 300 million to Mexico???? EXCUSE ME????

Definitely talking about the possibility of having the Dream Act, or a similar bill, passed is something that needs to be included in this upcoming immigration reform battle. While it is important to supervise the border, its is equally important to manage the immigrants in the country and more so the children, adolescents and adults whose statuses as immigrants were determined by their parents’ decisions and whose lives are drastically affected by it.

We wait so long until Mr. President Obama fix it …Everything here now it’s our time to be fixed!!!

It’s Important to establish a process of legalization that will permit those with an extended period of time in this country to expedite the process. A time cap must be provided as well and background checks are a must. It is unbelievable that there are people in the country who have lived here 20+ years contributing to the economy by working and paying taxes who are still under the “Illegal Immigrant” shadow.
By denying visas to Latin American countries the government is only increasing the number of illegal immigrants from those countries as they will find a way to make it to the US.
It is important to fine and prevent abuse by attorneys and other “legal resources” who charge extreme amounts to guide and process applications for illegal immigrants, often not yielding any results and leaving the immigrant in debt and further need.
It is important to target criminal cartels that have made AZ take such drastic measures to protect their state.
It is also important to realize that its not only up to President Obama but everyone in the government to democrats and republicans to agree that this is an issue that has taken too long, needs immediate attention and agreement.
We need to separate the legal resident’s bill from the illegal immigrant’s bill as well as the DREAM ACT.
It is important to educate the public and stop demonizing the illegal immigrants, there are one too many here who actually provide more to the system than they take. It saddens me to see so many born and raised citizens who just continue to take and take from the system without offering anything in return but another mouth to feed which will just continue their vicious cycle. Yet, there are so many illegal immigrant who pay taxes and often work 2 to 3 jobs to make ends meet but do not look for the system to take care of them via welfare or charitable causes.
Lets take a closer look at our priorities, are we looking our for our country or are we giving into our biased, inaccurate, ignorant propaganda being presented by the media and politicians.
We don’t really know what people go through until we meet them face to face. How about the president meets with some people face to face and together work on a fair resolution to this problem?

That we must be a nation of principles not personalities.

There are many people like me, who left their roots behind, believing in a dream. We left our loved ones. Some of them died during this time. And all others have changed and even forgotten our existence. So our roots became part of this soil.
The dream was to come to this country and succeed, but in our mind the re-encounter never faded.
We’ve been living here for long time, working and doing a honest and decent way of survival under fear and struggle, paying our dues. Indeed, we have been contributing with this society.
We’ve been trying to fix it, but the system have not accepted our pledge, because we are unfit under their terms. Although we still believe in this country’s freedom and democracy.

I would like to hear President Obama say he finds this one of our biggest issues and will campaign for support for comprehensive immigration reform.

I would like him to stop all deportations and imprisonment of undocumented immigrants who are living within the laws, to allow immigrants who are married to American citizens amnesty and to have a path to citizenship.

I would like him to simply and clearly explain that immigrants add to our economy and culture, not take away from it.

I can’t speak for all, but once upon a time, my grandparents—3 of 4 of them—migrated here from another country. We are supposedly an ‘open-door country’. I wholeheartedly support what we are: a melting-pot nation. Those who come here, willingly to make a better life for themselves, to work hard, to contribute to THIS society, should be allowed to become legal residents. Those who come here simply to take advantage of the ’system’, to add to the welfare burden, or come here to commit crimes, or end up committing crimes, should not be allowed to stay. But, just as our legal system proclaims innocence until guilt is proven, and so long as those coming here do not possess criminal records, we should uphold the very basis on which this country was founded: a place for new beginnings, with all working together for the greater good, bringing their talents to this country, because they do yearn for a better life than the one they have known. We do need ‘conscientious’ reform.

Mr. President,
Thank you for recognizing the urgency to address Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Yes, we need to secure our borders and protect the United States from the violence of the drug cartels and terrorists. Sending the National Guard and other military personnel to the border is a good idea. However, we all know that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. have nothing to do with this. Now is the time to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform. This includes providing a path to citizenship for those immigrants who have deep ties to the U.S.; who pass criminal background checks, pay a (substantial) fine, pay taxes, contribute to our society, and all those other steps listed in the Bills waiting to be passed. Please, especially address family immigration. I support you because I believe you want to create positive change. Comprehensive Immigration Reform IS a major issue. Thank you.

i want him to say that illegal immagration is being stopped completely and entirely. anyone who is here illegaly cannot get anything from the united states govenment. and there children wont either get anthing. so you have nothing what to come here for. i work hard every day and then pay thousands of dollars in taxes and where does this money go to fund illegal immigrants one way or another. the government is crying that they are in a deficitm, of course they are in a deficit there are millions of people here illegally who do not pay any taxes but they get a lot of benfits. i also think that president oboma should make legal immigration easier so that all these millions of people should wanna come here legaly.

A few things I want Obama to say:
“If what you need is papers, you can pick them up in [location], starting at [date], from [time] to [time].”
“as today, deportations are ended, and so are 287 (g) and E-Verify.”
and…
“My apologies for not having acted more promtly.”

I know he wont, but I would like to know who here is with me. But please, do not tell me that it would be great but we need to be realist. Just tell me if you are with me and if you want to fight for it. If you prefer, shoot me an email, orl_sep@yahoo.com

‘You may say I’m a dreamer, but [for sure] I’m not the only one…’

There is no doubt that immigration reform is very difficult political terrain for the President. I despair of the problems and criticisms, and the outright hatred, that he will endure when he steps forward on this issue. Even so, to begin to resolve and make sustainable and positive policy on immigration reform the President must move us to a place where: 1) the incentives for illegal immigration are reduced or removed across all fronts–both at home and abroad; 2) that a path to common sense legalization and patriation of undocumented immigrants and their children who have lived here for years is made possible; 3) and that a culture of welcome, diversity and fairness is nurtured. Sounds impossible. The President must (I believe) assume the role of a teacher-in-chief and moral leader. He should begin by trying to inform, educate, raise consciousness and demystify the actual nature of illegal immigration and the lives of undocumented Americans. In fact, I would advise he “lay back” on policy proposals and begin by spurring a reasonable nation-wide conversation about what we are addressing on the immigration issue, and where and why it needs to be fixed. We can’t arrest or suppress all the illegal immigrants; we can’t really wall ourselves in; and we can’t exactly stop something that so many have an economic incentive to see continue. The economics of undocumented immigrants and workers are of our own creation, and hatred, anger and fear will not do anything but ruin public comity, diminish our democracy and spoil Obama’s presidency. Advice: 1) Target human trafficking for hard policy; and 2) Go slow and begin a period of education, dialogue and raising our moral consciousness on this issue.

In addition to the legislative changes that need to happen to make our immigration system practical, functional and compassionate, I’d like to see President Obama do his best to soften some hearts.

A large portion of the United States has a venomous attitude toward immigration (whether 100% legal or not) as well as a venomous attitude toward our president and anything he might say. This is a significant problem!

For whatever reason, there’s a real psychological soft spot for showbiz spectacle in this country that I think could help him get his point across. (For example, I think playing saxophone on the Arsenio Hall show got Clinton elected in the 1990s.)

This might be a little inappropriate for a traditional presidential address, but I would like for Obama to take other people onto stage with him to help put some already popular human faces on immigration.

After a very short introductory speech about policy and Obama’s take on the issues, I would like to see our president bring his own mother onto the stage and have her explain quickly, but emotionally, how her grandparents (or whomever) immigrated here. Bonus points if the Irish potato famine can be brought up to remind America of how similar that wave of immigration is to the current wave of people coming here from Mexico. Hopefully, this will help remind a good portion of the audience of their own roots and maybe soften some of the stoniest hearts.

After the president hugs and thanks his mother in the most “he’s such a good son” way (honest tears or a big honest smile too), it would be cool to follow her up with the governor of California talking about the reasons why he chose to immigrate to the United States.

This would be a three-birds-with-one-stone move because he’s a Republican, he’s popular among people who watch action movies and he would have lots of opportunity while telling his story to call the United States the “greatest country in the world.” Bonus points if he opens his speech by shouting “I am an immigrant!” more than once and trying to get lots of applause for it. Perhaps he could say that “people come to this country because they want to be American,” and then say lots of nonspecific praise for how great our country is. Maybe he could put things over the top by dropping the word “freedom” here and there, to try to really tug some patriotic heartstrings.

Perhaps if the President could close this show with a guitar solo from some British classic rocker who immigrated to the United States, it would be best. Is Keith Richards an American citizen now? Somebody that the anti-Obama crowd is likely to have a soft spot for.

I know this sounds like a lot of spectacle, but spectacle is more broadly trusted in the United States than traditional political speeches are. This approach is the most practical, direct way to emotionally reach the few dozen or so conservative people that I know reasonably well, and I suspect that they culturally and philosophically represent a pretty significant percentage of the current American population.

The actual language of a presidential speech is going to be tuned out by 99% of the conservative folks that I know, until it’s chopped up and unfavorably presented by FOX news. I wish that wasn’t the case. But a mommy-love-time moment combined with some star power COULD work quite well.

Suspend all home and workplace raids targeting the undocumented until after Congress has passed workable immigration reform based on our values.

I think too, that there should be more law enforcement to crack down on those who hire illegal workers. Also I cannot possible understand, what is so fantastic about Arizona or the USA in general that these people keep coming. Mexico could be a great country if it wasn’t kept corrupt by the same forces that cry the loudest for more police and military.

We exported our MS13 problem to El Salvador…
Now it has cost us more lives and moneys; our problem has infected other nations around the world.
It has escalated to child/human trafficking across the globe.
Were politically driven racism, prejudice and fear causes of the poor decision of this action? How could we have done to prevent it? What is in plan to do now?
Thank you for your attention

I worked as a University Professor for several years in the U. S.,
getting tenure and promotion, but I was forced to resign and leave
the country because of the HIV immigration ban. This fact compromised
my professional career in a very relevant way. Fortunately, such
ban has been lifted and shortly I should have the opportunity
to apply for a position at the University where I worked.
I believe all the people like me deserve a second chance.

I’d like to hear from him that he has a plan to bring everybody to the table and fix our immigration system for real. It HAS to be fixed, everybody agrees. If providing a humane way to come out of the shadows and become legal residents is what is blocking this process, he should threat to issue a presidential pardon to all those still undocumented living here for more than 10 years, then we shouldn’t see this problem ever again.

I WANT TO HEAR THAT THERE WILL BE PARDONS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A 5 YEAR BAN FOR ATTEMPTING TO COME IN TO THE US DECLARING TO BE A US CITIZEN WHEN AT THAT TIME THERE WERE NO PASPORTS REQUIRED LIKE 2007. ESPECIALLY FOR THSOE WHO HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORDS AGAINST CHILDREN WOMEN OR VIOLENT CASES. PARDONS SHOULD BE MADE NOW FOR THE GOOD PEOPLE STIOP GIVING PARDONS FOR THOSE CROMINALS

I would like President Obama to emphasize that this issue is about human beings, hard -working and desperate men and women who have braved, just as our immigrant forefathers did, all kinds of obstacles in an effort to make a better life for their children. Like every other immigrant, whether with or without papers, they bring more to the economy than they take out and they deserve to have a chance to either become citizens, or to work as quest workers with the same rights others have. That’s the American way and that is the right thing to do!

I voted for you Mr. Obama please don’t disappoint me, we need a Immigration reform. People are being kill, abuse, neglected, exploited because they are not legally here. We do not need to punish them because they come to this country to work and feed their families even if they have been exploited but they have faith that you will make their dreams come true. Be in this country working and feeding their families with out worrying that one day they might be deported because they did not have a chance to an immigration reform. I have faith in you Mr. Obama may God Bless You.

Yo quisiera que el presidente obama hablara de la ley de imigracion y la reforma migratoria para todas las familias indocumentadas. El necesita pasar el acto de suenos para los estudiantes indocumentados. El necesita hacer lo que prometio. Las familias que no tienen documentos estan muy asustados por la ley sb1070. El necesita hacer algo ahora para parar todas estas injusticias. Somos humanos no animales ni criminales. Nosotros venimos a los estados unidos para tener una mejor vida para nuestra proxima generacion. Me desepsiona oir que obama no esta haciendo nada. La mayoria de los inmigrantes ilegales vienen a los estados unidos a trabajar y a sacar a su familia adelante. No vienen a quitarle el trabajo a nadie. Vienen aqui para tener una mejor vida aqui. Yo no pienso que sea un crimen trabajar aqui como un granjero cultivando las frutas y vegetales. tampoco es un crimen que trabajen como ama de casa o cualquier tipo de trabajo. Necesitamos parar esta injusticia. Gracias y que Dios bendiga A America.

why are we spending a considerable sum on building a wall, putting up surveillance cameras, and boarder patrols which are not answering the demand for labor that is not filled by local people? The Government should determine the demand, go to the source and recruit workers, sign them to a contract, transport them back and deliver where needed. Those work places should then be monitored to make sure at least the minimum wage is paid, that workers are not unfairly charged for accommodation or food and that work places are safe. At the end or a six months or year’s contract, they should be transported home

yes we need reform we have lots of illegal here that need to be put in system so we know where they are where they live right now we have all these people here and dont know nothing about them we need something done not just talk about we need action

There must be a path to citizenship for undocumented workers. We need to pass the DREAM ACT so students who came to the US with their parents (not their choice) can finish their educations. We must stop tearing families apart! ICE has been unconscionable in their treatment of undocumented workers. People come to this country illegally because they cannot afford to feed their families. US trade policies have played a major role in causing this problem–NAFTA is a disaster!We need a compassionate immigration policy. God help us if other states in the US become like Arizona! I’m sure there are many good people in Arizona who condemn the despicable “papers please” bill signed by Jan Brewer. (Where did her parents and grand parents come from?!)

I want the president to tell my daughter that her daddy is just as good a person as everyone else. I want him to tell her that coming from a country south of here is not a bad thing, and that the police should not have the power to treat him like an animal because of his skin color, or his language. I want the president to provide a way for my fiance, the man that i love, to stay here, and provide for his family, without us having to shovel through months and months of politics and paperwork, not knowing if it’s even going to work. I want the president to acknowledge that my fiance pays taxes, and is a contributing member of society, even if society won’t admit it. I don’t want my Mexican American family to have to live in fear. I want my fiance’s boss to be held accountable for his employees, providing the proper 10-99 tax forms on time so that we can pay taxes responsibly. And finally, if we want to take a vacation to mexico to visit my future inlaws, I don’t want to have to worry about my fiance getting shot or arrested on the way back home. Enough is enough.

Mr. President Obama, I ask you to deport the illegals, and make them come in by the legal entry. We can’t allow more illegals in, and take the few jobs this country has. We need to put the legal Americans to work. No amnesty for the illegals. Former Presidents Truman and Eisenhour made sure the illegals were rounded up and sent back to their countries, so the returning service men would have jobs to come home to. We can do this again. But you are listening to the lobbyist, and special interest groups concerning immagration, and not to the majority of natural born citizens and those who came in legally. Please Mr. Presedent, do the right thing and listen to the voting americans, and your heart.

I dream the President Obama will say that people from United States has finally understood that undocumented workers are here to help the economy and are pursuing a better life for their families. I dream the President Obama will say that Republicans won’t harass Hispanics in order to get votes from voters and Democrats will step up to protect the people with “no rights” to be here but have the must to be in the shadows from ignorants abusers. I dream President Obama will say that by Friday all nightmares of the illegals immigrants will vanish because people and goverment united passed a Comprehensive Immigration Reform to welcome the unprotecteds and to start a new path of peace in this country

We must have truly comprehensive immigration reform. That means couples like mine – same sex binational couples – need to be included. Men and women need to be able to sponsor their same sex partners who are not U.S. citizens for immigration. I should not have to choose between family and country but I have to. I should not have to choose between family and career but I have to. I should not have to leave America to be with my partner but I have to. I should not have to leave my family in America to be with my partner but I have to. Pass UAFA, Uniting American Families Act! Or pass Reuniting American Families Act (which includes UAFA) NOW! Thanks!

I want to hear him say he’s going to ENFORCE our already existing immigration laws to the fullest extent. I want him to tell the President of Mexico the UNITED STATES will not be blackmailed into watering down our immigration laws
‘to suit his needs ! I want him to declare war with the vicious Mexican Cartels and shoot them on sight, he has to make a sworn statement that he will protect the LEGAL, LAW ABIDING CITIZENS of this country at any cost.
I want him to say there will be NO AMNESTY offered to the MILLIONS of ILLEGAL
ALIENS already in this country…..I want him to include ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS
FROM ANY COUNTRY in that statement. We are a the laughing stock of the world for the way we allow other countries to manipulate us, no other country in the world would put up with a mass invasion of ILLEGAL ALIENS, and bow down to their every demand !! This is a God fearing nation, we have but ONE FLAG that we swear our aligience to, we HAVE A COMMON LANGUAGE ( ENGLISH ) .
It’s a privilege to live in our country, many men and women have fought and died to give us the freedoms we enjoy. Under NO circumstances should we blithly give away those privileges.

[...] Immigration for America will have a live blog available tomorrow morning during President Obama’s speech about immigration policy from the [...]

I would like to hear that he is going to pass the DREAM Act and put a moratorium on deportations. That undocumented immigrants will be allowed to submit applications for amnesty and the government will begin to create a data base that can be used to identify individuals and support or not support their applications.

Not all illegals immigrants are bad. But I do understand some citizens who hates illegals because some of these bad illegals do stay here illegally and still does this bad things to this beautiful country. But you do not use a bulldozer to clean a garden with weeds on it.
The President needs to fix and address this issue properly and provide leniency to honest people living here just to have a better life without sacrificing other.
Also, the border is also an issue, it’s where this whole thing started in the first place. And I’m not only speaking the border in the south.

Give the reform to the kids for a start
some of them went to high school
they want to drive, work, get higher education…
some of them came 2 years old in here!
can’t blame them for not getting a lawyer !

Everybody is welcome.

Four issues need to be addressed in for any meaningful, socially just, and effective comprehensive immigration reform: (1) An effective, humane, and just family reunification policy requires an overhaul of current law (i.e., 1976 Eilberg Amendment) that does not allow US citizen minor children to petition the immigration courts to normalize the legal standing of their out-of-status parents. This is a violation of equal protection and due process Constitutional guarantees. (2) Immigration is not a crime but a complex political economic problem. There is widespread academic and scholarly consensus that neoliberal reforms and NAFTA displaced 2-3 million corn farmers and 1-2 million small livestock producers in Mexico; many of these farmers are now among us trying to work and survive. The US and Mexico need to implement a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild rural Mexico to restore the food self-sufficiency of the nation. Only sustainable, resilient, and socially equitable development of Mexico will solve the immigration dilemma. (3) A clear and fair path to citizenship and/or legal status for all undocumented immigrants (without felony criminal records) that have proven themselves to be productive subjects through gainful employment and as contributors to the general welfare of the country. This path to legalization must be coupled with substantive policy changes affecting access to health, housing, and education. Any guest worker programs agreed to must establish and enforce fair living wage standards, occupational health and safety standards, and access to humane housing and medical care. Guest workers must not face workplace exploitation such as illegal wage deductions that have been pervasive in the past. (4) Militarization of the border must be ramped down and the border fence dismantled; these are not the appurtenances of a democratic society and pose serious threats to the health and public welfare of all persons as well as profound environmental impacts. A Marshall Plan for Mexico would eliminate the justification for a fence and could also ease the pressure to over-react through militarization of the border.

Let’s stop arguing about them being here and do something productive about correcting the situation. Give them a path to citizenship! Make them register, provide them with “legal” social security cards so they can work and pay taxes, and require them to learn English and take citizenship classes.

If they do not want to become citizens, they have a temporary work visa to allow them to be here legally, and they must decide within 1 year what they are going to do. Either go back, or get legal papers from their government to be here. This could be worked out with the Mexican government and embassy here. President Calderon seems open to working out an agreement.

We need a win-win here as others have mentioned.

I want to hear that he’ll pass the DREAM Act, this year, and stop terrorizing our communities through deportations, 287g, and Secure Communities agreements.

We need to enforce the immigration laws we already have. The US has every right as a sovereign nation to protect it’s borders. Every nation on earth has the right to protect it’s borders from illegal entry. – this is not unreasonable.
The US government bears no responsibility to play Mr. Nice Guy in this issue. If enough illegal aliens and their families were sent home it would send a clear message. This behavior will not be tolerated – you are not above the law. Families that get broken apart because of immigration laws should also stop complaining because they created their own situation. If you are not a citizen of a foreign nation and you break a law you get deported of go to jail. This is true for anyone in any nation! You are subject to the laws of the nation you are in.

People who are deported should also be billed for the expense! Stop codling people from foreign countries who break US laws. I would expect the same treatment if I went to another country and so should you!

Illegals must sign up, receiving numbers, after which they must return to their native country & await official notice that they may return to apply for American citizenship. During the time they remain in their native country, investigations will take place &, if the immigrant owes money to a person or an entity, that money must be paid upon reentry. To avoid breakup of families, the child born in the United States must go with the parents. Speaking English will be a requirement for reentry.If the immigrant crosses the border illegally again, he shall be be barred from ever receiving American citizenship.

Why can’t we make it easier for hard-working, law-abiding immigrants to obtain a work visa or temp SS#, so that they start paying taxes off the bat? Then the right wing wouldn’t be able to complain about immigrants “leeching off the system,” and would be exposed for the racists they really are. It would also make it easier to identify and deport criminals. There’s room enough for everyone who wants to come here for a better life, and a smart way to allow this to benefit our country at large.

Dear President Obama: I would like to asked you two questions on Immigration? First, How do Immigrants contribute to western democracies? Second, How do we in United States understand our relationship with immigrants and strangers among us today?

President Obama needs to let us know what his plans are. Its time to take action. We cannot continue to live in fear, to live not knowing whether tomorrow will be the last day with our families, the last day we have the rights we have lived with most of our lives. We don’t want to take jobs away, we didn’t come here to create violence and war. We came because we wanted to survive, is this land not based on dreams and hard work? How are we different? If we are taking jobs away from others it just means we all have to work harder. Why is it that we torture ourselves by making every situation so complicated? Why do we insist on making walls? Not just physically but mentally and emotionally aswell? I don’t want to take anybodys job away but the thing is that’s what a job is. It is a competion and an experience where we learn to grow and mature. But believe me no one would want my job…..I have seen people go in and then quit in one week and that’s fine but I mean the whole they are taking our jobs away thing is getting old. I don’t want to work at a fast food place. You can take that job. I don’t want to work at a gas station you can have that to…..all I want is to ba able to have an opportunity to dream and to be given an opportunity to try and make those dreams a reality.

President Obama:
We need ASAP the immigration system FIXED. This is the TIME; it is NOW or NEVER.
You owe this not because you promised it during the campaign but the country need it. Please bring your party together we know the GOP doesn’t want it nor to work with your agenda all what they want is to be AGAINST any of you or your party proposals.
Be strong, fulfill your promises, make your dreams our dreams……

Immigration is a very personal issue to our family. My son is married to a undocumented person and my step-grandson is facing deportation as we speak. Unless the immigration situation is fixed, our family and many others will be torn apart.

Please accept my incomplete name. I don’t want to take any chances that the wrong people will misuse the information.

It is absolutely CRITICAL that President Obama addresses the inclusion of binational same sex partners (UAFA) as part of Comprehensive Immigration Reform. My partner and I are currently separated by the Pacific Ocean, and have had to endure extreme financial hardship in order to maintain 2 separate households. I am pursuing my PhD in California, and do not have the option to pursue my specialization in her country. We desperately need to reform immigration for EQUALITY, regardless of orientation in order to make truly effective progress with CIR.

I hope that the President will also focus on some of the logisitcal issues of immigration — the legal process is slow and cumbersome with no easy way to follow up on an individual case. My husband has been in El Salvador for two and a half years trying to come back to the US legally. I hope the President will focuson the importance of uniting and keeping together families.

We need comprehensive immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship for the workers already here. They are already paying taxes and need to be able to continue to work without fearing deportation. I live and work in Arizona and have had extensive contact with the undocumented through some of my volunteer activities.

No person should have to die in the desert trying to find a way to feed his/her family. I remember meeting in the hospital a Guatemalan woman who had left her 3 young children with her mother to come here to try to find work. She had shattered her leg and was inconsolable because she would now be another burden to her family who were already in dire straits.

We need these workers to do the jobs in farming and meat-packing that native born do not want to do, yet we treat them as criminals.

It is time for comprehensive reform – not racist immigrant baiting and scapegoating.

This might cool the heels of those that claim that “illegals” do not pay taxes.

Create a bill so that *EVERYONE* that gets paid hourly either in check or cash or any other form must pay taxes. I know this will hurt the poor but it will stop the people who say they don’t pay taxes so they should not be allowed to get any benefits. It is not a total answer but it is a start in the right direction.

I want to hear Obama speak to how we can make access to the rules and steps for citizenship accessible in languages more non-English-speakers can actually understand! Then, create a program that is affordable to those who desire citizenship. I honestly do not understand these tired vehement attacks toward any person new to the US. Yes, there are people who are here illegally. Let’s take a closer look at why people are in and remain in an illegal status. It is likely more about language barriers reinforced by a lack of adequate employment and a cyclically reinforcing truth of many easily dispelled layers that historically have been left unattended, consequently just reinforcing themselves by continuing ignorance and assumption all the way around. This cycle is isolating and thereby entrapping human beings and understanding from one another in the process. Education is so important for the benefit of a newcomer to America as it is equally important for many Americans who wrongly have an idea that those working menial jobs and even beyond, actually take away opportunity for citizens. It is my bet that statistically, the opposite can most actually be found to be true.
It’s way past time for some hard follow-through, factual data collecting at every point and the proper reports made to educate us all. Reveal the factual evidence! I want this issue of immigrant reform to evolve and be left appropriately behind, as it should be, ASAP! I blame no one for wanting to better her or his life for self and family. Long live Democracy and may its light of freedom continue to shine and inspire lives across this planet, until all people who desire it are free! How can this vision be accomplished? What might people really want for the betterment of their lives and those of their families, if given the choice right where they live? How does this happen?
Stop ranting and reacting and try THINKING more clearly without rage. Try using your heart you tired, fear-based ignorant Americans_ there are privileges that even YOU can stand to learn that you have. Such as affording your own sense of generosity to help others improve their lives for the better. Lock Democracy in and you smother it!

There are two separate issues: border security and a redesigned system for determining who shall be allowed to immigrate to the United States. The first issue encompasses reform of our system for controlling or at least knowing who resides in the US and control of entry and exit from the country. The second issue must include both a revamped immigration protocol and a determination how to treat those persons already here who lack proper immigration documentation. These issues must be treated separately to have any real effect. If we combine them, we will only continue the current mess. Consequently immigration reform can only result from a long and honest analysis of the issues and possible solutions to current inefficiencies. At all times we must keep in mind that we deal with both the needs and aspirations of human beings from all parts of the planet and the needs of those already resident here. Thus we must combine humaneness with logic.

We are a nation of immigrants. The agricultural, hotel, equine and many other industries will fall flat without Latino workers. I want a plan for registration of guest worker status without penalty, but not automatic citizenship. Then Law Enforcement can save their resources for investigating illegal immigrants who are also involved in real criminal behavior. Secure the borders! Without border security, we are at risk for terrorists’ activities, of which I fear far more than people in search of jobs. But border security will stop the influx of more people coming into this country than we can manage through any immigration system.

Tax the earnings of the guest workers! Coorporations will also be expected to pay FICA, workers comp, and assist towards health care instead of our tax dollars footing the bill. It’s not that difficult!

I am a third generation Irish American. I don’t have relatives who are not here legally. My ancestors got here legally with no problem.

I want to see Obama finally, finally speak about the need for a push for a path to citizenship for the undocumented people in this country and to say that he is going to take the same approach – extremely pro-active, aggressive – that he took with the health care bill. I want to see him put his money where his mouth is.

I want to hear him say that it is unrealistic and often inhumane to deport the 11+ million undocumented persons in this country, that most are as honest and hard working as the average American and that they have compelling reasons to stay here now.

Tell him to say that we will prosper as a nation, not to mention demonstrate a humane attitude, if we can provide a do-able path to citizenship for the undocumented who are already here.

Dear President,

I’m an immigrant, a women, and a scientist and have found so much discrimination and unfairness and nepotism in the working system in this country that is almost comparable to a third world country.
I’ve been living and working in several country and for some reasons believed to have found in USA a place of equality. It is not. It is absolutely still puzzling to me how race discrimination is still in place in the work environment between white and not, foreign national and not. Of course as a scientist I perhaps had the dream of being part of a great science community but this is not the case. Discrimination in the working environment is high, and even as permanent resident you do not have the same chances a citizen has. You do not! Even more, if you put in the picture a gender discrimination, and as a woman I had to witness that too, things leave much to desire.
As an immigrant, I feel for those who come here legally or illegally, the latter mainly base on economic constraints, to make a better life for themselves and not realizing though that they just get into a place in which they play a part in a rat race without having the benefits of the “local rats” or already citizen fellows that seem to have forgotten their origin.

I would like the president to remind the american people that this country was founded, has grown and became great thanks to immigration. Not that long ago the same prejudiced and ignorant arguments were made against Irish and Italian immigrants, who have now not only become part of the “people” of America but enriched and represent it.
I would like the president to offer a fair and realistic reform that acknowledges the presence, importance in the economy and part taking in society of undocumented immigrants. A reform that allows these people that haven’t committed any crime and mostly immigrated to escape poverty and discrimination, the very same reasons that the founders of this country had to immigrate, to obtain “legality” and maintain their family together.
I would like the president to mention that ruling legal immigration and “legalizing” honest undocumented immigrants is not only the morally right thing to do but it will also be beneficial for the economy and society and it’s actually a necessity of a constantly evolving country that wants to renew and better itself at all levels to maintain its standing in the world and compete in the global market.

I would like to see him state the enormous contribution that immigrants make to our country–documented or not. I’d like to hear him outline a reasonable path to citizenship, a way to keep families united, and the de-criminalization of border crossing. The DREAM act is key as a stop-gap measure.

As a nation – citizens, corporations, and political leaders – we need to look at and understand the root causes of migration. Throughout the ages people have always migrated in order to survive and to improve living conditions. The current phenomenum of northward migration is no exception. Our global economic policies, driven by Western transnational corporations and political opportunists, have undermined the economic systems of the southern cultures to benefit themselves and expoit others. Until we address this imbalance of power and reverse the inhumane disparity of opportunity and wealth, this movement of desperate people will continue, no matter how many walls we build, how many people we arrest and deport, and how many brown-skinned people we threaten, and how many human rights we violate.
I urge you to utilize your keen mind and eloquent speech to educate us and lead us toward a more just and peaceful solution with comprehensive immigration reform.

I WANT an Immigration Reform now!!!!!! No more waiting, que no nos den atole con el dedo! United We Stand! to fight for our Brothers and Sisters!! The Sleeping giant has awaken. May god be with all of us, black, white, brown, we are all the same! OBAMA ESCUCHA, estamos en la lucha, no more separation of families, no more kids suffering, THIS STOPS NOW!!We want love and peace no HATE!!

I want him to say that he is on his way to Arizona to:

1. Pass out water to those who are dying in the desert.

2. To organize a sit-in outside of Jan Brewer’s office until she is recalled.

3. To use wire cutters and drills to knock down the wall himself so that his grandchildren won’t have to.

4. To order a raid on those of border patrol who have personally taken part in the violence against those in their custody.

5. To participate in a hunger-strike against sb 1070 because he acknowledges the unconstitutionality of this intention and that as of July 29th racism will be legislated.

That from there he is traveling south to Tegucigalpa to hike until he reaches the point to jump the train in Chiapas where he will ride until he reaches the border so that he will personally experience what is involved in enduring such a trip. All the while I want him to say that he arrived here without being shot, raped, robbed and with all of his limbs intact.

And that he declares federal immigration reform with human dignity and human rights at the forefront.

We need to show judgment,intelligence and compassion for all of the ‘immigrant’ children who have been born in the U.S.A. Through no fault of their own, their parents chose to give their children a safer, better, and more opportunistic way of life. THE DREAM ACT offers a choice for legislators to support and pass.

I would like him to address the need to help people who have fled their country achieve citizenship. To try to end the fear of immigrants and the need to stop deportation. How we are a nation built of immigrants and it is our cross culture that makes us strong, and will continue to make us strong.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

Have President Obama watch/listen to this, and include it’s message in his speech, saying that it is harmful to have a ’single story’.

The President need to make Immigration reform a top priority. He needs to make this important as important as the Health care reform. He promised that this would be one of his priorities. We can get a win/win reform. He needs to cease all laws like SB1070 and Nebraskas new law. We need to stop spending all the money to do raids, detention, deportation and breaking up families(like my own). The cost is way more then fixing the problems with Immigration. Spend more money on getting the bad apples in the bunch, like the drug cartel. Most of the people that come here, come here on a dream,To take care of their families and make a life. They are hardworking and do not complain. A lot of people complain that they take jobs, no the jobs that they will take no one else wants. Example, the field worker, the Hotels housekeeping and other jobs to long to list. We need to all work together, speak for all and for thoses who have no voice out of fear or are no longer here due to deportation. How can we deport a 19 year old boy who has been in the US since he was 2 years old and never visited Mexico and yet a Federal Judge knowing this information deports him. This is his home and now he is in Mexico on a 3 year letter. No relatives there, nothing. We have to stop breaking up the families. We need a more cost effective paperwork system and the time the real time it takes to get copies of lost permits,(like my husband) before we just through them back to a country that they don’t call home. This is an emergency situation.. Very important one!!!

Every one is equal.Universal. The United States Have the Bill of Rights which States Anyone has the same rights,Anyone has protection,It does not state exclusion of immigrants/undocumented people.This Country has gotten away with many unjust acts towards undocumented immigrants because they use fear and tell them they have no rights and tricking them to believe they don’t ;from wrongful deaths, Pregnant women chuckled to hospital beds while giving birth,separation of families or loved ones from our Youth. It is Wrong, Everyone has to know the Truth and hear of these true stories that are never mentioned.
It is why we need reform.People are looking for excuses to accuse and point fingers always because thats what they want to do as a passed down habit.undocumented people cant even get welfare so i wanted to let people know this too so they get it out of their heads.
Once Again our youth is our future,always has been.Give them the dream act asap if theres going be delays in reform.But Act on change.We are but one country, and people it’s world citizens.

I hope that President Obama will say that anyone harassing undocumented workers
will be punished. I hope he will say that we have allowed them to be here when we felt it was okay to pay them less than we pay others and do the jobs that others were not willing to do. I hope will say that these persons come to this country looking for a better life for their families as did all other immigrants. I hope that he will push his administration and the Congress to come forth with a very Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill. I hope that it will spell ou justice for all immigrants.

I hope that President Obama says that our government if finally committed to working on comprehensive and thoughtful immigration reform and that the government will begin to work on this before the end of this year. I also hope that he addresses the current law changes being proposed in several states (similar to the Arizona law) and condemns laws of this nature. He needs to clearly state that the majority of American citizens do NOT support these laws, and that the American Government does not either. I hope that Pres. Obama also apologizes for how this country is currently treating undocumented persons and families and that any proposed reform includes a path to citizenship for those that are here and have been for years. I also hope that he says that he will make the Dream Act a reality for many of our youth. I also hope that Obama tells our nation that without the undocumented workers currently in our country, our country will experience an even greater economic downturn of a magnitude that we could not even begin to imagine. I would hope that Pres. Obama expresses his shame at how our nation is currently treating undocumented workers and families and states how the US government will begin to address and reform our laws regarding immigration.

I think there should be a work visa for those who want to come here for work. This would allow them to come and go safely. They should not be on a path to citizenship. There should be amnesty for those who are here for a number of years and who have proved to be good citizens. Those who wish to apply for citizenship, should learn English and some basic American history and then go through the citizenship process. They should be allowed to stay as their names are merged into the list of those wishing to come here legally. Those with a criminal background should be deported.

I’d like to hear a clear comprehensive, humane and realistic immigration reform with a path to a citizenship, create a guest work program not only with Mexico but with the rest of the countries that their people are eager to come to this country and work (that not only includes Latin America but Asian, African and some European countries) eliminate every law that promotes racism, discrimination and mistreatment of the immigrant community, stop raids and deportations and fix the current immigration system accelerating processes of family petitions that will not take ridiculous amounts of time and don’t forget the dream act Mr. President there is a lot of talent in this students that will only benefit this country in the long run; but please Mr. President don’t just talk about it….. ACT.

I would like to hear President Obama say the Dream Act will be passed. If there is one area of immigration reform that is clear it is the population of undocumented residents who were brought to the USA as children. Many have no connection or family in their country of birth, but have strong ties here in the US. Pass the Dream Act.

We desperately need immigration reform whereby our government does not
spend billions of our tax dollars to militarize our borders to keep desperate
men , women and families out who come here to seek a better life. The way
the present policies are being used are brutal and inhumane. We are locking up
in deplorable detention centers thousands of innocent victims seeking refuge
in this country. This has got to stop! We forget that many of our ancestors
came to this country to seek a better life and we are their generational offspring enjoying our ongoing freedom and life styles. Why would we deny that
opportunity to others? The myth regarding immigrants taking our jobs will not hold. The lack of jobs is not because someone competes with us but due to lack
of enough jobs available to potential workers. Billions of our tax dollars are going for war costs when that money could be used to create a Marshall
Plan to subsidize a green job industry to put people back to work!

Mr. President, we need Amnesty, no matter how it is called, for people who are in our country already. Illegal immigrants without any criminal record. In addition we need several millions of work visas for foreign nationals to apply for at our consulates and embassies. It would allow us to do background checks, so we know who is coming into our country and the ones who are still crossing the border illegally–they may have something to hide. FAMILY UNIFICATION and the passing of the DREAM ACT is the American way to take care of this problem. The freedom to thrive!

I wish to convey my deepest feeling to MR Obama for US Immigration.
And would like to tell him that the US Immigration policies have destroyed so many families. Please Mr.Obama. Besides reforming illegal immigrants policies please consider also to reform to reform even the waiver policies. As extreame hardship waivers commonly given and other waivers to prove extreame hardship is nothing but simple torture.
and the proceesing time is over a year. That keeps families away from thier loved ones with no consideration of the time of lenghth and that is not fair.

I pray that President Obama will say that the people of the United States must take a look at themselves and realize that this is a country that is made up of imigrants and that we must create a solution that will educate the people who are speaking from ignorance on the issues of historical oppression. I pray that President Obama will somehow bring to light that the Treaty de Guadalupe was not honored and that the land that the US “stole” from Mexico needs to be considered when instituting new immigration laws. I pray that he will shed light on the history of immigration in this country and through this he may be able to create an understanding for why immigration reform is necessary now. I pray that the racist and misinformed people will be made to see the error of their ways through his wisdom.

I hope he puts to rest some of the drivel from the closet and not-so-closet white supremacists.

First, provide the hard data that refutes their bogus claims, such as “they take our jobs,” “they are all criminals because they violated the law when they entered the USA (that means explaining what the law IS and not what the racists wish it was, overstaying . . . etc.), “they’re responsible for _____________ (fill in the blank),” and all the usual blather. Distinguish between criminal killer members of the drug cartels and people coming here to earn a better living for their families, too.

Next, explain the difference between amnesty and a path to legalization and citizenship.

I want him to propose legislation that protects and reunites families and does away with bars to immigration for parents and children of citizens and permanent residents, insures due process and fair treatment of detainees, implements a guest worker program, provides an actual “line” for immigrants to “stand” in, guarantees a fair wage and workers rights, and all the “stuff” we talk about with comprehensive reform.

And to all the antiseptic brownies who want to assure that no criminals are in the USA, expand your vision beyond those of a different heritage than your own. It makes you look racist and intolerant, perhaps because you are.

I would like him, first, to call upon Congress to get the DREAM Act passed immediately. And, I would like him to reiterate the words he spoke at his inauguration, underscoring the historical importance of immigration to this country, and put some purpose and determination behind them:

He said: “For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.”

As the daughter of an immigrant to this country, these words have profound meaning for me.

I think the President ought to give each member of Congress the gift of President John F. Kennedy’s book, “A Nation of Immigrants,” so they may be reminded of the contributions immigrants to our land make to the overall success and prosperity of our Republic.

When Senator Ted Kennedy wrote the forward to the 50-year anniversary release of President Kennedy’s book, he stated: “Every time the Senate takes up the issue of immigration reform, I re-read my brother’s book for inspiration. The words he wrote half a century ago ring just as true today.”

In his seminal essay on immigration, JFK wrote: “This is the secret of America: a nation of people with the fresh memory of old traditions who dared to explore new frontiers, people eager to build lives for themselves in a spacious society that did not restrict their freedom of choice and action.”

It is counterintuitive that our country is so divided on an issue that most of us have a personal connection to and shared history of as decendents of immigrants.

Let all who sincerely desire to make our land their home and contribute to this great patchwork quilt that we call America, have an honest and fair opportunity to do so.

Mr. President, I believe no one can speak to the country as eloquently about this issue as you can.

Please speak out on behalf of all of us who support the rights of immigrants to this land – those of us who have benefitted from the opportunities our immigrant parents sought in coming here.

August 25th will be the one-year anniversary of Sen. Kennedy’s passing. In remembrance of Ted Kennedy’s long-time commitment to real immigration reform, I hope the President calls upon Congress to make real and immediate progress on an issue that was of critical importance to him.

And, I hope the President explains to Americans just why Arizona’s SB1070 is quite possibly the most hideous, unconstitutional and unenforceable piece of legislation ever to come out of the states in recent memory.
(not to mention the most poorly drafted bill I’ve ever read!)

Leviticus 19.33:
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien.

with respect Obama want to hear the president and senators that immigration reform is already happening, with it finally and we will all be equal and there will be no more 13 million criminals who are not, Americans are human beings. We are not criminals we are humans.
Mario Alberto Chávez

DearPresident Obama,

How do you plan to rid Americans of the wave of racism and jingoism sweeping the country. Surprisingly a recent poll suggests that more than half the population would like to see mass deportations. To my mind this march backwards id the result of the hateful propaganda by the GOP/Tea Party leaders transforming the natural angst and fear of poor economy and unemployment – into regular old ugly hatred, fear and loss of empathy. It is imperative that you Mr President and Dems lead the march for righteousness and truth – even if we have to pay a political price.

What do you say, Mr President?

Sincerely,
Arvind Agrawal

Here is a note about the racist law AZ SB1070:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/5/12/865702/-Mastering-AZ-Bill-AB1070-:-A-hands-on-course-for-United-States-Senators

President Obama needs to bring undocumented Americans out of the shadows. As long as they are here to do good. I understand their desperation and reason why they would come to this country to work and become lawful citizens. They want a better lives for themselves and their family. Many do not understand the conditions these Americans have lived through in their countries because they have not experienced it. I have experienced it first hand.

I am counting on President Obama to help these people as they have suffered enough and deserve a chance in this country. This country does not function without immigrants!

Mr Presisdent

The following is what really needs to happen with regards to Immigration:
1. Undocumented workers that have worked in this country for a number of years have proven that their work is required and justified and Immigration need to accomodate such workers via a special Immigration plan going forward. They DO NOT pose a threat to Americans
2. The Immigration process for legal immigrants is broken, and they just need to see some of our cases as an example. Legal people have been waiting for up to 10 years to get a Green Card. They are only now processings some cases of 2002. Although we believe everyone deserves a chance to come to the US legally, if CIR or any immigration legislation happens, we need to get the line moving NOW, before we put more people in the line. Otherwise it would be pointless to offer legal status to everyone if it takes 30 or more years to go through the process.

Advise on the following two options that exists to recover the unused Visa numbers:
1 – Through legislation – Now that CIR is dead, the senate is considering doing piece-meal legislation with AgJobs and the Dream Act. I Urge you to include visa recovery in ANY legislation that may come to a vote.
2 – Through an admin fix – Getting USCIS director Mayorkas to acknowledge USCIS did not comply with the law (to assign a visa number if there was demand for it) and failed to adjudicate cases that created the backlog that exists today. This is just wrong.

USCIS has now implemented a fee increase as they have had a decreasing number of cases filed that resulted in a budget shortfall. If the visa numbers are recaptured, most EB categories will become current and a new influx of fresh cases (about 150,000) along with their fees ($1,010 each) will generate enough revenue that could potentially result in a surplus.

Although we are foloowing the law, the law has failed us. The backlog affects each and every one of us, from being hesitant to buy a house, to having to pass opportunities for advancement in our careers. We are not asking for special treatment, just to correct a wrong that was made at USCIS.

Regards

Barry

Mr. Obama, the vast majority of undocumented workers would have preferred a legal path to be here, and have been here with the tacit approval of every former administration for years, since they contribute taxes and pay into our Social Security base. Take the millions being wasted on enforcement efforts which themselves are being applied illegally, and use those funds to revamp the immigration agency so we have the ability to process people who want to do things the right way. It’s unfair for those who have long resided here and contributed to our society to now be attacked, and for the millions who have tried so hard to become legalized to be stymied because our immigration system is so antiquated it is incapable of properly and timely processing requests.

The president should introduce a a new approach to border security. In this new approach the borders should be open for all to pass through with any usual security checks. At the border checkpoint the individuals ID could be cross-checked with their home government to weed out any criminal elements attempting to cross. People who cross for employment could utilize information systems at the border crossing that could inform them of jobs that pay and fair treatment and opportunities for shelter and all other necessities could be guaranteed. the workers could receive a work permit and resource numbers to report to government authorities if unjustly treated. Maybe then we can get a handle on the illegal hiring of the undocumented and remove the terrible treatmnet they sometimes receive.

Obama , say the US will not cause ecomonic immigration by unjust foreign policy and will stop zenophobic activities domesticly.

The United States should follow Arizona’s lead, and protect and defend our borders. It is time that Americans get the jobs that illegals do, so that our unemployment rolls can be reduced, and undocumented aliens be returned to the countries of their origin. If you want to come to America, do it the right way. All registered American voters need to make a point to vote in 2010 and 2012 to take America back! If this isn’t your Cup of Tea, so be it.

I want to hear that he WEll pass the DREAM Act, this year.

We have finally to realize that this country could not prosper economically without immigrants. We need human immigration law to give undocumented people a right to live and work legally in US as was 100-300 years ago!

I believe these undocumented workers are here to help us, not hinder us. They come when there is work, they don’t come when there isn’t work. I understand there are employers all over the Southeast and South looking for workers to do the work that out “legal citizens” won’t do. The US still retains its anti-Mexico policies causing its economy to stagnate as opposed to giving it a boost. If there were more work in Latin America, these people would not want to uproot themselves to go to an alien land and be treated as scum. So it’s a two-fold goal–help the US by helping Latin America.

The Comprehensive Immigration reform needs to pass!

Being tough and enforcing laws, yes, but do not be inhumane. People are trying to provide for their families by coming here because Mexico does not allow them to. It’s not like they come here to be greedy. It’s not necessarily a choice. Keep that in mind. Be tough, secure the borders, but don’t destroy children’s lives or break up families. The greed comes from the Mexican governemnt, not the people. We do make it easier for that government to continue its corruption, that needs to stop. But draw a compassionate line for those who are here with children. And be honest about the fact that big business wants illegal immigration, yet the party of big business garners votes by speaking out against it.

I want President Obama to speak forcefully against communities passing racist, unconstitutional racial profiling laws as well as to enforce existing immigration laws. Additionally, I want President Obama to address the creation of jobs, which is, to a large extent, the fuse for racism and xenophobia regarding illegal immigration. In reality, immigration from Mexico and much of Central America is down from previous years, however unemployment and siphoning off social program monies to the wars in the Middle East make many native-born Americans (mostly white and black) fearful. Instead of marching and protesting Congress, they find fault and scapegoat immigrants.

By the way, to those whose ancestors came through Ellis Island, those ancestors came through at a time when the borders of the U. S. were largely open. Only those who appeared sick or criminal (shades of SB 1070) were detained or deported. There was no INS nor Border Patrol until 1924. The same thing occurred until 1916 with the border with Mexico. Today’s situation is way different, what with nonuniformly-applied and discriminatory immigration quotas. The people who want to deport Mexicans may soon understand what they and people of many other countries face because of their economic crises, the support and propping up their corrupt and negligent governments get from the U. S. government, and the unwillingness of many Americans to work at jobs immigrants are courted to work at for minimum wage. When the racists in America emigrate to another country because our own economy hasn’t rebounded, they’ll be in denial about how they treated immigrants and demand that the host nation cater to them. That’s what southern White Americans did in Mexican Texas, after they were allowed to immigrate there by Mexico. They revolted and took over.

Go foward with Comprehensive Immigration Reform As Soon As Possible and ban the hate. The laws need a complete change. Do not allow people living here already to continue to suffer by living in fear. Please stop the hate in places like Arizona and Nebraska, and in every state. I could write a whole bunch more. But definitely reform completely. Allow binational couples and their children and their future children to live in peace and not in fear. Allow students to continue their studies after high school. Don’t exclude people on healthcare and the list goes on…

I would like to hear our president to say that even though there are more important issues to deal with that immigration reform will be addressed this year and during this session of congress. The money that is being spent deploying these immigrants to their native land is costing us money and hurting the economy. This money should be put to use for better. People that are working at implants, agriculture, etc., are not the importers of drugs. They might bring a one time order to the United States as a mean of assuring them a safe way into the United States. The money should be used to seek out these people and place them on some type of hold where they cannot move from where they reside until a complete background check is obtained from their country of origin. Depending on the investigation and how they have performed in this country without any criminal record, etc. They should be allowed to stay or be deported. If allowed to stay, they should impose a fine and with that fine include paper work to make them legal immigrants. If they have been here 20 years and even have American children, own a home and have been good citizens, then they should be fined and work toward making them American citizens. The price of fruits and vegetables are getting more expensive due to the drop in migrant workers and these poor illegal immigrants not being able to work. There are good and bad people in all races, cultures, and people of different faiths. Let’s build America for the better. These racist laws being adopted like the one in Arizona are not correct. They will only increase crime rates among other tragic events.

I want to hear President Obama say that it will not take 3 months for a person who is in this country legally on a student visa to apply for and receive permanent residency in this county. My grandson-in-law has done everything according to the law. Because it took so long after his college graduation to get his permanent residency approved, he lost his job and has not worked since March 2010. He has a wife who is in her 3rd year of college. Because he has not been able work he has not been able to provide his wife with needed health care coverage and other basic needs. Fortunately he has family on both sides who have helped them without hesitation. This man wants to work, be a valued member of the US society and take care of his family. Please President Obama, lets make the process work more efficiently.

CIR ASAP! Remember there are innocent children paying the price of our broken system, and treated as scum because they have no way to show citizenship. What if it was you brought to this country as a child? 11 million people living in fear. You didn’t choose this life. Talk to an immigration lawyer about what can be done to obtain documents for a child in this case and discover for yourself why America needs CIR ASAP. Liberty and justice for All!

I not only want to hear him talk about a path to citizenship for the many undocumented people here, but I also want him to cite the valid research that supports the many advantages (especially economic)and repudiates the myths. I believe that ingnorance is the creator of the fear that is the foundation for those who do not support citizenship and immigration in general.

I would like to hear him admit that the immigration policies in place for decades are a failure, and that the billions of dollars spent every year in enforcing these laws could be better used.

I would like to see a shift from enforcement to facilitating legal immigration to this country. By that, I mean welcoming applicants (with a background check of course) on a temporary 2 year visa. They would have to attend a government funded ESL class (or test out), and they would be expected to be proficient in the English language by the time their temporary visa runs out. They would have to maintain continuous employment, or prove that they are actively searching for a job. They would pay taxes, be insured, etc.

I believe that the funding currently allocated to immigration enforcement would pay for the above-mentioned process. By giving Mexican immigrants a legal and feasible alternative, we would greatly reduce illegal immigration.

I also would like to see same-sex relationships recognized within the immigration process. Pass UAFA (Uniting American Families Act) or RAFA (Reuniting American Families Act) as part of a comprehensive immigration reform.

I am hoping that he will discuss how inappropriate Arizona’s response to illegal immigration is. Also, that instead of deporting millions of people that live here and contribute to the economy, these individuals will be allowed to go through the legal process of becoming citizens. Just think of all of the money that the Federal Government could raise if all of the people that live and work in our country paid taxes. I think people forget that most of the citizens that live in this country had families that originated in other countries and immigrated here for a better life.

If the US of A can land on the moon because they wanted to do so. They certainly can get IMMIGRATION REFORM done if they PLAN to do so. President Obama must have the WILL TO ACT on the issue, despite the bad press, loss of some political clout from the right.

I would not have supported the Arizona law.

BUT 95% of Americans do. That is an unprecedented margin and President Obama (my favorite President ever) must both follow his heart as well as the will of the People.

95% NEVER AGREE SO THIS MUST NOT BE A FLUKE. Frankly I just want to see this WONDERFUL man re-elected so I do not want him to ignore this wildly huge opinion of the people.

Do they even use the term, “illegal alien”, in any other nation? ” Invader” and “spy” are very commonly used terms in countrys where the government understands and gives a damn how the citizens would be hurt by mass invasion.
If you blame the Obama administration or the democratic party for our current situation, you are in denial, and big business loves it. Both parties have sat in control while employers have disobeyed the long standing law against hiring illegal invaders and Attorney’s General turned a blind eye. The fence was too much, too late, and mostly served as a diversion from the fact that huge numbers of illegals were openly and obviously employed during republican administrations, one after another, as well. It didn’t make any difference when a single employer, for example, entered a single S.S.N. on over a thousand of their employee’s tax forms during the latest, (and I hope, last) Bush administration. Why didn’t the Bush administration, with support from the republican congress, even file charges in this nationally publicized instance? (It probably didn’t make Faux ENTERTAINMENT news.) Because BOTH parties have always favored business money and migrant votes over the welfare of our citizens. The largest invasion in history was fueled by employers breaking the law, and the drug runners are a fraction of the problem. A radical fringe group that naturally grew with the vast majority of invaders. This avoidance of enforcement falls under the category of deregulation. An effort made famous by the line; “Get the regulators off the backs of …” ,(and I insert the real objective), BUSINESS. The politicians’ cash cow.
It is racist to say that invaders from the south can do more or better work than the real citizenry, (as opposed to occupants), of our country.
It is NOT racist to humanely remove invaders. I say humane and gentle in comparison to the treatment an invading American citizen may expect anywhere else.
When the jobs of Americans were usurped by southern invaders by way of the 1967 grape boycott, the price of produce did not fall, the quality of produce did not improve, but the profits to farmers dropped and job opportunities for our citizens were completely cut off by Caesar Chavez’es union. We used to work during school summer breaks, in lean times and in retirement, in local harvests. In the last 43 years, have you seen wages climb and prices fall? Have you simultaneously known unemployed American citizens and employed invaders?
Do not be afraid of the facts nor of the ridiculous and unfounded label of “racist” where your own well being is concerned. Invaders come from Europe as well.
I don’t care how many studies there are representing how beneficial invaders are, the point is that if you remove 12 million plus invaders from America tomorrow, there will be a lot of job vacancies. That is a FACT. All of those jobs are illegally held, and the law abiding residents know it. The majority of Americans, just as the majority in any other country, oppose invasion. Where in the world do you think a cop doesn’t have the authority to see anyones’ ID? American cops have had that authority since way before AZ brought enforcement to the longstanding national law. The sad thing is that we have yet to have any justice department enforcement on the employer side.
Contrary to uninformed opinion, all adult citizens are required by law to have their ID with them at all times when not in their own homes, and to provide it to any peace officer on request. They taught school children that when I was 15 years old, in 1967.

Please remember that 36,000 LGBT families face particular discrimination under the current immigration laws. We cannot sponsor our partners for green cards as straight people can. This means, for instance, that my wife barely got to see her father in her home country before he died. It means that if my wife and child visit her mother in her country of origin, our child would be allowed to return to our home, but my wife might not be allowed – it is at the individual discretion or whim of visa interviewers. It means I feel less and less at home and safe in what I thought was my home country. It means we may have to leave everything, spend thousands of dollars and move to Canada, the UK or another country which recognizes us as a family.

President Obama needs to assure us that a comprehensive Immigration Reform bill will be passed and that bill will be compassionate. There are so many children born to parents who are here illegally and these children are American citizens. They are growing up here, and in far too many cases, these children have never been out of the USA. These children have the same rights as any American citizen and these rights MUST be honored. A child should never be placed in a catch-22 situation.

persecute companies that hire illegals, not the illegals themselves

I’d like to hear him recognize that NAFTA and other neoliberal “free trade” deals that have destroyed the Mexican and Latin American family farm, by for example dumping cheap US corn on the Mexican economy, prohibiting the Mexican government from taking protective measures (take for instance the trade tribunal outlawing the government subsidy on tortillas which went back decades)–impoverishing the people and driving them off their land to cities, both American and Mexican in search of work and survival.

I’d like to hear him say these same neoliberal policies have allowed American corporations to ship manufacturing jobs out of the U.S. to low-wage sweatshop hell holes around the world, so that these same corporations can throw higher paid American workers out of work and entrap them into debt servitude by means of credit cards in order to sustain an artificially high standard of living which is no longer within their means.

I’d like to hear him finally say, that working people on both sides of the border are suffering as a result of trade policies that are based on corporate greed rather than on human need, and that workers on both sides of the border deserve relief from exploitation and enslavement. I’d like to hear him say that since capital has had 20 years to freely move across borders, working people are now going to get a break and these evil policies that trap and impoverish workers on both sides of the border are going to be reversed.

But he’s not going to say that, because he’s wedded to the same free trade bullshit policies that his predecessors, Republican and Democrat, have implemented at the behest of their funders in Wall Street since the Clinton years, which have destroyed our economy as well as the economies of Mexico and Latin America.

I want to hear him provide a way – a really accessible way – for mixed families like mine to live a normal life.
I would like to see some form of amnesty.
I want that path out of the shadows to be truly illuminated!
I voted in the presidential election on primarily one issue. President Obama, please don’t let me down.
All of you fearful, full of discriminatory hatred proponents of walls and mass deportations: what are you afraid of? You ALL came here from somewhere else unless you’re Native American; what are you trying to keep out?
Thank God someone smart enough to see past the bigotry sits in a place of real power.
I believe that real unification of all people will see all you horrid people full of hate at some point out in God’s cold. Sleep well with your consciences while spewing your skewed ideas of justice and fairness. The wheat will be separated from the chaff.

I want to hear him say that illegal immigration is the biggest threat to this nation since the cold war. I want to hear him say that the immigration laws do not need to be revised, they need to be enforced. I want to hear him say that he favors the initiative of the Arizona law and that every effort will be made to deport illegal immigrants nation wide. I want to hear him say that children born in this country whose parents are here illegally will not be granted automatic citizenship. I want to hear him say that illegal immigrants are not entitled to any benefits of any kind and that anyone employing them will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to hear him say that no one is welcome in this country unless they come here legally, learn English, obey our laws and respect our culture.

I’d like President Obama to say Immigration Reform is essential.
Both countries must work towards a realistic day when the wall will come TUMBLING DOWN.
We must first admit that America has a serious drug problem . Without OUR despicable habits, drug Cartels would be powerless. We will vow to work on dangerous addictions here at home.
While our own drug problem is addressed, treated and as the demand begins to subside,
we will vow to assist Mexican and Central American refugees of poverty by welcoming them into our lands with NEW Immigration laws that make it EASIER for hardworking refugees
to find employment to pursue happiness as to seek for themselves a quality of life, and love our country as a true Land of Liberty. AND at the same time we must vow to harshly prosecute and deport illegal aliens who, acting as criminals take advantage of our liberties and abuse our standard of equality.

Sr. presidente Obama, si este pais esta hecho a base de inmigrnantes porque les cierran las puertas a nuestros hermanos latinos o ispanos y nos dicen que nos regresemos a nuestro paises, cuando todo el mundo sabe y asta ustedes mismos que los gueros, gringos o anglosajones tambien llegaron de inmigrantes a estas tierras gobernadas por los duenos que son los apaches, los comanches y otros grupos indios nativos de estas tierras norte americanas de los que no me acuerdo en este momento, Sr. presidenta si es asi, entonces yo le exigo a usted y a su familia se regresen a su pais de origen que es Africa. Co todo el respeto que se merecen.

I want to hear him say that he now thinks that Arizona is doing the right thing, but we do need the workers, so those present illegals who are gainfully employed could be sponsored by their employers to be legalized.
and I want to hear him say enough with catering to legal and illegal latin immigrants in regards to the language. Our parents or grandparents who immigrated to the US in the past had to learn English, and they did. Now everything has to be translated into Spanish, which comes at great cost to all of us, not to speak of the degradation of our language. Even schools have to teach in Spanish in some areas. We are paying for that too. Do you recall public schools ever teaching immigrant children in German, French, Italian, Polish? Everywhere are signs in Spanish, documents, job applications, abd spare me the checkout credit cards and instructions, also given in Spanish.
By the way, I am an immigrant and have been a US citizen since 1968. I have never expected preferential treatment. The United States is a melting pot and we should all use the same language to understand each other and be able to communicate. Let’d keep as it’s been since the birth of our great nation.

Pass the DREAM Act! Pass it now!!

i would just like to hear that immigrants are not being given priority over the average citizen especially seniors and disabled…..

These are people for heaven’s sake. If they are good citizens and or good students they should be allowed to stay here.

Comprehensive immigration reform must be truly comprehensive. Comprehensive to include ALL families and couples. That means my family – same sex bi-national couples – need to be included. Men and women need to be able to sponsor their same sex partners who are not U.S. citizens for immigration. I should not have to move out of my country to be with the man I love. I should not have to choose between family and country but I have to. I should not have to leave my family in America to be with my partner but if we want to be together I have to move to be with him because my partner cannot move here due to the discriminatory immigration laws. You must pass UAFA, Uniting American Families Act or include it in Comprehensive Immigration Reform! Or pass Reuniting American Families Act (which includes UAFA). Keep our families together.

The immigration laws are outdated and should be against the Geneva Convention. As a Green Card holder since 1981 and married almost 20 years it should be a no brainer to allow my wife and child the same privilege. Right now, it’s destroying our marriage and causing extreme financial hardship. We are not here for the food stamps or welfare checks. We are just trying to survive legally !

It’s time we stopped being cruel to immigrants, who come to work in our country. It has always been the immigrants who have built this country. That’s no different today. To be treating them as criminals is absurd. Yes, some of them need social services. Considering how many pay Social Security but never collect any benefits, and how many work for wages that are very low and their employers never provide insurance or other benefits, and how many endure poor working conditions in general, such as farm workers and janitors…considering all these factors, it does not seem out of balance for some to receive social services, especially children.

And we must stop breaking up families because of disparate immigration status. Very cruel.

And LGBT partners must be able to bring their loved ones into this country, to preserve their relationships.

There is way too much suffering going on needlessly. Immigrants are the engine of our economy in many ways. They are the ones who are working toward the American dream. They are an important driving force in our economy, always have been. It’s not right to make them into criminals when all they want to do is to make a good life for themselves and their families, as the rest of us have.

It is time we treated them with the respect they deserve.

Dear Mr. President:

We hope you’ll invite illegal residents
To come forward for identification,
Evaluation of individual situations
And for temporary residence, proper documentation.

Help them make plans for their return
To wherever it is from which they came
Recognizing that going back home
Is no cause for personal shame.

And please say you’ll devote your attention
To apprehending those spurning your invitation
Who, when ultimately identified, will be deported forthwith, period!,
Despite possible ACLU agitation.

Also say that the Federal authorities
Responsible for enforcing the law
Will have a mandate from you to get about that task–
Failure to do which has been a palpable flaw.

In addition, say that if you had your way
Not one single alien would cross our borders today
(Acknowledging, of course,
That due to circumstance, perforce
It could be some time before o’er intrusions we’ll largely gain sway).

In evaluating the foregoing suggestions
Please keep in mind that they’re predicated on an assumption
(Seemingly valid) that the nation would be well served if they’re implemented,
Resulting in sending illegals back home, and thwarting illegal entry’s resumption).

Best wishes,

P.S. If these ideas are being sent too late
For inclusion in your currently scheduled televised peroration,
Perhaps you’ll take them into account
In pursuing passage of “illegal-immigration reformation”.

I want him to talk about employment-based greencard backlog for Chinese immigrants under EB-2 and EB-3 will be removed!

Undocumented immigrants living and working in this country shouldn’t be treated as second class citizens.

People seeking the American promise and wanting a better life for their families should not have to sneak into the United States in car trunks or cargo containers.

Immigration reform should allow a legal and safe way to enter and thrive in these United States of America.

I want him to say first of all that enforcing any immigration policy is the business of the Immigration department, not the police, whose work is only hampered when people victimized by crime are afraid to give evidence for fear of drawing attention to their own immigration status. I want him to say second of all that the Immigration department is going to clean up its act–processing green-card applications with reasonable speed, ruling on sanctuary pleas without imposing political bias, taking appeals seriously. Then I want him to say that a path to citizenship must be developed for people who have given years of their honest labor and raised families here; that minimum-wage laws must be universally enforced (ending the incentive for hiring undocumented workers); and that the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause–”no state shall … deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws”–applies regardless of immigration status. Finally, I want him to say that he is committed to working with the nations to our south, and indeed with all nations, toward a more just society, where people can live and prosper in the land of their birth.

It’s time to secure our borders and keep out illegal aliens, especially those that are committing crimes. Any undocumented person in our country should be sent back to their own country.

I would like to hear the President say that immigration reform will start with the Boarders Security and as for those that are here illegally will have a chance to become citizens, give them some kind of ID so that they can obtain work, get them out into the open, this Law must be a strong one so that we will not have to go back the next few years and be on the same subject. Working people brings in revenue for the States and Federal Government. I would want him to address plainly how he intends to do this it is important that we come up with a good tight law. We can not afford to take in everybody, not that we are selfish, our Country can only support so many people.

President Obama: Mr. President. Please work with Congress to pass THE Dream Act. This will allow 65,000 graduates each year to have a pathway towards us citizenship. These children are deserving and should be rewarded for going to college or into the U.S. military. Thank you, Gloria Cardenas, Immigration Attorney.

America is a nation of immigrants ever since.People around the world choose to come here because they believe in it’s democracy,neutrality,economic stability,and most of all,equality on human rights.But today came the time that borders must be closed securely and let no more illegal entries happen again.But with the 12 million or so people that already came and most of them trying to make a decent living here,the Comprehensive Immigration Reform should be applied to them.Driving them away at this point is not a good move with regards to America’s democratic reputation.We are all citizens of the earth and America,being the No.1 nation,should show the world the example of equality and openess to the people of the world.

Legalize the Spanish, and formalize legal entry.

I really want to see and hear the President talking about a plan to fix our broken immigration system, not just how we can’t get it going because of the republicans because we know that already but a plan and strategie to make it happen, not having enough votes from Republicans didn’t stop him to make the promise during his campaign and now as President of the United States he has to make all those people work, either Republicans or Democrats they need to work for us, they didn’t get those jobs themselves, we elect them and they get pay a lot of money with our taxes either from illegal or not illegal workers so now just by saying we don’t agree and don’t do anything about doesn’t cut it, they need to get to work and Obama as our President needs to make it happen.

Until C.I.R. is passed, President Obama should direct I.C.E. to pursue an immigration policy that recognizes basic human rights, promotes family unity, and protects children now.

I expect Obama to uphold the law. Arizona did what the Federal government wouldn’t do. Send troops to the border and turn back all people trying to enter the country illegally. Those in the country illegally have until November 1st to leave, we all know that illegals are the future “democrats”. There should be no amnesty for the illegals already here. If you want to be a citizen of this country, do it the way my ancestors did. My people didn’t sneak across a border, they came through Ellis Island.

The President must – since the past-President who pushed it through has declared openly that it was a bad idea – REPEAL NAFTA.

It would be a significant improvement to the opprobrious Ashcrofting of America that characterized his more immediate predecessor’s reign if the President invoked Berlin in the 1930s and promised that the United States will never impose an internal passport on its citizens.

I would like President Obama to aprove the TPS for Guatemalan people who are sufering for a two natural desasters and they qualify for that. The Guatemalan President already sent the petition and they are waiting for the response.

I want Obama to say who are the people (or the party) blocking immigration reform from moving forward.

President Obama should stress that immigrants do not commit crimes. Also, this ia a country
of old people and we desperately need the strength and talents of immigrants.
There are no more ambitious and hardworking individuals than our immigrants
and they have the capacity to make our nation once again the most productive
in the world. We have everything to gain by accepting our neighbors to the south
and elsewhere as loyal citizens, a gift to our nation. He should also say that it is
a myth that immigrants take jobs from Americans when, in fact, they create jobs.
We need positive thinking, not ignorant hostility.

Dr. President Obama,
The reason I voted for you is because you are a Democrat. Democrats are the more likely to be compassionate. Please show your intelligence and compassion by instating a system that is just and fair, allowing the hard working poor of Central and South America to have a chance in a system that currently is prejudice towards them. These people often do not want government help or to live here forever, they just want an opportunity to work for decent pay. How do I know this? A man that I love very much was here for that very reason. Regardless of my efforts as an American citizen and although we have a child together who his father loves and wants to be a part of his life- it was not possible and he was deported. My son’s father has missed the first year of his life, as he is still in Mexico. If he were here he would just be looking for work. Please understand the current laws are bias and even as I have a lifetime living as a citizen and recieving education, the system was daunting even for me. Thank you,
Lianne Rydell

I would like President Obama to say that the time for less talk and public pandering through speeches are over. Immigration reform is something that has been utilized as a social wedge issue for decades, and all that needs to be said has been said. It is time for positive action, regardless of public opinion. Most Americans actually support a path to legalization if the borders are secured first, and enforcement of new procedures will be fair and consistent and effective. Most actually do not support a draconian solution of mass deportations of 11 million people or more. The reason the AZ law seems to have garnished a lot of support is because in the absence of federal action, the people are as frustrated as the immigrants, except with different contextual reactions. If the laws were fairly changed, the people who support immigration law enforcement would then suddenly support the new laws being enforced. Hence, the logic is a vacuum. I love hearing this President speak, but there has been enough talk, enough pandering before the November elections. There is always an election around a given corner soon enough. Just do it.

I would like the President to talk about the positive contributions of undocumented immigrants, especially in the area of food production. We can live without a college education, but we can’t live without food. I’d like him to explain to the American people how our current immigration policies have CREATED the problems we currently face. A fence (wall) does more than keep people out, it keeps them in, also. We used to have a program that allowed immigrant workers into the country to help with the seasonal harvesting of crops, then they would go back home to their families… We still need the workers to come (which is more of a security risk, having food produced here or importing all out food), but the current laws have resulted in them having to pay thousands to be snuck into the country and quite honestly, it’s just easier (and cheaper) to stay and start their families here.

I would also like him to talk about the unfairness of current immigration laws in regards to multi-national LGBT couples. The inability of LGBT couples to marry under Federal Law creates a hardship if an American citizen falls in love with someone from another country. Their only choices are often to live here in undocumented status or for the American citizen to leave the United States.

Good luck President Obama, you have a lot of educating to do to bring the American people up to speed and into the reality of the situation. The media needs to stop reporting only the negative and start showing the real contributions of undocumented immigrants. In other words, I want this country to start living in reality and not some kind of dream life.

End slavery in America. Have mexican immigrants get paid a fair wage and in good working conditions! Apologize to the mexican immigrants for the hatred,& racism they’ve faced in America.

Obama needs to talk about a path to legalization for the thousands of undocumented workers in this country. The majority of immigrants to this country are not “criminal aliens” and deserve a right to the American dream (such as it is at the present moment).

There does need to be stricter enforcement on criminal aliens and a greater check and balance system among government agencies.

President Obama needs to help out are friends( for some its family) They have been here all there life, completed all there schooling here, but they cannot become a citizen it is not their fault their parents brought them over here when they were only a few months old, they are citizens this is the only country they know this is home, why are they still not being granted their citizenship.I want to hear him say that he will grant undocumented American citizenship, and not have the process take years before they even become one if they are here working or getting a higher education, and don’t just build a gaint wall to try and keep them out build a program so we can help the people in mexico out, so that they will not have any reason to want to come here for a better life if things where better there.

I don’t want to hear any more empty pre-electoral promises. I want ACTION.

I want to hear concrete steps that shall be taken towards CIR. I want to hear a specific agenda, with dates, not grand declarations and hollow statements about the need for an immigration reform.

Millions of human beings are begging you, Mr. President, to do something to improve their lives and even the lives of the Americans who don’t approve a reform.

Mr. President, this will create a faithful generation of voters who will be forever grateful for what you did for them, their families, their towns and communities.

Please, Mr. President, ACT!

We want an immigration policy that respects the rights of all people and not a policy that allows for misuse and dispicalble treatment of people in the US illegally. We want the United States to be known as a fair country that will take the necessary measures to secure boarders and potentially deport people here illegally, but NEVER separate children from parents and never treat people as less than equal, as people who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families – deserving of respect from law enforcement as well as all fellow world neighbors.
There needs to be a path toward citizenship for those immigrants here, working, contributing, enhancing this melting pot we love so much.

I wish he would tell people that immigrants DO pay taxes, it’s called a Taxpayer ID Number. Also, how stupid it is to take away their driver’s licenses. Does anyone really think they’ll just stop driving? No, no there will just be millions of unlicensed, uninsured drivers out there. Why does nobody in power think about these things??

I want to hear Pres. Obama say that he is granting amnesty to all immigrants living in the USA.

I want to know WHY when an American citizen marries a foreign national, we have to spend SO MUCH MONEY and TIME and RESOURCES to get that person citizenship!! It’s ridiculous, and frankly I don’t have the money right now to continue to pursue this..what is President Obama going to do about US in the trenches, so to speak????

We need a comprehensive reform of the imigration system that allows for those who have contributed through work and taxes to stay and become U.S.citizens. We need to overhaul the visa system and make it easier for those from other countries wishing to immigrate legally to do so. We also need to change the guest worker system to allow workers to come to do the jobs that Americans do not want or cannot do. Finally, to become a US citizen is very costly. We need to lower those fees or substitute community service for the fees. We also need a campaign to remind all citizens that liberty and justice is for all and that their ancestors came to this country seeking their freedom and to pursue their happiness. Recent immigrants are no different. They bring with them resiliency, creativity, and new ideas which will keep this country vibrant and succesful and the envy of the world.

I would like that the president finally announces an comprehensive immigration reform and fix the immigration system..is time to fix and to react to all these anti-immigrants feelings and laws that these states are passing and to demonstrated that the federal government is the only one who makes such laws and that we need these immigrants to enrich and make us to prosper as nation and as human kind.

obama should be saying that what arizona did was illegal and unconstitutional; that the government will not accept this type of behavior from arizona nor any other state. he should be saying that what arizona’s governor and its’ residents are doing is wrong and against the law. the united states has always been made up of “immigrants” from all over the world. we are a “melting pot” which includes individuals from puerto rico, cuba, dominican republic, argentina, bolivia, chile, colombia, ecuador, paraguay, peru, uruguay, venezuela, costa rica, el salvador, guatemala, honduras, nicaragua, panama and spain. obama should be saying, “Why the big controversy with the latinos?” they are hard-working people and deserve to be in this country as much as our anglo counterparts. obama, should be saying, “I will not accept this discrimination nor should any of the people of the United States.” enough with the scapegoating and on to more important government issues and concerns which should be addressed and not ignored. lets move on and all try to live together in peace and harmony.

I seek recognition of the rights of GLBT couples to adopt the citizenship of their partner, should they commit to a legal union. Also, if the devaluation and reduction in jobs is to be blamed on immigration, then rather than build larger walls and less humane laws, we should instead help build up the infrastructure of nations whose lives and lands have been shamefully exploited by ours and other nations.
Thank you for your time, and all of your hard work.

I want the President to reinstate 245(i) for the thousands of people that are in limbo with employment or family based petitions already approved that can’t complete their adjustment of status because there is no longer 245(i). And also to pass the DREAM act. Finally, comprehensive immigration reform that is fair to all.

It’s time for congress to WORK ALL TOGETHER in this issue, it has to be done and they cant denied that, obama has to push it and push it.

I want to hear him say that families will no longer be separated by unfair laws that people been petitioned by their relatives no longer have to risk their lives going to Juarez for their interviews and that the US will work with Mexico to create jobs so people no longer have to risk their lives coming to this country in search of a better life. I want him to say that deportations of hard working people will stop and will be given a fair chance to fix their legal status

I would like to hear from President Obama about that the inmigration process will be faster than nowdays, because it’s impossible that a petition made for a permanent resident to their relatives such as: wife, husband or child takes almost 4 or 5 years. Meanwhile the families have to be separated.This is not fair.

This is what the president should say aboout immigration:

1st – define the words “illegal”, “illegal entry”, “illegal alien” and state to the American people that breaking the laws of our country is not the way to acquire anything.
2nd – State how 12-20 million illegal aliens blatantly violated our laws when they came to United States illegally. Therefore subject to heavy penalties and jail time
3rd – State how they take jobs away from hard-working legal immigrants who played by the rules and waited in line to have a chance at living the American Dream!
4th – Acknowledge how for every job an illegal alien has is a job an American doesn’t
5th – Request a change to the 14th Amendment to the Constitution so that it states that children of illegal aliens are illegal as well and subject to deportation. (End anchor babies)
6th – Pass the SAVE Act
7th – Make E-verify mandatory for all employment and school entry to include kindergarten through our highest universities
8th – Place heavy fines on those that rent, employ, or harbor illegal aliens
9th – Make illegal entry into the United States a felony
10th – Mandate the implementation of the REAL ID Act

We need to make people wish they never broke into OUR country!!!

Democrats said the Republicans are not supporting the Immigration reform; But republicans said, where is the proposal? We want to do it as well. I think the president should publicly present a document to the Republicans to be sign in support of the immigration reform and stop this political game that is only benefiting a few people.

Also, I would like to hear from the president; what is going to happen with people like me, that have been waiting for almost 10 YEARS for an immigration case resolution or simply move on to the next step. It has no logic, to grant an approval document to people but deny them the right to drive or contribute to the system. Under current laws, people on this country that has an immigration process started under the 145 law are supposed to have someone to financially support them. The question is How long the system is going to promote indigence, ignorance, laciness and vices? Since there is a legal action started for many of us, wouldn’t make sense to finish what is already started in order to move forward?

I want to hear him say he’s going to secure our borders and stop the madness of illegals entering our country bleeding our systems dry.

I want president Obama to begin a pilot program that extends the benefits of health and education to which all US Children are entitled to the 14 US Citizen Children living as “de facto deportees” in Calderas, Guatemala.
Estefani Gomez Mejía (dob 9/26/06) and the other 13 US Citizen Children born in Postville, Iowa, are the daughters and sons of workers detained on May 12, 2008 during the immigrartion raid at Agriprocessors, Inc. who were subsequently forced to leave the United States.
These14 “de facto deportees” are part of the children in Guatemala under the age of 5 who suffer from chronic under-nutrition (nearly 50 %), also known as stunting. Guatemala, the country where these 14 US Citizen Children live now, has the highest rate of chronic malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the fourth highest rate in the world. (The United Nations World Food Program.)

I want the President to say that comprehensive immigration reform is urgent and needs to acknowledge NAFTA & CAFTA’s role in creating economic refugees from Central America. We need a workers-and-families-first policy that welcomes people humanely and warmly to work in our country: a policy of readily available work visas for future immigrants and amnesty for those already here. With these policies in place, the enormous expense on militarizing our southern border will no longer be necessary, as the only people crossing the border illegally will be the drug traffickers. Illegal drug traffic can be halted by legalizing drugs and controlling them that way — putting the underground drug trade out of business.

Mr. President,

There are so many aspects of immigration reform that need to be dealt with. We have people from Mexico who have come to our country illegally many of them so destitute that they will work extremely long hours with little pay. There are also drug dealers along the border that need to be stopped. The people who’ve been here working for a wage should be given the opportunity to become citizens of this country. I think forcing them to leave knowing they have no future when the go back is wrong.

President Obama as well as the members of Congress need to understand that it’s better give an opportunity for the people are living here without proper documents because everybody will win: the American economy, that’s struggling by the way; the Security system, because will be possible to know are living inside the country; the American companies, that will count on hardworking workforce; and even the American people, because these people are living here anyway, and, of course, the Immigrants without documents. This would be better even for the Police because their agents will take care of more important business instead catch honest people.

I want to hear president Obama saying that he will honor his promise made to the Hispanic about an immigration reform. I do not want to hear his favorite excuse: I do not have 60 votes for an immigration reform because he fought bravely for the healthcare reform and at the end he did not depend on the republicans to have that reform approved. Why he does not take that chance now with the Immigration Reform? My vote will be compromised with those politicians supporting an Immigration Reform. I want to hear a president committed to fight for a promise he made during his campaign.

President Obama, I really respect you as a finest President ever in US history. I am on employment immigrant visa. I always palyed by the rule. Can you please advice when will I get my green card if CIR is initiated. I want my parents to visit me but they have been denied visas in New Delhi consulate several times. I don’t understand denying visa at the age(65 yrs-dad and 60 yrs- mom) when my parents cannot do any harm to US. This are the things that should be fixed asap, a commonsense approach. In my knowledge, we need America as much as America need good and productive immigrants. Please listen to your heart because blessings really matter. There are million of immigrants who are looking for help and outcrying and the only thing they can offer is BLESSING in case you do the right thing. There is nothing more important in this world than families getting united. PLEASE HELP…

Cristina,

I think your statement is kinda out of line and old at this moment. I don’t think the current situation makes this country “like the best place to live” or “the dream”. I am not so sure to say now that people living on this country have “better lives”, I think the reality for many is that we are here, living for such a long time (20 years for me) that now is simply unrealistic expect that moving back to a place that is no longer “home” will work.

For those law abiding permanent residents, a road to citizenship. For those here illegally who have been working and obeying the law, permanent residency. No laws shall be enacted which takes away the birth right of any individual born in the United States, whether or not they are born of illegal residents. An improved method by which American citizens wishing to marry someone of a foreign country can immigrate their spouse here. Also, granting of amnesty to those who have been here and working and not involved in illegal drug activity or crime.

A lot of people keep on saying the same thing. Go back to your country and well… I don’t agree with that. There are so many Mexican American children here who’s parents are NOT LEGAL here. Think about this…. We send there parents back to Mexico or what ever country they come from, then what? Who’s going to take care of their children?

Sending people back is the wrong decision to make. With us taking such actions like the Anti-immigrant laws from Arizona contradicts everything we are and every reason we stand for.

People come to our country to better their lives not to do the opposite. I think we should give them that chance. After all…. Those illegal aliens are human too and truthfully, these nonsense laws against hard working people that pick up our trash, cut our grass and clean our toilets and do all the jobs we don’t want to do, make absolutely no sense to me. These people do all these jobs for seriously low pay. We abuse them in so many ways and now we are making it obvious that we are spitting in their faces. That’s just wrong and I’m ashamed to call myself an American. PLEASE, GET IMMIGRATION REFORM ON IT’S WAY. PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING RIGHT NOW.

P.S.
To all you mexican people and all the illegal immigrants in this country. I am with you and I support you. I don’t stand bcaking up these laws and just know that with me, you have one more vote on your favor.

STOP TO THREAT ALL IMMIGRANTS LIKE CRIMINALS, THERE ARE SO MANY WORKING HARD FOR THIS COUNTRY,THEY DESERVE SOME RESPECT,THEY WORK IN FARMS,DOING YOUR FOOD EVERY DAY,THEY BUILD YOUR HOUSES, CLEAN YOUR HOUSES,SOME IMMIGRANTS CAME TO THIS COUNTRY WITH A VISA BUT BECAUSE THE LAWS THEY CANT RENIEW,SOME HAVE THEIR OWN BUSSINESS CREATING JOBS FOR AMERICANS TOO,WHY FOR SOME PEOPLE ITS SO HARD TO RECOGNIZE,THAT THE IMMIGRANTS ARE HELPING THE ECONOMY, JUST LOOK AROUND YOUR HOUSES CAN YOU SEE HOW MANY IN FORECLOSURE, HOW MANY BUSSINESS CLOSING, HOW MANY WAREHOUSES FOR RENT, THIS IS A SNOW BALL,JUST GROWING, THIS COUNTRY NEEDS RIGHT NOW, PEOPLE,THAT WORK HARD,AND HELP THE ECONOMY,DID YOU THINK IF YOU GIVE THIS PEOPLE NOT A GREEN CARD, BUT JUST A TEMPORARY PERMIT TO WORK,THEY CAN PAY TAXES,FINES,AND INSTEAD SEND THEIR MONEY TO ANOTHER COUNTRY,THEY CAN INVEST HERE,I CALL THIS INTELLIGENCE.THE IMMIGRANTS ARE BETWEEN 1 FIGHT FOR LATINOS VOTE IN NOVEMBER, MR.PRESIDENT YOU PROMISSE TO DO THE IMMIGRATION REFORM IN YOUR FIRST YEAR, FORGET REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS,JUST SIGN NOW A NEW LAW 245i, LIKE MR. BILL CLINTON DID IN 2001, THIS WAY YOU THE MOST POWERFULL MAN IN THIS WORLD,CAN GO TO THE HISTORY.WE WILL NEVER FORGET.GOD BLESS AMERICA.

I would like to here about immagration reform, intergration and biodiversity. Immigrants from around the world come for the same reasons U.S. citizens are here for a better living standards. America is a country that offers political freedom that are often restricted or ignored. If there were a law that gave immigrants grantinuity for legal citizenship, there would be less immigrants who are illegal. Mexicans would come to this country for better health insurance and contruction and made jobs that would pay more here. Asian immagrants would come illegaly to do underground work such as seamstrus or for technical work and for education. African immagrants come to the U.S. for better education. Eurapean immagrants come to the U.S. as second class citizens for better living condition and education. Some hoping to marry for citizenship and to intergrate with Americans to fit in society. Arizona wants to send the Mexicans back to Mexico while Mexico and Canada are good alies to the U.S. Mixicans being sent back is said as whenever there is a black riot or protest wanting to ship African Americans back to Africa as if they were not embeded into the American dream.

I would like President Obama to call for a moratorium on enforcement activities during the taking of the Census as other presidents have done before him. I would like him to strongly condemn Arizona SB1070 and any other laws that racially profile immigrants. I would like him to challenge assumptions that say immigrants are taking jobs or not paying taxes. I would like him to come out loud and clear that immigrant have and continue to make this country what it is. I would like him to support the DREAM ACT. I would like him to withdraw support and funds for 287g contracts, the Secure Communities Act and the Criminal Alien Program. I would like him to recind mandatory detention for undocumented immigrants. He must hold DHS accountable to its own performance standards with regard to detention centers. This requires congressional oversight. He should recind electronic verification for workers and focus on employers who do not follow fair labor policies or practices.

For me it will not be enough if he simply says he will support a bill from Congress or the Senate. He must show leadership and moral courage and admit that the enforcement strategies he has promoted have failed in stopping immigrants from coming but are also destroying families and communities. He should talk about the roots of migration and talk about supporting Fair Trade policies and eliminate NAFTA and CAFTA. He would regain some of my respect if he approached even one of these changes.

I would like to hear President Obama let all Americans, especially Arizona citizens know that the President and the Federal Government are in charge of laws that effect illegals of any race that are crossing our borders. Not the raciest and obvious ignorant individuals who drafted and enacted into law SB1070.Governor Brewer obvious now, “or should be”,even to the people that back her is incompetent and clueless on the illegals that are here now.Its inconceivable how anyone could be in her position and either be that ignorant or misinformed. Also the President should address the children born in the United States and the law now being proposed by State Senator Russell Pearce. The so called, “Anchor Baby” description of said document is an insult to any one who believes in America and the great country that it is.Comprehensive Immigration Reform is critical to insure that the people seeking a better life for their family and themselves are finally addressed.

I would like the President to say thank you to all the immigrants that have come to this country and helped it grow. We are a country of immigrants (some entered legally others illegally) with the exception of the native Americans. Our illegals perform jobs that I don’t see residents clamoring for despite what Enrique????? states. How many Americans are dishwashers, busboys, untrained laborers and yard workers? I live in the southwest, Arizona to be precise and am ashamed of the law passed in my state which by the way I did not vote for nor were we given the right to vote on it. Is this freedom?

The three and ten year bars should be eliminated for unlawful presence. Stop splitting up families. Individuals should be able to adjust status here in the U.S. when they are married to a USC (reinstate 245(i). Enable individuals to apply for legalization which will eventually lead to citizenship.

Time for a history lesson. Every time we in the U. S. need workers, we turn a blind greedy eye to desperate illegals. Every time we have a recession, we use institutional force to keep them out. Obama should create a legal avenue to register “guest workers” because most cannot wait the ridiculously long amount of time to go through the citizenship process. It’s unrealistic to think that folks will stop coming across the borders no matter how much force and money we throw at this roller-coaster relationship.

President Obama need to talk about LBGT binational couples.

I want President Obama to save the children and young adults that have grown in the USA from detention, incarceration and deportation and pass the DREAM act as a first, solid step on a comprehensive immigration reform overhaul.
Our communities have been devastated by the inaction of the US Congress on Immigration and the children and young people are paying a high price.
We in Arizona are in the center of it all with opportunistic politicians who are using lies and misinformation to advance on the polls without consideration for the well being of the State.
In Arizona, the undocumented population is flying in fear for the implementation of SB1070 leaving empty apartments, homes, jobs. All this will have a damaging effect in our schools, neighborhoods,and eventually, on the State budget already in the red.
Please!!!!! we need action NOW since even we citizens in the State feel threatened by the hate and policies that surround us.
Sincerely
Carmen Cornejo
http://www.dreamactaz.org
http://carmen-cornejo.blogspot.com/

Please read the new laws Russell Pearce will try to implement against children if things reaming the same:
THE NEXT OUTRAGE
If you think SB1070, the law that makes a state crime being undocumented in the State of Arizona and seeks “attrition through enforcement”, among other things is bad enough, wait to you read about what Russell Pearce is setting the stage for on next Legislative sessions. This proposals will target immigrant children as young as 5 years old:

SB2382
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/hb2382h.pdf

Summary
Dept. of Education will collect data of students enrolled in public schools and charter schools whose parents cannot provide lawful legal status.
Each Dec 15 will submit reports. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall withhold school district’s appointment of state aid if a school district does not comply. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall withhold the salary, bonus or both of any employee or school district that fails to comply.

SB2182
For the purpose of determining state aid to school districts and charter schools, the determination of Average daily attendance shall exclude children whose parents are unable to provide child’s lawful presence in the United States.

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/hb2182p.htm

The bills are technically dead but there is always the possibility of bringing them back in the next legislature (with different numbers). This is the tactic employed for parts and pieces of SB1070.

Those bills will try to challenge a Supreme Court Decision known as Plyler vs Doe.
Here is from Wikipedia:

Plyler v. Doe, 457 (1982), was a case in which the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a state statute denying funding for education to children who were illegal immigrants and simultaneously struck down a municipal school district’s attempt to charge illegal immigrants an annual $1,000 tuition fee for each undocumented student to compensate for the lost state funding[1]. The Court found that where states limit the rights afforded to people (specifically children) based on their status as aliens, this limitation must be examined under an intermediate scrutiny standard to determine whether it furthers a substantial goal of the State.
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plyler_v._Doe

Plyler vs Doe is a supreme court decision that establishes:

If the State is to deny a discrete group of innocent children the free public education that it offers to other children residing within its borders, that denial must be justified by a showing that it furthers some substantial state interest. No such showing was made here.

According to the following piece, collecting data on the students and producing reports where the cost for the state is established, would be used to justify state interest.

Anti-immigrant former Congressman Tom Tancredo writes in an article called “The Next Arizona Earthquake” the arguments anti-immigrant activist will employ to challenge Plyler vs. Doe:

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=151021

“While it is true that the 1982 Plyler decision did forbid schools from denying a public education to children who are illegal aliens, the court did not say such a denial is unconstitutional. The court merely said Texas had not proved its case that providing that education placed an undue hardship on the public treasury.
That may have been true in Texas in 1982, but is it true in Arizona in 2010? Is it true anywhere in Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado,Oklahoma, Utah or Georgia in 2010?
The only way to know the answer to that question is to first ask it. But to answer it requires asking for the school enrollment data. That’s why Russell Pearce’s SB1097 is so refreshingly revolutionary.
The Plyler decision did not forbid schools from collecting enrollment data. That is another myth promoted by the “immigrant rights” lobbyists.”

Is this really going to happen??? Not for sure. It’s a possibly scenario that we must be prepared to confront.

Stop the Mexicans coming to the USA we have to many with there gangs drugs and killing we need to put troop on the border? and let no once cross. And we don’t need a Mexican President telling us how to run our country, when he can’t even run his own country.

Just remember that evryone’s papers are in the Constitution and the bill of rights.

Just remember to make it fair and equal, the American Way

Just be our President

There are two sides to this argument. The American side and the insurrgent side.

The American side wants to see their laws obeyed and their boarders respected. This includes a “complete” lock-down of the border with national guard running the show. Then, all illegals should be rounded up and sent back home since they have no legal right to be here. The American side does not care if they are here just for work oppurtunities. The offense has already been committed and justice needs to prevail. There would be no ammnesty since 2 wrongs don’t make a right. If a person robs a store, he/she is no less guilty if they are able toleave the store and cross to the other side of the street. Further more, new rules would be inacted to make illegal aliens subject to 2-5 years of hard labor for multiple offences.

The insurrgent side can be broken down into smaller ideologies, but the core fundementals are the same for all groups in this category. The insurrgent side does not believe in borders. They have no respect for the laws that govern the civilization which in turn, grants them, by law, their constitutional right to decent. They do not believe in individual rights or responsiblity. They believe that what ever weakens the “white majority” of this country should be pursued. They believe in “social” justice unless the victim is white (if the victim is white, then he/she deserves it). They believe in redistribution of wealth, so long as that wealth comes from the white mans pocket. They advocate for any language that would divide people among cultural ideologies. For these insurrgents, the demise of the white majority is their ultimate goal and any acts that can and will subvert the established power of the white majority are to be sought after with vigilence. This includes religion, gun rights, employment oppurtunities, private property, etc. Anything that the white majority could possibly use to defend itself from the invasion of mexico or any other race/nation is subject to scruitiny under the insurrgent practise.

I came to this country with my mother and my aunt in the relocation of Jews after the Second World War, at that time there were rules that governed who could stay here and apply for citizenship. My mother was sent back to the relocation camp because she had a viral form of TB and needed treatment before she could re apply. I was left here with my Aunt. I watched her struggle while growing up and remember that she wouldn’t allow me to speak Yiddish in our aprtmnt because she said,” New Country, New Language,new life!” I am appaled by the numbers of Illegals here in Calif. I also think that we must stop using the word Immigrant in the same sentence as illegal, if one immigrates there are laws, rules., regulations and study to prepare for the new life, it is regulated that if you immigrate you intend to become a citizen who speaks English and is proud of their new nation. One who comes here illegally is breaking the law, they should be punished, expelled and returned to their nation of origin. I believe that we need desperately to stem the flow of illegals and that the use of power should not be questioned when it comes to this issue. I would also like to see President Obama address the issue of children born in this country to illegals,perhaps we should adopt the European standard and say that unless the parents become citizens their children are not intitled to any of our nations benefits, if a parent is expelled then the child should go with that parent unless a relative who is a citizen decides to adopt them

I want President Obama to talk about helping students who are in this country illegally. This students are not here to steal or bother anyone, in fact most of this students were brought to the US against their own will as children, and the only thing they want is the opportunity to succeed.

I ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHO IS BLOCKING IMMIGRATION REFORM.

I DEMAND TO KNOW BECAUSE AS SOON AS I KNOW… I WILL NO LONGER SUPPORT THEM OR VOTE ON THEIR FAVOR. WE DON’T NEED RACIST CONGRESSMEN IN OUR GOVERNMENT AND THEY ARE THE ONES WE MUST RULE OUT.

WE WANT POSITIVE PROGRESS NOT NEGATIVE AND WITH THEM BLOCKING IMMIGRATION REFORMS, THEY ARE SHOWING US HOW IGNORANT THEY TRULY ARE. MY COUNTRY, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WAS AND STILL IS ON IMMIGRANTS.

THINK ABOUT IT, IF WE WANT TO SEND THE MEXICAN OR HISPANIC PEOPLE BACK TO THEIR COUNTRY THEN WE LOOSE. WHY? THIS COUNTRY WAS MAINLY THEIRS AND WE STOLE IT FROM THEM. AND NOW WE WANT TO TAKE AWAYS THE ONLY FIGHTING CHANCE THEY HAVE TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE. THAT’S JUST STUPID.

I SUPPORT IMMIGRATION REFORM. THE HELL WITH ARIZONA AND ANY OTHER STATES THAT FOLLOWS THEIR EXAMPLE.

In reference to Arizona’s proposed law SB1070 it talks more about fining businesses and taking away their license etc than it does about the problem with the border. We have always had programs available for lettuce pickers etc and I do not see why that should stop. We need to allow people to work in this country as they allow our people to work in their country. I know real estate agents and people who have small business in the State of Sonora. I am uneasy with the State of Arizona putting the burden of detection of a person’s residency on the people who hire or house folks from overseas. This should not be a requisite to become the middle man for actions not taken by the Federal Government in this regard. The businesses and the community at large will be held for disobeying the law for an illegal being here. Our state is asking that everyone should use e-Verify (a voluntary federal agency) which is not to be used for prescreening people for employment or for housing them. The only time you are suppose to use eVerify is after the person is hired. If a person in our state finds that they hired the illegal alien the new state law requires that they be fired. The e-Verify system says you cannot fire an illegal until they check them out. This could be years. In the meantime the illegal must continue to work illegally which will make it illegal for the business owner and the business owner will end up having to track all of this data. The system will fail.

Deport the entire GOP to the middle ages.

First off, I am a 31/white male. Born and raised in South Texas. I peronally know several people brought to this country as children with nothing to return to. Many are working as slaves, much harder than those like me that were handed citizenship.

NOW IS THE TIME TO FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS MORE THAN EVER! YES NOW! DO NOTHING, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN.

Make phone calls to Republicans all over the country asking for their help and making it clear that is they do not suppoirt Immigration Reform, they willl not get your vote.

NOW IS THE TIME!

I would like to see that the people that hire illegal aliens are punished just as harshly as the Hispanics. 90% of the Mexican citizens that I meet are more human and kind, then a lot of white folks I know. People that are here working should be allowed to stay and a procedure established to make them citizens, THAT VOTE!!!

As a teacher of immigrant students I would like a path of amnesty created for all high school students who excell. I would also like a path of citizenship granted to those who were brought to this country by their parents and then came of age in this country. You just can’t send those folks back to their country of origin.

Everyone above makes excellent points:
1. Obama needs to acknowledge the illegal immigrants who ESCAPED here and are willing to pay taxes and work hard for a better lifestyle. BUT AMNESTY IS A LAST CHOICE.
3. Borders must be secured even if it is expensive. For a country so fixated on “national security” our South border sure is unwatched…
Especially if Congress decide to declare Amnesty… we gotta make sure the situation is stopped.

The United States of America needs to bring law abiding, hardworking immigrants into the light of our society and community. This country exists and thrives on immigrants. Except for native peoples of the Americas, we and our ancestors came here as “immigrants.”

1. The United States needs to create a system to allow immigrants to naturalize who can prove through work, residency and lawfulness that they have been here peacefully for X number of years.

2. The United States needs to discontinue incarcerating non-violent, non-flight risk illegal immigrants, and it needs to discontinue incarcerating non-violent non-flight risk illegal immigrant children. Moreover, it needs to discontinue incarcerating entire illegal immigrant families. Our current policy of incarceration no matter what, is huge waste of tax payers dollars and destroys human dignity.

3. The United States needs to revise it’s policy towards asylum seekers, especially of children under the age of 18 who are trying to reunite with family in the United States. No child should ever be denied the right to be with their family!

Let’s continue to embrace the dynamic creativity and contributions which evolve from honest, hard-working peoples from all over the world mixing together in our country. Let’s embrace with optimism the possibilities which come from including different people in this great land; let’s look the other way from fear and prejudices which are born of excluding people.

I would like to have the President to order more strict deportation of all illegals… To make it mandatory that every employer verify the citizenship of all who work for them,,, both full and part time and have strict penalties for those who don’t… To have SSI and welfare agencies verify all those who apply or those on assistance verify citizenship… The free ride must stop… To STOP all payments from state and federal government to illegals…

Bring our soldiers home and if they must be used to fight something,,, protect our borders…

Since it’s no secret that there are millions of illegals here, and not just hispanic, but Irish, Middle Eastern, African etc, the president needs to allow states to allow people to obtain their drivers license again. My husband had his license here in NC for 10 years and when the laws changed last year he was not able to renew his license. Now he and thousands here in NC are driving without a valid license. I still carry him on my insurance, but I’m sure many of the single people have dropped their insurance and I foresee huge problems if some changes aren’t made soon. Let’s don’t take a HUGE problem and make it worse by ignoring the facts, we need to get our head out of the sand and fix what is already done!!!!

There is no “crisis”. Right-wing 85% corporate controllers of headlines, storylines and spin in non-fictional media are all but unregulated except insofar as gross crimes are concerned. This is their story–egged on by anti-constitutional fantasist radicals in the media and political zones. The problem came about because Latin Americans refuse for pseudo-religious reasons to stop overpopulation among those least qualified to pay for or raise children–it’s the old tribal idea of producing ten children so when eight die, you’re back where you started from. By us giving these nations aid and countenance instead of requesting and informing for change, we have brought the problem on ourselves. UIn the US, nobody wants to pick crops, the mostly right-wing owners as neo-=Romans wanted an underpaid ignored slave class to do their work–and people began 75 years and more coming across the border ot do the picking because they were poor, overpopulated and desperate and had governments that had failed them too. So, how is this long-term neocon policy a “crisis”? What does bigotry have to do with thisissue? Nothing, I suggest. The identity of the agricultural and low-paying-jobs workers is irrelevant. We’d have the same problem if we neighbored Britain or Germany. If we took 70 years to solve the problem, what would be wrong with that? To get it right the elephant in the room–pseudo-religiously motivated opposition to population control, wherein someone would have one child in a lifetime with all partners unless they could supply 56% of expenses up front for a second–has to be discussed and accepted as our future policy. NOTHING else can work. They’ll go on in Latin American producing too many children, who’ll have no rights; and we’ll simply go on paying for their increasingly desperate attempts to find some work somewhere–and wealthy-corporation and corporation feeders of cult CEOs mismanaged businesses will go on committing crimes against them and us under the guise of “Bp-style irresponsible elistis’ “business as usual”.. .We unarguably need comprehensive reform–which means general recognition of the realism of those living here as proto-citizens, the ongoing threat of Latin American birth rates and pseudo-religious policy,m and our own negligence and culpability in the area of individual rights, unrealistic education and irrational policy about “migrant workers”, “guest workers”, immigrants under legal guotas and the reality of our own destroyed former constitution of individual rights–in the face of neocon postmodernism talking about public-interest lawmaking and meaning increased presidential totalitarianism. O do not envy Mr. Obama’s task; it’s one Mr. Bush utterly ignored and then when he sensibly for once tried for compromise failed to sell to his scofflaw constituency of anti-American zealots for increasingly arrogant, aggressive and militant collectivist statism. If we are not to die of Roman-style imperialism, we have to abandon supply side economic madness and return to regulation based defense of individuals’ rights against corporate, media, financial and government tyrannies.

People never thought the President would pass the Health Reform Plan, but he did.If he whole-heartedly supports Immigration Reform as he has reiterated on many occassions, then there is no-one with more power than he..so he will be able to pass it. There’s no more excuses left, this should be passed this year as he promised! If not then it is surely imminent that he has a back-up plan until it has passed and that is obviously to at least eliminate deportations for these poor families that are being torn apart as we speak..They should only have to deport criminals that have come to the U.S to cause harm to others..Surely this makes sense..!!

President Obama, please work on passing the DREAM ACT this year as a first step towards CIR. This is a great benefit to our country! I encourage you to have have congress pass the DREAM this year. These students have been waiting long enough. It’s time America takes Advantage of the great opportunities these young talented individuals have to bring to the table. You promised to have the DREAM ACT passed ASAP. please keep your promise and set these students FREE.

With Respect,
Israel from AZ

CLOSE THE BORDER AND NO Amisty!!!!We Should take some points from AZ>

I want to hear the President talk about an exact date when the bill would be prented in the senate. Its about time he complies with his campaign promise. And maybe he should take the time to help the ignorant people out there understand that this country is made up of immigrants including those who claim that we are taking away their jobs. Jobs that they themselves will not do.

i want him to address that so many americans dont realize that being married doent help there papers and that even if they try to enter our country leagle it takes years …………and even that millions of families are being torn apart because of these laws.

i would be ok if they said immigrants are never to get any goverment help untill they are citizens of this country

they must learn english

pay a fine…………….. my husband has been in mexico since aug and im ok with these rules

I would like to see the electronic ID card used with digital finger prints that will track every time that person enters or leaves our jurisdictions. We should be able to track these people and know what they are doing. Require that money made here stays here.

I’d like to see those in power stop ducking this thorny issue. It needs to be resolved so everyone (citizens, immigrants, industry, enforcement) knows what is expected of them. This aura of fear & uncertainty is unaaceptable!

I would like to have President Obama talk about SAME SEX BI NATIONAL COUPLES.There are 36,000 HOMOSEXUALS in this country that are in relationships with person from another country. We can’t sponsor our partners from outside the U.S. because we are not considered valid, we are like “legal strangers.” To get them into this country another way is almost impossible. We would like to see our President address this issue and let us know that we will be able to sponsor our partners to come here. We don’t want any special privileges. All we want is what other people already have,THE RIGHT TO BE WITH THE PERSON WE LOVE.

The ultimate cause of illegal immigration from Mexico is NAFTA. Flooding the Mexican agricultural sector with corn from the US has put Mexican farmers out of business! Desperate for money to feed their families, they come here. Withdraw from NAFTA, an international economic consortium of multi-national corporations who have NO NATION’s interests at heart needs to be disbanded, broken-up and the national economies of the US and Mexico put back together again.
Another course of action:
Stop deporting illegals, it is breaking up families. Prosecute the employers who employ illegal workers and the traffic will stop.

I would like to hear him say that he supports the DREAM Act, AgJobs, and an end to deportations, as first steps to a comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the needs of our communities, and the United States.

I want president Obama to take action and talk about all the deported parents, to do something to reunite families WE ARE US CITIZENS and we deserve the right to have a family!!! BRING MOMMY, DADDY OR BOTH OF THEM back home. Our children deserve to live with both of their parents. STOP RACISM and most of all. To let us know HOW illegal take advantage of the system becuase if you DO NOT have a valid social security number you DO NOT qualify for ANY BENEFIT!!! and a little note to those brainless people: Please we are ALL immigrants not just because you were born here you belong here. GO BACK in history and check how you came and invaded these lands!!!! You belong to OTHER countries, the United States is composed of many races and many cultures. The only owners and funders were the Indians!!! Read your history books and process some knowledge into your tiny racist brains!!!!

You know a lot of people do not even realize that their are people getting food stamps without even owning a social security number. Take back our country, enough is enough, my best friend is mexican but he pays taxes like we do because he is a citizen. These illegal immigrants are milking this country dry with FREE medical and FREE food stamps. Besides everything having to be explained in English and spanish is nuts and is wasting millions if not more dollars. When my ancestors came here from Italy, they had to learn english, it was good enough for us it should be good enough for them. And personally me and everyone I know are sick of it and promised to vote against anyone that is in office and to vote for who ever is against this, who ever they are and everyone should do the same.
VOTE THEM ALL OUT OF OFFICE AND DO IT THE NEXT TIME YOU VOTE.
TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY AND DO IT NOW
Mr. Peter Lombardo

Reform did not pass in 2007 when the economy was booming. Why would you believe it could pass now with 15 million unemployed American citizens? Many of the unemployed believe they have a legal right to the jobs being held by illegal workers. Taxpayers can not afford higher taxes to pay for adding millions of low wage earners to the new healthcare plan. The DHS has said it is NOT prepared to process millions of applications with background checks that will result from “reform”.
Reform advocates are unconcerned about the lives of taxpaying citizens. They are unconcerned that every illegal worker is violating the law intended to protect citizens. If illegal workers get reformed legal status, will they continue to work for low wages at the hardest jobs? I doubt it. Once amnesty is done, more illegal workers will come to take the jobs that legal workers are no longer satisfied with. What advantage does that give lower wage citizens and legal immigrants who want to come next?
Legal immigration needs to be fixed so that those who try to do things correctly do not have to wait years and years to get thru the process. Illegal immigrants deserve nothing. Those who bring innocent children here and bring suffering upon them, are responsible for the result.
The 9/11 attackers were illegal immigrants. Not all illegals are good people. Do you really think our inept government can weed out the bad guys from the good ones? This is not only going to affect Mexican immigrants. It will affect all nationalities. Any reform that puts law breakers on a path to citizenship is bad for this country.

1. How the boarders will be secured? Specific Plan and Timetable.
2. How the existing laws will be enforced to prevent hiring illegal persons.
3. New process for allowing illegal immigrants to obtain legal status. Temporary visa process and process for permanent visas for those wanting to live in US permanently.

This should be a comprehensive plan with specific phases and metrics to ensure that the next phase does not kick in until previous phase is fully implemented.

President Obama,
Please follow through with the promise that you made in March to put together a bi-partisan bill to pass comprehensive immigration reform. And veto the horriblw and racist SB1070 bill in Arizona. And the Dream Act needs to pass. This is an attainable task. Senator Schumer and Graham have had long enough to but together a bill. The time is NOW.
Thank you.

I want to hear President Obama talk about logical increments to real immigration reform like the DREAM Act and AgJobs.

President Obama needs to directly address the Republicans and conservative media to stop spreading lies about illegal immigrants.

Here are the true facts:

1. Most Illegals do not come here to spread crime
– As a matter of fact Hispanics in America GDP is greater than any Latin country in the world including Spain

2. Most illegals DO pay taxes
– They pay property taxes when they buy homes
– They pay sales tax when they buy goods and services
– And yes, they do pay federal income tax by using an EITN number; the same number they use when they purchase home and auto insurance

3. Illegls are NOT a drain on the economy
– Culturally Illegals from Mexico do not believe or never heard of entitlements; hence they are less likely to get on social programs (such as welfare) than white Americans
– Numerous studies have shown that Illegal Immigration has a net positive effect on the US economy
– And to reiterate, Hispanics in America GDP is greater than any Latin country in the world including Spain

v/r
gerardo

We need President Obama to help immigrants get a visa farmers are loosing their crop. immigrants are the only ones working 12 hours a day in the fields the need drivers license. he has to do something about it everyone talks about immigrants but I don’t see any white or blacks working in the fields.

I totally disagree with the President that we have to find a way to live with all the illegals here in the US. I agree with the AZ position, which has made illegal citizens in that state feel very unwelcome. They were even advised by the Mexican govt to not go into AZ – which is surely what the AZ legislators and Governor were hoping for when they approved the law. We need this approach in all border states. Go home, Illegals!

I feel bad for all of the children that were brought over, it’s not their fault!!!! They could never survive in Mexico and now they are being punished here in the USA, the kids that are 100% integrated into our society can not take drivers ed and get a drivers permit because they have no social security number. They are also being charged outrageous fees if they want to attend college. Please fix this problem for the innocent children!!

I think President Obama should confront the leaders and people who say no other reform should happen until our borders are secured. I would like to hear him say that our current immigration system is definitely causing security risks for the United States but that the greatest dangers are not at the border, coming from outside our country, but are coming from what is happening within.

He should point out that when the enforcement of U.S. laws allows the human rights and dignity of any person or groups of people to be violated then the rights of all are in danger.

He should say there is danger to the security of our neighborhoods when millions of people are forced to live in the shadows, afraid to report crimes and abuses. Our communities are at risk when Homeland Security agents are encouraged to meet deportation quotas instead of focusing their efforts on catching violent felons, gang leaders, and people involved in the drug trade and human trafficking.

There is danger to the security and stability of our families when single parents are left to provide for their children alone and when children lose the care and guidance of a parent or parents.

There is danger to the security of our country of united states when states are forced to enact their own immigration laws because this issue has not been dealt with on the federal level.

There is danger to the security of our economic system when workforce visas are not adequate and do not meet the needs of employers here. There is danger to the security of all workers in the U.S. when employers can get away with allowing unsafe working conditions and paying low wages, or not paying what is due, because they are allowed to exploit immigrants.

Perhaps one of the greatest dangers is to the security of the soul of our nation which is being threatened by the growing racism, fear, division, inequality and hatred taking place as this debate is allowed to linger.
Our current immigration system has wounded our nation. Securing our borders first instead of tackling comprehensive reform will be like sealing the wound from outside infection without cleaning the wound, allowing it to fester under the seal. President Obama needs to tell the members of Congress that securing the borders without addressing the security risks that exists in our neighborhoods, families, workplaces, and homes is unacceptable.

I WANT HIM TO SAY THAT THE UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS CAN STAY AS LONG AS THEY PAY A FINE AND GO TO SCHOOL. THAT IS ALL IMMIGRANTS WANT, THE MAJORITY THEM ARE HARD-WORKING PEOPLE IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS AND WE SHOULD HEAR THEIR CRIES TO BECOME AMERICANS. AMERICA WAS CREATED BY HARD WORKING IMMIGRANTS ESCAPING TRYANNY WHY SHOULD WE CHANGE OUR POLICIES NOW?

I would like the President to speak to the difference between illegal aliens and immigrants. There is no such thing as an illegal immigrant. By allowing illegal ailens to stay the President would be saying, it’s OK to break our laws, we don’t take them that serious. I don’t care where illegal aliens are from, they should be deported. And please don’t tell me we can’t because Hoover, Truman and Eisenhower deported millions each. If they have had children here, the children can keep their American citizenship and come back when they are of legal age, if they want to.

I am not trying to be heartless, I know it is difficult for some of these people in their own country. Our immigration laws, as I understand them, give people a fair opportunity to come to this country so why not just inforce the laws we have. We have provisions for cases where their lives will be in danger. Very few other countries would allow this to go on as long as it has and those that have our strenthening their laws.

By allowing illegal aliens to stay Mr. President, you will be slapping immigrants in the face that play by the rules and came here legally. You will be making a mockery out of our legal and immigration systems. America, as I know you know, has always been generous country when it comes to immigration, we are also a nation of laws. Reagen try amnesty and all that did was open the flood gates for more illegal immigration.

If lives are in danger then give the illegal alien a pass, but if not, do not.

Oh yes, I want to say I voted for the President and I support him but if he gives a pass to all illegals or even awards them with a pass to citizenship, we will part company on this issue. I am NOT in any stretch of the immagination a Republican or a right-wing nut. I believe in our Country and her laws. You can’t pick and chose which laws you will obey. Thank you.

I would like to see the laws strengthened with stiffer penalties for the employers that hire them. Start impounding property and jailing the offenders. If the jobs aren’t here for them they will quit coming.

I hear stories of people who are in the US illegally since childhood who have been educated through high school, college, graduate schools and are obviously as much a contributor to this country as any citizen. I have worked moving irrigation pipe in the Salinas Valley alongside illegals and know they are good hardworking people with stronger values than my own! They work to help their families in their home country at great personal cost. I know the incentives are strong to be in the US against the odds and the law. I would suggest:
1. A dignified and speedy path to citizen ship to those who have shown they love this country (the students, the artists, the folks who clearly contribute)
2. Prosecute those who lure illegals to this country. That includes enforcing the laws we already have that require employers to verify immigration status (eVerify).
3. Acknowledge that our own citizens are not motivated to take the work that illegals do – move to change that. Every job in the US ought to be taken by a citizen. Find out why not.
4. Make large corporations pay a living wage and pay their taxes! Close loopholes that allow these “entities” avoid doing their part for this country
5. A path to citizenship for the undocumented, and end to discrimination against “those who do not look (or act, or speak, or pray, or whatever) like us. We must show moral leadership.
Good luck Mr President! I’ll be watching and – always – am behind you and your great leadership.

The president has got to have a comprehensive plan of action that includes border security, a way to deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants already here, and measures to stop local businesses from hiring undocumented immigrants as cheap labor. And the federal government has to tackle this issue, or at least begin the process of doing so, before more state and local governments are forced to. The government has to also know that this is a delicate issue and that extreme solutions are not the way to go about solving it.

I believe,that we should have immigration reform,all illegals from all over the world that are in this country need to become legal,this would take the weight off the backs of
Americans who pay Federal & state taxes,county taxes for schools,property etc.,illegal immigrants pay no taxes,get food stamps,free medical etc. and keep their full pay to spend or send it out of the country in tern doesnot help our economy. they do not go to war and die to protect our nation,thank you, luis f. sanchez/Gunny sgt. Retired

I am a mother of 2 US-citizen children and I had to bring my 2 US-citizen children back to my homeland where they don’t belong and don’t fit in.We are waiting patiently to bring our children back to the USA where they belong. We just want a chance to live and work in the USA to give our children a better education and better life. We have no criminal record, always paid our taxes on time and are hardworking people. So all we are asking is to give parents like us a chance to live and work in the USA to give our children a better life.
Thank you Mr. President for this opportunity

Our president should talk about those who are trying to have the Nation see the immigrants, in fact the Latino Population as the Illegal, this is not about your status it’s about your race, the hate us, they hate the President and disrespected him because of his race, those raicist that see how the Latin America population it’s growing and they are attempting to stop it in any possible way, but they just can go against those that they call illegals, but they are acctually against our race ,those movements from the Republican Party like the Tea Party, whom are in Totally opposition with the President not matter what he does even if it’s right and good for the country, those that opposed our first Latin American nominated to be at the Supreme Court, those in favor of the racist Arizona Law, those that are aginst the immigration Reform, those against the Dream Act, Latinos must support our President, we must support the Democartic Party, and we must support The Immigration Reform , because it’s a question

What is he going to do with the 12 million of undocumented and in what period of time. Also to acknowledge that we all pay taxes because the IRS do not ask us for a green card or e-verify us to get our money, and that is alright with me and probably the others 12 million, but it looks like there are some ignorant people on the matter that don’t have a clue how the system works. So if you are getting all moral and rightfulness on us, why you are taking our money if you don’t want us here, not to mention the Social Security. And to add to the little or no knowledge on the matter,we are not allow to get no child credit or anything like that because we don’t have a green card, not that we need it anyway.
What is different from black people in the sixties, they were not wanted because they were black and they don’t want us because our names or color skin or accent. That’s all there is to it.
I would like to hear him saying that he has a plan for us, not that he is waiting on other politician to develop one, I would like to hear him saying that he is going to do everything possible to pass an Immigration Reform like he did it with the Health Care Reform, that he will act like the leader he says he is because that is the right thing to do.

My Husband is an American Citizen and a Native American as well , we meet in the border where I was Born and fall for eachother. I used to have a visa as tourist but after september 11 Its been so difficult to get it again. We got married 4 years ago , we couldn’t wait on Laws in order to keep going with our lives. We have now a beautiful Daughther . I am Ilegal and I wish I wouldn’t have to live with fear all the time and I wish I could have a regular job to give my daughther a better education . Its been hard in this difficult times , I waish I could help my husband and we can work toghether as a family to improve our lives. I do not consider myself a criminal. I love this country and freedom. I think a lot of families suffer just the way we do , I wish that wouldnt have to be that way. I wish we could all work toghether as a nation with out differences in race , religion or anything and remind to the world why this is the best country to be.
I WANT PRESIDENT OBAMA TO TELL ME WHEN I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO LIVE HAPPY WITH MY FAMILY , WHEN I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A JOB AND DONT STRUGGLE EVERY MONTH , I WANT TO KNOW WHEN I AM GOING TO STOP WALKING ON FEAR AND FEEL FREE TO DRIVE MY DAUGHTHER TO THE PARK?
OR SHOULD I GO BACK TO MY COUNTRY AND DISTROYED A LOVING FAMILY STEELING MY DAUGHTHER THE RIGHT TO HAVE ONE?
LIVE IN A COUNTRY WERE WE CAN DIE ?
TAKE HER RIGHTS AWAY OF A BETTER EDUCATION AND GROW HAPPY WITHOUT VIOLENCE?
HOW IRRESPONSABLE WOULD BE TO DO THAT TO A GIRL WHO DESERVES A FAMILY AND GOOD EDUCATION?
I WANT TO KNOW WHEN?

I would like to hear the President connect the current unjust immigration laws to the unjust laws that kept African American’s segregated and disenfranchised for so many years. He needs to connect the dots for the American people and shift the debate from one of legality (they broke the law by coming here/staying here) to one of morality. He also needs to to connect with the people in an emotional way. Opponents of immigration reform are playing the fear card and making a strong emotional connection.

But most of all, I want to hear the President say that he is going to stop the raids and deportations that continue to tear over 1000 families apart every day in this country.

Do a better job of tracking the students who come here on a visa and then drop the classes and never go home. The colleges should be required to inform ICE every time a student drops classes that void their student visas.

i want to hear him say im putting up the fence and hunting down all the illegels and sending them home with there babies!!

Simply, Obama must address the issue by putting together comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the causes of immigration and not the symptoms and that puts human rights and international law above all other considerations.

I would like to know whether SB1070 will be challenged by the federal government and whether he will fight to keep other states from enacting such a law. I would like to know the specifics of his immigration reform plan and how he will garner support for it.

I say send them all back from where they came from..We have way too many here already..This country will function fine without them sucking the life blood out of her.I am sick of paying out for them while the Grandma’s have to suffer and do without.This is sick.

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Dear Mr. President,
I hope you get to read this.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

Mr. President I thank you for recognizing the urgency to address the Immigration Reform. Yes, we need to secure our borders and protect the United States from the violence of the drug cartels and terrorists. Sending the National Guard and other military personnel to the border is a good idea. However, we all know that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. have nothing to do with this. Now is the time to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform. This includes providing a path to citizenship for those immigrants who have deep ties to the U.S.; who pass criminal background checks, pay a (substantial) fine, pay taxes, contribute to our society, and all those other steps listed in the Bills waiting to be passed. Please, especially address family immigration. I support you because I believe you want to create positive change. I’m a US Citizen but I know by experience with my relatives and I see many people and family members who left their roots behind, believing in a dream. They left their loved ones behind. Some of them died during this time. And all others have changed and even forgotten our existence. So our roots became part of this soil.

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Their dream was to come to this country and succeed, but in our mind the re-encounter never faded. They have been living here for long time, working and doing an honest and decent way of survival under fear and struggle, paying dues. Indeed, they’ve been contributing with this society.
They wish they could to fix it, but the system have not accepted our pledge, because we are unfit under their terms. If I remember correctly this country was ours. It doesn’t matter if it was won in a battle or by mistake or taken advantage of. But we belong here. Although we still believe in this country’s freedom and democracy. That’s why we want to stay, teach our children to fight for your right, for a better life for our family.
We need a SOLUTION!!! We get a reform now, today, yesterday. People have the right to know where were they standing at … I mean: We live in the USA, paid taxes do what we got to do to put a food in our tables like everybody else, life is not easy and is getting worse because all the laws they trying to put against Latinos. Call it what you want Hatred, Racism, or just plain Mean to Human beings. We need to remember God created this world out of LOVE and we need to follow the First Laws of the land the TEN Commandments. Yes, I understand that each country has its own laws and we need to abide by them. But they have to understand that we are human beings and are here for our families, if our country created good jobs and a stable life for our families we wouldn’t be here. We came here for the American Dream for a better life for us & our people. I suggest if necessary stop the deportation handle it different, we need an Immigration Reform, and Amnesty reform,

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Maybe create a system to tell all Immigrants it’s ok to come in assure them there safety. ID every one, Fingerprint them, Give them rights to get Drivers License, Tax ID numbers to report Taxes. Provide with the opportunity for a legal life. Of course I say deport the ones that have committed crimes as punishment ban them from our country. Apply penalties, jail them if necessary. But don’t punish the good people, the hard workers. It’s ashamed that all American people don’t want to do hard working jobs. As long as our people have jobs we’re happy. We do all jobs in this country no one else wants to do. Who do you think rebuilt Louisiana, the aftermath of IKE? See for yourself, for example: Landscapers, Restaurants, all cooks, kitchen help, waiters, dishwashers, roofers, fence installers, electricians, plumbers, house cleaners, babysitters etc… the list goes on and on.
Mr. President we don’t want to be totally free we just want the system to treat us fair, with respect so we can live and continue our journey in this world. We are here for a reason and for a short period of time we need to survive, be happy, and educate our family and children. We need more LOVE, Compassion, acceptance of who we are. I’m glad I’m a Mexican American Citizen and I want to help create a better world for my family, children and grandchildren. Please make it happen. We’ll support you all the way. Thank you for listening to our thoughts and believes. God Bless you and help you make a right decision!!!!!!

THE END…………………….

These folks need to come out of the woodwork! I hope the President is able to commit to his campaign commitments with immigration.

However, I am in strong in favor of changing the policy that if you are not a US citizen and you are pregnant and your child is born here, that that child DOES NOT automaticly become a US citizen.

I think that this in it’s self would be a big deterrent for illegal immigration and would save the states a lot of money.

As elections come closer, I hope the NO party and the Yes party have the balls to do their job rather than wait to see if they can become re elected.

Mr. President, please work with Congress on creating efficient and permanent work placement programs inside of other countries and with American companies and organizations that help organize foreign workers before they enter the United States. This will solve many problems from insuring that foreign workers and U.S. citizens are protected from illegal activities to securing our border and to expanding our tax base.

Secondly, improve the processes by which foreign aliens with student or employment visas can become permanent citizens.

Lastly, intervene against rogue states like Arizona from implementing racist laws that contribute to immigration problems rather than resolve them.

Me gustaria que el Presidente Obama aclare una fecha del comienzo del debate por la reforma migratoria y que realmente este dispuesto a todo por lograrla, buscando todo el apoyo posible; asi como tenemos esperanza en el, tambien podemos hacer lo que nos pidan como apoyo a él.

I would like to hear the president say he IS securing our borders. I want to see the entire border made safe from people being able to immigrate illegally to our country. I want to see all illegal immigrants deported back to their country. I want to see it made a felony to enter our country illegally. I want to see our country stop allowing illegal immigrants to obtain food stamps, medical and all the government benefits that encourage them to come here in the first place. I want the President to do these things so that we can have America back. So much money is lost from our economy by the amount of money sent back to Mexico. I want their to be no anchor babies. Our President needs to stand up for our security. Our borders are a joke. We are an open invite for and uprising or take over. END OF SUBJECT OPEN YOUR EYES.

Let’s stop making empty promises. There are many undocumented persons in this country who came here, not to plot against the US but to try to make a living to sustain their families back in their countries. Let’s stop separating American born children from their undocumented foreign parents because this is about as inhumane as you can get! Makes me think about what we did to many Japanese-Americans in the 40’s. This is a country of freedom for all people, not just for a few. Let’s work together to put immigration reform to rest and make it work for the betterment of this country and those poor people who happen to be undocumented. What has happened is that we, by not acting on Immigration Reform, have created a environment of hate toward the undocumented. Yes, those who commit crimes against this country should be deported immediately, no question there. But to subject hard working, honest and loyal people to the same criteria as we do the drug lords, is just not justice. Please President Obama, I voted for you because I believed that you were a man of your word and would not back down on your commitments you made during your campaigning. Let’s focus on more pressing issues such as the economy, Gulf spill, health care, etc. Thank you.

Dear President Obama,

This is a country developed by immigrants from all over the world. America remains the place today where people believe their dreams of a better life will come true. Where else in the world can this happen?

It is time to accept the law abiding illegal immigrants into our country with a fair path to citizenship. Many pay taxes and take jobs no one else will take. They are hard working people. Please do not allow them to live in fear anymore. They need our help, and especially yours. Thank you for all you do.

First of all, I think it’s important to state that I have no self-interest in what I am about to say. I am a 38 year old white female originally from southern California now living in Washington.

However, I think it is extemely important that Obama grants all non-criminal illegal immigrants immediate amnesty to protect against laws like the one Arizona recently passed. We cannot tolerate racial profiling in this country. Illegal immigrants work harder than any American citizen, believe me. They receive no benefits, little pay, and sometimes even no pay as they are often taken advantage of by the same people who are screaming to deport them. They are used and then thrown away like trash and this has to stop. They are human beings like the rest of us. All of us, save the Native Americans were once illegal immigrants, don’t forget that.

Let’s face it, some illegal immigrants do commit crimes. Those who do don’t deserve a place in this country, especially if the crime was a violent one. But most illegals just want to work so they come here from a country that has had over five million jobs stolen from them by…Americans. Yes, NAFTA has screwed over the Mexican job market and economy. I feel we as Americans need to step to the plate and remedy that. We complain when companies outsource jobs to other countries, so why is it okay when we take jobs from others? It is not. We need to take responsibility for our actions and realize part of the problem lies with us.

Illegals may be working here, but what jobs are they taking from us? How many American citizens do you personally know who are willing to work 10-12 hour days for $40 a day? How many are willing to stand on a street corner at 3:30am in the hope that they might find work? How many would put up with doing a whole day’s work only to be told they aren’t getting paid? And how many would be quilting to do backbreaking labor by picking the fruits and vegetables we Americans put on our tables? Not many, I assure you. So where are illegals stealing our jobs, I ask you? How many illegals do you know who are competing with you for that job as a salesman, a computer programmer, an accountant, a doctor, etc.? None.

And yes, illegals do receive some free healthcare. By making them legal and able to work and pay taxes, that will change. These people want to work. They are willing to pay taxes. Illegals don’t come here to purposely work under the table to avoid taxes. They come here to work, period. If they could get a job legitimately, they would. What would you have people do – turn them away and let them suffer and die? What about their children? What kind of inhumane monster does it make you if you say “yes”? Doctors are bound to the hyppocratic oath. First, do no harm. That includes not standing by and letting someone suffer or die.

Immediate amnesty for all non-criminal offenders is the only way to end this madness. If you wait until the lawmaking system finally works, it will be too late and many more will have been deported and separated from their families. We cannot continue down this path, for if we do, what does it say about us as human beings?

Obama needs to say that all borders need to be abolished, freedom for everyone to move where they want to be. Won’t happen, but it needs to.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the current immigration system is the ways in which it tears apart families. I want to hear that any reform will do its best to keep families together and reunite families that have been separated. We can’t have a humane and dignified immigration system premised on tearing families apart. Just as families are at the center of just and stable societies, families also need to be at the center of a just and stable immigration system.

We need Amnesty again for recent immigrants; it’s our Manifest Destiny.

It’s sad to read the statements of sellouts & racists; shame on you!

Mr. President Obama,

Please share the information below with the country.

The illegal immigration debate is actually not a debate. It’s a straight up power play. The so-called debate would be more accurately described as a largely one-sided affair, an extended xenophobic rant. That’s what it is. And the people responsible for this are members of the ruling class of American society, or those who for whatever reason align themselves with ruling class interests. These people want to monopolize the definition of American identity; they want to be the ones who decide who is a ‘real American’ and who is not – “I’m an authentic American, you’re not. So get out, stop ruining my country” and so on.

It’s true that changing governmental policies towards immigration could have a significant impact on the economy. No one denies this. But it’s also quite obvious that there are many, many other ways, and more profound ways, to transform the national economy. So why has illegal immigration been made the ‘hot topic’ right now? Well, it’s because it is a very convenient way for the people who control public discourse to merge two things – on one hand we have ordinary working people feeling incredibly insecure and uncertain about the future, a situation really only made worse by the increasing concentration of wealth, and resources, and power into the hands of the already wealthy; you know, this is what you get under predatory capitalism. On the other hand we have these very effective tools for controlling public opinion – racism, scapegoating, manipulation of data for the purpose of fear mongering. So the illegal immigration debate is the bringing of these two things together. Americans are being told that we are in danger of losing not only our jobs, but we’re also in danger of losing our language, losing our culture, our security, everything. And it’s all the fault of these people who are ‘not us’. They are the Other, and we should be fearful of them. We need to protect ourselves, our country, against them, the aliens. Right? So this is the identity aspect that I was talking about.

It’s an act of misdirection. You get your average American workers all riled up that their jobs are being ’stolen’ by these illegal immigrants. Supposedly these illegal immigrants are sucking the profits from our economy, they must be getting very, very rich. Of course this is absurd. There are profits, but the big profits are not going to illegal immigrants okay? And they’re also not going to the middle class. In actuality a disproportionate amount of the nation’s wealth is being systematically funneled towards the pockets of the richest of the rich. Even conservative economists agree on this.

But you know, these self-appointed watchdogs of Americanism, they’ve actually been very successful in whipping up popular animosity towards these so-called ‘illegal aliens’. If you think about it, what they’ve been able to achieve is actually quite remarkable – they’ve basically taken a group of people from tremendously impoverished places, living extremely difficult lives, and they’ve successfully branded them as a bunch of criminal opportunists hell-bent at exploiting America’s generosity. Which is, of course, totally ironic since First World exploitation of the Third World has historically been the driving force behind creating that poverty they’re trying to escape in the first place. The lack of awareness or compassion is extraordinary.

There are two major players in the current situation. In the first group of course there are those people who are currently being labeled illegal immigrants. Most of them are recent immigrants, most notably from Mexico.

The second group are also immigrants, but they are immigrants who have been here longer, maybe a hundred years or maybe even going all the way back to the Mayflower or something like that.

And actually there’s actually a third group, a forgotten group that’s been made practically invisible over the past two hundred or so years, and that’s the original Native inhabitants of these lands. But of course they’re never mentioned because supposedly they are irrelevant to the discussion.

Let’s approach this historically. The first colonial settlements were established in the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries. The people who settled these colonies were from Europe… um, plus their slaves. The definition of immigrant is “a person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another” (The American Heritage Dictionary). People that are conservatives, unless they are Native American, they are immigrants. They may have been here for a while, long enough to put themselves into positions of privilege, but they are the descendants of immigrants. The irony of immigrants calling for the deportation of other immigrants seems to be lost on everyone.

This is a small history of the United States in two minutes. The United States started out as a colony, everybody knows this. The people who came here to settle, they were from Europe. This is settler colonialism. For Native people the results were catastrophic. What happened to their land? Well, the settlers bought some of it, or simply killed them so that they could take it, or forcibly drove them off their land – I don’t need to tell you this, I know you’ve studied this yourself. The information is there for anybody who wants to know and who has the stomach to read it. The bottom line is that there was a tremendous amount of lands illegally seized from Native people. And the occupation of these lands taken by settlers – or immigrants if you prefer – continues to this day. Much of what is commonly referred to as the United States is in fact an illegal occupation of Native lands. In other words, America is filled with illegal immigrants, and we’re not even talking about Mexicans.

This is not a perspective you hear on television.

Of course not, there’s no reason why the mainstream media would want to discuss this issue from this perspective. America is not interested in committing national suicide.

Now these settlers, in the process of destroying or displacing the hundreds of native nations that filled North America, they created a new country, the United States of America, right? Well two hundred plus years later the United States is the most powerful country in the world and the settlers who built this country are now established, they’ve created positions of privilege for themselves, and they exercise some of this privilege by labeling some of the more recent immigrants ‘illegal’. You know, we act like the laws that sort immigrants into legal- or illegal-types dropped out of the sky directly from god. Of course not, laws are made and enforced by the dominant group in a society, generally to benefit… themselves! Just like how you can put millions of black people in jail by creating a ‘War on Drugs’ or terrorize entire nations by inventing a so-called ‘War on Terror’, you can attack people by making them ‘illegal’. You demonize them, you attribute every social ill you can think of to their presence. And what I’m saying is that this is hypocritical because in the case of the United States, the dominant settler group who’s acting all bent out of shape over what to do with all these illegal immigrants, they have yet to acknowledge their own status as settlers, their own status as illegal immigrants.

‘Immigrant’ is a code word. As far as I’m concerned it’s a euphemism for the word ’settler’. People don’t like to say settler because then it makes them think of settler colonialism. And of course once you start talking about how settler colonialism works, you very quickly start questioning the legitimacy of a nation founded on the exploitation of Native land. You start looking at the historical and moral ramifications of a nation who’s very existence would be impossible had it not been for 500 years of genocide against Native people. That’s why people like the word ‘immigrant’ instead of ’settler’. Apparently thinking about genocide and stealing makes people feel bad.

‘Illegal immigrants’ are settlers. And the people going on and on about the immigration crisis – whether they’re white, or black, or brown, or whatever – unless they’re Native American they’re settlers too.

a non-profit organization
http://pinkyshow.org/archives/episodes/071018/071018_credits.html

Please!! That he is going foward with comprehensive immigration reform right away. That he is not going to tolerate blatant hate disguised as enforcing already existing laws because the laws are going to change. That American family homes with mixed citizenship will soon be able to live in peace rather than in some type of fear or lack of hope for the future. That students finishing high school will soon be able to continue their studies,and that those who finished high school years ago can also go back and study because we want to keep the talent in this country. And anything else he can say to give real hope.

MR. President forget Arizona Law,just sign a new LAW 245i

I’d like to hear proposals for a clear path to citizenship for undocumented workers and also mention of the 5 myths about immigration.

President Obama should be the first politician in American history to have an honest discussion about how immigrants affect our economy. The following should be said out loud: IF we round up every illegal alien in our country and deport them (which we can do), the cost will run into the hundreds of billions of dollars. In addition to the costs of apprehending and deporting them, the price of EVERYTHING will subsequently rise: the cost of food, the cost of housing, the cost of clothing, you name it–it will all go up because the low prices we currently have are founded almost entirely on the widespread availability of very cheap labor, i.e. immigrant labor. It is true that Americans turn up their noses at many jobs that are currently done by illegal immigrants, but not because they hate those jobs–Americans will do those jobs, and gladly, just not for $2.50 an hour. This is our trade-off. If we make a way for all of the currently illegal immigrants to become legal to work but not legal citizens, we can continue to exploit (yes, exploit) them for the low wages that are illegal to pay to American citizens. If we choose this option, however, we would have to give up several cherished illusions about what kind of country we are. If we make them legal citizens, we can’t pay them $2.50 an hour because that’s against the law. If we deport them all, the cost of rounding them up and deporting them, added to the rising prices for everything, will have most Americans squealing like pigs in the slaughterhouse. Those are your choices–you decide, and then call your congress person.

I would like him to say he is definitely going to pass immigration reform this year, and make one of the top priorities be keeping families together. So many families are torn apart because of our unfair immigration policies, including mine. It is heartbreaking and life changing for so many individuals. Grant amnesty for those already here, and reunite families that have been torn apart, and pass the DREAM act. Kids who were forced to come here before they were adults should not be punished or live in fear. It’s not their fault. After this is taken care of, make border patrol a top priority because this is also very important as well. Most people probably don’t realize that there are terrorists going to Mexico and paying the Mexicans a lot of money to be taught Spanish and how to act like a Mexican so they can cross the border.. Which is easily overlooked because of their similar color of skin. This is scary for the U.S. Yes, we need to keep the terrorists out, but not by punishing people who only wish to better their lives and tear families apart..

There needs to be not one but several legal paths to citizenship, tailored to different situations. For instance, the person who was brought in as a child and raised and schooled completely in US culture and who may have no foreign home to return to should go to the head of the list of those with an easy and favorable path. Those who, though illegal, have paid in their taxes for years (to a phoney soc sec no., but the government takes it anyway!) also need to have that fact taken into consideration. Length of residence, length of employment, ties to their community and local family – all these should count for something – even if some penalties are assessed.

Just as there should be diverse paths to citizenship matching the diversity of situations, there should be diverse paths to deportation. The cooperation of the countries of origin will be needed here, so this becomes a foreign policy area, but one that might well repay serious negotiation. Recent illegals with little acculturation and few skills to offer present themselves as the easiest to put on the bus; but even in their case, I would urge humane treatment. Many get seduced by unscrupulous coyotes or are fleeing desperately poor home situations.

Meanwhile, the last thing we need to waste more money on are ineffective fences, ditches, and border patrols. The “border” that needs to be defended is not a geographical line but rather all the employers and workplaces that don’t check documentation adequately or, worse, are conspiring to import illegals and then trap them in low-wage semi-servitude. Rather than treating illegal entry as the serious crime, human trafficking laws need to be refined and their enforcement stepped up.

I want President Obama to take care of undocumented Americans out of shadows.To help these poeple as they have suffered enough and deserve a chance in this country.This country does not function without immigrants.

I would like to have President Obama challenge SB1070 and prevent other states from such policies. I would like to have a clear understanding of the process of how illegal immigrants can get a legal status as right now it is so complicated, costly, and basically non-existant. I would also like to hear that our country will give amnesty to those immigrants who have been otherwise law abiding and in this country for x number of years. I would like to hear that our country will uphold HUMAN RIGHTS and protect immigrants from unlawful racial profiling, beatings, discrimination, beatings, even from police officials.

Go foward with Comprehensive Immigration Reform As Soon As Possible. and stop racism in America.

Our country was built on the sweat and hard work of immigrants. However, there was (and still is) a process for becoming an American Citizen. The folks who are here illegally should be held accountable for their actions. Condoning illegal entry across our borders only encourages more of the same. Our Federal Government is getting so involved in controlling social issues and delving into areas where they DON’T belong, that we have lost control of “providing for the common defense”. Get our borders secured, before its too late! Ya wanna create jobs, do it by adding personnel to tightening border security.

I would love nothing more than to hear him commit to passing “The Dream Act”

Here are some quotes from Joseph Goebbels (Hitler’s propaganda Guru):
“Propaganda must label events and people with distinctive phrases or slogans. ” (i.e. “illegal is cime”)
“To be perceived, propaganda must evoke the interest of an audience and must be transmitted through an attention-getting communications medium. with distinctive phrases or slogans. ” (i.e. “illegals take Americans’ jobs” – this statement, by the way, is preposterous and has been repeteadly proven wrong by research)
“Propaganda must facilitate the displacement of aggression by specifying the targets for hatred. ” (i.e. “all illegals are Hispanics”)
“Credibility alone must determine whether propaganda output should be true or false.” (i.e. “all illegal workers are drug mules”)
Ring any bells? Some of the postings on this blog reflect a political position to systematically dehumanize and criminalize the members of an entire ethnic group, in order to justify a de-facto policy of ethnic cleansing as the “law of the land”. This, make no mistake, would be a crime against Humanity. It would cast a shadow of shame on America, and most likely bring about chaos. Remember the Nazis?? Please, heed the voices of History and Reason before you listen to the venemous rethoric of the hate-mongers.

I would also add to help adult immigrants who came here as children, are educated, and have broken no laws, to have a legal status and become productful ciitizens of the US. Pass reform laws to clearly limit the number of immigrants from all countries, while giving them clear, defined ways to come to America legally.

I’d like to hear the President say that comprehensive immigration reform will include ALL families, including LGBT families, and will include the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). My partner and I have paid thousands of dollars in legal fees for temporary visas. All we want is to be treated the same and to have permanency here in the US, our home. PLEASE President Obama, make sure comprehensive immigration reform is truly comprehensive and includes ALL FAMILIES!

I would like to hear him read Emma Lazurus’ poem “The New Colossus” written in 1883 for the Statue of Liberty.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed sunset-gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon hand
Glows world-wide welcome, her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she.
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore;
Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

What I would like to see President Obama do, is simple, “what he always does”. In saying that I mean look at the entire picture, seperate the good from the bad, rich from the poor, criminals from those who are honest and kind, and then go to work on how to clean up George Bush’ mess. Going back to the 2000’s I remember the speeches George Bush gave on “come on down” and they came by the 100,000’s. He opened the gates, they were everyones friend, mostly because they were needed by the wealthy to do the dirty work and only pay them pennies on the dollar. Yes people it happened and many, many wealthy people used them terribly. If we really want to clean up immigration all we have to do is send the Army, Navy, Marines and the Air Force over to Mexico for about a month and get rid of the Cartel’s. The people rushing to America simply want something for their children, just like we do. But it’s not there because of the corruption and horror that is prevelent. How frightening to be a good soldier, police officer, etc. and wake up to a bunch of hooded guys carrying out one of your kids because they have a job for you to do and if you don’t do it, they cut your kids head off. Think about it. They need our help and they only want a better life for their families. Who hires them, well not the poor guy, not the unemployed guy, not the charities, or churches, etc…….. but the RICH GUY. That is the entire problem. They were invited in the 2000-2008’s, now the politics changed and suddenly they are the bad guys and its Obama’s fault. Ridiculous. Clean up the drugs and the problem ends. They would be grateful and happy to go home. No matter what we call ourselves, the color of our skin, the language we speak or the church we attend, we all bleed RED and we are all GOD’S CHILDREN, no matter what! May there be peace on earth and let begin with ME. Our President will do the right thing and God Bless America for that.

President Obama needs to send an immigration reform. I am a citizen and I know and have many friends that are illegal immigrants here. Many came here to make a better living for their future, whether for their families here or in another country, Or even for themselves. Many came here through an illegal difference because they couldn’t get a visa. Many are here honestly working and even paying their taxes and kids and family. Many of them are not criminals they are just honest people trying to make a new living or “Pursuing Their Happiness” which they couldn’t find in their own country and make to seek it here. Our country’s base is made of immigrants. This country wasn’t even the american’s land to begin with, it was from the native americans and we took it by force. So the americans basically took it illegally from the native americans…Im not saying that not all immigrants here aren’t criminals but there are many honest ones trying to make a living the same way there are american criminals there are illegal immigrants and the same there are honest hard working americans there are honest hard working illegal immigrants…Just like my husband he is a hard working honest the best husband and dad fighting each day to make a living and a better way of living that he didn’t have in his country. PLEASE OBAMA PASS THIS REFORM WE NEED IT! AMERICA NEEDS IT!

I want to know what he plans on doing for the millions of young people in this country that had no choice in the matter about coming to the states and have completed their education including college or university. It seems rediculous that nothing has been done to at least solidify their status to a country they know as their own.

Only the concept of ‘illegal” alien ‘ exists . This ‘labeling’ is the construct of Corporate America’s pseudo-legislative efforts to perpetuate the merit less ,warrant less oppression and exploitation of a people which in turn demeans all humanity collectively . (We ) el norte americano s came , saw , and conquered this land .So now a double standard must be applied , contrary to any conscious or rational reason other than to deny that any past barbarities inflicted upon the Native Americans for example ever occurred ,( also my ancestry) as is readily observable by looking at current immigration policy , or lack thereof . I am offended as an American citizen that this is even an issue in the 21 Century. It is a shame for any person who has even a drop of empathy running through their veins , not to be offended at this paradox . The attempt to regulate free movement is political .Society is based upon freedom , energy and economy. Maintaining sensible requirements to protect everyone ’s civil liberties , no matter their decent should be the standard. Illegalize crime ( bank fraud , Prohibition , pollution ) , not people !

talk about th dream act

I’d like the president to turns his words into action. Start with the DOJ lawsuit on that awful law in Arizona, but don’t just think that that bandaid will be enough. Time for CIR, Mr. President. That was your promise.

En este momento lo que realmente falta es liderazgo de parte del gobierno, si realmente el presidente Obama no toma la iniciativa para pasar una reforma migratoria no habra tal, pues como sabemos no existe concenso ni en la camara ni en el senado, sobre todo por parte de los republicanos que estan mas abocados a sus reelecciones que a sus obligaciones ciudadanas cual es arreglar los problemas existentes en el pais como la inmigracion, pero no solo por eso creo que el partido republicano obstruye la discusion de este tema sino tambien porque asi lo han demostrado durante el gobierno anterior y este. Es evidente que el tema de inmigracion es un problema cada vez mayor y si los partidos no logran ponerse de acuerdo en solucionarlo entonces repito no estan cumpliendo reitero sus obligaciones por las que fueron electos por el pueblo. Es hora de que enfrenten sus responsabilidades y arreglen de una vez por todas con un liderazgo de presidente Obama el problema inmigratorio en una forma justa y razonable; porque considero que hay mucha gente valiosa que puede aportar grandes ideas y trabajo profesional a este pais una vez legalizen su situacion.

I would like Mr. Obama, to address the broken legal path to citizenship that is currently in place.. I have been in this great country since 1992.. I have been wainting for over 19 years… USCIS lost my immigration paper work, and I was forced to refile….My parents and sister are U.S citizens.. Because I am now over the age of 21, I am no longer considered an immediate family member to my parents, which means I have to wait an addtional 4 years.. And the worst part is, I am no longer able to renew my work permit, which means I lost my career, already had to turn my car back to the bank, and will lose my house, as I have no more income.. I will be HOMELESS in the next few months…

I believe all people are equal and need equal opportunities. Therefore as I am an immigrant from Canada and had to go through procedures to become a citizen, everyone can become one if they also follow the procedures. I understand it can be difficult as my husband had to fulfill the requirement for a job to fill and many people who want to come here cannot do this. This then restricts and becomes unequal for everyone. Perhaps a quota can be set and people will have to show they can take care of themselves or be sponsored in order to not be a burden to the nation. This is a most difficult position and perhaps we should look at the various ways other countries do this and then decide.

I would like the President Obama to say that my husband and I don’t have to live in 2 different countries any longer, and that his children would be able to see, hug and live near their father once again. I would like to hear President Obama say that people from other countries are human too and that everyone deserves to be united to their spouse no matter what! I would like to hear him say that nothing is more sacred than family and when it is torn apart by a LAW, that law should be changed!

I would like President Obama to tell us, in detail, about his plan, to reform America’s immigration policies. There must be strict rules as to who may live in the United States legally. The tail should not wag the dog, as now.
Having lived legally, in the 60’s, in Sweden (2 years), while working as a journalist/editor/translator, and France (5 years), while on French Government scholarship as a graduate student at the Sorbonne, I found these two countries’ immigration policies to be satisfactory. However, I understand that they, too, now, are having problems with too many immigrants…
The extreme greed of the people in power and lack of trickle down to the rest of the people is the problem.

To anyone who does not understand. We are all immigrants here, unless you
are American Indian. This is the land of freedom. Immigrants made this the
great nation it is! Raceism is a thing of the past and should not be
tolerated. Uniting American Families Act has to pass to for equality for
all citizens and there partners. It is about equality and freedom.

President Obama,forget Arizona Law, just sign a new LAW 245i,there are a lot immigrants working hard for this country,they deserve some respect,we are not animals or criminals,Everybody in this country your families comes from another countries, just the indians are original form America.

1. A process whereby illegal immigrants who come to this country to put food on our tables, etc. can work toward citizenship.
2. Protection for illegal immigrant workers so that they receive at least minimum wages and some basic benifits like medical.
3. Hefty fines for those who hire illegal immigrents (in the 100K) range and a search for any and billing for all medical expenses those workers in incur while here plus the federal, state, and SS taxes at a minimim wage level for the entire time they were employed.

Take the high road, Mr.Obama. My national church assembly, UUA has just last week thoroughly endorsed comprehensive immigration reform. Through this means, we (Unitarian Universalists) support these legislative ideas:
1. Creation of Legal Avenues to enter the U.S.to authorize essential workers in low-or semi-skilled non-agricultural jobs, but not seasonal jobs.This new program would provide visas, full labor rights, job portability and a path to permanent residency over time for those who would NOT displace U.S. workers.

2. Allow a Path to Legalization to register workers with the government, go through security checks,earn permenant legal status and restore the rule of law. (Immigrants should pay $X dollars for cititenship. Mine, not UUA’s idea.)

3. Reduce multi-year backlogs,to reunite families and import talent.

4. Bring the 12 million undocumented out of the shadows, restore the rule of law, provide smart enforcement by inspections, fair proceedings, efficient processing, and strategies to crack down on criminal drug smugglers, and exploitative employers. Provide a cross-border flow of goods and people to
strengthen security and the economy.

5. We support Rep. Gutierrez’s H.R.4321,NO English-only bills,restoration of driver’s licenses for safety and fairness, Re-write the DHS’s 287 (g) program.

Please see our new document, “Welcoming Our Neighbors” online at http://tinyurl.com/qtu3q6.

President Obama,
I understand that there are many pressing issues in your hands, however as each day passes thousands of family members are being detained, many more are being deported and countless of children are left without parents. The time to act is now. Please don’t hesitate to create a fair immigration reform that is much needed. I don’t want to continue living in constant fear of being separated from my family because of a a couple numbers.

OBAMA,SEND ALL THE ILLEGALS BACK WHERE THEY CAME FROM.IF YOU GO TO MEXICO WITHOUT PROPER PAPERS,WHAT DO THEY DO?LOCK YOUR ASS UP.THESE PEOPLE ARE TAKING AMERICAN JOBS AND SUCKING THE UNITED STATES DRY.WAKE UP AMERICA.I AM TIRED OF FEEDING THESE FREE LOADERS.

yo voto por una reforma migratoria por todos los q contribuimos al pais sin enbargo el gobierno no quiere darse cuenta q con el dinero q cobrarian por cada familia abria uno mejoria ala economia y mas q tanto se tendria una mejor seguridad por aquellas personas q no se sabe la verdadera identidad gracias por dejarme comentar al respecto

Please say something about the ICE detention facilities: http://www.thenation.com/article/americas-secret-ice-castles

It is unconscionable that anyone should be ripped from their daily lives, be prevented from contacting their loved ones, and be denied their rights to be tried in a timely fashion and to be informed of why they’re being detained.

Undocumented workers (so-called “illegal aliens”) are a vital and indispensable part of the American economy. It is often claimed that “every job an illegal alien has is a job an American doesn’t have.” This is either tautological (since “aliens” are by definition not “Americans”) or misleading, in that it falsely suggests that immigrant workers are taking jobs away from American citizens. The fact is that the great majority of these jobs simply wouldn’t be done if the immigrants didn’t do them. (How many American citizens do you think are following a career path that involves picking strawberries or cleaning toilets?) We need to revoke the racist Arizona law and provide a legal channel for immigrant workers to gain a path to citizenship.

I would like to hear Obama say that he is Paroling in Place any aliens with a US Citizen family member here. I would also like him to say that going forward USCIS will process all waiver cases stateside. I would also like to hear him say that he will recommend that people with approved I130’s for family members subject to the 3, 10 and permanent bars will granted discretion to return for family reunification. I would further like to hear that any immigration bill that goes forward includes waiver reform for those families and reinstatement of 245i

The US has quotas for immigrants from different countries. The need for immigrant cheap labor is much higher than the quotas. Need surpasses legal numbers. With this, the US has created the situation of encouraging illegal immigration and not legal immigration. The quotas should reflect the need and then we would not have the problems of illegal immigration. In essence we purposeful put in a locked door with a huge hole in it. I would like to hear Obama say that we will either change our need or change our quota. To have both is to continue criminalizing people for filling our cheap labor needs, all for political fodder.

There must be a reasonable path to legal residency, and, if they want it for citizenship, for those already living here. There must be sufficient visas or work permits for workers who are needed here. There must be a timely process for visas for family reunification.

Some people dont understand, IMMIGRATION BILL, it is just to security the boards,reallity the immigrants are gonna pay,taxes,fines,immigration taxes, and wait untill 6 years,to get something,if they work hard, pay taxes,learn English,and doing nothing wrong.This is the minimum this people deserve,They are Humans, not animals or criminals.

Dear Mr. President:
I have been in this great country since 1992 at the young age of 9 years old. This is my home. I have worked here legally, paid all my taxes, and even donated thousands of dollars to the United Way for people that are less fortunate in my community. My parents and only sibling are United States Citizens, and have chosen the legal path to citizenship. I have done the same, and I know that all Americans are in favor of legal citizenship. However, I need to tell you how a flaw in the legal path to citizenship is now affecting my life as I know it. After many years in the proccess, and at the current age of 27 I was forced to refile all of my immigration paperwork because USCIS lost and negelected my file. In August 2009 I refiled under my mother, using form I-130 and Because I am over the age of 21, i am not considered as an immediate family member. Sadly this means that I have to wait an additional 4 years before a visa is available for me. My priority date is August of 2009, and currently the visa dept., is on priority date in 2005 for visas.. As a result, I can not renew my work permit, I have lost my job/career, I am going to lose my house, which I purchased at the age of 22, and I will be homeless, with no way to support myself for the next 4 years. Please help me Mr. President. My life is falling apart.

Mr. President;
Here in America we can walk and chew gum at the same time. There are those who wish to demagogue the issue by saying that we must first have border security THEN we can talk about immigration reform.
We need to do both. We can do immigration reform now and you should challenge the Republican party to become part of the legislative process to do so.
At the same time, we can beef up border security, but most importantly, we must levy substantial fines on those employers that hire illegals. They hire illegal workers to force wages down, thereby increasing their bottom line. Heavy fines on these scofflaws would do much to end the inflow of illegal workers.

The administration has waited so long to move on this that the chance of passing “comprehensive” or even separate components this year are severely diminished. However, we should still keep up the struggle, and above all, preserve the unity of the great coalition of unions, churches and other organizations that have been carrying out this titanic struggle.
With that in mind, I HOPE that president Obama, in his speech tomorrow, takes the following orientation:
1. Asks the Senate leadership to come up with a bill which is much more like the Ortiz-Gutierrez bill in the House, HR 4321, and not like the punitive Schumer-Graham proposal.
2. Announces, or at leazt hints, at a drastic cutback on arrests and deportations of non-criminal undocumented immigrants, on the ground that it makes no moral or practical sense to be deporting people in 2010 who in 2011 might catch a break through a legalization program.
3. Refers to the POSITIVE impact of even undocumented immigrants, and tries to refute the anti immigrant rhetoric that the other side is using.

PASS THE DREAM ACT THIS YEAR!!! VETO SB1070 AND PASS AN IMMIGRATION REFORM THIS YEAR.

The Dream Act would help around 65,000 students who graduate from high school and have lived in the US since they were babies, toddlers, and children. They were brought to this country through no fault of their own. They just want to help the country that they consider home. These students would contribute to the community.

Lets look at some undocumented students who would benefit from the DREAM ACT:

Eric Balderas, 19-year-old sophomore on a full scholarship to Harvard. Arrived from Mexico at age 4. “Eric Balderas has already demonstrated the discipline and work ethic required for rigorous university work, and has, like so many of our undergraduates, expressed an interest in making a difference in the world,” said Christine Heenan, Harvard’s vice president of public affairs and communications.

“College students Carlos Robles, 20, and his brother Rafael, 19 — both former captains of their high school varsity tennis team — found themselves in jail, facing deportation.”

Tam Tran and Cinthya Felix (My they rest in peace)

“Tam graduated in 2006 with a degree in American literature and culture, and was currently pursuing a Ph.D in American Civilization at Brown University. Cinthya graduated in 2007 with degrees in English and Spanish literature, and was currently studying for a Master’s in Public Health at Columbia. Both of them were undocumented students, and part of the first classes of students to enter UCLA after the passage of AB540, a law designed to give more opportunities to undocumented youth in California. Tran was born in Germany to Vietnamese refugee parents and moved to the United States when she was 6 years old. Felix’s family immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 1999.”

Immigrants are not responsible for the current financial problems.(they didn’t send work over sea or cause the crash)

Undocumented immigrants would not come here if there were good jobs at home and NAFTA has contributed to there not being good job south of our border.

Much of the current anti immigration retoric is racism.

Employers should not be able to get way with oppression/explotation because of fear regarding immigrant status they should have to pay a fair wage for the work they receive no matter what the immigrant status is.

I would like to hear some serious talk about requiring all fencing built along the border to be in strict compliance with all applicable Federal laws-no more waivers. All fencing that is not in compliance should be modified or removed in order to protect wilderness areas, wildlife, and human rights.

I would also like to hear the President come out and say that we need to take a long, hard look at our economic relationship with Mexico, and seriously consider re-negotiating NAFTA. This issue will not be resolved by border enforcement alone.

We need to tighten our borders in Mexico, period…if Mexico can have tight southern borders, America too, should have tight borders. Rather than focusing too hard on coming down on the illegal immigrants already here, we need to focus on keeping those trying to come in illegally, out! I’m sorry to say that, but if we allow too many people into this country, it will be even more of a drain on our moral, our economy and our environment.

This is my message to Obama…tighten the borders, focus on making those already here into legal citizens. But the racial profiling and witch hunting needs to stop!

President Obama
This is a great country…..please say YESSSSSSSSS to Immigration Reform God bless you and God bless United States of America.

Immigration reform needs to happen NOW. Just because the American people are fed up with the recession and the loss of jobs, immigrants are not to blame here. They have suffered just as much, if not worse, than most Americans who are working rocky unstable jobs. This was the work of the Bush Administration, not illegal immigrants. I’m ashamed to say that Bush is from my GREAT STATE of Texas. My home state is home to millions of immigrants. In fact, Texas was once part of Mexico so for there to be so many immigrants in my home state if natural. Furthermore, NOT ALL immigrants are criminals, sure there are those who chose to commit heinous crimes, and those people should pay for it just as much as anyone else. WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT, WE ARE JUST ASKING FOR EQUAL TREATMENT.

dear blog what i wanted to say is that my family and i love this country and everyone in there but unfortunately this immigration law has been ignorant. we immigrants work hard for our money even though we absolutely no access to a better life like no driver license , no work, and no school. when i go to elementary schools i always see that painting of those Spanish, black,Chinese, and white kids holding hands around the world demonstrating no difference between us this is the land of the free period not the land of the free for those who have a green card. i believe that song goes like “i am proud to be an American because at least i know i am free.” please open your eyes and see how we can make this work without leaving anybody with no rights.

Immigration reform must include straightforward, humane and respectful and procedures for persons to legally enter our country.

Immigrants are NOT here to hurt the U.S. By the time we all understand that We’ll be a grater nation more unified and complete.

Dear President Obama,
Immigrants made this the great nation it is and continue to do so! Racism or Arizona profiling should not be tolerated. I’m tired of seeing employers take advantage of illegals who come to work in the U.S. and who for the most part are good people. It should be fair reform and not divide families.

Mr. President, please explain how you define a “firm committment” to immigration reform, when, in the wake of SB 1070, you decide to send 1200 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border, with plans to request $500 million for added “law enforcement and border protection activities.” Such actions fuel the notion that immigrants are responsible for spikes in crime, which study after study has shown is completely false. Mr. President, I want you to stand up for the people who voted for you through tears of joy and hope. Stand up and point out who is really to blame for high levels of unemployment and a trashed economy: the bloodsucking Wall Street frat boys that taxpayers are repeatedly forced to bail out. Stand up for the people without whom this country would come to an absolute, deadening, crashing halt: Immigrants. Despite your repeated lip service, I have yet to see tangible proof of your dedication to immigration reform. If you truly believe in the immense value that immigrants contribute to this country, then demand that the DREAM Act be passed. Stop militarizing our borders. Get American interests to stop fueling Mexican drug wars. At the very least, denounce SB 1070 with a powerfully definitive stance of the executive kind. You’ve been very limp on this issue. Looking forward to seeing what you have to say.

Please fix the current green card system. It is unbelievably slow and my family has been waiting for the green cards for so many years (university educated or 2years of experience). We applied 5 years ago and the immigration department has been very cruel. They predict the quotas wrong too, saying that they made a statistical mistake. They seem to forget that kind of mistake can make the immigrants feel hopeless and crash their dreams. The immigration department should increase the number of green cards that they give out too, since many people who applied for green cards end up being illegals since it takes too long to get them and costs too much. Furthermore, its slowness creates many financial problems to families. I was eligible for many federal and state scholarships for my college education but I could not get any of them because I was not a green card holder. I am very sad about this situation, because my family pay taxes and we are not considered as international either. My sister is in the same situation and she had to stop going to school for several semesters. She has a lifelong disease but the insurance does not pay for the disease so she rarely sees her doctor. God has been good to us that she has not have any emergency situation for several years but we are constantly living with worries. My dad has not have any income for nearly 8 months and my mom only is working. We both got some summer jobs but we are still suffering. There is no specific rules about the people who are not international anymore because they are in the process of getting the green cards. I believe that we should be able to get the scholarships also, since the reason why we are not the green card holders is because the immigration department is terribly slow in what they are doing. I am going to be a 4th year in college and am afraid if I can go back to school this year because of the tuition increase and because I can not get any financial aid. I need to graduate to earn money for my family and this situation is just too hard to accept. Please President Obama, help us. We have cried enough and suffered much. We will give the help back to the country once we graduate and become better people.

I want to hear him say that the immigrants that are hear legally are welcome the ones that are not will be rounded up and deported . My Great Grandparents immigrated to this Country but did it by Legal means . The Illegal immigrants come to this Country take Jobs pay no taxes and are taking Jobs from Americans
There at one time a set procedure You immigrated here Work learned English and took an oath to the USA . America owes these people NOTHING . They need to realize its a Privilege to come here . And I am sick of hearing about hate- mongers and hatred this has nothing to do with it . Its time to start enforcing the Laws we have in Place and putting the American People who were born in this Country FIRST .

I would like Obama to say that he & his team have come up with a reasonable plan for immigration. I came here in 1993 with a travel’s visa…mind you I was only 4 years old and had no knowledge of the US or laws. Had I known that my parents failed to file for citizenship I would have done it myself. I love this country..I love the people here…the freedom & culture. I just want Obama to come up with something “fair & balanced” for everyone…immigrant or not. I understand the difficulty of this…but understand that the past is the past…the present is now…and if we don’t act now…we won’t have a future. I don’t want fortune or fame….I just want a normal life like everyone else. I just want to work legally and contribute to this country and live in peace with everyone here. God Bless You All.

I am going to make it a priority for the rest of the this year to make sure comprehensive immigration reform passes!

I hope that President Obama acknowledges that U.S. Free Trade policies and support for repressive governments make it difficult for poorer people to organize for better wages, working conditions, and agricultural and resource policies, and that the resulting conditions propel immigrants into the U.S. who are hoping to save their families from destitution. I also hope that he will outline how U.S. business has been taking advantage of undocumented immigrants to do necessary work at low wages and under poor working conditions. I hope he will attest to the valuable contributions of immigrants and highlight how they add more to our society and economy than they cost. I hope he will urge the American people to recall our own immigrant roots and open our hearts to those who are living and working among us so as to uphold the best values that have inspired us for over 200 years.

Mr. president, a comprehensive immigration reform is needed for America! Don’t let your legacy be tarnished by the hate and opposition of a few scapegoaters. You are a student of history, and you have seen that these instances have happened plenty of times in the past. You must be that person that truly stands for what is right. Right here, right now!

1. Take appropriate measures to prevent ILLEGAL aliens from crossing our borders (north and south).
2. Take action against companies that hire illegals. Make sure that all employees are paid a fair wage of at least minimum wage as well as benefits.
3. Allow a path to citizenship which is fair to all and does not allow those currently here to move ahead of those who are already legally here awaiting citizenship.

Mr. President,

Good luck in the immigration issue! It seems that many predigious people in this country have forgotten that we were founded on immigrants. There’s got to be a reasonable way to solve this issue other than the way, “THE FRUIT CAKES OF ARIZONIA” want to do it! Best of luck dealing with this bunch of empty headed no goods that you are facing!!!
You are doing a wondeful job as President of this country,no matter what “The ME PARTY” thinks as well as the republican party!!
You will have my vote as long as you are able to be in office, love to you and your beautiful family!!!

I would like Mr. Obama to commit to a comprehensive immigration reform to protect families:

1. Provide a path to citizenship where the husband or wife does not have to be penalized by asking them to leave the country and their families behind for an indefinite number of years.

2. Protect the immigrants from laws like the one passed in Arizona. No immigration reform opens the door to more discriminating laws being passed!

3. Provide a clear path for applicants to follow to be able to work and study in this country. We are all hardworkers and are willing to be an asset to this country; we don’t want to be liabilities.

Mr. Obama, your country gave me an opportunity to reach the American Dream! I work hard everyday, not knowing whether I will attain it to its fullest, someday. I know a lot of illegal immigrants that do the same, but they know their dream WILL NOT come true.

I would respectfully ask President Obama Until when the US Government is going to allow the Human Rights violations acts against illegal immigrants? We are a nation that stands against these types of abuses and nowadays we are violating the rights of illegal immigrants on a daily basis. I believe our nation is going backward instead of forward. The only viable way to solve this issue and many others related to immigration is comprehensive immigration reform.

I would like Mr. Obama to say one short thing. The Laws of the United States of America will be enforced without prejudice. The military forces necessary to enforce these laws will be deployed. If anyone is in this country illegally, they will be prosecuted and deported as quickly as possible without exception. If the persons family in this country desires to be with their family member, give them reduced transportation rates on one way tickets. Enough with the bleeding hearts. Time to stand up to the responsibilities of your office sir.

This is what I’d like him to say:

My fellow Americans,

Due to my incredible incompetence in all aspects of my job, I am resigning, effective immediately.

Yours truly,

Barack Obama

While I do not approve of Arizona’s new draconian law (what a horrible way to address immigration); I do not approve of how Mexico allows a percentage of its population to live in extreme poverty (many are left with no education, in squallid homes that are filthy with no electricity or potable water); or how Mexico handles various Consulate relations (i.e. if you enter Mexico pleading political asylum as a means to enter the United States then your Country better have strong diplomatic ties or else your ass is getting beat up in a mexican jail, then you’re sent packing home to where ever you came from) & I can’t spend another day while the United Nations (& the United States) ignores the fact there is a Drug Cartel now stretching from Chile to Baja California Norte (that preys upon the poor with promises of $, or enslaves them into work by threatening to kill their families). I believe this is an AMNESTY issue that requires the United States to sit down with Central & South America Countries within the United Nations to work out what can improve relations between everyone (its time to improve relations with our fellow Nations).

We all know what his words will be. They seem always the same. I believe he will make an announcement. It will be to phase in amnesty. He just doesn’t care and it is about time we realize it.

I want to hear that he is going to stop deportation. thats it. After that he can say whatever he wants.

Our president, yes he’s my president too,regardless of my status,this is my home.Let us have a chance to make things right, let us have a chance to be residents with rights ,let us have a chance to contribute to society in a “legal” way ,away from shame and fear, let us be proud of being called a citizen, leat us give our kids a chance to go to college and be productive members of this country that they know as their own.Don’t cover your powerful eyes and pretend this is not your business right now.We’ve been waiting for such a long time. When a mother looks at her son crying and begging for the right to get his drivers license , the right to apply to the college he wants to go to ,that mother cries too.My son was not born here ,but he’s an american,he doesn’t want to be anything else because this where he was brought up, went to school, made friends ,become the good teenager he is.Let us have a chance to make things right.

We changed the Immigration quota, from 200,000 to One Million annually. We also have One Million annually that “just walk across our borders”. We need major immigration reform. Roll back the quota to 200,000, we can absorb new immigrants better at that level. Raise the standards and requirements for becoming a US Citizen like skills, education, and contribution. Do away with English as a Second Language in our schools. Allow states like Arizona to pass laws to address the 500,000 known illegals out of 6.5 million and do not interfere with the right of the state to address the problem of illegal aliens zapping the social services of the states like Arizona. The state will go broke like California. Don’t sue Arizona for a law introduced, debated, passed by their legislature and voted on by the Arizona tax payers. Stop the magnet of “anchor babies” whose mothers swim across the Rio Grande to have babies in US Hospitals to gain access to US Social Programs. Stop the ACLU, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Law firms from suing in Federal Court to legalize Illegal Aliens. Make E-verify and establish stiff fines for businesses, especially, small businesses who hire Illegals. We cannot afford to ignore this problem, marijuana is being grown by illegals in our national forests, Crystal Meth is being brought into our community by Illegals, our medical and social services are being “gamed by illegals”, Food stamps and other social services are also being abused. Enact a law that cancels “Anchor baby Citizenship” from illegal parents who crossed our borders with the intent to have an “anchor baby” to gain access to everything that our society built. We simply, cannot afford to look the other way. The numbers of these type of people is too great and too large a drain on our tax base. If we do not, then we will be like Mexico, people who cannot read or write in SPANISH because they cannot afford a public education system. In our state, teachers are being laid off, huge budget cuts, while we allow the ONE out of FIFTEEN students, known to be illegal Aliens access to our public schools being paid for by property taxes and other tax revenues.
The costs have ballooned so much, it is estimated 300,000 teachers in the 99,000 school districts will lose their jobs.

We are a nation of immigrants. President Obama would do well to remind us all of that fact. As far as whether our ancestors came here “legally” or “illegally” — well, ask the Native Americans what voice they had in that invasion! What does the plaque on our Statue of Liberty say? “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” If we continue to market our nation as a welcoming land of opportunity, then we will need to practice what we preach!!! I hear people complaining about immigrants who “refuse to learn the language” — as if that were something new. Each of us might do well to look into our own immigrant history and find out more about when — or whether — our grandparents or great-grandparents learned the language, became citizens, etc.

Mr President,you promisse in your first year, the immigration reform,forget Arizona Law, just sign a new LAW 245i,like Mr.Bill Clinton did in 2001.GOD BLESS YOU.WE WILL NEVWR FORGET.

Mr. President I would like to know what is going to happen to the people who has been deported already. They already follow the law but some of them spent more than 10 years in this country paying taxes and didn’t have any criminal records. Are they going to received any help?

I would like Mr. Obama to stop deportation for individuals that enter here illegal, but for the time they havebben living in US they have behaved well to gain a path to obtain a green card. Second: Provide a path to become legal ASAP. DO NTO WANT MORE PROMISES JUST IN WORDS> I WANT TO SEE POSITIVE ACTION IN THIS MATTER.

Illegal Foreign Nationals have no Civil Rights governed by the laws of the USA. The are not US Citizens. It takes a lot of guts to say Illegal Aliens Civil Rights have been violated. Again, being here Illegally, does not entitle you to Civil Rights in the USA. Go Home to your own country, like Mexico. You have rights of citizenship there, not here.

Implement DREAM for students. Provide for regularizing parents without criminal records who would be separated from families. Provide a way for immigrants presently here to attain resident alien status.

I have lived within 20 miles of the Mexican border for over 10 years. It was never a problem until we became paranoid about terrorists and our economy tanked.
I would like to hear President Obama say that if it weren’t for the demand for drugs in our country and the fact that our companies want to hire cheap labor, the border wouldn’t be a problem. We need to make it easier for workers to come and go legally, as needed, to harvest crops and do other jobs that Americans done want. Then they wouldn’t need to bring their entire families with them. As for the drug cartels, if just marijuana were legalized and taxed, it would take a huge percentage of progit out of the drug business. The demand is here and the supply is there and the profits are huge.

For generations Mexican nationals have been making the dangerous journey into the U.S. to escape poverty and accept the many jobs offered to them here, like producing our food and cleaning our hotel rooms.
These hard working family oriented people would much rather have a legal way to enter the country and to stay here to make a better life for their children.
But it has been more convenient for many employers to have, as cheap labor, people who’s fear of arrest and deportation keeps them from complaining about working conditions that most legal residents won’t accept.
These people must buy false papers and use fake social security numbers. They pay into Medi-Care and Social Security, often for years, without ever receiving any benefits. So they are cost effective for the federal government.
Blaming and persecuting these decent hard working people for coming to take jobs they need and that we need them to do is unjust and serves no purpose.
The only right thing to do is to give legal status and equal opportunity to the already productive members of our society, who are “illegal” only because they never had another choice.
Give the new workers we need a realistically legal way to enter the the country, and be equal to the rest of us. Or effectively enforce existing laws requiring all employers to hire only legal residents with real documents.
As for the escalating violence of the Mexican drug gangs. Just like the gangs in prohibition-era Chicago, they will never be stopped as long as their product is illegal. Because the drug black market in the U.S. is just too lucrative. Legalize recreational drugs for those who want to spent part or all of their lives intoxicated, provide them with the help they need to stay safe or get clean, see our prison population drop by 75%, and let the rest of us get on with our lives.

An end to immigration jails.
Children of undocumented immigrants completing high school should automatically qualify to take the citizenship exam and proceed to citizenship.
Undocumented immigrants serving in the US armed forces should be granted citizenship in return for their service.
Service in the armed forces or in underserved areas of the country (doctors, dentists, teachers) should be a path to citizenship.
Families need to remain united.
Recognition of dual citizenship.
Nobody leaves their birth country without deep soul-searching. America needs to examine the reasons why people leave their own country to come here, and through diplomacy and political action work to remove the conditions in the countries of origin that force people to leave their homelands.
Implementation of a guest worker program and fewer restrictions on visa and work permit requirements.
Correct the inefficiencies, backlogs and red tape that leave immigrants in legal limbo for years on end. Hire enough people to get the job done in a timely manner (6 months to 1 year).

Mr. President. One of the most important issues that need to be addressed in this bill is the right of gays and lesbians to be treated equally. Currently, those of us with partners from other countries do not have the legal right to sponsor their immigration to the US like heterosexual couples do now. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE! I’ve been with my partner from the Philippines, a FRIENDLY country of ours, for over 3 years. He is a wonderful man, highly intelligent, 4 year college degree in Accounting, has a license to practice as a Nursing Caregiver, as well as having a license as a practicing physcial massage therapist. He and I have talked about adoption of children. He wants to become a part of the American dream, and yet my own country won’t allow me to bring him home. I have cried MANY MANY times about this, because I do not understand how this country continues to discriminate against those who might be different! We are all citizens! PLEASE, MR. PRESIDENT. SIGN THE BILL, PUSH LEGISLATION TO ALLOW US TO ALL BE EQUAL! Thank you. Greg Larson and Wilson Dalangin, Jr.

I like to hear the President talk about how he would hold employers who hirer illegals totally responsible for these people welfare and their return to their country. Why do we have illegal immigration because the United States condone it and will continue it to so since they are the back bone of hard labor in many part of the country. The U S government will not do a thing since they know it a huge part of the labor force.
Go to Louisiana you will find illegal workers who are being paid in cash for their labor and these employers are breaking the law. What going on here the same garbage that been going for many years, the little guy will get busted for trying to feed his family and the employer can get away with not paying state income tax, federal income tax, social security tax, unemployment tax and let not forget health care which recently because law. As these employers fill their pocket with your tax money we turn a blind eye to all this and not said word or even see it on the news.
I wish United State of America would wake up and see who are the true criminals they are right under your nose and it stink to high heaven. You might even own stock in these companies and/or even support their activity.
All I can say I don’t believe for a second that the President will even say two words about employers and that who needs the amnesty.

I would like President Obama say that he is going to put more inphasis in having more structure of helping immigrants. We are at war in Iraq because we are helping them, now we need to help our neighboring immigrants to help themselves with getting a more better structural government. We are not to condemn but to help. Immigrants come to the U.S. for better quality of life from what they get from their own country. President Obama also needs to keep his word.

As a Dominican Sister of Peace, I want to tell you that we support your efforts in getting immigration reform forward. It is crucial for so many of us in this country who are immigrants and work with immigrants who have festered their lives working in the fields of this great nation.

I URGE PASSAGE OF THE BI-NATIONAL SAME SEX IMMIGRATION BILL ALLOWING GAY COUPLES TO ACHIEVE EQUALITY IN BRINGING THEIR LOVED ONES HERE AND MAKING THEM LEGAL, LIKE HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGES ALLOW, ETC.

Build concensus and stay on course in your Presidential agenda, and above all push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. My parents came to this country undocumented seeking a better way of life, and raised three US citizens among dozen of other grand children who are productive and good citizens who are now in the service of our country or are law abiding to help this country continue to be a country of Immigrants who love and would give their lives to protect and serve America forever. Let Arizona know that SB 1070 is unconstitutional and that this is not Nazi Germany and that we will not tolerate Discrimination or Race Profiling in America ever.

i would like mr.obama to have a a solution for undocumented immigrants. Because many live as second class and its just not far people come for a better life for them and there children. And sacrafice leaving there family members behind. Sometimes never seeing them again. And he students who try so hard to do good and school and not even knowing if they are gonna be able to continue there education. Obama has to do something and as soon as possible!

I would like President Obama to discuss the rights of legal immigrants. Illegal immigrants get so much attention, but the people who are here legally and are waiting in line, are simply ignored. My daughter cannot even get her drivers licence until she has been checked by SAVE, she may have to wait 30 days or more, despite the fact that she passed the test. Legal immigrants are discrimminated against daily, but we are all too afraid to speak up, as we have too much to lose. What about us, President Obama? We pay thousands of dollars each time we have to renew our visas, but instead of the line getting shorter, it retrogressed by three years. What about us, President Obama? We cannot change jobs, as we are too afraid to lose our I485, so we are discriminated against by our employers, as they know we are between a rock and a hard place. What about us, President Obama? Our children have a 4.0 average, but they cannot get any scholarships. When are you going to address our issues?

I had some thoughts about President Obama’s speech:

http://bit.ly/9oYccG

I lived in Arizona, and witnessed first hand that a lot of the very same people who were lobbying for stricter immigartion laws were doing so in order to continue to have a source of cheap labor they could exploit off the books. As a population, illegal immigrants are MUCH LESS likely to commit crimes or skip out on bills, as most hope to have a clean record with which they will one day be able to obtain amnesty. I know this from the first hand experience of working with this community every day for years.

The racist law recently enacted in Arizona is not supported by most of the law enforcement, whose duty it is to protect the public safety. Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal matter, and anytime an illegal immigrant is convicted of a crime, they are subsequently deported after having served their sentence. This law would further marginalize an already marginalized group of people, and the result would be more women and children afraid to call for help in the face of domestic abuse, rape, kidnapping, theft…

I believe the solution is to charge an entry fee rather than have racist limits per country on the number of visas issued. More than ten times more immigrants from Europe and Africa are currently issued visas than ones from Latin America, with most Mexicans having to wait more than 16 years in order to receive one. Currently, about $3,500 per illegal immigrant is going into the coffers of organized crime as the average charge for smuggling them across the border. If we multiply that number by the millions of illegal immigrants who have entered in this manner, that adds up to A LOT of money going into the coffers of organized crime. The US could charge an entry fee of $5,000/person which would include legal resident papers. This money could be put into a fund to offset any short-term negative economic impact, while keeping money out of the hands of dangerous criminals at the same time. The long-term economic impact of all immigration is, as top US economists agree, a very positive one, as the GDP is increased. This proposed solution is the most rational approach I can think of, that takes into account the reality of the situation, not just the xenophobic/racist pipe dream of rounding them all up and shipping them back.

The Mexican military presence on the border is a response to the failed US policies of the War on Drugs, which has created an illegal market with high prices and an insatiable demand. It is also a response to the large number of weapons being smuggled into Mexico for the Crime Cartels. These mafia groups are being fueled by both the War on Drugs and current immigration policies which create a high priced demand for human smuggling. The federal authorities HAVE been doing their job, and as a result, organized crime can now make 4 or 5 times more money off every person attempting to cross, and more human lives are lost as a result.

However, nearly all US citizens can purchase a temporary visa and travel through Mexico free from harrassment after passing through a couple of check points. If a foreigner in Mexico needs to go to the police for help for whatever reason, they will not ask him or her to produce immigration papers. The same cannot be said about a Mexican, or any person of Hispanic origin travelling through Arizona.

A government which does not protect and care for the needs of its citizens is worse than no government at all. It is a government that makes refugees and illegal aliens of its population.

The United Nations and the World Courts ought to put responsibility where it belongs, on the decadent “governments” who withhold necessities from their citizens and pander to their own corruption.

This is worse than any war, this invasion of the desperate. How much of our our beautiful country are we willing to abandon to a corrupt government?

I remember in the debate with Hilary Clinton you said Driver Licence for everyone and we wish to have it

The President should tell Congress that it’s time to pass comprehensive immigration reform without regard to the consequences on election day. Congress needs to stand up and do the right thing. They were elected to do the right thing for the country, not just want they think will get them re-elected. He should ask the GOP if NO is the only word they know. The GOP wants only to secure the border and just ignore the undocumented aliens who are here. Comprehensice reform would take care of both problems.

lo que queremos muchos de nuestros hermanos que de una vez se decida nuestro presidente y nos ayude a salir adelante algunos de mis amigos se quedaron esperando y algunos ya fallecieron en esta larga espera gracias senor presidente por tratar de hacer algo………………….

Let them all in. It should always have been easier for all to come here who wanted to work, or just play.

I would like the president to discuss how this nation is founded by immigrants. That we are a nation of immigrants and that we should respect new immigrants. That borders should be secured but with compassion and understanding of the desire circumstances that illegal immigrants are often fleeing from.

Let the First Americans decide immigration policy!

- I want the Presient to take a stand for immigrants for the first time since getting elected. He has not done ANYTHING in regards to immigration… People are suffering, (racial profiling)

- I want Obama to put himself in the shoes of the hispanic community in Arizona and Nebraska; He has to realize that these “regulations” are absolutely unconstitutional, and they go against human rights.

- I want him to be sensitive to this issue because his father was an immigrant.

- I want President Obama to talk about getting the DREAM ACT. SIGNED. Let’s face it, knowledge is what this country needs in order to boost the economy. If there are people that WANT to go to college, why should their immigration status stop them? Why should they pay higher fees, when they have lived in their hometowns long enough to be called their home?

- I want the President to talk about the ridiculous *fees* that we have to pay in order to maintain our legal status. (which I am a college student, and can BARELY AFFORD, prices have been doubled)

DREAM ACT

Mr. President,forget about politics for this time.Remember the movie, Braveheart,”people follow courage they don’t follow titles”so do what is the right thing to do.You as our commander in chief as the most powerful man on this planet,protect the people from opression,from hatred and intolerance,protect the poor,the orphan,the widow and the alien among us.Most important protect the U.S. Constitution that is under attack by an enemy that is using patriotism in a cowardly way to take away our civil and human rights.The ultimate goal of the enemy is to have an “all white nation”.

Mr.President,stand tall,this is your time to put our nation on the right direction.When we become a humble nation again,God’s blessings will began to pour ten fold.God is my witness,amen,amen and amen.

I am an RN-BSN and i got my entire nursing education here in the states. Because of broken and nonsense immigration law i cannot work and i became out of status. in the US Every hospital is looking for nurses. Now, with this new Health Care reform the need for nurses will even more increased. So i want Mr Obama to point out the need of skilled immigrants who are already in this country and educated here.
Thank you

that he will all police gather up the illegal mexicans
and send them back to Mexico,and put the border and the
national guard along the border to enforce it,then maybe 12 million americans can get a job

We are the melting pot of the world. There is a lot of anger out there and it needs to stop being directed at immigrants. Our country was founded by immigrants. We need to stop pointing fingers and start holding out hands to help each other. There is enough room and work for everyone.

I’d like President Obama could address supporting immigrants’ family reunion by allowing green card holders bring their family members — husband/wife/children to USA without years of waiting.

Thanks!

I would like to hear the President say the following:

1. That the Federal Government is asserting its right to occupy this area completely and by preempting the field as is its right under the Constitution, there shall be no other acceptable alteration of any of the provisions of the bill by any state legislation.

2. I would like to see a universal amnesty for all undocumented immigrants in the United States without qualification and without penalty.

3. I would like him to acknowledge that the quota system that has been established is simply a racist method of keeping people of color out of the US. That the quota system shall be fazed out over a period of 5 years and a flat annual number shall be established on a “first come, first served” basis.
The traditional special exemptions would be broadened to simplify the marriage and family member exceptions and make those admissions not count against the general annual entry number allotment.

4. I would like him to acknowledge that the fortification of the boarder with Mexico bun not with Canada is racist in nature and will be immediately stopped and all distasteful walls, fences, etc. will be removed immediately.

5. In the future, anyone who enters the country illegally will be required to work on public works projects to improve infrastructure, health, etc. for 7 years at minimum wage, but with hospitalization insurance. They will be required to pay taxes like FICA but will not be eligible for the support programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit. They will also not be eligible for any type of public assistance and if anyone in the program applies for public assistance they will be deported. The exception would be if they had a child who was a citizen who would be entitled to all the benefits any citizen would normally be entitled. After completion of the program, the participant in the program would be awarded citizenship as a natural born citizen of the United States.

6. If the person who entered the country illegally and was put in the program for citizenship had his/her children with them, the children would be deemed native born citizens immediately and would be eligible for all the benefits to which any other child is entitled.

7. Any State of the United States that seeks to deprive any person of any right, benefit, etc that other citizens of that State enjoy shall be considered to have engaged in an actionable violation of this act, the Civil Rights Act of the United States, as amended, and the 14th Amendment. Any State of these United States that seeks to deprive any new citizen of the right to enjoy the benefit of socializing with, studying their history of their ethnic or racial group in any public or private school, or deny them the Equal Protection of any law or statute including, but not limited to, discrimination based upon accent peculiar to their native language and as otherwise specified.

That would be a good start.

In order for Immigration Reform to be meaningful, it must eliminate the root cause of illegal immigration, which is two-fold.
First, it must eliminate the widespread, cynical, and criminal practice of hiring undocumented workers, both in the Public and Private sectors.
In order to accomplish this, it must, at minimum: require that all employers ascertain and maintain current, up-to-date documentation that all employees are legally entitled to work in the US; immediately close businesses that employ undocumented workers, seize their assets(both on- and off- shore)and use them to maintain the workers thereby rendered jobless(at full wages and benefits); criminal and civil prosecution of PRIVATE EMPLOYERS(in the case of employing undocumented domestic help), OWNERS, and CORPORATE OFFICERS, and the seizure of their assets(both on- and off- shore)during such prosecution, and for the purpose of paying all fines, penalties, and restitution to all injured parties; the imposition of stiff,(and in the case of repeat offenders) escalating fines and jail sentences; and formal acknowledgement of the following: that the employment of undocumented workers deprives citizens of work; that it constitutes tax evasion on the part of the employer; that it deprives federal, state, and local treasuries of tax revenue; that it shifts the costs of services normally paid for through payroll tax withholding and mandatory employer contribution onto the taxpaying public at large; that it artificially lowers wage and working condition standards, and that, finally, it is an affront to decency, dignity, and basic human rights.
Secondly, in order to eliminate the pressure driving illegal immigration from(specifically-though not limited to- Central and South America), and with specific reference to NAFTA, an end must be put to trade and commerce practices that have the end result of eliminating jobs(primarily agricultural)in Central and South America.

Lastly, the requirement should be instituted that functional literacy must be demonstrated in both written and spoken English prior to the granting of legal worker or citizen status -with provision being made for temporary waiver of that requirement in special cases such as that of refugees- in order that immigrants take their place in America as fully functioning members.

My family helped my niece’s fiancé (now husband) return to Mexico and immigrate legally. My sister-in-law is from India. My late mother spoke fluent Spanish and used to help women from South America obtain their citizenship.

I mention the above only because I’ve found that if a person advocates for anything less than ‘open borders’ s/he is often labeled a racist and/or xenophobe.

Our _primary_ concern should be overpopulation (all races, religions, ethnicities, etc). It is the root cause of most of the world’s serious problems. We cannot control the policies of other nations but we can control our own. America is already dangerously overpopulated. Almost all major metropolitan areas have problems with overcrowded schools and traffic congestion and gridlock. Prime farmland is being paved over for housing and strip malls. Aquifers are being depleted — many areas are literally running out of water. More people means more resource depletion, more pollution, increased global warming, etc, etc. We already have millions of homeless people who aren’t getting the help they need, and tens of millions without health insurance. As much as we might like to, we simply cannot take in everyone who might like to move here. We are at the point where increasing the population of the US further _decreases_ the quality of life for everyone.

Some say that preventing further immigration (at least until the US population begins to stabilize and then drop) will not decrease the total world population. It may not, but it’s all we have the authority to do. Like it or not, fair or not, a typical American uses many times more energy and resources than a person in many other countries. For that reason, it is more important to reduce the population of industrialized countries than that of un/under-developed countries.

Overpopulation seems to be some sort of taboo subject but it needs to be addressed. There are simply too many of us for the Earth to sustainably support. A large part of projected US population growth will be from immigration — legal and illegal.

Maybe a partial solution would be for the federal and state governments to make it easier for foreign workers who have a job waiting for them to get whatever paperwork they need to enter the country legally. They should be treated just like American workers — same pay, same rights, no exploitation. My guess would be if that were the case Big Business wouldn’t be so interested in employing many of them any more. After all, corporations like the status quo — a large supply of illegal immigrants who can be taken advantage of.

Something else we might consider is increasing foreign aid, to improve the conditions in other countries so their citizens aren’t so inclined to emigrate.

If you’ve read this far, thank you.

1) I suggest that we enforce the immigration laws we have on the books now, for all countries. If corporations hire illegal aliens, prosecute them to the fullest letter of the law. Perhaps we need to put more teeth in this. There is a way in the US for corporations to hire illegal immigrants, it’s just very expensive and a difficult process. However, some corporations do abide by it. Perhaps we should review this process to see if it could be improved.
2) Set a date one year in the future, at which time it is made clear that no child born of an illegal alien will automatically be a naturalized citizen. 3) Immediately set up a way to help adult immigrants who came here as children, are educated, and have broken no laws, to have legal status and become productive citizens of the US.
4) Pass reform laws to clearly limit the number of immigrants from all countries, while giving them clear, defined ways to come to America legally. We really should know who is in our country, not a citizen, what they are here for, and how long they plan to stay. Other countries do this, and it’s time we make it clear what our immigration laws are and that we are going to enforce our laws.
5) Make it clear that all illegal immigrants in this country will be deported immediately upon being apprehended.
If you don’t give illegal immigrants jobs, you deport them immediately if found in the US, and you don’t naturalize their children, they will have a lot less to bring them to the US.

1.Give the Immigration Service the money to process immigrants’ applications for citizenship in a fair and timely fashion. (Divert some of the funds from that shameful wall.) No one should have to wait 20 years to become a citizen.
2.Establish clear paths to citizenship for the undocumented: pay a fine, learn English, provide proof of financial responsibility. And make it absolutely clear that this does not constitute amnesty (essentially a “free pass”)!!!
3.Make it known that immigrants provide essential services and reflect the family values that we all say we respect but often ignore.

In school I learned that during the Civil War brother fought against brother, neighbor against neighbor, etc. I have ancestors who moved from Massachusetts to Kansas to further the numbers required to keep Kansas a free state in the 1860’s. Now I learn that current relatives of mine are very rigidly against helping immigrants here already and want to limit entry to only people who are legal and who learn to speak english (in addition to other very intolerant thoughts not related to immigration that really shock me to know). I would like President Obama to try to lead us all into a common stance with compromise here and compromise there so we can establish a
place for people to be (what doesn’t sound trite here?) secure in their faith, families, homes and communities, and confident of the fairness that really happens not just what the Constitution says, with the opportunity to feel benevolent and act on that feeling person to person. This is all so complicated and feelings are so raw but we have to come up with a plan. We can be good again.

Comprehensive immigration reform that includes LGBT families! As a citizen I should be able to sponsor my partner, and my six year old son is entitled to an intact family without fear.

We all know that our president is a good speaker and can deliver great speeches. But what want are actions. I want to see justice for all immigrants. I want to see them giving a second chance. It is against human nature to tear families apart, or to deport a person who raised here as a child and send him to a country he knows nothing about. America has always been known as a land if dreams, opportunities, and justice, yet we continue to treat immigrants as if they are all criminals.

Dear Mr. President,

Please do not forget or ignore the importance of UAFA and recognize all our families. I am lucky enough to have found my partner in life but can’t live together in the city where I grew up, but one of the tenets of our immigration laws is to keep families together. Mine has been split for more than four years because we don’t have UAFA.

First Require the use of e-verify and secure the border. Stop anymore illegals from coming into the country and by-passing the proper procedures.

Second get the Congress to pass an amendment disallowing automatic citizenship to babies born in this country to illegal parent(s).

Third stop giving benefits such as medicaid, food stamps, hospital treatment etc. to illegals.

Fourth establish a path to citizenship for those illegals who still want to stay in this country in spite of the implementation of steps 2 and 3.

I’m a filipino illegal immigrant but to tell you I’m paying my TAX every year to tell the govt that im a good person. My job is a caregiver and i will not hesitate to tell everyone that filpinos are the best caregivers in the world not because most of us are capable of doing the chores and most of us are college graduate and educated but because we’re loving people who love to take care of the needy. Pls Pres. Obama, you are our savior to be able us to live happily with our family and our generations to come. This is a great country with great people. I love you all!!!

I don’t want to work for 5.00 dollas an hour,and my sons either.Add up all the schooling,medical,wellfare,and jails it take from or country.I am also sick of liberals yealing profiling,hell yeah.Maybe we would get some towel heads while we are at it.We should have are army on the border,not the middle east,what an ideal hum!

I am concerned about all of those undocumented Americans who are here, have jobs, are contributing to our society, and their children. I think Obama needs to stream line the process by which they can become citizens so that it happens quickly not slowly. He also needs to address the bureuacracy that makes it so difficult to apply for citizenship.

Mr. Obama please STOP RAIDS, please do not separate the family, please help our Community we need everyone to work and help our economy, agree is very important to take care of our borders, but give the chance to those who want to work, please do not are criminals, want a better future for are family and our Country, it’s time to pass comprehensive immigration reform, driver licence for everyone, God touch your heart. sincerely Rosaria

[...] Tell us here>> [...]

1. Create legal processes to enter the U.S.to authorize essential workers in low-or semi-skilled non-agricultural jobs with requirements for just wages.

2. Reduce multi-year backlogs,to reunite families and import talent.

3. Allow a Path to Legalization to register workers with the government, go through security checks,earn permenant legal status and restore the rule of law.

4. Bring the 12 million undocumented out of the shadows, restore the rule of law, provide smart enforcement by inspections, fair proceedings, efficient processing, and strategies to crack down on criminal drug smugglers, and exploitative employers. Provide a cross-border flow of goods and people to
strengthen security and the economy.

Give us hope!

Judge your neighbor fairly…….that says it all!
Looking back in our family tree, most if not all of us has or had an immigrant, in which most of us are now called an American because of them! So read and learn….
Judge your neighbor fairly! Not all people are bad, giving them a chance to make things right, may just be the chance your family member had! Most people have lived here for years and years and NEVER used the governments money for nothing but yet has worked hard to pay for everything they need or needed to survive. AND pays taxes each year!
Mr. Obama, the time is over passed! Something needs to be done NOW! Just like the health bill, you can also make this happen. Stop thinking about November because if dem’s Don’t do something soon, dem’s won’t have a good chance in November.

As long as the United States of America, Britain, and Israel continue to colonize other nations to privatize land and natural resources in favor of rich corporations (while exploiting the native people) more people are going to migrate to the United States, Western Europe or any other territory without any permission. If the current dominant nations have the right to colonize other territories, than the people that are being exploited have the right to migrate to territories where they feel more secure. To stop non-permitted migration all humans have to work together peacefully to stop labor exploitation in all nations and at the same time impede current dominant nations to colonize other countries every six to ten years.

May peace be upon you all, and may peace conquer the world with love, dignity, respect, and solidarity.

ProgressiveInAction

The president should CITE the scientific data which substantiates the INDISPUTABLE necessity of a continued large influx of immigrant consumers in a GROWING economy. All other ethnic subgroups presently in America are in significant decline with respect to their birthrates. Without the Mexican influx of people, our nation would be experiencing the same declining population problems of all the European nations who don’t welcome “foreign” people to their countries. Sociologists in Europe are in great turmoil as to how to sustain their economies without a growing population. The American scientists are aware of this crucial sociological/economic data and its implications. We have the great fortune of a national identity based not on our ethnic origin, as has been the case throughout the rest of the world. We have merely to admit foreign seekers, and within two generations, they are recognized as Americans equal to all others, no matter where their grandparents came from. They are American because they share the American democratic principles which live in our history and living constitution.

Anyone who has lived among the Mexican people will recognize them as equally hard working (if that is a particular attribute by which you want to value people) as any other national or ethnic group now living in America. They are also equally respectful of law! Like the rest of us, whose families have been here several generations and grown fat and lazy, I don’t doubt but that they too will grow weary of hard labor once their families have become established TRUE AMERICANS, such as those present day flag waving Americans whose families (Irish, Scottish, German, Russian, Italian, French, etc.) flooded our shores several generations ago. The prolonged and easy flow of money through our pockets breeds arrogant entitlement and supremacy in our hearts concurrent with obesity related diseases of every kind. Human Nature!

If the right wing politicians truly wanted to stop the immigrant influx across the border they could stop it overnight by merely enacting laws with stiff fines against hiring persons without documented legal residency. There would be no more opportunities for cheap nannies, housekeepers, fruit pickers, builders, etc. and the Mexicans, San Salvadorians, Chinese, Vietnamese, and every other job seeking “illegal” would return to their home country. No job = No food! Ask yourself what would happen if the twelve million illegals all went home tomorrow? Could you then find those twelve million replacement workers from the “legal” Americans to care for those wealthier privileged housewives, fruit pickers migrating from season to season across our farmlands, following the changing crops, construction laborers to break their backs for five dollars an hour, etc.? Anyone who offers yes, as an answer is a liar, or profoundly ignorant of the facts! “Americans” have grown too fat, lazy, and arrogant to do “immigrant” labor for minimum wage, AND LESS! Shame on us for our self righteous pretensions! Americans are no longer the hard working, driven people of a hundred years ago. This, of course, is quite contrary to the inflated pronouncements of lying, pompous politicians, and those foolish fat asses who deceive themselves into believing every false thing a candidate says to get a vote.

Though I believed otherwise while working for Obama, and donating significantly to his campaign, he appears to be as distrustful and manipulative of “the people” as were his predecessors and cohorts. We will not hear such truths emerge from his lips in any guise. He will continue to placate the masses with paternalistic platitudes, and hope filled optimistic assurances, with promises of bipartisan commitment to immigration reform. The only bipartisan commitment, is doing whatever it takes (sell the nation out to the corporations) to get reelected.

There are a lot of dangerous people around the world, but there are a lot of very good people around the world too. I mean, it doesn’t matter Who you are or Where are you come from, the most important is to know ourselves very well and to know our mission in this world, in this life, right Now!!.
Please be unlimited!! be plentiful!! Look Inside Yourself and Realize All You Can Be. There are a lot of good things to everybody.
Citizens, No one is stealing your jobs, please understand this is a mental game, you have to run an extra mile, many people is doing that, so you can do it too!
Our world is changing and we must to do the same. We need to take care of ourselves if we don’t want to suffer the results.

I guess somebody has to govern this country, BUT it will be easier for The President…
If you do your work, make a change in your mind and your living, take care of your thoughts, your actions and your feelings.
Be All You Can Be And get better your self, your life and your World!!

YES WE CAN!! SI SE PUEDE!! SAID MR. OBAMA

WE ARE GETTING THE IMMIGRATION REFORM RIGHT NOW!!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! MR.PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!

GOD!! BLESS!! OUR!! WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone reading these comments will quickly realize the immediate need for comprehensive immigration reform but how difficult it is to accomplish. Other than the idiots who made disparaging comments about our President and the obvious racists and hate mongers, most all the comments made reasonable sense along with making excellent suggestions. However, they also point out the difficulty in determining the right mix of reforms to satisfy the vast majority of both citizens and immigrants – a daunting task for our President and Congress. But bottom line is that we need to make it easier and more humane for an immigrant to be “legal”. to be able to achieve citizenship, to contribute to American society while at the same time preventing and managing those who would enter illegally, hire illegally and take advantage of illegals. The laws must be reasonable for all, but at the same time, we must enforce the laws that are in place and continue to maintain a reasonable and viable limit on immigration. The population growth has climbed out of control, putting an unfair drain on our resources and social systems and is directly related to illegal immigration, chain migration and out inability to maintain fair limits on all immigration, certainly not just from Mexico. So, President Obama, please tell the country that this is the reform that you will achieve.

I agreed with Michael on item#1 about “reasonable plan for immigration.” I would like for our President to discuss the issue of immigration and hope he proposes a reasonable plan, perhaps, a reform if thinks that this could be a solution. I also would like to hear about a prompt solution for the high unemployment rate the American people are experiencing. I think our nation is experiencing a critical financial situation that calls for urgent attention. Let face it, if American poeple have a least a job that would cover their basis needs, things wouldn’t be so alarming as it is for many right now. When a family don’t know from where they are going to get their financial resources to pay their rent, mortgage or even to buy a simple loaf of bread, it is difficult, if not impossible to face a situation of this nature. Therefore, I think that it’s imperative that our President address these issues that urgently need his attention. Equally important, I hope the Congress join the President and lend him all the support he needs to put our American back in track, or back into business as used to be.

Fe Florimon

To Mr. Obama:

Ray wrote this up above here. I copied and pasted it here because it sounds like a good idea. $5000 is lot but including the legal resident papers makes it sound like a fair deal. Economically its a win win. Please read this again:

“I believe the solution is to charge an entry fee rather than have racist limits per country on the number of visas issued. More than ten times more immigrants from Europe and Africa are currently issued visas than ones from Latin America, with most Mexicans having to wait more than 16 years in order to receive one. Currently, about $3,500 per illegal immigrant is going into the coffers of organized crime as the average charge for smuggling them across the border. If we multiply that number by the millions of illegal immigrants who have entered in this manner, that adds up to A LOT of money going into the coffers of organized crime. The US could charge an entry fee of $5,000/person which would include legal resident papers. This money could be put into a fund to offset any short-term negative economic impact, while keeping money out of the hands of dangerous criminals at the same time. The long-term economic impact of all immigration is, as top US economists agree, a very positive one, as the GDP is increased. This proposed solution is the most rational approach I can think of, that takes into account the reality of the situation, not just the xenophobic/racist pipe dream of rounding them all up and shipping them back.”

I want to hear the president speak of uniting ALL families.
That includes same gendered relationships who are torn apart or living in exile separated by draconian immigration laws.
It matters not to me if he includes the United American Family Act act in the overall immigration reform or if he includes us in other ways.
I just want my family included.
I am an old man.
I don’t have forever to wait.
I want to bring my spouse home with me.

Dear Mr. President: The American people need clarification and unification on the issue of immigration as a whole, and on what is to be done with the immigrants, legal and illegal, that are already in this country. The clarification consists of providing people with HARD FACTS on the true effect of immigrants, legal and illegal, on the job availability and tax burden affecting American Citizens. This information should be clear, concise, readily available and in a language that is easily understood by the average person. Then, if in fact it is considered a wise move for the American financial picture, a plan for amnesty and indoctrication of those illegal immigrants should be spelled out and put in place immediately. If this is deemed unfeasible, a plan to safely and humanely repatriate illegals and their families should be forged, agreed upon and enforced in all American states. This will mean making a final judgement on the birthright issue, and giving families the option of returning to their homes as a unit, or finding reasonable care for their citizen offspring. This would further mean, that laws permitting American corporations or persons to exploit other countries, thereby making jobs there untenable, would have to be revised or rescinded. We cannot have it both ways. Corporate American continues to farm out American jobs to foreign countries where they can exploit the poverty of those nations, creating a job shortage here, especially for menial labor. Also on American soil, business owners continue to exploit the illegal workers, knowing they will work from sunup to sundown for very little pay, sometimes not paying them at all, exposing them to hazerdous or fatal conditions because an undocumented worker has no OSHA protections, at the expense of American workers jobs. This practice must be stopped, for the benefit of all involved. Americans continue to say they are willing to pay a little more in exchange for American employment, so let’s put that to the test. But most important, the violence and hate that is being encouraged by certain public personalities must be addressed. Already hate crimes are popping up in cities and small towns. Innocent people, being targeted as the cause of unemployment and financial problems, are being beaten, maimed and killed as a direct result of such hate mongering. Those people responsible for creating situations that lead to violence are traitors to their country and should be treated as such. This is not a call to silence free speech, it is a call to name sedition for what it is, and punish it accordingly. You were given the Hispanic and minority vote because we believed in your ability to empathize with all sides of this coin. This is your mandate from the people heretofore unrepresented in the American government. Please don’t go soft on us now.

I would like to hear the President say in his speech, that we have done a grave injustice to the immigrants currently in this country, and to the generations of immigrants who built this country through their blood, sweat, and tears. I would like to hear him acknowledge that WE ARE ALL Immigrants. I would like to hear him say that racial scapegoating and racial profiling is inhumane and to tell the Nation that it will not be tolerated. I would like to hear the President say that racism was not tolerated against our African American brothers and sisters, and it will not be tolerated against our Hispanic brothers and sisters either. I would like the President to acknowledge in his speech, the fact that America has a long history of exploitation and maltreatment of foreign workers.
I would like to hear the President remind the country of what happens when racial scapegoating is allowed to run rampant, like how our Philipino brothers and sisters were hunted down like dogs and murdered and how they were practically starved out of our country because of a recession. I would like him to remind the nation that our Japanese American brothers and sisters were put into concentration camps, IN THE U.S, because of racial profiling. I would like him to acknowledge the enslavement of the Chinese to our countries railroads, and how they were sent to their deaths, mining Gold and Silver out of our hills and mountains. President Obama needs to remind this country that Hispanics were in this country long before any Europeans set foot on this continent and claimed it for their own. He also needs to remind the country, that through out history, after every major recession and dip in the economy, one ethnicity or another, has been singled out and blamed for why there is no money and no jobs available.
I would like to hear President Obama acknowledge how much money this country receives from so-called illegal immigrants, who dont get taxes back, who work the physically hardest jobs, for the least amount of money.
Lastly, I would like to hear Obama finally put the blame where it belongs. On the Banks, who singlehandedly caused the recession we are currently in by their greed. Put the blame on “Big Business” and the corporations who continually look for ways to expoit the enviroment, the working class, AND ways to exploit workers labor in other countries as well, by sending as many American jobs as possible overseas. All this is done in the name of fattening their bottom line. And while he is at it, he should throw in an honorable mention to the Rich in this country. The people who want to hoard majority of the worlds wealth, and have their taxes lowered at the same time. The Rich, whom knowingly could reverse this recession and the decimation of public education and social services, with minor contributions from their vast wealth. I would like to hear President Obama tell the nation, that we can and WILL do better.
Heres to wishful thinking………..

First of all: I would like to tell something to Jon Heinen and Mike:
You are NOT informed, when you said:”these people welfare and their return to their country, you really don’t know what are you talking about, people without documents doesn’t have a right to have welfare, and it’s really easy for people like you and Mike, to be racist, blood cold and say go back to your country, for narrow minds like you, we have wars, discrimination, and people hating people!!!! This is an IMMIGRANTS COUNTRY!!!! “WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL” They pay taxes!!!!!!!! IF YOU ARE TEACHING YOUR FAMILY BY YOUR EXAMPLE…. I DON’T WANT TO IMAGINE HOW SELFISH THEY WILL BE, WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU…THAT’S WHY OUR WORLD IT’S SUFFERING SO MUCH!!!!
Do you believe in GOD??? LOVE YOUR BROTHERS, THE SAME WAY YOU “LOVE YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!

Please include comprehensive reform that covers permanent partners of USA citizens same sex couples.

What is the moral failing in wanting to be an American? How can we advertise the promise of liberty yet be so stingy about welcoming others to share in it? Immigrants are just people who want to live somewhere other than the place they were born. How many of us live in the house where I parents or grandparents lived?

If you hate immigrants, you hate yourself and your family, because America is a nation of immigrants. From now on, substitute the words “human beings” whenever you start to condemn”Immigrants,” and you’ll find you are condemning your brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers. America, be adult, and stop throwing selfish and cruel tantrums about people who want nothing more than to live with you.

Please make a point to mention that marriage to immigrants is NOT about getting the spouse citizenship or a Green Card. My husband is from England, has many wonderful talents and is anxious to share these talents in America. Yet we have run into stumbling block after stumbling block to get his permanent residence status. I did not marry my husband to provide him with citizenship; I married him because I love him and want to build a future with him. He is an honest, hard-working man. Before he came to America, he had a job working with CCTV in a city in England, working with the police. In order to get this job, he had to pass an exeptionally stringent background check. He has a brilliant mind and hard-work ethic and longs for the day when he can use these to support us. We need a system that will make this possible.

i feel that there should be more funding and manpower dedicated to processing immigrant’s applications for United States Citizenship. Someone very near and dear to me moved to the U.S. in 1992, his family (mom, dad, sister, & himself) left the lives they’ve known in search of of a prosperous, stable, and sucessful life in our wonderful United States. Nineteen years later, he is now 27 and is the only one in his family who has not yet received U.S. Citizenship. This man has contributed more to the United States than many natural born citizens. He is a home owner, a tax payer, and a supporter of his community – and because of the broken Immigration system – and some admittedly misplaced paperwork by the USCIS – he is no longer allowed to work in the United States and has been advised that it’s likely his Visa won’t be approved for at least 3 years – on top of the 19 he’s already been waiting!!! He is in danger of losing all material possessions he’s worked hard (and legally) to obtain and soon, he may have no other option than to return to the country he left as a young boy. Our system has failed not only my friend, but many others like him! There isn’t a straightforward definition of an “immigrant”: they come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and from many different backgrounds. Our country was built on immigrants and we can not fail them now!

Dear Mr. President: Please take the leadership for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Too many of our legistlators, and State Leaders, are hiding behind the “Law” form of response to a humanitarian need. Remind our people that everyone of them (except Native Americans) have ancestors who were immigrants, some of them “illegal”. JOHN

Mr. President, We need a guest worker program.

Dear Mr. President,
I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to show the same courage and strength you had in leading the fight for health reform to lead the way to real immigration reform. I hope you can discuss in your speech how you plan to make ICE work better and faster, and delineate a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

I would also like to tell you my story as an immigrant.

My parents, both physicians, decided to leave Argentina in search for a brighter future for my siblings and me. Despite their skills and resources, it took eight years for them to obtain a permanent residency card. By then, they were too tired and too removed from medical practice to try to validate their diplomas here. They work in health-related fields, yet I cannot help but think that if we had a working immigration system, our country could have gained two bilingual doctors.

During the eight years we waited, my parents helped me pay for college at the foreign-student rate. It was a great sacrifice. During those eight years I met a great guy, Adrián, also an immigrant, who became my husband. He had overstayed his tourist visa and was considered “illegal.” Since I was only a permanent resident when we married, we had to endure many challenges. For several months, after a driver’s license he obtained in North Carolina expired, I had to drive him to work, waking up our then two-year-old daughter at 5:30AM to be able to make it to my job on time. The moment I was able to, I applied for citizenship, and he was able to secure permanent resident status.

All of these sacrifices paid off. My parents helped my brother and sister finish college, too. My brother, Carlos, works in publishing and has his citizenship swearing in next week. My sister, Sabrina, who interned at the DNC last summer and will work for OFA in July, became a citizen in April. I am now a teacher, something I enjoy tremendously. My husband is now only 18 credits away from a Bachelors degree in Business Administration, works as night-shift supervisor at a cement packaging factory, and has applied for citizenship two months ago. Both of my parents are working on their citizenship applications.

My story has a happy ending. But there are so many that do not. I have so many hard working friends who live in fear of being separated from their American born children. I have so many brilliant students who have to give up on the dream of college education because the costs are prohibitive and the risk of being deported is so real. I know the talents of so many are underused because our immigration system is broken.

Please continue helping America be a great country by leading the fight for immigration reform. Please introduce legislation that creates a path to citizenship for those who entered illegally or overstayed their visas, and make ICE work better and faster.

Thank you.

Unless you are an indian, most americans are immigrants coming form other countries to inhabit our great land. The difference being, they did not come illegally but came legally leaving familiar countries to better themselves. They learned the language, endured harsh treatment, instilled in their children the need for education and hard work. In the end they gave back to their adoptive country. There was no free lunch! We need to get back to this principle. I for one am tired of speaking to people who do not understand english and being asked whether I want to hear english or spanish. English is the language of our country and this further angers me. Children born of illegals should not be granted citizenship they did not earn. Perhaps this is harsh but I feel neither party addresses the issue. Republicans want illegals for cheap labor and Democrats for votes. In the end it is the people such as myself who are harmed.

About 3 years ago a young man, married, father of four walked home from work in the dark with his minimum wage salary in his shoe. He was shot into the chest 7 times and robbed by 3 teenage boys, probably on drugs., then left laying there to die………… This happened not 7 miles from our house. I have taught English to some of these immigrants, being one myself (born in Germany in 1930)and deeply appreciative and loyal to my adopted land.
Yes, he was an illegal immigrant from a tiny indigenous village in southern Mexico His parents are unable to compete with NAFTA prices with the few hogs they raise and the little corn the family does not eat. They are old and worn out. NAFTA has made them so poor that their sons MUST risk their lives crossing the the desert and the border. In this country they must hide in the shadows. The kids who killed him said they were “amigo shopping”. Dehumanizing those branded with labels such as “aliens who broke our laws” makes them easy victims to such sport. He was afraid to put his salary in the bank, and frequently had not been paid at all after a hard days work here.
Obama has his heart and spine in the right place: Please help them! Ruth GC

Mr. Obama we need a immigration reform now, help us to keep our families together, stop raids, we just want to work right and to build this country to success. thank you!

We expect the president to assure us that comprehensive immigration reform wil be on the Congressional agenda early in 2011.

We expect the president to speak about incremental steps in immigration reform.

We expect that the president will direct Congress to pass the DREAM ACT before the endo of 2010. The DREAM ACT is a bipartisan bill in both houses of Congress. It can be passed immediately, thus freeing the students to work and study and help their families. THOSE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO WORK VERY HARD FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM – IF THEY ARE HAVE BEEN FREED BY THE DREAM ACT.

Please try to have the President include:
1. some way to allow the families that are currently here with children, have a special format to obtain citizenship on a priority basis – if they don’t apply, then deport
2. prosecute employers/companies that do not use e-verify according to the law, with penalties of prison time, instead of ICE rounding up the employees for deportation
3. enforce current law regarding the border – this could be a job opportunity to increase border security and to employ more technology for detection over border areas
4. President Calderon should be reminded why his citizens are leaving Mexico – if there were more opportunity in his country, the folks wouldn’t feel so desparate to come here illegally
Mr. President, I support your efforts for this country because I remember how much you have on your plate courtesy of Bush who allowed this country to falter greatly.
Thank You!

I would like Pres. Obama to order the State Department to speed up the issuance of visas for approved family-based and employment-based petitions. The 5-year backlog is wreaking havoc on the stability and productivity of those who are waiting in line. My immigrant worker petition (I-140) has been approved but my visa has not been issued. My children have finished college and yet, they cannot start to work and be contributing members of society because they still have to get their work permits…in another 5 years’ time! How senseless a mess is that! Meanwhile, our family has to endure the arduous wait and the uneasy position of being in a kind of immigration limbo. Mr. President, please address the visa backlog problem in the State Department. Thank you, Sir.

President Obama needs to foster and support initiatives that promote the development of the other 34 countries in the Americas, including Cuba, without the influx of money. Just using the grossly untapped creativity of the people of each country. I have been working more than ten years in a project that will do precisely that. It is AuraPark, a theme park with powerful engines to develop trade, arts, invention/ innovation, education and ecology throughout the Americas, thus improving the lives of the 940 millions from Canada to Chile. If President Obama chooses to support the opening of AuraPark it would launch the most powerful project ever to create JOBS, JOBS, and more JOBS; to create a new environment for the arts community with new arts that expresses the heart and soul of the people from each country, thus facilitating the understanding among the American countries and cultures; to create a new age of invention allowing new materials, new processes and new industries; to create new education to successfully implement AuraPark’ mission of progress; and finally to create a new approach to the standardization of ecological rules to be implemented in the Americas.

I would like Mr. Obama to pass an Inmigration Reform now, but of course that Reform will have to benefit more to inmigrants that came about 10 to 15 years ago and with Visas, that for whatever reason they stayed in this country undocumented. That through all the years in this country, they have been an asset for the country instead of somebody who have been living out of welfare. The good undocuemnted people will be the ones to get the citizenship right away. Undocumented people that have been paying taxes from the time they put their first step in this country, people who graduated in college here in the US (if that was possible), people who speak English, and never comitted any kind of crime, with children born here or in another country but never received a penny from the US goverment to support them. I think all these things have to be taken in consideration. People like us, we love more this country than the one we came from, we are proud to be part of the American Dream and stay here forever.

1. ENFORCE Federal and local minimum wage standards for (documented and undocumented) immigrants in all states.

2. Make it EASIER for immigrants to LEAGALLY come to the United States to help “work the fields” and then return to their families in Mexico when that work is done.

3. Made it EASIER for “illegal immigrants” to become “legal immigrants.”

To Mr. President with all my respect:
We would like to hear:
1. That you will continue your hard work about immigration reform, BECAUSE YOU PROMISED!!!!
2. That you have a plan for the next steps in this process.
3. That you will STOP the racism in Arizona, and the other states copying them…
4. That you are working with Mrs. Napolitano, and Mrs. Clinton, for a “REAL IMMIGRATION PLAN!!!!
5. That you are a committed man, fighting for the honest, hard working people, people who are paying taxes even with no papers…
6. That we still CAN BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!!
WE REALLY TRUST YOU MR. PRESIDENT!!!!

America needs to break its addictions, not just to fossil fuels, but also to slave labor. Illegal entrants are in a class all by themselves: workers without rights, perfect for profit-driven corporations that resent any concessions to safety or environmental concerns. Migrant workers are virtually slaves, since they must accept inhumane working conditions or risk deportation. The vast majority of crimes committed by Mexican nationals in the US are committed by LOCALS, who commit crimes, then try to blast back across into their border town homes in Mexico before being caught. When corporate America is ready to pay living wages for farm work, and Americans are ready to bear the true costs of producing our ample food supply, we will have made some progress in immigration reform.

WE ARE GETTING THE IMMIGRATION REFORM RIGHT NOW!!!!
MR.PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

President Obama,

With our broken immigration system, thousands of families have been separated and thousands more face this separation in the immediate future. I cannot sponsor my partner for citizenship in the US because of DOMA. I urge you to include a bill currently pending in congress known as Uniting America’s Families Act (UAFA) in your speech and to pressure congress to include it in a comprehensive immigration reform package. Over 30,000 bi-nationals couples live in fear of being separated simply because of who they are. I have no doubt that you will do the right thing and support couples such as myself and my partner. Thank you for everything you have done.

-Lucas

If corporations (deemed individuals) are allowed to cross borders to improve their financial situations then all individuals should be allowed to do so and be respected as individuals improving economic conditions for themselves and the nation they work in,,,these are beautiful human beings, families, hard working loving people and should be treated with respect,,,not like criminals,,,

SeÑor Obama,
Please help us please listen(read) Rosaria comment she is right please help us

President Obama needs to address family unity and do something about the permanent bars like 9(c) which are destroying families.

Mr. Obama Please Stop Raids! Please Help our community with a reform fast.., We all need to work and help the economy….

Hay, Barak, I want to hear you explain your silence – when you met with President Caleron at the Whitehouse of May 19 of this year! Why did you not question his government’s ( PAN Party ) policy concerning the murder and tear gassing of striking mine workers at Groupo Mexico ( Larrea family – big financial contributors to Calderon ) mines. Dis-employed miners are helping to swell the illegal immigrants crossing US borders! Yet you remain silent. Is it that yu are a doofus, ignorant of the murderous behavior of Calderon government, and do not realize that money from USA given to Calderon to interdict drug trafficing is being diverted to Groupo goons to silence miners legitimate concerns about safety and health, Or, is it, as I am increasingly coming to suspect, You merely don’t, like BP, give a damn about the “little people”!

Mr. President STOP DEPORTATION please do not separate the family, we need IMMIGRATION REFORM NOW !!!!!!!!!!!

WE CAN !!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! MR.PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!

GOD!! BLESS!!

Dear President Obama:

We are immigrants from third world country who are being force to migrate in order to survive, our country who remain poor bec. of corruption and imperialism. We struggle hard that we need to leave our families to work here in cheaply labor, under attack of racism and employers abuse. People called us alliens, rats and so on, but we immigrants are part of the strong backbones of US, who work hard the works that Americans doesn’t want. Now we are under attack and no where to go as the Arizona bill 1070 have implemented.
We want a full comprehensive reform that will allow us to pay our taxes, that we can go back to colleges and contribute ourselves freely to this country. Criminalizing undocumented immigrants is merciless. While american people love dogs and cats… they hate undocumented workers. This is the thing that i don’t understand in America. We rely in your promised that you will help us. We want a general amnesty now.

We need to make a quick, inexpensive, and secure means to assist legal immigrants, who want to change their status, in this country, to a citizen, of the US. There is NO EASY WAY TO DO THIS CURRENTLY! The system is designed to force people to work around the law, and this is wrong. I believe every person, once checked out, and not deemed a threat to this fine country, should be given a clear path to becoming a working, productive, and law abiding citizen.

Please include same sex couples in immigration reform. My partner and I have been forced to move away from the US because he can’t stay legally in the US although we are legally married in the Netherlands and civil partners in California. It is unfair that so many couples like us are forced to choose between love and country.

UAFA (Uniting American Families Act) would bring the same rights to same sex couples for immigration purposes as those taken for granted by heterosexual couples.

Please push Congress to create a comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill as soon as possible.

Mr. President, I want to hear you say that the Federal Government has not been doing it’s job at all and that it is not ok for illegals to be here. Insist that they follow the law and go about coming here legally. Have a little respect for this great Nation and it’s people, TRUE AMERICANS!!!

First of all I do not want to feel and be treated like a terrorist everytime I enter the usa. I pay taxes, own a house and have lived there for 9 years on and off.

To get my green card, I paid a rediculous amount of money in fees, lawyers, and gas money to drive to embassys. I am from Austria and now that I would like to stay there for more than 6 months out of the year they once again threaten me to take the green card.

The system is ridiculous because it seems like there is no way out. If you go there as a tourist more than 2 times a year for less than 3 months immigration officers ask tons of questions and tell you that you need to get a green card. Once you have a green card you need to stay there for more than 6 months out of the year or else they take it again.

I have never had this much trouble travelling to any other country. And I beliefe that people who have property and pay taxes in the us should be able to keep their green card.

Schwarzenegger is the governor and still the US does not make a difference between people from a 3rd world country that do not have any other options than to go to the USA and send money back home.

I truly hope Obama will make a difference, because most people in Europe don´t even want to go to the US anymore because they are so terriefied and pissed off about being treated like a terrorist.

No American is hasseled as much when he comes to Austria. But I worry that if the US doesn´t start acting differently they will start to do the same to the USA.

Sincerely,
Kathrin HUBER

When will the goverment and congress start working on the issue. Be specific please.

That employers will be penalized for hiring illegals and that the federal government will take control of the situation so these crazy states and towns wont try all these stupid local laws. That things like housing will not be affected and that those here will be granted amnesty. I would also like to see things changed so that it doesn’t take so long for them to come through the legal way and the numbers will be regulated according to our circumstances. As in more can come when employment and the economy are better, less when it is not. Programs need to be in place to integrate them in to our society on our laws, customes, etc.

Mr. President I urge you to remove the 10 year bars for illegal presence,for my child and I are struggling without my husband due to such bar, please do something so that the laws take into consideration your citizen´s and a comprehensive reform is needed so we can bring our loved ones legally, the current laws are so unflexible and neglect your citizen´s needs, with such laws, with such bars you only open your doors to more illegal immigration, for who can be separated from their loved ones for 10 years, and that is a long time. I am a law abiding citizen who tried to do things right for my husband and were hit in the back with a 10 year ban out of the country, on which I had no word nor consideration in his case, yet my son and I are the ones suffering alone. Help remove the bars and see our situations not just the illegal´s mistakes.

I would urge the President to please include measures to stop the root cause of migration – the crushing economic poverty imposed on working class people in Mexico and Central America due to our corporations and trade agreements. While the Mexican minimum wage is 1/16 the US minimum wage, people will keep comming, not because they want to, but because they feel that they have no other choice. If we want people to stop crossing our border, why not look at the conditions that cause them to cross? People don’t leave their family and friends, risk their lives in a desert, live on the margin of society knowing they could lose it all in a minute because its fun, they do it because they have no other choice. And it is our trade agreements and international corporations that give them no choice. NAFTA provides NO incentives to raise wages or enforce labor laws, on the contrary it forces producers to compete soly on price, and the easiest way to cut prices is to cut cost, and the easiest cost to cut is labor cost, through wage suppression and abuse of labor laws. Also, NAFTA let our corporations into Mexico, like Walmart, which entered Mexico in 1992 and today is the largest employer in all of Mexico. If we truly care about stopping immigration we must revise our policies, like NAFTA, that turn working class people in to immigrants.
An immigration reform that does not address the root economic issues causing immigration is simply a short term relief to a long term problem. Immigration reform to be effective must include trade policy reform to create incentives for latin american governments to raise blue collar workers wages.

I would like President Obama to talk about not just creating a list of law obstacles for people to jump through or attempt to circumvent but to address the roots of the current in flux of immigration. When it comes to Latin American countries US foreign policy has a huge indirect as well as a direct role in the health of Democratic and Economic systems (since they go hand in hand) that exist in these countries. For example Mexico, where NAFTA has killed the rural economy through the reduction and now the complete elimination of the tariffs of foreign corn. Where now US corn that is publicly subsidized to the tune of about $4bil (in 2005) that can easily undercut locally grown corn in Mexico on account of not being able to raise tariffs to protect their local economy. That is why EX-President Clinton dumped a large sum of money into the border agencies to combat what his administration knew full well would be an exodus of economic refugees. This is only one example but i believe as long a big buisness and wall street are the only focal point on which our policies are hinged there will always be displaced masses looking for a place to settle. I think if there is going to be a real long term solution to immigration legal or otherwise it starts with what is causing the immigration in the first place.

We need immigration reform that does not demonize those who speak a different language, practice a different religion or looks different than those shouting hate against undocumented people here in our country. Most of these human beings, yes, they are fellow human beings, are here to give their families a better life. They are here, paying taxes, buying things, raising their children to become honored members of this society someday. But, if we do not give them a chance, even more people around the world will see us for the racist, intolerant bigots we seem to becoming.
These people here without papers, need a path to citizenship. They could pay fines, take citizenship classes, do community service, become part of the economy without being in the shadows. I for one want compassion, empathy, and justice for those willing to be part of our country.

We also need to stop the flow of weapons south of the border. We need to stem the illegal drug trade. One step in that direction would be to legal pot, tax the hell out of it, use the revenue to rebuild our economy and empty our prisons of non-violent drug offenders. As the country with the highest prisoner population in the world we should be ashamed. Turn all this around. stop the hate. Stop the madness.

I want the president to fix this problem that many American born citizens are having. My husband of 10 yrs( and also an illegal alien)(only b/c my gov’t screwed up our paperwork when we applied for his papers)and the father of my 4 children was recently picked up on a misdemenor and now is in the deportation process. I am trying to take care of my family but it is very hard with out him working and helping me, now that he is in jail. I am now on welfare to put food on our table, and I wish I didn’t have to be.
Our kids miss him terribly. President Obama bring our Daddy home Pleasssee.

I hope he addresses legalizing same sex couples the right to sponsor there partner here as any other married couple. Stop the discrimination and stand up to approve this process. Canada and European Countries are ahead in equality for all. I thought that what what American was built on. Politicians who are gay haters should be put in place and do there job for the people of there state and not do what they want as they were voted in office to do. And if they do not wish to follow the people advice then time to get rid of them and vote them out for being anti American since we are in the financial perils due to allowing them freedom to hurt all American as they have done. Time for change.

Thank you for addressing this pressing issue!

I believe this issue surfaced to distract the American Public as the Republican led Iraq War was proven to be unjustifiable. That having been said, it is now an urgent issue which has been brought to a head by some of those same responsible individuals.

Personally, with all due respect to Our Nation’s relatively diverse founders and my own family’s Native, British, and Irish ancestors, I must state that this issue was addressed and resolved when We created this fine Country. “WE ARE A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS”. This is what has always given Us strength and has set Us apart from most other nations. That people still WANT to come here to find a better life is Our best testament to that fact.

‘You see, it’s not the plains, beaches, deserts, desserts, purple mountains, or even baseball and definitely not money (which we have no more of) that brings Our people here and always has. Those amenities can be found in abundance in many other countries and even on a greater scale in most. No, simply put, it’s the IDEAL that We can live freely without the THREAT of being persecuted just for who We are and pursue Our INDIVIDUAL versions of happiness without infringing on other individual Citizens’ Rights to do so (nor allowing ANYone foreign or domestic to infringe on them either).

Just as with their international counterparts, the domestic extremists who choose to bully and make broad threats against the People of the United States of America, should regard those threats and actions as being made against themselves on behalf and in defense of the People.

Thank you.

Thanks for this opportunity.
1. Mr.President please put your hand on your heart then be compassionate for those who are suffering in many ways; ways like persecuting by the racist laws SB1070 Arizona, border patrol is killing people at the border, the raids dividing families and the most affected are children. But the most sad is how some members of the government on many levels are promoting racism, promoting violence, discrimination, etc.
2. With cold mind think about what’s the future of this country with the immigration system broken. Think about who is contributing to recover this economy, working at any where, on th fields working with any environmental inclemence, but the people are there standup always available to work, to feed many people in this great nation. (I’m very sorry for my grammar). But this is my great wish. This is with many respect. Thanks again Mr. President

Four things:
Control the borders.
Assert the rule of law.
Allow for guest workers.
Establish reasonable immigration procedures that are affordable and don’t take forever.

I would like President Obama to do what he does so well, inspire and call on us – and Congress – to act out of high American ideals – not operating out of fear of “foreigners,” or fear of change – but courageously repairing, reforming our broken immigration system which is holding us back from the economic and social growth that we as a nation are capable of.

Together, we can enact great comprehensive immigration reform….and then we can proudly say of it: Made in America! Yes we can!

Pat Krause

Mr. President,

The people of Arizona need you to take immediate action against SB 1070!
Immigration reform is the real solution to the problem.

The DREAM Act needs to pass now!
The undocumented students of this nation are counting on you to call for a halt to deportations of bright young educated people. If immigration reform may not be a reality this year, the DREAM Act should at least be the first step.
FREE THE DREAM!!!!

In his immigration reform speech, I would like the President to also address the problem of hatred that is draining this Country, how important it is to protect the rights of minority, and religious & racial profiling propagated by bigots will hurt our nation.

No guest workers, please.Put Americans to work and if necessary pay them a living wage.

What does President Obama think about the proposal for immigration reform present by Senators Schumer and Menendez. Also when does he expect to make this a priority. I strongly agree with the proposal drafted by the Senators. I think it will quiet those who are not in favor of reform.

I am a student who finished his Masters at Columbia University. I have secured a top education, but even that’s not enough for me to become an American… I believe President Obama should at least take action where highly educated immigrants are concerned. Keep up the good worki

The President should recognize this as a multifacetic issue, and as so it needs to have different aproaches.
Better border control, keeping on mind that we share borders not only with Mexico, but our northern border as per maritime ports and airports, and more important our Embassies, let´s remember all of the 9 11 terroristas were in this Country with a Visa, as long as there are Embassies and consulates where a

I would like president Obama talk about how the immigration system is broken in this country and needs to be fixed. The reality is that there are so many jobs that America are not doing and there are no way to come here to do that kind of jobs legally and i also hope he talk about the Dream Act

Yes, we can!!!
Immigration Reform Now!!!
Let our families UNITE!!!

I would like President Obama to focus on the Salvadoreans who are in the Temproary Protected Status program those who have been working hard for years and have been paying taxes, waiting for this reform, That they will be considered for Residency. And of course those who are not whether they are Salvadorean or Mexican or any group that needs this reform. My husband has not seen his family in 12 years, and would love to see his sick mother in El Salvador, He has a deportation ordered but thankfully for this TPS he is still here, and I am a Cititzen who cannot help him, due that if I plea for him he will be sent back to El Salvador regardless, so Our only hope is this Immigration Reform, PLease Mr. President, help us!!!

Dream Act as a stand alone!!!

1 - stop all deportation is high to separation of families. 2 - secure the borders. 3 - to residence and we’re all in this country, there are many dreams in each of us, Sonor president you can realize these dreams, giving us the immigration reform to continue to work hard for this country and our family and depend on us. Mr. President please made for what one day ahead promised immigration reform. thanks

While it should be harder to get into the United States illegally, it should be easier to get in legally. And instead of going after those who try to get in just to make a better future for their families, working backbreaking jobs for too little money because they fear being reported, we should go after employers who hire people without documentation to exploit those fears. Require employers to pay fair wages and only hire legal residents. It’s worth the extra few pennies the wholesalers and consumers will have to pay.

All the immigrants we want to listen to real and fast solutions with respect to our situation of undocumented people. We cannot hope but by one it reforms migratory joust we needed, it already, because our families have come being destroyed, also there are fallen in the injustice of the generalization when they say that all the immigrants we are criminal, that is not right because a 95% of the immigrants who we lived here we are people worker and with desires to offer to our families quality of life. We have not come here to that they maintain to us, we are here working and even so unjust wages by our condition of undocumented people pay to us. I consist and I that the majority of American North people has a great heart, but are sad that just a few that they have the power they can make as much damage to but the defenseless ones, in this case the undocumented people. We don’t want more panic between our children and families, we don’t want more persecution, We need drive license and We need to believe again in an American dream.

I urge the president to take an active roll on the inmigration issue. It is time to legalize the hard working class of ilegal inmigrants. The ones that come to make a decent living, and respect this country’s laws. The ones that were brought to this country as children without the oportunity of a choice. We are productive working people who are part on the economy of this great country. This country is built by inmigrants…. we are part of this country.
Respectfully,

Diana

The President should recognize this as a multifacetic issue, and as so it needs to have different aproaches.
Better border control, keeping on mind that we share borders not only with Mexico, but our northern border as per maritime ports and airports, and more important our Embassies, let´s remember all of the 9 11 terroristas were in this Country with a Visa, as long as there are Embassies and consulates where a Visa to America can be bought we are not safe, when the only requirments for a person to enter the country is to have money, we are not doing our job.
An ammnesty, that can start with a 5 years probation or grace period on which people that are not living legaly can prove that they are working individuals with good records, in the meantime this will allow us to start accounting and keeping track and control of each of the individuals residing on this Country.

I hope that obama will set in motion a reform that will allow the illigal immigrants that have families and havent been in any serious trouble can stay and work and have a life with their families even if they have to pay a fine but let them stay with their families. there are too many children being separated from their parents and families that the government is letting too many fall through the cracks because they dont have enough people to take care of them or enough money. so hopefully he will do something to keep families together.

I URGE PRESIDENT OBAMA TO LIFT ALL THE BANS 3;5;10 YEARS ON NON CRIMINAL OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES OF US CITIZEN BEFORE JULY 4TH

Dear President Barack Obama;

Please, please, please include permanent partner benefits/sponsorship for immigration. I know you are aware of the LGBT plight in this country in terms of always being second class citizens and subject to bigotry and violence.

I know you have done a lot so far. Repealing DADT, The Matthew Shepard Act, and Hospital visitation rights. These accomplishments are tremendous and appreciated; and while the ultimate goal is full federal recognition and benefits, the issue of immigration is one of the most hurtful barriers that any of us can suffer.

For those of us in bi-national same sex relationships, we are simply barred from physically sharing our lives and loving each other. My partner is an Australian citizen. She works for her state government. She is a very productive person, and simply wants to be able to come to the U.S. legally to be with me. She does not qualify for any visa because she is not world renowned, she is not a doctor, an Olympian, a Pulitzer prize winner, or an entrepreneur able to invest millions into the economy. She is an average middle class woman, like so many other hopeful immigrants, that cannot qualify on her own, and because she is gay cannot qualify for family based sponsorship.

Our current laws are too restrictive. Immigrants are not the enemy, are not “criminals”, and the GOP mantra of “enforce the existing laws” doesn’t work when those laws are unreasonable, and so harmful to so many people, including American citizens. Families get torn apart, and many American’s are faced with having to choose between their families and loved ones and their country, and that should never, ever, happen.

My partner and I each own a home, have good careers, and are educated and productive people. Instead of living here as we would prefer and contribute to the American Community, I am being forced to leave my country to be with her. Many people don’t even have this option. Fortunately Australia will allow her to sponsor me based on our relationship, but many couples are faced with at least one person having to become undocumented in order for the couple to remain together at all because neither country will allow sponsorship. This is just so inhumane.

America is about families, and ALL families, need to be united. Any U.S. citizen should be able to sponsor their spouse/partner, children, and other family members.

Thank you,
Jennifer White
U.S. Citizen (D)

I want to hear that he’ll pass the DREAM Act, this year, and stop
terrorizing our communities through deportations, 287g, and Secure
Communities agreements.

I would like him to refer to the fact that before the immigration system is “fixed,” the United States has to radically change their foreign policies, especially nullifying NAFTA, the FTAA, CAFTA, Plan Puebla-Panama, stop the Merida Initiative in Mexico, and retrieve all troops from other countries. Until then, he and all Americans should stop bitching about illegal immigration.

I’m tired of that. Everyone knows that immigration’s system is brooke. Immigration reform NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

I would also like the President to acknowledge the role our corporations, military, and trade policies have contributed to the influx of Latin American immigrants. I would like him to recognize undocumented immigrants as HUMAN BEINGS and not demonize them for desiring a better life for themselves and their families. I would like to hear him outline a plan for making the naturalization process more feasible AND methods for providing all immigrants access to that process. I would like to hear him describe the current immigration laws that immorally tear families apart and action steps to changing or eliminating these laws. I would like to hear the President begin a dialogue about refugee status for those living in violent and impoverished conditions. I would like him to acknowledge the benefits we enjoy from having immigrants proudly perform necessary labor that middle class adults are not doing. Ultimately, I wish the President would acknowledge the subtle and subversive forms of racism that allow the demonizing rhetoric surrounding immigration to thrive, unchecked and unquestioned.

Legalize all undocumented workers, No Troops to the Border, Strike Down SB 1070, Remove all restrictions on financial aid and admission to college for undocumented workers.

mr. obama i got here when i was 17 years old looking for the american dream. i never tried to steal anything from anybody.i like to give thanks to God for all the bless that this country give to me and my family.a couple years later i meet a great woman that woman now is the mother of my 2 great kids,they have a great grades in school and i think they going to be a great citizens of this country the only problem is they need my support and mr. obama with this law its going to be hard because i live in georgia and they want to do the same here.
Mr president i am not scared to be deport it, this country teach me how to survive and am so proud of it but i love this country and i love the society where i live.
thank you for you help and support!

Dear Mr. President we need a comprehensive immigration reform today not tomorrow. Here is a little real personal story:
I came with my wife and 2childern (2 & 3 years old then)to this country 20 years ago, with a tourist visa that expired 6 month later,after being here few years we decided to apply for a permanent residency through a law called “the 10 years law”, which didn’t exist really, but any way we were granted a temporary status and got a work permit, which we have been renewing for the past 10 years.

Our children story is different, because they didn’t know they were undocumented until they wanted to drive, work and go to college. After hard economical efforts both of them graduated from college, one with an arts associate the other one (who was waiting for 4 years for the DREAM act to be approved) with a bachelors degree.

The oldest one (23years old)a hardworking man like his dad, got married to an American citizen and received his permanent residency green card 2 years ago, is working on his citizenship at this moment. He was an outstanding football soccer player that couldn’t represent the USA team due to his legal status.

The second one a very smart young lady (22 years old) that graduated from college with honors and a bachelors degree, wants to be a lawyer, but she won’t be able to achieve her DREAMs if the DREAM act is not passed.

I didn’t say anything about my 2 American children (18 & 19) simply because they haven’t suffered what my 2 non American born children did.

This is one of the million of reasons/stories we implore you to be proactive and think about the millions of hardworking undocumented people that have been building this nation.

Thank you.

I want President Obama to restore my faith in the American Dream! I want to know that my fiance and I can continue our plans to start a family without fear of being separated.

I would encourage the President to stop the flow of drugs, murderers and illegals from all countries from flowing into our country and then we can talk about comprehensive immigration reform.

No more bla,bla,bla we area sick and tired of the same speech time after time.
We need immigration reform this year.

There has got to be a way for people who have been in this country for years, have no criminal record, have paid their taxes(yes they do pay taxes through a TPN number) to be assimilated into the citizen category. Yes, there should be some requirement, but let’s get this moving and get them on the road to citizenship.

UAFA should be included in the overall immigration reform program being worked out. This is critical to end discrimination against LGBT individuals who cannot sponsor their partners to live with them in the US.

I urge President Obama to promptly pass a law that can protect all illegal immigrants Latino that are presecuted by ICE, Marshall Arpagio and the latest Jen Brennar, Mayor of Arizona. These two Government official should be asked to resign from their position. How can these two racist officials are allow to continue at their doing their racist functions. They are paid by the tax payers the same people there are supposed to protect and treat with decency.
What happening in USA? The illegal immigrants are hard working people, decent and who wants to help their family have a better life. The same way the illegal European immigrants did when they came to American the first time they step on this land. The real american as the American Indian who were the landowners of USA and were exterminated by the European illegal immigrants!.

In your speech, please quote the inscription on the Statue of Liberty that has provided hope and beckoned to millions to join our country in its quest for a free and just society. Let that be the basis you work from to emphasize what our inclusive history has contributed to the making of this country.

Challenge us to be inclusive and just, and not to punish those who have come, though some not through legal means, to partake of what our country has to offer; they have exposed us to cultures other than our own, enriching us in the process. Challenge us to appreciate our country’s role as a melting pot for many different peoples.

I would like the reform to provide a path for those already here, legally or illegally, to become citizens; to provide border entrances and a system to admit people and not a militarized border; eliminate legal opportunities for racial/cultural profiling; keep families together wherever possible; allow free legal passage to the home country and back; if immigrants are working here, taxes should be paid since they are relying on our roads, emergency services, and other infrastructure for their livelihood.

In other words, I would like to see a legal system in place that allows entry in a systematic way that is fair and not punitive and that is not horribly burdensome either to our government or to the people wishing to come here. Not too big a wish!!!

I would also like to ditto the statements of Kris L, Karin Dydell, J Arcelia, and Dr. John M. Stewart.

And thank you for the many things you have already done to make this country a better place!!

I want to hear that he’ll pass the DREAM Act, this year, and stop
terrorizing our communities through deportations, 287g, and Secure
Communities agreements.

I want to hear President Obama say that he is going to keep families united by helping them obtain citizenship because we are not about to separate families and take childrens parents or siblings away from them. I think that there should be facilities that help immigrants who have been here for years that have families here or were brought here as children and only know the U.S. as home. The immigrants should be able to have easy access to facilities that can help them and guide them to the correct way of being in the U.S., they should not have to be fearful to ask for help to obtain citezenship.

No more bla,bla,bla we need Immigration Reform Nowwwwwwwwwwwwww…1

I would like him to address the many families that have their lives put on hold while going through the process of getting their spouse a legal resident. My husband has been gone for 3 years due to this process and the fact that we have no ideal what is going on, how they determine our case and their decision about our case is disheartening to say the least. I would like him to make the laws more clearer and the guidelines more specific as to what they accept and do not accept and not be based on how someone at the consulate is feeling from day to day. Our lives are in these peoples hands and the process that we are takened through is added hardship in our lives that we should not have to endure. These people who file for legal residence are people that can be documented and yet they seem to have less empathy for them than the ones that are not documented. We are trying to do things the right way, but this process that they currently have now, makes it hard for anyone to want to go through it. President Obama needs to enforce the laws of immigration and not let people use racial profiling to discourage it for their own benefit. If there are people waiting in line doing it the right way, then we should not encourage those who are not. He should state what the law is as far as illegal immigration to the whole country and then act accordingly to those laws. Let the ones that are not here legally know that we are a nation of laws and they were established for a reason. Thank you.

Dear Mr. Obama:
When you talk about immigration reform tonight, I hope you will first point out that it is ridiculous to deport people who are already here. That being
the case, I hope you will remind all Anglo, black and other “new” Americans that were it not for “Illegal Immigrants” regular Americans would not eat! Why? Are Anglo and Black Americans ready to return to farms and fields to
pick their own food?
Which group in American society today toils in the fields daily doing the backbreaking work of Feeding Americans? The answer of course is Hispanic,
often “undocumented immigrants.”
I hope you, Mr. Obama, tell the country that the next time they look down at their dinner plates, they realize that an “undocumented” person made it possible for an American to eat Cheaply!
And for the upper crust of American society, make sure you tell them that
were it not for cheap, undocumented Hispanics, there would be no Wine to drink either! These are just two areas in which “undocumented immigrants”
make a difference. There are other areas too: For example, the meat packing industry and home building industry have all “Profited” from Cheap, Hispanic immigrant labor.
So Mr. Obama, I want you to impress upon each and every “legal” American that undocumented immigrants have contributed so much to this country that they have “Earned” American citizenship!

God bless America
I think President Obama will be talking of what all of us want to hear, even do it is not what he will do. It’s time to get our attention, and distract you from the real things that are going on. The immigration issue is the most important issue at this moment and it is not only for the discremination and all the laws against the immigrants, it is the economy that this people generates. If we can remmember on the day that the latin population decided to work only 1/2 a day, do you know how much money the United Staes lost, did you know that up to this date we haven’t recover that lost?
President Obama needs and will have to do something regarding this issue fast because election time is near and people may not remmember others hurts but they will remmember theirs.

An immediate end to workplace raids and the cruel separation of family members! A safe path to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants who lack papers!

My understanding is that the burgeoning number of undocumented workers is the
result of a general agreement to look the other way, and allow a workforce to enter the country. That being the case, why in the world would anyone want to criticize or condemn anyone for choosing to enter the country and work. Treat decent people decently.

I believe there should be stricter immigration laws.And believe that people who come here illegally and have children here should have there children put in the children and youth system as they are now americans and there parents sent back to there country(hit them where it hurts).It may seem harsh but for people coming here illegally is an incentive to not come here.Jobs are being lost,quality of life is going down hill in the products we buy and quality of learning for children in this country.Also many companys higher people who come here illegally for cheap and believe that this is why it is so hard to find a job in the country also why so many are laid off.I also beleve that people who come here illegally should pay for the services they have recieved here or there goverement should compensate america for services given to there citizens.Far too many times i have seen people who come here illegally do protests burning our flag,wearing “greenga”masks stating its freedom of speech yet really is a form of racism and not all american are white we are a melting pot of cultures and it disgusts me when i take my children to the park and have to hear negative remarks about us yet we are biracial We are native american,spanish,african,and many other cultures rolled into one,yet we do look caucasion but we have oriental eyes.My children and I have been spit on and have had rocks thrown at us so we do not even have fun going outside anymore and stay home.Also This is america and the langauge is english not spanish or other language.yet going to many stores i have to bring a translation book to even talk with store clerks who refuse to learn english and sometimes refuse service to me.This is america not mexico,england,or china.And I think America as a whole has been concentrating on helping other countrys neglecting there own people.There are homeless here,poor here,and yet The us as a whole keeps sending aid elsewhere and budget cuts abound here.Schools today do not offer as much as they did when i went to school and have become stricter could you imagine that now schools have metal detectors and drug sniffing dogs and police patrols…insane.I want president obama to make a speech that states stricter immigration laws,stricter border laws,and sricter laws concerning companys highering illegals.Look at america compared to about 10 yrs ago there is a decline and i am not stating it is due to just to illegal immigration as there are many factors but illegals are in this factor as no jobs means higher crime rates.Also some people who come here illegally are sex offenders and when caught are sent back to there country only to hop over the boarder to commit again,doing no jail time other then waiting to be deported sick.others have Hit and run over familys chldren and run not calling anyone to help the people they ran over in fear of being deported sad and heartwrenching.I have read so many horror storys on this.kidnappings to extort money often with the kidnappee being killed.I am not stating all people who come here illegally do this just stating from the news events that have occured with familys getting no justice at all.Also for the people who come here illegally often times they do not make it and die out in the desert often with there children.They risk there lives by coming here through illegal means so they can live under the rader in poverty.adding to the financial strain on america.If they just did things legally and applied for citizenship and waited the process instead of skipping over people who do come here legally many of this debate would be non existing.I want an america that is for americans I do not want to see hate,racism,and poverty,I want an america where when my child grows up he can apply for a job that he is qualified for and not be turned down due to his race or due to a quata of highering so many people of this decent even though he may out qualify those quatas.I want an america with quality of life in all things but if we keep pumping our economy to support others not from here we will soon be unable to do so as we will be a 3rd world country.I want obama to think about his children and others and of his people during this speech and not fear backlash He is young and I do believe compatent for the job but is under alot of stress look at how much hes grayed.So give the man credit where due.And remember he is just a centerpiece and speaker for congress who actually makes laws and and decisions for ameriica so stop putting all the blame on him and start writing to congress and your state representatives who actually make such laws.Also it is not just hispanics who come here illegally,illegal immigrants come here in all colors,shapes and sizes although not many do protest and spit and wear derogitory masks and are thankful for the services they recieve even though coming here illegally.Also yes many people who come here illegally are hard workers but again many are not and collect recieveing services they should not be entitled to as they were not born here and only stay here due to having children here I believe the term “anchor babies” and thats why I stated these children should be put in the foster care system as then nothing holding them here and would send a message that there are consequences for not legally coming here.just wear I live illegals recieve 300 dollers from social security for each of there children born here yet i cant recieve that due to being an american it seems that the goverment is giving incentive to illegals to do so.Also america gives so much to people who come here illegally but if we went to there country legally or illegally(wed be deported if illegally and caught in much harsher conditions) we are not helped out in any way and have to help ourselves.These countrys should implement services to there people and do economic reform but refuse to do so also these peoole should elect and offical for them and not for his pocket.Why being such a young country are we do take care of older established countrys that are finacially not our concern.Why are we taking in there people by the millions.America is not the yellow brick road any more it is polluted and filthy and declining in such ways we will soon be unable to support anyone not even ourselves.Also illegal immigration reform is not racism by any means it is law and in any other country would not be questioned.And it is sad for the illegals that come here who live right and dont cause harm are deported but they came here illegally instead of going through the right actions and should be sent back and apply for citizentship legally!I state again I am not racist I am an american tired of decline in everything,tired of budget cuts and tired of not being able to get or maintain a job due to cheaper help.Im tired of the decline of quality of food to keep up with demand.where fake alternatives are made to represent the real thing and realy taste horrible.I want a better america and in immigration reform is a big step not a cure to the decline in america.And if obama so happens to read this Bless you and take care and i believe your doing the best you can and am glad I didnt vote for mccain as he would have been another bush(who I also voted for at first sadly) In america this is so true the richer get richer,the poorer get poorer and the middle class also get poorer start voting this is america and your right to the readers who read this also to people who come here illegally and yet want to turn this country to suit them this is america not your country of origin there is a reason you came here and obviously your county is not doing you justice so (to illegal hispanics as i have only seen them do this)stop stomping on our flag and stop being racist (as your greenga mask protest shows your ignorant and america is not just made up of upper class caucasions)and is made up of oriental,african,irish,and other nationalitys who came here legally and have put back into our economy.and if you hate it here so much why come here at all obviously there are things you LOVE in this country medical,and social services that are not offered in your country,clean water so why do such ignorant things and I am not stating all hispanic immigrants do this as some do not but many do.Why come here are you trying to claim america for your country by popping out as many children you can?Do you really want to do that?AMercias first inhabitants were native americans who crossed over from the ice bridge who were originally oriental before that who knows who the inhabitants were so really america belonged to no one originally wars have been faught to stake claim but those times are over and this is now not then.also in other subjects and sorry for going off topic but reading other postings slavery did not start in america it has been going on for eons and is over in america also white people were not the only ones to have slaves so stop stating such and stop stating before even knowing such events read the book superman to man which states actual events of this topic eons ago to the time of the books writing.Also originally Christopher columbus broaght the nina,the pinta and the santa maria for spain but brought also other colonys and took slaves for that country of spain (native americans)and other countrys colonized america but mainly england.So reasearch before making blind statements.sorry for going on but wanted to make other points as reading past posts on this topic and others people commenting are misinformed.

I’d like hear They take action over a “Comprehensive Immigration Reform”, cause We want belong to this “Free Great Nation” but like free citizen.
We are ready for belong to this Great Nation
Thanks

The current immigration system needs to be simplified. It is very complicated and takes lot of time and effort to get legal immigration. If it can be simplified, the country is going to save tremendous valuable resources. One of the immigration models to follow is from Canada.

put army on the border not middle east

I would like to hear that our president Barack Obama talk about a comprehensive reform from all the illegal immigrants to help with the discrimination that we are suffering.

Dear Mr. Obama,
I am third generation American. Please do not put up the wall between Mexico and U.S. We could use that money elsewhere. Please start checking cars going INTO Mexico for weapons and drugs. (Their drug lords use our guns.) Please know that the ‘illegal’ immigrants doing all the work that U.S. citizens do not want to do at cheaper wages; are expendable ONLY AFTER the work is done. Let us be a fair nation to those who make us great. Sincerely, LT

Dear Mr.President,
I like to hear You put a stop to the Illegals, they are Criminals.
Arizona law should be in every State.
I want You to put either troops or fences on the border.
I know how much it costs us to provide schooling for all
the illegal’s children, the emergency rooms packed with
illegals, it is eating up our economy!

OPEN BORDERS!!!!

That UAFA will be passed this year, or included for sure in CIR next year, and he’ll stop the Amtrak RAIDS and heartless deportations.

The Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024 / S. 4242) must be included in any Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation. American citizens and permanent residents who are gay or lesbian are prohibited by the U.S. government from sponsoring their legal spouses and partners for immigration purposes. This is cruel, unfair, and unnecessary.

Mr president you are one of my admirer and i know you have been trying in most of the things you have promised but due to obstacles by the republicans things have been very difficult for you to pass comprehensive immigration reform, i want you to use your executive powers to pass the reform this year as promised during your campaign, let it be your top priority in your speech on thursday.
If all the undocumented alliens are legalized or giving partial citizenship it will boost the economy and reduce the deficit, then you can secure all the borders.
Majority of all undocumented alliens are hard working people and would like to be part of American dreams let their dreams come true this year for the sake of their children. God bless you and God bless united state of America.

That the failure of the U.S. Government to enact comprehensive immigration reform has created a bitter, divisive and hostile environment among people who for decades co-existed peacefully and worked side by side. Until a few years ago, no one cared about the immigration status of their hard-working and law-abiding neighbors. U.S. citizens were aware of the advantages they enjoyed because of immigrant laborers. They didn’t question the working conditions of all the people who grew, harvested and prepared their food. The undocumented immigrants were willing to suffer many indignities so that their children would have a better life. The economy benefitted from a sufficient flow of labor. There was a tacit agreement that the status quo was working and no one wanted to take on the difficult job of changing it.

Five years ago, there was a sudden change. The report of 12 million undocumented persons living in the U.S. brought to the light of day the fact that the U.S. had been derelict in its duty to regulate immigration. A bi-partisan committee recommended sensible and human immigration reform. But the Pandora’ box of racism and scapegoating had been opened. Overnight, the undocumented immigrant became an object of scorn and hatred. Realistic discussion and facts were drowned out by ignorance, suspicion, and cynical exploitation of middle class people’s fears and insecurities. The middle class followed the finger of accusation pointing at the menial laborer as their wealth evaporated. Their attention was fixed firmly on the tiniest fraction of the population, demanding that they be punished for all the jobs that had gone overseas, the retirement plans that had been gutted, the homes in foreclosure. This total misplacement of anger and impotence, this misdirected ire, is a smokescreen that is holding us back. Immigrants work, they contribute, they start new businesses. They are part of the solution, not all of the problem. Law enforcement and violence associated with drugs and other illicit trade will become worse, the longer we avoid immigration reform.

i would like to hear that president is ready to fix the immigration system and he will pass the real immigration reform which will give illegals a chance to become us citizen in future.
immigrants has made such a big impact on this country.
it’s time to do it.

We urgently an immigration reform now. I cannot understand Americans that claim that we should exclude hispanics from Immigration. We are all Immigrants every single person unless you are an American Indian are Immigrants. The only difference is that Italians, Irish, Jewish, Germans, and other nationalities are WHITE. Due to the fact that now immigrants are OLIVE SKIN OR BROWN they do not want to give them a chance. MOST pedophiles are WHITES, there are also white criminals. We are all from the same GOD. We all are buried and die. Stop this DISCRIMINATION NOW. I am Puerto Rican my grandparents and my parents are born American Citizens and they discriminate against us if we are not WHITES. STOP these unjust deportations. There are illegal Italians, Russians, Irish and many other nationalities in NEW YORK and elsewhere but oh wait its OKAY they are WHITES.

Presidente Obahama , hasta Cuando tenemos que esperar por una reforma migratoria . No sabe Usted? que las familias estamos sufriendo con cada ley que aprueban en contra de los inmigrantes ..Apelo a su buen corazon y le pedimos ya una reforma Migratoria Justa o si no algun permiso para poder trabajar o para nuestros hijos que puedan estudiar y asi sentirnos libres en este Pais que tambien lo consideramos nuestro….

Dear Mr. President,
With all my respect I will like to hear from you and take accions right away to pass the immigration reform this year, also that you are going to keep families united by helping them obtain citizenship because we are not about to separate families and take childrens parents or siblings away from them. No more presecution by ICE, We want Ice and Police to stop terrorizing our families, no more profiling. NO MORE DEPORTATIONS.

It saddens me to read about so many people who have hearts made out of stone, it is people like that I pray for daily. It is God’s law that will save humanity, not man’s law.

we need a reform now…….. no more blah,blah,blah! stop raids on streets and at jobs. those should happen only at the border not inside the U.S. Immigrants come here to work hard they should be able to work without the worry of getting deported. we are all human beings and nobody like to be treated like criminals. To Mr.Obama i know you wouldnt want to be separated from your family if you were illegal. i thank god that i am U.S citizen because i wouldn’t want to worry everyday of being deported. i believe the reform will end many racial problems. immigrants hate to be treated differently (just the same as african americans with slavery) and detention camps many get treated like animals thats just power abuse. its sad no one is doing anything to solve it. thats also why i think racial crimes exist.

We need a refom now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my family we are of many skin colors. We could pass as White, Spanish/Mexican or Black. Some family members speak with an accent. My ancestors migrated here from Arabia, Africa, Spain, France, Germany and it was said, even Japan. Some mixed with American Indians. After all, in the Americas, North, Central and South there are many tribes of Indians. From there the rest of us are American born. Americans… Born in the US of A. What I want President Obama to do is pass a comprehensive immigration reform. Also, to see to it that I or my family will not be racially profiled because that is what’s happening right now today and those who don’t believe that are fools. If I have to carry my birth certificate than lets pass a law that EVERYONE in the US of A carry their birth certificate. Sad to say, but we have to remember that we have idiots that work in ALL field levels. I’ve done mission work for many years in Mexico. I’ve see the poverty. I know many Mexicans, Asians and other nationalities that just came here to work. Yes, they may have come here illegally, but they are not all criminals. Some of our own American citizens are criminals. Some of our own citizen have gone into other Countries and committed crimes. I think certain people should think of how they use that word criminal. People say the illegal’s come here to get on our welfare, food stamps and medicare. Those I see are hard working people. I see many of our own Americans on welfare, food stamps and medicare. I have no knowledge of how their payrolls are, but I see how they add into our economy by buying food, gas, water, utilities, cable TV, buying cars, shopping in department stores, restaurants, paying rent, insurance and other things as normal Americans do. We have a responsibility to our Americans and this includes those children they bore here in the United States. How sad and hurtful it is that we are splitting up families. I can’t even imagine what these kids are going through. Older brothers and sisters raising their younger siblings all because their parents were deported. We are a United Nation. I see nothing united in what we are doing. People won’t, no matter who they are or where they are from will have sex! Lets look at it this way. Our ancestors came here had sex and WE were all born in America. Some of these children have fought in our Wars even in this War and died. To Governors, Senators, Representatives, NIS, Police, and all those people out there. Don’t judge me by my shin, hair or eye color. My last name or accent. The shoes or clothes I wear or the way I walk. How asinine some individuals can be in identifying illegal Mexicans. This, I would like for President Obama to read and share with those mentioned above. This is what I’m made of.

President Obama,

Thank you for this opportunity express my opinion. And I know that with the compassion you have demonstrated regarding past issues, I have high hopes that you will fairly resolve the current problem of immigration.

I agree fully, with Patrica George #7, Colin Summers #8 and with Cynara #9 comments. I cannot say it any better than they have stated it. In addition, there needs to be a commission to investigate the negative results of NAFTA, and the harmful policies of the Monsanto Corporation’s greed, in destroying small farms and businesses all over the world, leaving the people with no way of legally supporting their families. Many turns to suicide, gang wars, drug cartels, sex trade, criminal and/or destructive ways to survive. I find it shameful, that my tax money contributed to this travesty.

Sincerely,
Carole Mock

I hope the President brings a pragmatic message to the table.
Giving this people citizenship is something the public will not support!!
A work permit that allows them to pay taxes, assuming they don`t already do.
To get a driver`s license, pay auto insurance and fly back and forth to the countries of origin so they can stay connected to their culture.
Not all of them want to stay here forever, of course if the choice you give is citizenship or deportation the choice is clear for them.
Once they have worked for a few years and we can tell the american public and the people in the far right, look how much money are we getting from their taxes, how many jobs their hard work is generating, the border is under control, then and only then can we make a strong case for green cards and citizenship with hard numbers that they cannot twist for their own interest.
If we keep pushing for citizenship we will fail yet again!!
After we fail you and I will say, “good effort everybody” we will try next year!!
They will have to live in hell for another year.
Let`s get the ball rolling with the Dream act, AG Jobs and work permits for now!!

I would like to hear that families will be put first, and the US will end forced separations. That he will push for reform this year, even if it takes an executive order. To bring undocumented workers out of the shadows and into mainstream society.

However, the sad truth is that he will just say the same thing he has been saying, that there’s a need but no GOP support to get it done.. which means status quo for the foreseeable future.

We latino voters are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Pick Dems, who don’t have the cojones to do anything about immigration, or side GOP who bash us at every turn to flame the anti-immigrant sentiments of their Tea Partying core…

I want to hear about real solutions – reform that upholds our values and works for everyone, instead of the divisive, mean-spirited rhetoric that only serves to fuel partisan debate.

I’d like to see a balance between common sense and compassion.

I would like to hear a clear plan to immigration reform.
A plan where current immigration process are simplified, not more complicated and expensive.
A plan that reunites families, does not separete them as is actually happening. Show a path where undocumented family members get a chance to obtain legal documents to stay in the country.
A plan where states, like Arizona,do not have the right to implemetn their own radical immigration laws and with that segregate our communities.
Give the chance to undocumented workers who have demonstrated they are good citizens, to stay here and help on the progress of this nation.
I KNOW HE CAN DO IT! YES, HE CAN! WE CAN HELP!

1) Federal law suit against Az SB 1070
2) Suspend Sec. 287 (g) until thorough review of how it is being used
3) Adopt DREAM Act
4) Legalization process for undocumented workers and their families
5) Stop workplace raids
6) Stop militarization of the Border

please, less speach , more action.
Congress will never tackle CIR, you must do something as an executive order.

I agree wholeheartedly with #32. We can’t reform the result until we reform the cause: trade pacts that displace foreign workers from their land and force them to move north to provide for their families. Repeal NAFTA, CAFTA, FTAA and do not move forward with the Korean trade agreement until that too is fixed.

Dear Mr. President,

We need urgently to do justice to immigrants who came to US to work. We on the border highly recommend a comprehensive immigration reform that allow immigrants to pursue legal status to be fairly treated under the US constitution like everyone else. We need to put a stop to modern day slavery and discrimination against them. We can’t blame them for the economic crises provoked by Bush administration and republican party. It is time to do justice to these part of population that are honest and hard working people. El Paso, Texas is an example of it. Given the number of immigrants, who needs to pursue legal status, El Paso is the second safest city of US. It proves that the people here are honest reliable, unlike what is said in Arizona by white supremacists. Please do justice to this human beings who are in a way citizens, who pay taxes, obey the law, and contribute to our society. Recently farmers say they don’t have anybody to pick up the harvest,because no one else wants to do these jobs. Please listen to US bishops who have a plan for immigration reform that allows new immigrants to have the dignity to work here legally, when no else wants to do those jobs. Parents that have children born here need to be allowed to have legal status. Please do not allow families to be separated and destroy, especially on the US/Mexico border case. US can assist Mexico recover from a drug war like US helped Colombia. All the money spent on surveillance can be used to create job opportunity.
My vote goes for a comprehensive immigration reform.
Dr. Cesar Rossatto
Border Region UT Texas University Professor

To creat a Law to protect immigrants against discrimmination. Racism is a crime! Just read some of the posts…

Es simple lo que me gustaria que dijera. Que reconozca la invaluable aportacion que han hecho los inmigrantes a este pais, sin la cual este pais no seria lo que es y en consecuencia actue de forma responsable no solo diciendo que movera las piezas del ajedrez de su gabinete para que se repare el quebrado sistema migratorio, con la finalidad de que la poblacion hispana lo vuelva a aclamar sino que en realidad ponga en marcha un verdadero proyecto inteligente que se pueda aprovar a la brevedad en las respectivas camaras y que porsupuesto le de a la gente inmigrante en este pais cundo menos un estatus de residencia normal o legal. Espero escuchar de obama una propuesta real y tangible acorto plazo y no solo mas palabrerias al respecto.
Gracias.!

President should take fare practical approach and resolve the issue…

Immigration reform is way overdue. Do whatever is necessary now to pass it and stop playing games and making excuses. Put the legislators to the test, document their votes and publish them so that voters will know exactly how they stand. I, for one, and not satisfied with the behavior of the democrats nor the republicans and am ready to look towards another people who is more sympathetic to the average resident living in the USA.

I want the U.S. to demilitarized the border–stop building more walls and stop sending more troops. We should implement a legal guest worker program and charge a fee that could be used to support joint development projects with Mexico.

I hope God open the President’s heart and he starts the Immigration Reform for America.

WE NEED IMMIGRATION REFORM NOW!!!

to rosario carbo yes we would love to pick our own food whether we are anglo,african or other in decent and american as there would not be so many safety recalls on the food we eat that you pick and many people would not die of salmanella poisoning and other deseases since you state that only hispanics are doing all the hard work and labor and picking produce and handling our food it is to assume that this is why so many foods are being recalled.also there are machines that have been made to plant,pick,and other such things also how dare you make a statement that we are lazy which is not true I see many amercans who are farmers and own there own farm and pick with there familys getting very little in return for the crops they pick that they toiled on and some are caucasion,some are white and some are hispanic in decent but are AMERICAN whether born or applied for citizenship.also reading other posts I am sorry to hear rafeal garcias story as he applied to be here LEGALLY for his children and did not come here ILLEGALLY and has done all requirements to reamin here LEGALLY and it is sad that even though he applied for citizenship for himself and children they are neglected progress due to being born in another country.and his story is not the typical of what immigrants who come here legally go through even in achievemnent and very sad to hear I posted before and what to state in your case the statements i made do not apply to you as I see your fighting to remain here and have respect to this country and actually seem to love america.and to Others who posted on here you came here illegally and prolonged are even took away from someone who applied to be here legally why should we implement to help you just because of how long you have lived here you broke the law and have added to econimic decline with hospital bills,unpaid taxes,and also have done protest that insulted some cultures of american decent (with greenga masks=greenga derogitory term for white caucasion)and have also done protest that insulted america has a whole with torching our flag,spiting and stomping on our flag and statements made by your protest leaders and even your own political leader of your country.And how you state that without your being here would hurt our economy is unfounded as you came here illegally and do not pay taxes for the schooling your children recieve,do not pay for medical treatment you recieve,and do not pay much into anything but gain money and either send it bakc to your country or support your self here and paying taxes on your grocerys is minimal only a few pennys so how can you state that you help this economy when you are just burdening it with services you recieve for free?also This is america and if you want to act in such protest spitting on the very symbolism of america that you came here to get help and have recieved and refuse to learn the language of america and want to change this into the country you came from why be here at all?Why do I have to go to the store and not be understood what i want?Why should we cater to you when your country doesnt to us when we go there legally?Your country does not offer services in any way there is no welfare,wic,or medical that is offered to us why should we offer it to you who came here illegally and also you are taking away from people who are here legally due to working for cheap.America has been declining for years bugdet cuts abound,quality is declining jobs are being lost due to bugdet cuts.so how can you make a statement that you are helping the economy on nothing more but your biased opinion?AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS are aiding the economy not you,you WHO ARE HERE ILLEGALY are just taking away.Why should we take a blind eye to law breaking when it is our right as america to implement laws and countrys who pass the same laws are not questioned as it is there right.It is americas right to protect its citizens and to ensure quality of life and I am tired of the biased remarks made by people who have no right to have an opinion since they were not here legaly and came illegally and do not respect the country.

Actions Speak Louder than Words! I don’t want him to SAY anything more about what he’s GOING to do. I am sick and tired of empty promises and deadlines not kept. Stop your empty promises and DO SOMETHING NOW! This issue is more important than the oil leak or the war against terrorism. I shouldn’t even have to say it. What is happening every day to hispanic mothers, fathers, children, uncles, anuts is no different than what this country did to the black slaves, the irish in New York years ago, not to mention the japanese americans that were put into camps here supossedly for their protection during WWII, the native americans, and one group after another. People are suffering! What is going on IS WRONG! AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT! And one more thing, there is no way a 15 year old child was a coyote. It is a shame that after killing that boy, they have to smear his name and his family to wash their hands of a murder. God Bless that mother and her family.

I want US citizens to be able to have their spouses join them in the United States. There are too many barriers in the laws that cause spouses to be barred from entering the United States. Change the 212 a6cii lifetime bar for false claim to US Citizenship. It is too easy for officials to slap that on a person and bar them for life and it can never be challenged because of their word against yours. These people are treated worse than murderers and therefore the punishment does not fit the crime.

I would like to hear him talk about what actions are going to be taken to help every immigrant that has been here for a long time and if there will be opportunities for illegal children who have studied in america all their life but cannot continue because they do not have what the need. How are they going to work if its not their fault, but a mistake made by their parents and now they dreams are broken because they cannot continue their path in their academic studies and achieve well established professional careers.

The President MUST crack down on employers who hire illeagal immigrants ,and,exploit these people with impunity.
Those illeagal immigrants who are already here must have a path to legal status and the ability to contribut to America as all imimigrants have done since our founding as a nation.
There must be substantial fines for these viciously exploitive businesses.
This reform must also include the requirement that English competency be established.
One nation;one language.

I want to hear what we all want to hear and what we all need to hear.

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM IS COMING THIS YEAR.

We need a change in our Visa system.
We need amnesty upon a fine, background check, English test.
We need to secure the borders from criminals, not from immigrants.
not from mexicans.
We need SB1070 REPEALED
We need the ethnic studies ban REPEALED
We need the spanish accent teachers ban REPEALED
We need the “anchor” babies bill thrown into the trash!!

We need to hold the responsibles of so many racist, hating and cheap bills accountable!

Impeach Brewer, Send Arpaio To Jail, Stop Russell Pearce!

And we need it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more promises… WE NEED ACTION!

The President should explain that it isn’t latinos who are responsible for job losses in this country. He should explain that the businesses who have shipped jobs overseas, and who are paying latino workers far below minimum wage, who is responsible for the problems in the job market. No one can blame people who are simple trying to make a living for themselves and their families.

I want to hear is about the immigration reform because i need to all illegal immigrants working hard over here ……….

I want you to keep your promise and get the immigration reform passed and do whatever you necessary to to get it done, let it be your top priority in your speech on thursday.

If all the undocumented illegal immigrants are legalized or givin a path to citizenship it should boost the economy and you can secure all the borders the USA should be looking good then. Majority of all undocumented immigrants are hard working people and would like to be part of the American dream so lets make their dream come true this year for the sake of their children and fmaily. But if the illegal immigrant happens to be a criminal then get them out of our Country-we shouldn’t have to support that kind of behaviour!

Thank you and stand strong for what you have promised Americans!

I urge President Obama to use his power to create real change, starting with ending the deeply problematic 287(g) program.

Mr. Obama, thousands of foreign people, as me, came to your country with dreams, ones with higher dreams than others, and we lost our goals, for the reason that is so hard to keep studying and get a good and permanent job. Many of us have preparation Mr. President and this is the time that we have more hope on you. Please, help us, I am not asking for an immigration reform but for a legalization for good people, the ones who do not commit criminal actions. Stop segregating people only for the nationality, measure us as human beings.

Also I would like you to approve the Dream Act, those kids needs your help. They have dreams too, let them blast off.

I hear alot of talk about illegal aliens not paying taxes and using our health care system and welfare system without contributing. I don’t know these folks, but I do know my partner. We have been together for 20 years. He has excellant credit, follows the laws, has health insurance, auto insurance, pays his taxes, puts money into the social security system (which he will never collect as long as he is illegal) and he can’t be legal until our relationship is recognized by the government.
I also know alot of other families in the same position, living here like any other citizen. Most illegal aliens have jobs and pay into our system but they are not the ones you generally hear about in the media.
Let’s take our time and really put together reform that is not based on emotion, but is thought out intelligently and humanely. Thank you.

Recognizing the ineluctible necessity of comprehensive FEDERAL immigration reform, I urge the President to express an unequivocale commitment to enact new legislation NOW! Doing so would ameliorate most of the harsh fate of 12 million people constantly looking over their shoulder, working under the table as non-taxpayers who’re ineligible for most governmental services. They are forced to suffer crimes in silence for fear of apprehension and deportation. The political reality indicates that “Amnesty” or a short cut to citizenship is improbable and impractical. A more humane and pragmatic approach, capable of easier success, would be to offer the law-abiding undocumented persons a quick, simple path to mere legalization (eg guest worker status), with citizenship a more distant possibility.This should be accomplished with a commitment to encouraging family unification among undocumented persons presently within our borders. The ultimate solution to hevy immigration influx- both legal and illegal would come if it were possible for all deveopled nations of the world to sincerely and energetically work to upgrade the standard of living for all of the under- developed world so that they would would be encouraged to better their lot without leaving their home countries. This is , of course, well beyond the pale of what a President can do in a single speech or even in 10 presidential terms, but there has to be a beginning now.

Its time for a change. Ilegal people work their ass off everyday for a minimum wage without an oportunity of a better life. All they wish is for them to be legal and to help out the US. Its time the immigration reform is passed, and if that is not able than the DREAM Act should be passed no matter what!

Besides all the obvious, I hope he can help get the DREAM Act enacted. We cannot afford to lose these kids we have educated through high school. We need them going to college and working and starting businesses and paying taxes. We need them here.

I want Obama to address a truly Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, including same sex binational couples and the UAFA.

Please put an end to 287g, deportation, Secure Communities, and SB1070.
Highlight the need for equal rights for all and an end to “second-class” treatment of immigrants.

I would like the country to hear what HAS BEEN DONE to stop illegals at the border. It is my understanding that more than 700,000 people were stopped at the border last year. Also it is not just people from south of the border that are here illegally… There are all countries represented. I believe we need to address the drug cartels & violence that is spilling over our borders these are the criminals that are causing the majority of the problems along the border, not the hard working families

NO to the army on the border, or any of that other inane expensive unworkable nonsense! It’s easy and won’t cost us one thin dime to stop illegal immigration.

Remove the incentives, attack the problem of illegal immigration at its source. Pass laws that jail the greedy CEOs and corporate officers and individuals who hire illegals!!! Pass laws with stiff enough fines on their corps that will bankrupt them for hiring illegals.

Until you do this, attack the source of illegal immigration, the jobs they come for, no army will stop them, no fence will either, only removing the incentives will, make hiring illegals a crime punishable by years in prison for those doing doing it, and fine their corporations out of business!

I want to hear the President to make a commitment to approve an Immigration Reform. This will be the culmination of a battle between the supremacist group and the government, that started back on 9/11. The 9/11 was an inside call to stop other minority groups from advancing in this beautiful country. There is no coincidence the walfare reform to cut public benefits to only 5 years. there is no coincidence on cut the education to high school children and prevent them from going to college. No coincidence on killing homes construction industry where 80-90% of laborers were Hispanics (many of them with no legal papers). Now there are enough supply of homes for the next 5 to 10 years so there is no need for construction workers. We heard the General: “the real danger is in there” There is no coincidence of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico either is just that that group is trying to take the attention of the President off the Immigration Reform but it is necessary as necessary is to bring the economy back on track and every person who can legalize will bring thousands of dollars in legalization paperwork and we’ll see the benefit of the innevitable Immigration Reform.
Thanks for the opportunity of express my thoughts!

Dear Mr. President I have been your supporter since day one and I implore you to approve the 245i to help my husband become a permenant resident alien. My husband was born in El Salvador and he has been in this country for the majority of his life. He is able to work and live in this country legally due to Temporary Protected Status however, we cannot travel outside the country to visit family members.. I am a USA citizen and we have two children together we would like to have the peace of mind that we will never be seperated due to our broken immigration system. We really need your help please approve 245i for a change of status.

It is no easy task to fix a system broken for so long. That is the reason we have so many established families already living their dream and they should be offered assistance to work toward becoming citizens. Listen to the immigrants who love and respect this country and who wish to stay, then help them through the process to become legal citizens. We need every one of them who appreciate this country and do not take our opportunities and freedoms for granted. Many immigrants crossing into our country for a better life would prefer to stay with their extended families if it were possible in their birth country. Our countries must work together to control criminal activities on both sides of our borders. Criminals will not be accepted.

Ignorance breeds fear and fear breeds hate. This quote represents how prejudice seeps its way into society-by way of ignorance and fear of others-until someone our fellow beings have become monsters in our eyes. Once each of us (except the native americans) came from somewhere, arriving here with the hope of changing our fortunes and building better lives. This is the story of my great grandparents and even my greater grandparents who landed at plymouth seeking freedom from persecution and freedom to practice their own faiths. Our country’s greatness rests in the Freedom we uphold and defend and offer those who would make America their home. No one asked me to forfeit my heritage to become an American, or forget my cultural ties: this is the diversity we promise in this country. Yet there are those that cling to “Americanism” as though it is an identity embodied in some anglo culture, and Fear that somehow diversity threatens the purity of that ideal. This is how Hitler regarded difference. This is how bigotry is born.
The opposite of ignorance is knowledge
The opposite of fear is trust
The opposite of hate is
love.

First thing that I want to hear is that he is going to stop deportations and the comprehensive Inmigration Reform is now.

IT IS TIME TO ACT MR PRESIDENT WE NEED IMMIGRATION REFORM NOW WE DONT NEED THE REPUBLICANS WE NEED YOU AND YOU NEED US IMMIGRANTS VOTERS

ITS TIME TO RE-UNITE FAMILIES!!! I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR OBAMA TAKING ABOUT A WAIVER FOR ALL THOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHOSE VISA WAS DENIED DUE TO THE REASON THAT THEY LIVED HERE ILLEGALIY OVER A YEAR, I DONT THINK ITS RIGHT TO GIVE THEM THE 10 YEAR BAR! THERE ISN’T A WAVIER AT THIS TIME AND 10 YEARS IS A VERY LONG TIME TO HAVE TO WAIT IN THERE COUNTRY TO RE=APPLY!!!! MY KIDS AND I ARE U.S. CITIZENS AND IT REALY SUCKS THAT THEY ARE GROWING UP WITH OUT A FATHER!!! PLEASE MR. OBAMA CALL ALL THOSE POEPLE BACK AND HAVE THEY RE=APPLY NOW!!!

I want to hear about the DREAM Act and how undocumented immigrants that are making an honest living here can stay if they meet certain requirements (not amnesty). My husband is here illegally and we are jumping through hoops to update his status. Why can’t the immigration process be sped up for people like him, those who are not criminals, and students. I also would like to see a moratorium on deportations of people without a criminal record until reform is passed. Too many people are being sent home that don’t deserve to or need to be, like our nephew, a student. And, I would like to know when reform will be passed. We’ve been waiting too long. Finally, I want to hear how we (US Citizens) share so many things in common with illegal immigrants (Mexican, African, Asian, etc.) and draw on compassion. Hatred and anger has spread and we need people to see that we all bleed red — we’re all human.

President Obama,

Please support tangible solutions. We need the DREAM Act now as a stepping stone towards immigration reform. Waiting to pass immigration reform in its entirety will only leave us in the same place as the past years – nothing. Even without immigration reform, you have continued to fund and push for border enforcement to its maximum. The least you and congress can do is pass the DREAM Act this year. Bottom line – The DREAM Act must pass this year

Before passing immigration reform (and I fully support that) we must secure our borders. Additionally, please remind everyone that 1. immigration reform is not a right; it is a privilege on both sides; 2. immigrants come from many countries including western countries and are not just Latino, so this idea that Americans wouldn’t eat if it weren’t for undocumented Latino immigrants is not entirely true. Further, yes there are many Americans, both “Anglo” and “Black who are currently unemployed who would take any job at this time. Nevertheless, corporations have succeeded in dividing laborers by allowing us to believe that Americans do not want those jobs. What is really happening is that corporations are benefitting from giving jobs to undocumented aliens for a lower wage while subsequently dividing the labor force and pitting us against each other.

Lastly, it would be a good idea to remind everyone that United States immigration policy, though seemingly draconian to many are some of the more liberal immigration laws of all western countries. The U.S. is one of the few places in the western world where you can come for a visit, overstay your alloted time or come in illegally and somewhere down the road expect to become a citizen or indeed feel entitle to.

I am an immigrant and I appreciate the liberal aspects of U.S. immigration laws that have allowed me the privilege of becoming an American–warts and all–when I put it into perspective.

All that said it is important to pass a comprehensive and fair reform that does not leave the impression that the U.S. will continually pass reforms to legalize people who come in and overstay or come in illegally, regardless of countries of origin. Additionally the U.S. must reform its foreign & drug policies that have created situations in developing world and other countries that force people to flee their countries of origin. The other aspect of that reform must discourage overstay of visitor visas.

Dear Mr. President
We the people need to have an Immigration Reform Act now we can’t wait any longer.
This reform needs to be fair and just for everybody. As an example please visit
http://www.arizonaonthemove.com that was the immigration reform that I was going
To push for.
We need for this to happen now. Especially for us Hispanics here in Arizona for it has been a
Horrible living nightmare. Mr. President we need your help in order to turn this State Blue.
Mr. President with President Clinton’s help I processed over 100,000 new citizens in CA.
Any assistant that you could offer Mr. Randy Parraz would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Rodolfo “Rudy” Garcia

Immigration reform Now is necessary more than ever

I believe if we claim to be a GOD fearing nation it is imperative to see the injustice that is taking place by not requesting all emergents to be given documents to work legally in this country.With any employer that knowingly hires an undocumented worker should be made to pay dearly even if they have to stop doing business. However saying this, it is imperative that we see that family’s that have made there home here be given Citizenship ASAP. A system should be set up making sure that this is done with little red tape and for the protection of those concerned. This will make it more workable to stop illegal actions by employers. And will make for all workers to be better tax paying workers.With all workers having the same protection in regard to health , Safety and income. If we want GODS blessing do this ASAP. Stand up for what is right and best for all.

Dear Mr. President,

Be fair. First and foremost, treat people with dignity. Help those who are here obtain work permits/citizenship or whatever it takes to belong. That will help those already here and they will help us by contributing to our economy.

My husband has just found out after 2.5 years of costly legal expenses and waiting that he will never be eligible for permanent residence in the US. I am an American citizen, my husband is from New Zealand.

He found out his father and himself have Huntington’s disease when he was 18. (He is now 32.) He was in a bad space for a year or so after, so when he was 19, he was convicted of 3 charges for possession of marijuana. The warrant wasn’t signed, but he was young and stupid and just went with the provided legal council, who told him to plead guilty. The charges were so minor, he didn’t even have community service – just fines.

New Zealand passed a “clean slate” law that after 7 years, convictions that are sufficiently minor would be sealed and wiped from your record. That’s great if you stay in New Zealand, but the US government doesn’t recognize the “Clean Slate” law.

Current US immigration law states that if you are married to a US citizen and you have ONE conviction, you may apply for a waiver so you can apply for residency. My husband’s case means he has three. So in order for him to successfully apply, he would need to have a complete RE-TRIAL in New Zealand and have the convictions OVERTURNED.

In order to have a re-trial, you need to have a technical defense (eg, “the warrant wasn’t signed”). In order to have evidence of the technical defense, you need to have the original file.

We have been waiting for the local courts in NZ to find the original file. We just found out that it has been DESTROYED, which means any evidence in my husband’s favor has also been destroyed.

This means we cannot have a re-trial; therefore he can never move here with me permanently.

I know this isn’t what Obama’s administration is focused on for reform. But this is ridiculous and I wanted to speak out.

Everybody agrees that the US immigration system is broken and is in need of fixing by the Federal Government – CIR is needed now. Families are being torn apart by this broken and unfair system. Therefore, I would like to hear President Obama say that he will put a moratorium on the deportation of long time US residents for immigration infractions until Congress deals with the issue and passes a humane and logical Immigration Reform (maybe then, Congress will act faster on the issue).

1. I would like to see reinstatement of the 1986 Law.This was not a bad piece of legislation. The shortcoming was that the framers believed that employer sanctions would address the problem of illegal immigration. Within 3 years most employers were in compliance.That is why the INS did not continue with massive work force raids.Employer sanctions is and was a failure. You need to address the root cause of immigration to the U.S. -It’s jobs and long as there is such economic disparity unlawful immigration will continue. We still need immigrant workers and a verifiable work plan can be initiated through the use of NAFTA (thereby limiting the benefits to Mexico and Canada) but extending the work categories to unskilled laborers. Impose reasonable rules, such a verifiable contract that allows for portability, safeguarding no involvement in labor disputes, payment of prevailing wage.Renew the work status if it shown the person is paying taxes and still has a verifiable contract. Allow ability to travel so as to discourage bringing family members to the U.S and not allowing derivative visas.Remove the 3 and 10 year bars for beneficiaries with U.S. Citizen or Permanent resident petitioners. If no 1986 -reinstatement then legalization and the passage of the Dream Act.

Stop saying you’ll fix it and act on it. You are a President who has reiterated the importance of acting not just talking. Immigration has been talked about for many years and even 2 years in your presidency. Please get it passed or make an executive order to help some who are stuck here. The border is better than ever, and we do need to continue in strengthening it, but those that are here are running out of resources quickly. There are millions of kids who grow up thinking they are citizens until they are older and have to make a living, then they learn there true fate. I am don’t live this reality but I know many who live in the shadows and I will fight for them all I can.
Obama please take action by the end of this month.

If I were heterosexual I would be allowed to legally sponsor my spouse to move into the U.S. Because I’m not heterosexual, and not allowed to marry, my partner and I are forced to live in Canada. Something needs to change immediately!

Mr. Obama should start by doing what he promised and passing a comprehensive immigration reform. Illegal immigrants came here to work and sustain their families. It is very easy to judge, but let’s put ourselves in their “shoes” for once and I’m sure we would’ve done the same thing. Go where you can earn respect, work and have dreams. That’s why immigrants came here!! That’s what’s America’s made of. Hardworking individuals that would love to contribute, but a simple lack of papers is holding them from adding to this society. Many would say they are working under the table, but how to do it differently if they don’t have or foresee a path to do it the right way?! Let’s work together to make America even more indivisible.
I believe we can make it, Mr. Obama knows it too. This it now a party’s deal. We are dealing with people’s lives and dreams. You have yours too. Reform immigration for America NOW!

I want to ear from you Sr President Barack Obama, what will fight this year to have the immigration reform and DREAM ACT, We are always worry is a situation where only you migth fix it Sr President many students need to go to University and also please, please veto SB 1070 Prejudice to many peoples that is no correct everybody work very hard for this country and I want to ear suspend deportation and STOP RAID. THANK SO MUCH.

Yo quiero escuchar del presidente Obama en el discurso del proximo jueves, que el como ya tanto ha insistido al congreso por muchas veces que traten de solucionar el problema de la reforma migratoria, ya que el tanto la pregona, y el congreso lo esquiva, que el como cabeza y primer Ejecutivo de este gran pais tome el caso por sus propias manos y haga algo ya que las leyes se lo permiten, el puede hacer una enmienda, o sacar a relucir de nuevo la ley 245i y acabar de una ves por todas este debate tan engoroso que da pena ante la comunidad mundial , ya que la gran mayoria de paises han solucionado este problema tan facil, y dando ejemplo de combivencia, se que el principal escollo esta en los republicanos del congreso, que demuestre que quien lo eligieron no fue el congreso sino la gente, el pueblo con sus votos.

Include the Uniting American Families and include all American families in CIR. LGBT couples deserve to be together. Too many Americans have left their homeland to be with the one they love. Stop this injustice and stop it in 2010!

I want to hear the movement about UAFA (immigration equality for LGBT families)!!!

Mr. President you are a man of your word and being said we need Immigration reform NOW! please stop RAIDS, DEPORTATIONS, SEPERATION OF FAMILIES. Doesn’t anyone realize that ever since all this has taken in effect our country has gone to unemployment and our recesion. Immigrants for years are the ones helping us build a better tomorrow for our kids. until now we have seen any Hispanic or Latino terrorist. so where are we really goin with this and racial profile?! what happen to our “…with Liberty and Justice for all”
Obama please act today!

Mr President – Please pass UAFA. It is unfair to separate law-abiding U.S. citizens from their foreign national partners on the basis of sexual orientation. These bi-national couples, such as myself and partner, love each other like any other normal couple and are often find themselves struggling to remain together because of the lack of legal recourse.

We should have a legal means of sponsoring our foreign life partners. Passing UAFA will grant the same immigration sponsorship rights to the LGBT community that heterosexual couples take for granted and is the right thing to do.

Thank you

I hope the President will begin the process of granting residency to ALL immigrants here in our country, whether they came here legally or illegally. I believe if you are here working, then we need you to be here and you should have the legal rights to be here. I don’t think automatic citizinship is critical, but being legal is. Once legal, then the pathway should be given to citizenship. I know so many good people who are in limbo with TPS or no papers at all. Please Mr. President, give these people the legal status to stay and have a real life here in the USA. Going forward there needs to be a system in place to allow more immigrants to come here the legal way, especially the blue collar workers.

6-30-10

THE REAL AND MOST PRESSING PROBLEM IS CORPORATE CONTROL OF OUR GOVT.:

I would like President Obama to order the U.S. Special Forces to retake Captial Hill; rid the government of Corporate control; re-establish Democracy; the Constitution of the U.S.; and Government of the People, By the People, and For the People.)

Nothing will ever get done for the American People ( that isn’t secretly, or blatantly serving Corporate interests ) until Corporate control of our govt.is ended. The Democratic/Republican Party are just two heads on the same snake. There is only one party–The Corporate Party. They no longer have to buy Washington DC–they own it (I paraphrase Jim HighTower/4-20-10)!

What they do is put on a good show. They divide and conquer, and they have been doing it for decades.

It WILL take force.
—————————————
AGAIN:

The core problem, is corporate control of our government!

Nothing gets done ( for the American People ) until this is changed. Since they now have total control of our govt. and those that claim to represent us are nothing but their employees. Nothing will happen that isn’t secretly or blatantly serving the ultra richest 1% of the population who already have 95% of this nations wealth and want the rest. We will get token representation, at best, no pun intended.

THIS (imigration focus), IS JUST A “RED HERRING”. The Plutocracy and their corporations, have taken over our govt. and are causing problems worldwide. They seek to divide and conquer ( and they in-list hate groups ). The fight for all people, is to gain control of our government from the rich and their corporations. The Republican/Democratic Partys are just two heads on the same snake. There is really just one party, and that is the Corporate Party.

**Do you know that two private corporations make the voting machines, and count the vote. They refuse to give up their software code for review, as it “is proprietary.” I read that one corporation is buying the other. This means, the vote is in control of one private company. And the machines and software, are filled with major problems ( I
paraphrase Jim HighTower ).

Science and technology are important and eternal engines for economy. Now days the competition for advanced scientific human resources is intense. Some countries take many ways to hunt high technological people and obtain high techniques. Not every body has same view about freedom and democracy. Actually there are many advanced scientific people leaving US recently. The immigration reform for undocumented people is also needed. From economical aspect, actually there exists an industry that is consisted of undocumented people. It’s a part of our economy. Now this industry is unmanaged, because we don’t know these undocumented people.

Dear Mr. President,
Today Millions of undocumented people (mostly illegal immigrant) who have waited for this will be listening you.
Sir,with all due respect not all illegal immigrant are criminal! As i know there are some idiotic people who are already here undocumented and doing a criminal activities, and harassing good citizens of this country. but just because of few bad criminals illegal immigrants, please don’t….please don’t ruin away the dreams of good illegal immigrants who only wants to work and live rest of their life here in United states of America.

For sure, the border have to fix…. and they will be less crime and smuggling

Its a crime to stay in any of the country when you are not in proper documented. But Sir, what about the millions of good but illegal people here and why mostly people choose America, Why!! because they trust the law and good people,and specially at now people trust in your government, trust present congress that for sure this time will have the Immigration reform, in favor of illegal immigrant, which we all need.
Sir, by deportation is not the solution or by sending back all the illegal immigrant to their home country to re-apply for the statues. What the Millions of illegal wants is reform, but in favor of every illegal who is living here.
we all have already suffer by races and color, please don’t ruin and hurt our feeling and dreams, do something which will make everybody sleep well, CHANGE WE NEED AND WE BELIEVE…..
Sir, Mr.Obama, we all have hope in you. specially the 6 years old girl who ask Madam. Mrs.Michelle Obama in the school,is it true that Mr.President, your’s husband is going to deport all the illegal immigrant back to their home country, which include the young girl’s parents, because they are illegal here also. Sir, that young little girl still awaiting for your judgement??? not only as a President of United states of America, but as a humanity.
its your call,,,,, Sir.

God bless you to make a good decision….
BEST REGARDS
FROM THE VOICES OF MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS….

Conoce mejor a los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS.

Quien es un INMIGRANTE INDOCUMENTADO?

Los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS son en muchos casos LOS MEJORES SERES HUMANOS de su propio pais!
A la gran mayoria de Ellos, LES QUEDO CHIQUITO SU PAIS, por eso decidieron buscar una oportunidad en otro pais desconocido.

La gran mayoria de Ellos vinieron a norteamerica CON UNA VISA EXPEDIDA POR EL GOBIERNO DE ESTADOS UNIDOS. Ya sea de Turista, de Estudiante, de Empresario, etc, etc.
Otros muchos, pero sin duda la minoria de Ellos, estan llenos de VALENTIA y vinieron a USA sin importarles los peligros y ARRIESGANDO SU PROPIA VIDA se atrevieron a cruzar el desierto, cruzar un rio o a brincar un muro en forma ILEGAL pero con el noble proposito de AYUDAR A SUS FAMILIAS, (HIJOS, PADRES,HERMANOS) Y SERES QUERIDOS.

Sin tener la oportunidad de obtener una visa expedida por el Gobierno Estadounidense, DEBIDO A SU DIFICIL SITUACION ECONOMICA, su unica opcion fue PAGARLE UNA CANTIDAD DE DINERO ALTISIMA a un traficante de Humanos o “COYOTE”, muchas veces teniendo que deshacerce o “malbaratar” su vivienda para poder pagar su traslado SIN NINGUNA GARANTIA.
Debido a esta situacion, son llamados ILEGALES por los ANTIINMIGRANTES, mismos que ademas llaman “ILEGALES” a los que entraron LEGALMENTE A ESTE PAIS.

Todos los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS son objeto de EXPLOTACION por parte del Gobierno de Estados Unidos, de Empresas Norteamericanas y SOBRE TODO, POR MEDIO DE LOS ANTIINMIGRANTES.

Por parte del Gobierno de Estados Unidos:
El Gobierno Estadounidense, por medio del Departamento de Tesoro (IRS) Internal Revenue Service, les otorga un (ITIN) Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (sin importar su estatus legal) y les cobra impuestos con esta tarjeta.
(Cualquier persona puede obtener esta tarjeta con una identificacion o pasaporte vigentes).
Por medio de los Consulados Norteamericanos en otros paises, se les informa a los ciudadanos interesados en viajar a USA que la forma de obtener una tarjeta de Residencia es obtener primero una visa de turista, estudiante o empresario y despues tramitar la residencia con las oficinas de Inmigracion ya en el territorio de USA, esta opcion simplemente no existe despues del 911.
El Gobierno de los Estados Unidos de Norteamerica, les cobra impuestos a los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS, sin darles a cambio ABSOLUTAMENTE NADA.
Ni licencia de conducir, ni tarjeta de residencia, ni un numero de Seguro Social, ni un Seguro Medico, ni la oportunidad de conseguir un empleo en forma LEGAL por la falta de documentos para este fin.
Esta situacion, OBLIGA en la mayoria de los casos a los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS a conseguir CUALQUIER TIPO DE TRABAJO CON TAL DE SOBREVIVIR EN ESTE PAIS.

Por medio de las Empresas Norteamericanas:
Estas empresas inescrupulosas, por un lado violan la ley contratando empleados sin documentos pero por el otro lado, en muchisimas ocasiones, SE LES PAGA A DICHOS EMPLEADOS SUELDOS POR DEBAJO DEL SALARIO MINIMO. Se les dan LOS PEORES HORARIOS DE TRABAJO, NO SE LES DAN SERVICIOS BASICOS como por ejemplo, SEGURO MEDICO, VACACIONES, DIAS POR ENFERMEDAD, etc, etc.
Muchas veces estas empresas NO LE PAGAN ABSOLUTAMENTE NADA a los empleados, y sus supervisores, gerentes o propietarios, ACOSAN SEXUALMENTE, ABUSAN DE MUCHAS MANERAS Y CHANTAJEAN A LOS INDOCUMENTADOS, AMENAZANDOLOS CON LLAMAR AL SERVICIO DE INMIGRACION PARA QUE SEAN DEPORTADOS.

Y LA PEOR DE LAS SITUACIONES DE ABUSO ES…
Por parte de los ANTIINMIGRANTES:
Estos INDIVIDUOS, SIN SENTIMIENTOS, SIN MORAL, SIN ETICA Y SIN VALORES HUMANOS, PISOTEAN LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS de los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS DE MUCHISIMAS MANERAS:
Al CONFIAR en Ellos, se convierten en un ARMA DE DOBLE FILO:
Muchas veces, los Inmigrantes INDOCUMENTADOS “CONFIAN” su estatus migratorio a estos SUJETOS INDESEABLES”.
En muy pocas ocasiones AYUDAN a los INDOCUMENTADOS de alguna manera. Al darse cuenta de que los INDOCUMENTADOS pueden ser una “MINA DE ORO” para Ellos, los explotan de todas las maneras imaginables e INIMAGINABLES…
-SEXUALMENTE.
-LABORALMENTE.
-EMOCIONALMENTE.
-CON VIOLENCIA DOMESTICA.
-VERBALMENTE.
-FISICAMENTE.
Y cuando saben que no pueden abusar de los Indocumentados en ninguna de estas formas, lo hacen en LA PEOR DE TODAS:
ATACANDO, CRITICANDO, DESTROZANDO SU REPUTACION, LLAMANDOLOS “ILEGALES”, LACRAS, PLAGA, LADRONES, ASESINOS, CRIMINALES, TERRORISTAS, ANTIPATRIOTAS, MALAGRADECIDOS, ABUSADORES, y de mil maneras mas.

Estos SERES INDESEABLES E INSEGUROS, (Los Antiinmigrantes) se convierten muchas veces EN LA PEOR PESADILLA DE LOS INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS quienes son “CHANTAJEADOS” sin deberles absolutamente nada.

Muchos de los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS pasan de tener un estatus LEGAL a otro estado de INDOCUMENTADO por el simple hecho de tener una visa EXPIRADA, un pasaporte EXTRAVIADO, un permiso de trabajo NO RENOVADO o una licencia de conducir VENCIDA.
NO TENIENDO LA OPORTUNIDAD DE RENOVAR ESE DOCUMENTO QUE HARIA LA DIFERENCIA EN SU VIDA como la hizo en el caso de los ANTIINMIGRANTES. Muchas veces por FALTA DE DINERO, FALTA DE TIEMPO o simplemente porque el Gobierno Estadounidense NO RENUEVA, NI OTORGA, NI EXPIDE DOCUMENTOS despues del 911.

Los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS SON VICTIMAS DE UNA FALTA DE OPORTUNIDADES que en otros tiempos SI SE LE DIERON a otros inmigrantes y que tuvieron la SUERTE de tener un documento en forma SUMAMENTE FACIL Y SIN RESTRICCIONES.

Los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS HAN SOPORTADO POR DECADAS toda esta suma de abusos PROVENIENTES DE TODAS PARTES, con la simple ESPERANZA de que un dia cercano se les de UNA SOLA OPORTUNIDAD DE REGULARIZAR SU ESTATUS LEGAL.

Han sido “BLANCO” de toda clase de CALUMNIAS y MENTIRAS por parte de los ANTIINMIGRANTES y en muchos casos han sido DEPORTADOS Y ARRANCADOS de su propia familia, dejando atras A SUS PROPIOS HIJOS o teniendo algun familiar cercano como SUS PROPIOS PADRES O HERMANOS FALLECIDOS en su pais de origen, SIN TENER LA OPORTUNIDAD DE ASISTIR NI SIQUIERA A SU FUNERAL PARA DESPEDIRSE DE ESOS SERES QUERIDOS.

Todos los dias se escucha esta frase por todos lados por parte de los antiinmigrantes:
“POR QUE NO HACEN SUS MALETAS Y SE LARGAN A SU PAIS?”

Y yo me atreveria a preguntarles a los ANTIINMIGRANTES: POR QUE NO HACEN ELLOS SUS MALETAS Y SE VAN A VIVIR A PLUTON?
Acaso no se dan cuenta que cambiarse de pais y dejarlo TODO ATRAS es una decision que se toma UNA SOLA VEZ EN LA VIDA?
Los INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS O NO, VIENEN A ESTE PAIS A SUPERARSE, A SALIR ADELANTE, A PROGRESAR Y A TRIUNFAR PARA AYUDAR A SU FAMILIA, A LA DE AQUI Y A LA DE ALLA.

El mismo trabajo y el mismo esfuerzo que le costaria a un antiinmigrante IRSE A VIVIR A PLUTON, ese mismo esfuerzo tendria que poner un INMIGRANTE INDOCUMENTADO para regresar a vivir a su pais de origen.
SIMPLEMENTE ES “IMPOSIBLE”

LOS INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS NO SE VAN A REGRESAR A SU PAIS “DERROTADOS”.
SE VAN A QUEDAR AQUI HASTA LOGRAR LAS METAS Y HASTA VENCER LOS RETOS QUE VINIERON A BUSCAR, Y SI ALGUN DIA DECIDEN REGRESAR, SERA “POR SU PROPIA VOLUNTAD Y CUANDO ELLOS LO DECIDAN”.

CON EL GOBIERNO, SIN EL GOBIERNO O A PESAR DEL GOBIERNO,
CON LOS REPUBLICANOS, SIN LOS REPUBLICANOS O A PESAR DE LOS REPUBLICANOS,
CON LOS ANTIINMIGRANTES, SIN LOS ANTIINMIGRANTES O A PESAR DE LOS ANTIINMIGRANTES,…

“LA REFORMA MIGRATORIA SE VA A DEBATIR, SE VA A APROBAR, SE VA A FIRMAR Y SE VA A CONVERTIR EN LEY EN EL 2010″

VIVA USA
VIVAN LOS INMIGRANTES

America is divided. A nation divided cannot stand. Illegal immigration has pitted Americans against American and illegals against Americans. But how is that there are so many illegals? The answer is probably BECAUSE there is no border or the border is broken. If the border is broken why blame the illegals for coming in? Now that they are here and many have settled, have jobs and homes, isn’t it reckless to uproot them.
I believe the best way to resolve this problem is to let those who are here with job, no criminal records and speak English, pay a fine and get a status. Anyone who comes here to contribute to the future and well-being of America should be given a chance and encourage to do so. Instead of breaking down, why not build up, forgive them when you want to be forgiven; do to them what you want them and others do to you. How could America be blessed when we are harsh with our sojorners. Let not the race card triumph over good senses and a big heart.
Believe me, America would be better off in the long run showing mercy then carrying the stick. Whatever a man sow, that he would also reap. He who sows mercy shall reap mercy and he who sows the stick and discord will get the stick and discord.
This earth does not belong to man, It belongs to the Creator. Say what you want and do what you want; no matter how rich or powerful a man may be, he will die someday. And all that he has, goes into another hand. We have only one life to live and whatever good you want to do, do it now with zest or you never would be able to do it ever again.
I WOULD REQUEST THE PRESIDENT TO HAVE A SENSE OF MISSION AND DO THE RIGHT THING. TO BREAK THE YOKE, RELIEF SUFFERINGS, UNITE THE NATION AND STAND TALL THE THE RIGHT. BRING BOTH SIEDS OF THE ISLES TOGETHER. IMMIGRATION REFORM WITHOUT DELAY, NOW!

As a American Citizen I have interacted with individuals that are undocumented and not just from Mexico but from Countries around the World. Many had arrived when they were to young to make the decision and it was made by other family members hoping for better lives here in the U.S.. We can’t possibly punish or return these people back to a country they have no knowledge of. If someone arrived into the U.S. under the age of 18 years of age they should be allowed to remain and work towards citizenship.Also, I have personally been affected by our broken borders. For the last 17 years I have been in a relation with a man who came from Mexico with other family members when he was 16 years old. My heart has no borders nor should my love be jeopardized by our Federal Government. I feel that I am being discriminated against, as different sex couples are able to get married to resolved there immigration issues, I am left here waiting for the other shoe to drop. I have worried over this for many years and it has defiantly had an impact on our lives. We live our lives in the shadows limiting our exposure. We don’t travel, we don’t make grand life decisions due to a piece of paper that others can freely access,even unethically.

1st of all, i would like to hear him talk about immigration to the entire illegal immigration population, Chinese, Russian, African, Haitian, West Indian not only the spanish population….the media and politician have been publicizing the spanish population and not the rest..

The DREAM ACT..as a separation Bill to be strongly pushed

Shuting down the SB 1070 law

and the deportation of Illegal immigrant involved in the heavy criminal activities to give law abiding immigrants a chance

Mr Obama I urge you to make drastic changes to immigration reform and to please do what you can to remove those who are illegally in this country. Arizona had no choice but to enact SB1070 after you chose to ignore illegal entry into our soverign nation. Those here illegally are putting massive strain on the state budget here in Az. as well as other parts of the country. Please consider tougher immigration policy or this problem will only get worse.

We have nobody to blame but ourselves and our American way of life, that free market system all Americans love and defend. Illegals coming over to supposedly “take our jobs” has no different reason than why Nike, Levis, Sony etc. don’t manufacture their products in the U.S.A. but Americans are surely buying their products. You say Americans are ready to do all the illegal immigrant jobs but not for the amount they get paid, if so, then get ready to pay astronomically more for your everyday produce and services. Oh and if you want jobs coming back to Americans you must demand that from your country and your companies, stop supporting those corporations who ship jobs overseas while making record profits, stop mega-corporations who benefit from cheap labor either here in the U.S.A. or anywhere else in the world. Get ready to say goodbye to your Wal-Mart everyday low prices, start shopping local, support your local and U.S.A. small business and demand a more competitive marketplace, until you all can do that your precious jobs will not return.

I WHAT HIM TO SAY THAT THERE WILL BE AN ACTION TAKEN SOON TO SOLVE THIS HUGE PROBLEM,EVERYDAY THAT PASSES IT MAKES IT DIFFICUTL FOR ME AND MANY OTHERS TO THINK OF THE FUTURE, MY HUSBAND IS AGOOD WORKING MAN,HE ALSO GOES TO COLLAGE AND PAYS OFF POCKET BUT FOR HIS LUCK UNLESS THE PRESIDENT DOES A REFORME HIS NOT ABLE TO KEEP HIS GOALS OR PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY. PLEAS PRESIDENT OBAMA TAKE ACTION HELP THE PEOPLE WHO BELIVED IN YOU AND HAD MAYOR PART IN YOUR LIFE TO MAKE HISTORY, DON’T LET US DOWN .

Immigration could be slowed down but never stopped no matter what you do, this is a law of nature,every great nation will always attract poor humans from their poor neighbor countries. opposition needs to look outside the box and see all humans as equal, anti illegal immigrant people are just full of hatred,and suffer from greed and are very selfish. God Bless you all.

Treat all immigrants,legal and illegal with dignity and respect.Also tell Calderon to get a grip on his country and solve the poverty and drug wars.

Mr. president,tomorrow you write the history ofthe Inmigration.When you use your executive powers to pass the Reform this year as promised during your campaign. Let it be your top Priority in your speech on thursday. People know you do. God bless America…..

I would like to see same-sex relationships recognized within the immigration process. Pass UAFA (Uniting American Families Act) or RAFA (Reuniting American Families Act) as part of a comprehensive immigration reform. We LBGT citizens are not given the same rights as hetrosexual citizens when it comes to being able to sponsor and bring our partners into the U.S. to live with us.

With all due respect to President Obama, I have to agree with some the posters
such as Jon, Mike, Daniel, Judy, Diana, and Lojten. There are millions of American citizens and legal immigrants out of work and need jobs that are taken by illegal immigrants. Where is the justice there? There doesn’t seem to be justice for the American citizen and legal immigrants! We have to suffer while the illegals get the benefits? There is something wrong here!
And one more thing…the illegal immigrants that are out protesting and burning the American Flag do not belong here! If you can not honor the United
States and our Flag then go home and protest there to your government to give you help and burn your own country’s flag!

What we want to hear from President Obama is that our border will be made secure and free from illegal invaders. There will be NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL INVADERS WHO BROKE OUR LAWS! That every illegal invader who broke our laws by
being in our country illegally can be assured of two things, sure and swift deportation back to where they came from and anyone found wanted by the authorities of their country for any crimes committed will be returned to the custody of those authorities!

I DON’T WANT TO HEAR AGAIN ” OUR IMMIGRATION LAW IS BROKEN” FROM YOU MR PRESIDENT,,I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU I’M GOING TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST SB 1070,WHICH NOTHING BUT ACHUNG HISPANICS FROM AMERICA!!!!!!!AS THE NAZIS DID WITH WITH THE JEWS,,,,I’M GOING PRESURE THE CONGRESS FOR ONE IMMIGRATION REFORM FOR ALL ,,,NOW!!! IS YOUR TIME TO MAKE HISTORY MR PRESIDENT!!!

I would like President Obama to specifically speak to the passage of The Uniting American Families Act (S. 424/H.R. 1024) by year’s end. The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) currently has more cosponsors in The House and in The Senate than any other single piece of immigration reform before Congress. UAFA would merely add three words — “or permanent partner” — to existing immigration law, finally allowing America’s gay and lesbian citizens the right to sponsor our foreign partners for immigration, the same right enjoyed by our heterosexual brothers and sisters.

More than twenty other countries worldwide allow binational, same gender couples to sponsor their spouses. These are not simply foreign immigrants/people “just coming” to America — these are our partners, our spouses, our life mates. They have homes and support systems already in place. I would cautiously guess that 99% of them are more than conversant in English, and many, many are well-educated (since “going to school” is often the only way we can buy some time to be together — and I do mean BUY some time).

America is a nation founded by immigrants, inspired to come here based on America’s promise of equality for all. Make America’s gay and lesbian citizens equal now. The Uniting American Families Act has been moving through Congress for almost a decade — PLEASE pass it now! Do NOT succumb to pressure from religious groups (after all, America was founded on the principle of separation of church and State, right?) UAFA passage is the right, fair and just thing to do. Please make it happen by the end of this year.

He should start by saying he is going to send our military, armed, to the border and secure both our ports and borders. He should say he is going to have a zero tolerance for employers that break the law. He should say he is going to bill all the countries that “misplaced” their citizens. Finally, he should say that anyone caught here illegally will NEVER be allowed to become a citizen. Since he allowed his own aunt to stay here illegally for 7 years and that I really don’t believe he is citizen himself, why would he start to uphold his oath of office now?

I want to see a path that is not full of red tape, a way for illegal immigrants to become legal and be able to contribute to this country. I would like to see the dream act passed. It is a great bill that would help a lot of young people who never had a choice in coming here, they should not be punished for their parents’ choices.

I want to hear about the family reunification. My husband is being barred till 2018 and we have been seperated since 2008. I am working to support myself, 2 kids and him in Mexico. There is a possibility that we’ll have to relocate there to be together; putting myself in a bad position of being not being able to pay my student loans with a chance of going to jail upon returning to US for nonpayment. Our children are US citizens a long with myself whom love life, school, sports, etc. They are very intelligent and on the honor rolls at school. We will be risking this to make this move if the Pres. doesn’t make Congress/Senate to start passing the CIR and to have it passed by Dec. 2010.

Please say that amnesty will be offered to all those who may have come here illegally in the past and have established themselves as good citizens of the USA. Anyone who is a criminal, evading the lawful routes to immigration, etc. should not be included in this amnesty.

RIFA should urge the president and others to act now for a very detailed, comprehensive plan. There should be advocacy for the most ideal plan and not beginning with a compromise plan. For instance: no fines, no touch back deportations, families not split, small fees for citizenship with rapid results, no abusive workers program, etc.
RIFA should have a clear program in hand now and not just general platitudes that tries to meet the compromise of all of its organizations.
George Pauk MD

Immigration Reformation and also illegal Job emigration. why are we challenged with legalizing good illegals and we do nothing with all the outsourced jobs that our big greedy corporations have outsourced overseas leaving our Middle Class dry.

We need a reform not only for the well-being of those wanting to come here, since we do have a labor shortage, and for those illegal residents that have had children or spouss here and now being separated, and for those that are worth more in dollars than our own citizens.

Our country has always been racist and now is the time is stop the persecution and hate, legalize those are good to for us and deport those that aren’t tied to the US anyway. And stop the “job” trafficking” of American well-being overseas.

Mr Obama
Take away the resonsibility Act law of 1996 that President Clinton passed that is keeping our spouses from being able to file for their waivers and coming home. I am a white American citizen who has been living without my spouse for over 4 years having to work 2 jobs for all this time. They gave my spouse a 10 year bar no waiver just for crossing illegally more than once. This is unjust and I am clinically depressed and an emotional wreck from the stress of everyday living. Change the law make Immigration a more friendlier place to get help. If u want the legal than do something good so they can get legal. Deborah Estrada

Consider this: most criminals in this country get time off for good behavior in jail, pay fines or do community service as recompense. Why is committing the crime of entering this country illegally punished more severely (10-year ban), with an absolute of no time off for good behavior (paying taxes, working your way through college, serving in the military)and no way to recompense through paying fines or doing community service?

Yes, entering this country – or any other – undocumented, is an illegal act. Let’s put in place a process by which people can follow a recompense process:

1)DREAM ACT now. I know very few children who chose to come to this country; they were brought in by their parents. We do not punish the child of a murderer or thief for the parent’s crime; why do we punish the children of illegal immigrants? The DREAM ACT is not welfare – these young adults must work their way through and complete a college education or complete military service, plus become citizens in a timely manner, before they may earn the right to a work permit.

2)SPONSORSHIP now.
$10,000 fine for entering the US illegally OR for wanting to enter
but being ineligible due to lack of finances (you DO know,
don’t you, that without approx. $50,000 finances backing you
up, people from most countries are ineligible for even a
tourist visa?).
$50,000 bond put up by a US citizen (a bond usually costs 10%, so it
would cost the citizen $5,000), guaranteeing good behavior for
two years. The US citizen may be an employer, a spouse, etc.
A sponsorship gets the applicant a driver’s license and 2-year work permit,
during which time that person learns English, pays taxes, commits no serious
crimes, and commits to the citizenship path within 5 years.

Do the math on this one: if only 1 million of the reportedly 12 million
undocumented follow this path – $15,000 to the government per applicant –
the California trillion dollar budget crisis is fixed.

On a complete side note: I must say I find it more than slightly ironic that those bloggers who are most virulent about immigration reform have atrocious grammatical and spelling errors. Couldn’t you at least have used your spellcheck for “families”? Didn’t you learn about “there, their, and they’re”?

Clearly, the current family reunification system is not working well for many legal permanent residents and their immediate family members. Furthermore, the lack of a reasonably timely family reunification option within the legal system is contributing to the breakdown of the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
There are no easy fixes for our family-based immigration system. However, unless our nation finds the political courage to come to grips with the short- and long-term implications of our current untenable policy, tens of thousands of families desperate to be together rather than face interminable separation are likely to continue resorting to unauthorized immigration.
BY THE WAY I AM AGREE WITH JESSIE ABOVE , SHE SAID :JESSIE says:
June 30, 2010 at 5:55 pm
ITS TIME TO RE-UNITE FAMILIES!!! I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR OBAMA TAKING ABOUT A WAIVER FOR ALL THOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHOSE VISA WAS DENIED DUE TO THE REASON THAT THEY LIVED HERE ILLEGALIY OVER A YEAR, I DONT THINK ITS RIGHT TO GIVE THEM THE 10 YEAR BAR! THERE ISN’T A WAVIER AT THIS TIME AND 10 YEARS IS A VERY LONG TIME TO HAVE TO WAIT IN THERE COUNTRY TO RE=APPLY!!!! MY KIDS AND I ARE U.S. CITIZENS AND IT REALY SUCKS THAT THEY ARE GROWING UP WITH OUT A FATHER!!! PLEASE MR. OBAMA CALL ALL THOSE POEPLE BACK AND HAVE THEY RE=APPLY NOW!!!

President Obama, I want to hear you follow your word. Push congress to pass immigration reform; convince Americans that undocumented immigrants are not
“illegals” and are not criminals. Undocumented individuals are people in a system and they are trying to survive in it.

Economics is far too inhuman because it doesn’t outline the hard-line realities the undocumented people face.

My brother’s wife is undocumented. My sister’s husband is undocumented. My other brother’s wife is also undocumented. I don’t want my siblings’ families to be ripped apart. I want my nieces and nephews to have both of their parents with them all the time. They shouldn’t have to fear the possibility of losing one of their parents because they are undocumented.

Please think about all the families that would be broken if this is not passed. It’s unfortunate that there are many families who don’t have the love and support that my family has. To break that apart, when our whole social structure is dependent on the family unit, that’s just insane. Why are we going to break families apart? We should try to keep them together!

President Obama,
Hello My name is Misty Flores, I wanted to know why and how you can be ok with breaking up families? I want to know if your parents were still Ilegal Immigrants to this country would you deport them? If Michelle was an Ilegal Imigrant would you deport her, I am sure your answer would be NO, So answer my question and tell me why you are ok with breaking up my family, Taking my childrens father away from my children when he is my right hand, he takes my children to school, the doctors, he takes them to the park, the store, makes them all the meals they eat everyday, washes the laundry,I have noone but him, and you want to take that away from me, I just want to know why, I want to know what did myself or my children do to you so that you can continue to make the desicion to deport an ilegal immigrant wether they have a family or children or not, How would you feel if the country that you are from is going to tell you that you are no longer a citizen of the united states and want to take your family, wife children, parents away from you because of where you were born, I just want to know DID

I want to hear President Obama talk about the immigration issues. I want to hear what he thinks about the children that where brought to america as minors and had no choice. These minors were raised here and they believe in their heart they belong here but the government does not see it this way. What will happen to those of us who were brought here as minors and do not know what it is to live outside of the United States? What will happen to our future? Where do our lives stand? Will there be any one that will speak for us and help us? Are there laws that protect us? Is there any help for us?

My husband received a waiver but than they gave him a 10 year bar for crossing into the USA illegally twice, I never imagined our family would be seperated he was the bread winner I was the home maker our 2 girls our with him in mexico missing out on a great education here in the USA and now I have to work and go back and forth I’m very stressed,depressed and want Obama and other people to realize that seperating families is not the way to go. I would like Obama to talk about what he can do to keep families together and help those who have no issues with the police who come to work and make an honest living. It’s not fair that people like my husband who are good hard working people suffer just because they crossed illegally into the USA.

Dear Mr. President,

HISTORY itself testifies that this great nation was built on IMMIGRATION. The native American Indians were here first, the rest followed in waves. Hate must be kept out of any comprehensive immigration reform. Please remove all restrictions on financial aid and admission to college for undocumented students. Please do not separate family members. I, myself, am a product of this same topic and am grateful to God for America and futhermore, know that I am contributing back to this land.

I pray that God gives you the wisdom, resiliency and endurance to bring forth the changes that are better for the United States. May you have the courage to do what is right, in spite of others, as history, will tell of your character in the face of extreme challenges.

The recession started when the people of the USA started vehemently demanding a crackdown on illegal immigrants, deportations increased and the wall along the USA/Mexican border started being built. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Maybe I’m wrong, but what if we just let all the people stay who are undocumented (and let more return who want to work), hand them the forms for their green card and social security number. Don’t automatically deport them, help them to get through the legalization process, help them BECOME legal. So what is so difficult about that? It is certainly easier than transporting them to the border, then they come back anyway. I think if these people come back, there will be a benefit to the economy because of increased demand for goods and services for an increasing population.

Mr. President,

Could you please fullfil your promises, we desperately need the immigration reform NOW..Thank you.

President Obama;
Iam a single mother, I have 6 years in the USA and my girls going at the school,

And I really like the immigration law approved for my family, they are an excellent students
By the way my oldest received from you, a recognize diploma for outstanding achievement @ school
Is a big benefit for me and for my girls too.

President Obama, please push for comprehensive immigration reform! I am an American citizen, but my husband is undocumented. He has been in this country without papers for 17 yrs. Please help give him a chance to legalize his status. The current system is harsh and requires 10 yr bars for spouses of American citizens to get their papers. That is why we have not filed for him already. He works very hard, as do so many of these immigrants. They deserve a chance to build a life in this country. Thank you!

The Uniting Americans Familes Act (UAFA) that would finally give gay citizens the right to sponsor their partners for US citizenship and help keep binational families together.

President Obama should make it clear that Immigration Reform is in the best interests of our country because it will bring people out of the shadows and allow them to participate fully in our economy without the fear of deportation hanging over their heads. He should make it clear that while there are costs related to this issue that the overall impact is a NET GAIN for our country. He should then proclaim that there is no reason to withhold the DREAM ACT any longer and do whatever is necessary to have it passed prior to the November elections because I want to see where these politicians really stand.

Comprehensive immigration reform is code for ‘capitulation’. It’s all about cynical machiavellian politics.

This president is just as guilty as all of the preceding presidents who are guilt of deriliction of duty to secure out borders. ‘Open Borders’ is a myth which is incompatible with a strong, secure country. Read about the demise of the Roman Empire. Look at the huge problem of transient, migrant ‘gypsies’ in Eastern Europe today.

If we capitulate yet again, we will only encourage more illegal immigration, and this will have devastating impact on our democracy and values due to massive demographic shift.

I’m sorry to sound ‘mean spirited’, but the only sane action is to secure the borders first, then negotiate an immigration solution.

Please ask the congress to finally do the work of pushing through real, positive and lasting reforms to our broken and unjust immigration system. The overhaul outlined in April by the committe is an excellent and reasonable start. Please take the actions required to put an end to the immoral situation we have permitted to flourish for far too long. The Senate and the House need to finish the job while they have all the necessary votes to pass and implement reforms, and let us move forward as a nation of immigrants- with justice and liberty for not just SOME, but for ALL. Stop blaming, arguing and finger pointing, and get on with the work they were voted in to accomplish. This is America, built on immigrants, the greatest nation on earth, so let’s start acting like it!

I want to hear our President say that he intends to fulfill his responsibility to protect our borders by sending TROOPS down there to repel the drug and people smugglers from invading our nation.

As it stands now we are under invasion from a hostile force that is terrifying our own citizens in their own homes.

Giving up any area of our sovereign nation to a terrorist force is a disgrace to our country now.

We have been able to protect and defend other countries from invasion…now it is OUR TURN TO PROTECT AND DEFEND OUR OWN COUNTRY!

I hope he says that immigration is important to our society and our economy;
that he defines a way for current immigrants to get legal status and a path to citizenship; that immigrants must learn a working level of English to get their papers; that he will encourage economic investment in Mexico so there will be more and better jobs there.

I want him to tell us when he is going to fulfill what he promised. I have lived in the U.S. since I was 3 years old and I did not come by my own choice. I graduated from high school, participated in sports, clubs, and I am also attending college full time. How many more like me are out there? A lot of us broke no law by coming here yet we have to hide like if we were criminals. Come on Obama quit being a sissy and be a man of your word. For many of us the DREAM Act is our only hope!

President Obama, please push for comprehensive immigration reform! I am an American citizen, but my husband is undocumented. He has been in this country without papers for 20 yrs (please disregard my last msg, it is almost 21 YRS, not 17!). Please help give him a chance to legalize his status. The current system is harsh and requires 10 yr bars for spouses of American citizens to get their papers. That is why we have not filed for him already. He works very hard, as do so many of these immigrants. They deserve a chance to build a life in this country. Thank you!

I am not a fan of obamas but what he needs to say is,”We The People of the USA are sick and tired of Illegal Aliens taking all available programs that will help starving and sick Americans. All Illegals weather man, woman or child needs to be rounded up and sent back to wherever they came from. We also need to discontinue the dial 1 for English bS. The native language in this country is english, if you choose to legally immigrate here then learn the language of your new host country. We cater too much to illegals. Arizona is doing the right thing and the rest of America needs to follow suit. If we continue with Obama at the wheel. The land of the free and home of the brave will be no more.

Protection of the US citizenship status. Naturalized citizenship is like a temporary borrowed/loaned status.

What I really want to hear is more determination in fixing the inmigration sistem, I don’t waqnt to hear whose fault it is, I don’t want to hear any more promises as in 2007, 2008, 2009 and now this year the same old story about republicans not wanting a comprehensive inmigration reform nor democrats are doing anything, every time elections come latinos are being fooled. It’s time for President Obama to show determination and do it himself with the powers that he has as Bush did it with the war in Iraq, he didn’t wait for the congress to take a decision.

I think he should talk about the things that must change. One of which is immigration dwelling on how you got here hey if you are here and you marry an American you should be able to stay here in this country and live as husband and wife. This discrimination has to stop because much of the time how a person got here is an assumption of the immigration worker and things get twisted by the immigration officer to spin the story the way they see it without finding out the facts. Resonsibility Act law of 1996 I agree that and other how you got here issues need to stop. Because we all got to this country the same way as children of immigrants at one point in time or another.

We need a path to citizenship for those who have lived and worked here for many years. We need work permits in order to enable family unification. We need the Dream Act for children who have been raised here. We need to end the policies that separate us. We need love the undocumented immigrant neighbor as thyself. We were all aliens at one time in the land of Egypt. We need security at the border but we do not need a wall.

I pray every time I look at my husband, that he will not have to leave us. I have three children from a previous marriage my youngest is 3 and he is disabled, although my husband is not his biological father My husband is all my son knows. He is his coach, his role model, his Papi. and with a newborn coming along in October, I’m not sure how I would make due without him. I can’t work because my son needs me to be at his back and call. My husband is who provides for us and every morning before he leaves for work I tell him to be carefull and remind him that we need and Love him very much. I only pray that if he does have to leave that he wont have to be gone for too long. The Lord knows how much we are going to suffer without him. I pray that President Obama will free illegals and their families from the pain and stress we face every moment fearing that one call that says our spouse, our childrens mothers and or fathers will have to leave for only immigration knows how long. I just pray that God will grace our Presidents heart and mind for him to make the right decision, God did make this land for ALL MAN to roam free and prosper.

I’m hoping the President will say that he will prosecute the mega corporations that benefit by having illegal labor. These corporations including the food industry are quite happy to have all of us believe that the problem is the immigrant, when the problem is the continued disregard of any law by corporations. I am also hoping that in this difficult time, racists will not be allowed to target Central and Southern American people because they want the American Dream. We have illegal immigrants from all over the globe, but this is never the way it is portrayed to the public.

I’d like the president to say: “No human being is illegal. People residing in the U.S. without legal authority to be here are still our brothers and sisters. Their immigration status violates the law, but they, themselves, ought not to be called ‘illegal aliens’. It’s a dehumanizing phrase that packs a double-wallop. ‘Illegal’. ‘Alien’. Whatever ever else I accomplish here today, I’d like to banish that phrase from our public discourse. Words matter. These words are unworthy.

I’d also like the president to say: “Every wave of voluntary immigrants to this nations shores have enriched America. They’ve weaved themselves into our great American tapestry. They’ve helped create what it means to BE American.”

“My wife Michelle, and our children, Sasha and Malia, are descendants of IN-voluntary immigrants. Slaves. They were, by the laws of the day, not people at all, but mere chattel property. They were dehumanized. President Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, helped fix that. Nearly 150 years later, we’re still working at the task.”

“But let no one gainsay this, Michelle’s great-great-grandparents, and the waves of African Americans who came here as they did — and their children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren — have enriched America in ways beyond compare. They’ve weaved themselves into our great American tapestry. They, too, have helped create what it means to be American.

Finally, I’d like the president to say: “You’ll never believe this, but I got most of the best lines in my speech from the blog over at the website of an organization called “Reform Immigragtion FOR America”. It’s at http://www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org. Check it out.”

Asylum for young people targeted by gangs for resisting recruitment. Eliminate the “social visibility” requirement.

More U-visas to reduce backlog. Be sure that kids who turned 21 after their parents filed U-visas are still eligible when the CIS delay in approval is not their fault.

Release from detention on bond while motions to reopen are pending.

Approve DREAM ACT.

I would like to hear you, Mr. Obama, talk about reuniting families and helping is stick together I am also like Deborah Estrada except honestly my husband is here in hiding, if I file the paperwork for him he will have the same trouble as Deborah’s husband. Because of that fact and that I and my 3 children need as much of his help as possible. I am stressed out everyday thinking that he may get deported or something, I have been diagnosed with depression, along with panic attacks. With the medication I take it’s hard to live a normal day to day life if he was not here. All he did was try to better his life, for his family. Soo many people have this stereotype of an illegal person as a rapist, drug dealer, drunk, ect. All of the ones I have met have been honest, hardworking, humble people. We need this reform, families should be together. Please pass immigration reform this year we need it.

I have suffered a lot due to my illegal status and I have paid a high price for my illegal presence in USA both finacially and emotionally. I have contributed to USA economy by spending my life’s savings (about $700,000) in the past 5 years in USA. For some unfortunate reasons and an unhappy marriage my case became complicated, and my legal status turned into illegal immigrant. I am expecting and hoping that President Obama takes care of immigrants like me, who is victim for social and political problems in my home country. I am an Iranian.

I think that the illegal immigrants who are already in the country should be required to spend time serving in the Armed Forces to become legal. They will get Health Insurance, education, & job training and really become a part of the US. For every year that they serve they can make another family member legal starting with the ones who are already here.

I would want president Obama to reconsider 245(i) in case an Immigration Reform is not supported by congress. It would help many families stay together while they wait in line to adjust their status. Thanks

I hope he will say that he will immediately end the deportations that separate families, will restore due process and judicial review to the deportation process, will end Secure Communities and 287(g)and the local enforcement of immigration law, will fund the development of alternatives to deportation, will end additional construction of the Border wall and other Border enforcement measures that kill people, will support the Dream Act, the Child Citizen Protection Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and will expand visas for legal entry to the US.

Hopefully ‘PRESIDENT’ Obama will do the right thing. Pledge to tighten our borders, return all illegal people to their respective Countries and have them apply through proper channels for entry into the United States.

Dear President Obama:
I want to hear more about a definite timeline to getting this immigration reform passed. I’m encouraged by your actions to entertain groups of immigration reformists into your office, encouraged by your upcoming message to us, but would be more encouraged to learn about immediate plans that can be done to stop Arizona and other states from targeting and hurting these families. Arizona families are leaving unnecessarily due to fear and intimidation. This is not an America we want projected worldwide that goes after a ethnic group when her economy is struggling. I thank you for anything you can do for our hard-working families.

Dear President Obama, I will be listening to your speech tomorrow with hopes that you will be able to express firmly a humane basis for immigration reform. I would like to see the end of tearing families apart by immigration agents. I would like to see us provide help to Mexico in creating more jobs for their people so they won’t come here in such worrisome numbers. I would like to see US accepting more educated and trained immigrants for citizenship. I have no idea how to stop the flood of “gate crashers” but I hate the look of fences and brutal treatment. I admire your intelligence,deliberation and grace under pressure. Your nation needs you! Elizabeth Balderston

i hope for a just and reasonable reform for all the people that have been here for a long time in the shadows and just want to work..a reform with requirements

Now its the time Mr Obama, living for almost 10 years over here, lost my parents and coudent go to then funeral, its not very sad? I do have a job, pay taxes every year and I do speak in English, havent a criminal record, its all of these to bad, try to get a normal status to go and visitin my family at least once a year???? Hope you able to understand my feelin and others millions feeling..
Augusto

I would like to hear that CLEAR and FAIR process is set up that acknowledges our great debt to immigrants who make up this country , who serve it so profoundly, and which allows people who want to come be part of this country to be treated RESPECFULLY in a way that maintains their HOPE and does
not tempt them to try desperate measures. I also feel it is criminal on our part to keep families apart
and that again clear, hopeful and timely guidelines can be instituted to reunite them. I have visited countries and been treated with such generosities and welcome that I am deeply saddened that we who have the highest potential are the most fearful and inhospitable to our world fellows here at home.

I would like for him to admit we’re never going to be able to completely close the border. I’d like him to promote spending money–instead of guarding the borders–on developing cooperatives for Mexican citizens to run and work in–in other words, help to build their standard of living so they will not feel compelled to flee their own country.

Please President Obama, let all Venezuelans stay in the US while chavez is in power, it’s like Cuba, Even WORST. My friends are being kidnaped, killed and threatened by Chavez followers because they are part of the oposition. PLEASE MR. OBAMA DO SOMETHING AGAINST THOSE CRIMINAL DICTATORS AND TERRORIST LIKE HUGO CHAVEZ! DO SOMETHING! PLEASE. TAKE YOUR TROOPS AND CLEAN SWEEP VENEZUELA FROM CHAVEZ, HE IS A MURDERER, A COMMUNIST, A DICTATOR, A TERRORIST, THE WORST NIGHTMARE.

President Obama,
One thing that is brought up but only one sided is about illegals and social security. What is not being talked about is that illegals use a fake social security number that they bought or made up. The taxes are taken out and they pay taxes under this fake number but when they are old and too old to work they NEVER will receive a dime from social security even though they paid into it all the years on a fake card. Let people know they do NOT benefit from social security, they are the losers.
The laws that are currently in place need to be changed to make it easier to legally come here. If we don’t want people from Mexico coming here than give them a reason to stay home. Clean up the corruption in police and the drug lords that run the country. Build factories that they can get a job at to support themselves and their families. If they had work at home they would be happy to stay there.
Last what happened to the statement on the Statue of Liberty? Is that no longer in effect?
Those that are here illegally should be grandfathered in. We need to find a way to make them legal, deporting does no good!

Just open the borders and everyone that comes through would have to get a bar code I.D. and Photo laminated card done at the point of entry. 1st this would eliminate the illegal immigrants – because there would be no more! 2nd they would all be categorized from point of origin and into a data base! 3rd this would stop the illegal exploitation of immigrants by coyotes and traffickers! 4th it would put every employer on notice to scan this card before any work, pay could be received by the immigrant. 5th it would make it easier to track undesirables by the activity and use of this card to do anything! 6th it would put every immigrant into the system at the point of entry and then they would pay into the system to receive it’s benefits and would not be a burden to the rest of our society.

I am not saying everyone would get citizen status. That privilege must be earned just like our forefathers. I am saying that this card is good for 30 day visa and then would have to be reexamined at that time. This system is still better then what we have now by far. It is simpler and would also eliminate all of the attorney needs for the simple elements of this type of system. Less government involvement in the whole process. Less cost for the government and everyone else in our society. This must be done now! We are spending billions and the cost is going up. The supply of tax payers supporting this system is going down. It can’t go on.

There are to many broken families. As a nation that encourages families as its core existence. We need to change the laws that stop families from being together.

Its been eight years, now that I’ve graduated highschool, i can’t find anything that will help me in the future, not a job, not a college that will accept me, but i have hope that president Obama will help. I hava an urge of getting out there and wprking, or attending college.

Mr President: We need to resolve the immigration status of millions of people in this country. If there is a need to enforce the law to illegal immigrants, set a fine for them to pay, and facilitate their way to become legal. The idea of deporting millions of people is as ridiculous as it is unreal. This is urgent, we need solutions right away. The future of this country depends on this step you’re taking now. I commend you for keeping your word. You have my support.

Will none violence felon get a pardon. Is been over five years for me with no trouble,I have two kids, still marry, got my education back on track, paid my taxes when I was able to work but I cant work right now because Im pending an appeal. what will happen to me?

I want President Obama to say that he wants comprehensive immigration reform to move forward without republican support if necessary.

Push the DREAM act. It is a way for those who have been here, working, picking our strawberries, cleaning our hotel rooms, weeding our gardens, etc. to become citizens. Immigrants do the manual labor that “Americans” refuse to do. I have friends who have been unemployed for months; a nephew who has never held a job long term, who will not even consider going to the fields to pick vegetables or fruit, work in a hotel and scrub a toilet or change a bed. We ought to be thanking our lucky stars, as we eat our fancy food and look out at our lush yards, that there are people who will come to our land and do the work. Let’s give them a path to the American Dream.

President Obama,
Please include the following in your speech:
We want to welcome others to our country and speed the procedures that
make the path to citizenship more realistic for those already living and working here. One part of this is to immediately enact the Dream Act, recognizing as citizens those brought her as children who only know this country.
Uniting families will also be among the first steps the new immigration policy will take.

Mr Obama
Now its the time Mr Obama, living for almost 10 years over here,I do have a job, pay taxes every year and I do speak in English, havent a criminal record, its all of these to bad, try to get a normal status to go and visitin my family at least once a year???? Hope you able to understand my feelin and others millions feeling….its the time Mr Obama.

Pass the Dream Act. Reign in Arizona and other states which think they can enact laws governing immigration. Get ICE under full control and stop jailing non-criminal just to subsidize private and county jails. Ask Sec. of State Clinton to head up task force to get immigration reform moving and other nations working with us to control immigration and human trafficking.

We need immigration reform now.We need to reinstate their drivers license.Stop making illegal immigrants become criminals and it will also help us keep up with who’s in our country.We need to stop making illegal immigrants criminals.They have to drive with no drivers lic. and no Insurance with illegal papers on their cars.They have to work illegally because they don’t have a social security number or they have a made up number(Then people start crying idenity thief).Most idenity thief is because some poor illegal immigrant used it for a social security number to get a job to feed his family,not to steal your credit card information.Also all the taxes paid to social security and all the other taxes listed on your check stub,they will never see a dime of that money.Where does all that money go? Ameican people crying about illegal immigrants getting medicaid and food stamps thats a pile of bull sh__.You have to have a legal social security number to get help period from the goverment. Wake up people, most illegal immigrats are kind,honest,loving,and hard working people.They just want a chance to live and work happy,just like you and I.We need to give them a chance at a good life,like yours and mine.We are the lucky ones,because our ancesters crossed the waters before all the unjustice laws were made.Not all illegal immigrants are gang bangers and criminals.Everyone deserves a chance at the american dream.The only true americans are the indians.We need change and we need it now.

Get a system, get it in place, create some more jobs to do this, get people in lines to get processed and counted, take the money, take the ID app’s and get it done now. No more talk of “illegal people”. Those who are violent offenders, smugglers, or those who commit robbery will obviously not stand up and be counted therefore, make it easier for them to be brought to justice.

Immigration reform should be more family oriented. It’s a shame to see families split with husband or wife and a child in a foreign country while the rest of the family is here. It’s wrong to split up families.

Please address the state law that Arizona passed. Explain so people in other states that want to do the same in their state that there already is a law like this on the books. It is a federal law. Had they just called on the federal government and said they had this serious problem and needed help the federal government would have sent out the national guard to take care of this. This law is unjust, will cause racial profiling, people will be beaten by those that are white, they will be unjustly sought out on and on. It will also bankrupt the state within a year. There is no way they can afford to do all this so called training that every police officer will go through or so they say. There is not enough money or room to put those that are detained. There is not enough money to deport all these people. There are not enough police officers to respond to the endless calls such as ” my neighbor ( who they don’t like) is an illegal come get them”. Can you imagine how many calls will come in a day over things like this? It will flood the 911 line so the real emergencies won’t get through, and the police will be so busy fighting the war on the nonwhites that they will not have time to fight real crime. There is no money to hire more police. See my point? The state will be bankrupt within a year.
This is a bad law. They should be ashamed of themselves.

President Obama, tear down that wall! Tear down that horrible wall that divides Mexico and the United States. It is shameful to have a wall dividing supposed friendly nations in the West when even the communists in East Germany tore down the wall that separated them from West Germany for so many years. It is hypocritical and embarrassing that after the U.S. insisted so sanctimoniously that the communists tear down their wall the U.S. erects a wall against a friendly neighbor such as Mexico! Remove that wall Mr. President! Remove all the walls that divide neighbors and families! It’s time for reform!

I finally find my soulmate and in order to be together, we must worry everytime there is a knock on the door, everytime we see a police car, lie to everyone we know. She is a sweet, beautiful, Swedish girl forced to live in the shadows. Please help the GLBT community to be able to sponsor their spouses for immigration.

Well Mr President Obama has been in his position for about 2 year and has not done absolutely nothing for immigrants what he promised when he stood there and promised that he will change so much for us! I’m including my self not because i might be illegal but because of my mother my sister and my friends and who knows my neighbors . He claims it takes a long time till he could help , what about the families that have been here 10 , 20 almost 30 years ? they get deported just for earning their life’s feeding there kids ? I’m American and i feel ashamed of this country. What i want him to talk about the new law in Arizona , to let legal people be , they dont do nothing to nobody why bother them ! if it was not for them there would not be no cotton no flowers the dirty jobs they do we the Americans hate to do ! Immigrants are normal humans … Kids that have been here since 1 month old why cant they be legalize ? does things i want Obama to talk about .

I want to hear from Obama that CIR will move this fall, and, most importantly, that it will include gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender families.

President Obama:
This is what I want to hear you say tomorrow on the news!
We need Amnesty for everyone except criminals! Too many families have been torn apart by our broken immigration system and it is time to heal this broken mess. And I am the president for this job! I will see that this gets done this year!

Thank you for your great work! Get the jobs done that we need and want you to do! And keep ignoring the nay sayers!

Immigration is an economic driver. Immigrants contribute more to the economy than they take out by a greater proportion than citizens.

As a nation, we have created and maintained a dangerous, unfair and arbitrary system at our borders.
The borders must be totally controlled before a comprehensive plan is instituted. People wanting to enter our nation must do it legally… and we must make it easy to do so!!

No other plan is acceptable. Once instituted, the comprehensive plan can be humane, welcoming to honest persons willing to live by the rules… and will be of great value to our nation.

Please stop the weaseling on both sides of the isle by doing the RIGHT THING NOW!!!!!

Although I recognize we need to reform immigration, it must be done in a way that will not split up families.

The crux of the problem lies with the unfair Trade Agreements. The US Corporations must stop dumping in the Central American countries. It is necessary to help build up their economies, so they can survice at home.

There are too many straight-A students, too many hard-working parents, and too many orphaned children that pray every day for an immigration reform. I think it is time they see an answer to those prayers. NO human is illegal. I think it is time to take action because only then will things get better in America.

look,i have been in the united states all my life,and have watched my family go from using an outdoor toilet to tobacco roads.prosperoty in this country is not what its’ all cracked up to be.we need jobs to support minority families that were born and raised here just as bad as hispanics want a way out of an oppressed homeland but the people there have to understand custom.America needs to screen everyone who enters this countery illegally.If you come here illegally then you are committing a crime and i am against condoning entrance due to the high risk of terrorism.Where I live hispanics have the jobs and we look for jobs,while unemployment has exausted and our bills keep piling up and we try toput faith in our government only to learn the truth about the people who continue to impose slave mentality on the people while they get richer from cheap labor a large profits from the hill to the mills.How much fun can being rich be?i would rather be poor and sleep at night than stay awake with a guilty conscience worrying about my loyalty to my fellow americans.judas lives on,when money is involved,and we know why…

mr Obama i think you should enforce immigration laws i dont understand why your government dont do nothing to protect our borders its not ok for people to sneak inside just cus they feel like im going to vote just to get this democrats out of the house im sick of this im sick of your socialist agenda mr president

Please, I understand that we are all immigrants’ but my people came here by applying and being accepted, the legal way, send all who came here illegally home and let them come back the right way. There are not 10 or 12 million here they are over 20 million and I personally do not want to see another amnesty.

We need people who come here to want it bad enough to be blended into our society and that includes learning ENGLISH. The average Mexican who crosses that Border Illegally wants a free ride, and they do not want our society they want a Mexican Society in America. I live in Arizona and see this on a daily basis. They are literally over running this country. Most Americans want it stopped just as I do. We have had enough. I applaud Governor Jan Brewer for having the determination to be first to sign a law which give our law enforcement the legal means to enforce what The INS is supposed to enforce.

The Uniting Americans Familes Act (UAFA) that would finally give gay citizens the right to sponsor their partners for US citizenship and help keep binational families together.

This 74 year old American born citizen, who by birth happens to be gay (don’t insult me by calling it a “life style”!) would like to be able to sponsor his same sex partner of a 29 year domestic relationship to share THEIR home that was naiively purchased in this land of the brave and FREE, thinking that life would be less complicated than in OLD EUROPE where the American half (me) of the partnership had spent thirty years still foolish enough to think that life was better in the good old USA. THE UAFA is the only possibility we have to share our lives in the U.S.. My partner is too old at 67 to reasonably be considered for green card employment, hasn’t a world recognized name in sports, entertainment, or whatever; hasn’t a million $ or half (whatever is currently required to establish a phony business in this land where business rules) and dishearteningly the worst of all, happens to be of the wrong sex to marry the person he loves and has devoted his life to. OUR ONLY LEGAL HOPE is the passage of the UAFA.

With so much divisiveness and hate in the immigration reform debate it is hard to for one to believe that this is going to end “AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY ever AFTER”if the trend continue this way, as sincere as the president’s intentions are towards reforming the system the support is not there we all know that,with these reality in mind. My questions to the presedent
(1) Is it possible to let the electorate decide in the November elections on what to do with 12 million living here?
(2) what about passing the dream act and amend 212(a)(9)(b)that would allow
sponsership of relatives already living here.

Dear Mr. President Obama,

Please do all in your power to help those who wish to be productive citizens of the United States. For others who want to work seasonally, introduce measures to assure they are able to work when there is work and return to their native country when they are ready to return.

Please speak and act on behalf of the children, who wish to continue their education through the DREAM act.

This country needs immigration reform now!!

“Yes We Can” “Si Se Puede”

The poor kids.Brought here when they were babies or small kids.They don’t know mexico or countries south.They went to school here,went to church here,grew up here,made a life here,started a family here,and live here, in the U.S.A.They are americans and they belong here.They should not have to pay for their parents mistakes.THE KIDS ARE AMERICANS AND THEY SHOULD STAY HERE.

It is time to recognize that being a good behave people we have some kind of points or something that could expedite or help to get our legal documents easily. People who came here to find a better future for our families, we find many, many trouble at the moment to file for our legal documents, without no reasons.
I lost 3 close members of my family in my country and I could not go to their funeral (can you imaging how debastating is this?), because uscis taking many years to resolve an easy case.
Mr. Obama, we are sure you have the power, your soul and hearth willing to help so many good people who support part of the economy of this country.
Respecfully,
Maritza

Please support the DREAM ACT. We need to pass this law so students can obtain jobs when graduating from university. Lately, there has been many students who are facing deportation or can’t continue higher education due to their illegal status.. We need to ask president Obama that is time to PASS THE DREAM ACT NOW!

Bring back 245i!

I am a white, born in American, republican citizen and I pary every day that President Obama will get off the fence and make a full committment to comprehensive immigraiton reform. I hope he does so in this speech and outlines legislation that includes sealing our borders, strong enforcement measures, a pathway to citizenship for undocumented aliens already living in America, the opportunity to unite families and changes in immigration laws to allow good people to immigrate more freely. I pray that this speech will change the herats and minds of millions of Americans so this legislation can pass quickly.

If your not Native American you are a descendent of an immigrant. Have some heart!
Brad

President Obama. the immigrants need right now a just migratory reform. We cannot expect because our families are being separated and our mental health highly affected by the presion and the panico. You can do it. It will be a big blessing for USA and the rest of the world. You are a big example for the world and you can’t plant more injustice.

Dear President Obaman,

This is the time to help families unite. I am a citizen and my children are not. It is not their fault. They have been here for over tow decades. They are productive members of society. Outstandign role models. Ecxellent students. Even though, they can not achieve thier dreams because of their situation. I am certain that you will make the immigration reform a reality.

I would like to hear the president say that the U.S. (immigration fees and fines, new IRS taxpayers, overall taxes, DMV’s, insurance companies, etc.) will benefit from the legalization of millions and that America is the land of opportunity and of social justice, which is why there must be an Immigration Reform Now!

I want to hear Mr. Obama tell us he is going to finally send the 3000 troops Arizona has been asking for, and protect our borders. I don’t have a problem with ANYBODY coming here through the proper channels,knowing the English language,and having total loyalty to the United States of America. I’m sorry if that offends “some” people, but the majority of “Citizens” feel the same as I do.

A sound, fair migrant worker program needs to be in place. I doubt that most immigrants we are considering here prefer to be away from their homeland, families and friends.

Highly skilled immigrants should be able to migrate faster into the USA than waiting in a long line for an immigrant visa to be available irrespective of their country of birth.

How about fixing the legal immigration? The waiting time of employment & family based visa’s is very long 7 yrs up to 17 years. We are law abiding, paying fees, providing the documents & proven to be qualified in the requirements implemented by the government. Other countries like Canada & European countries made it easy to immigrate for both family & employment category.

Mr President. Me and my family, live in USA for years and expect for compreesive Immigration Reform. This make us happiest,and easier for my kids going to the Unversity. Because nobody is a criminal,We pay taxes and contribute for this country

He should speak about the dream act and the stop of deportations for current students who qualify for it.

President Obama,
Although, I am not legally an American citizen, I feel American because I love this country and all the opportunity it has to offer. I have lived here 23 years of my 32 and because of a stupid decision my parents made, have been here illegally and am unable to adjust my status. I pay taxes, speak the language, work, and have put myself through grad school. And I know I am one of many. Please, please pass an comprehensive reform immigration and help all those honest people just trying to make a decent living here. Alejandra

Mr.President it is the time to do something about it,don’t let the other party mock you, This is my brief story…Been in this country since 1993 I soon i got to this country went School to learn to speak Inglish,Then got my self in the mine set of getting My GE So I did… I graduated from college with a 4.0 A.A in Electronic Science Degree , Electrician certificated in CA,first quarter of my B.S degree. I did pay up front by working in a restourant I am a single parent living on my own ,I have never ask for nothing to any of those federal agencies not even daycare from School, not even cheaper price on School lunches, I meant nothing… Not felony what however, I do pay my taxes Yearly,I use to own a property as you can see been working in couple lab’s in CA, but since I don’t have legal status they have to let me go.. So A quick QUESTION???
AM I CRIMINAL.. WHO DID I KILL?? AM I GUILTY OF SUPPORTING MY DOUGHTER??
What should I do? should let my Dougther behind and have the governament support her??
Please help me understand!!

I suppose this is liberal heracy…but how about the following.

Let’s give legal status to illegal immigrants if they have been here awhile and have been law abiding…eg a permanent green card – not a path to citizenship. This avoids the whole amnesty argument.

Roasario carbo you state that illegal hispanics have “contributed” to so many industrys is this why so many things are poor qaulity that food has been contaminated with salmanella and ecoli and other deseases due to poor handling.that many buildings that hispanic labors worked on some brand new are being torn due to quality? that meat is recalled and other things are literally thrown out due to safety issues so in actuallity you are costing us more money we are not eating cheaply maybe if we went to the local spanish mart we would but none around here markets that are well known sell there meat that was a lb now is at most 10 dollers when it used to be 1.50 when brand new houses are built with untrained cheap labor and then torn down due to poor quality and workmanship.where fresh fruit and other conveinance foods quality has gone down hill in quality and flavor that they are undesirable due to hiring cheap,untrained labor.Also for you who came here illegally you take away from schooling,jobs,work,and other resources.You state your the only ones breaking your back for cheap yet you willingly work for cheap no one asked you to do so but fully know you would not be hired other wise.come here legally and work for full wages and allow qualified workers to attain ther dreams and LEGAL immigrants to maintain there life here and stop pumping our society of services you do not deserve as you came here illegally and do not do quality when you work for so cheap you just do your job for your measly 25 cents an hour or work for more i believe at most 3 dollers so stop taking away from american legals and citizens of america and I hope that they deport you and adopt off your children that were born here as you made the choice for them to be americans and made the choice for them to be seperated from you as you came here illegally.its not heartless its LAW that you illegals seem to not recognize and follow!!!!I am tired of seeing budget cuts due to medical bills and school bills that americans and legal immigrants pay to support you and your familys.I am tired of seeing many familys suffer due to illegals coming into this country who rape and due not suffer punishment.who hit and run familys over and not suffer there consequences Ihave read of so many storys even one that made me break down and cry for one family as they were coming back from visiting there family hit by a drunk illegal who didnt bother to call 911 left the family to die but was caught where the newborn exploded upon impact of this illegals car to the parents car yet the man lived and the family died.Lucky him he got deported and did not suffer the consequences did not go to jail just waitng time in detention hall and sent back to this country to jump the border again.An illegal who raped a legal immigrants daughter killed her and yet did not suffer the consequences and has come back many times and deported back to this country raping again and again.Im not stating all illegals do such things but there is a percentage that do.and the percentage is high.Immigration reform alls it is is a blind eye to law breaking!I am for legal immigrants and americans and am happy to see that you are deported so what if you live here law abidingly you are breaking the law so in reality you are not as you broke a law that autamaticaly made you unlawabiding you came here illegally.Keep up with your racist protests of burning our american flag,and wearing derogitory masks and keep up with your displays of hate towards our country as I see it it show how ignorant you are and see your heart belongs to your coumtry that does not care about you anyways so go back and parade there and spit on our flag there if we were in the same situation in your country our heads would be bashed in yet you freely made a mockery of us and suffered no harm.So help familys that want to adopt a baby come here illegally and give birth here thats a great way to give back as you will be deported and your children will be adopted off to familys that pay to adopt them adding back to this country and also i beleive you country owes us all the money you have sucked up in resources so pay up!and stop the poor quality buy working for so cheap.Start protesting in your own country and get reform there.Vote protest in your own country for reform so you dont have to come here illegally and will have plenty of resources in your country.If you dont want to be “heartlessly”seperated from your children and familys come here legally or dont come at all.And americans are not lazy and would love to work but you keep offering to work for cheaper and cheaper.You do not contribute to our country you take away from people who are born here and come here illegally you cut in the line and made people applying for citizenship wait longer wears the justice for them?

This is america not mexico,england,turkey,africa,or china
We all speak english and should nt be passed for a job because we only speak one language
We are amercian whether of hispanic,native american,chinese or english in decent
we are a melting pot of legal and natural born citizens or america
quality of life should not be declining and is
illigals crossing the border pollute leaving garbage and other things that americans clean up
illegals crossing the border risk the lives of there children and themselves and often die in the desert so should have borders to stop this
america the few the proud
justic for all which is meant for americans and legall immigrants
past is past stop bringing it up this is now and now our country is suffering economically,and in other ways and a big factor is illegal immigrants who do not respect or care for our country and what to burn and spit on our flag.
I am glad this site allows me to post but notice this site is for bleeding hearts how much more does our economy have to decline?till we are a spanish speaking third world country that no one wants to come to anymore and actually runs to another country?people posting here state that officials passing laws due to illegals are prejeduce when really they are stating that because they want an offical that ignores the peoples of america and caters to you the illegals.Go back to your country and start refroming on your country stop giving up if you are so proud to be from there.America has helped out your countrys and at what time was beutiful now it is dirty,smelly and polluted and there is really no quality of life anymore.Homeless abound,poverty is escalating,quality declining.jobs declining.A neighborhood from my child used to be desirable now its riddled with grafitti,crimes abound and so much trash all over its discusting and you can not state its not due to illegals when before statistically was americans and after statistacally was mainly illegal immigrants.college pt in new york is one such place.In toledo ohio there was a beutiful clean nighborhood with many different americans of different decents and now looking at it 10 years later looks like crap. To assist and support you neigbor hoods have been converted to welfare homes or low income housing.so how can you state you are of any benefit to america and as for this site its only for illegals and not americans and legal immigrants although we are allowed to comment on all this site is really for is illegals and am happy to keep posting on your site to get my opinion and also some facts out.Maybe If you came here legally you would not have to worry about deportation,if you came here legally and learned to speak english you would fully understand what americans and legal immigrants feel when you do so and are not being racist what so ever by “racial profiling”as they are searching out law breakers and yes you may be permantly seperated from you american born children due to illegal actions you took upon yourself to take action on but that was your choice and now your gonna pay.can you deny that illegal drug smuglling is more prevalant due to poor border patrol i think not as it is fact. can you deny that the reason so many budget cuts are happening in our schools to support and make room for your children who are either here legally or illegaly where enrichment programs have been cut like music and other studys to make room for you children where teachers have lost there jobs and americans and legal immigrants pay school taxes in the 100,000snd and that is each household one of my family members pays 300,000 a year in school taxes and yet has no kids of there own when about 10 yrs ago school taxes were only 100 dollers so who bumped it up not americans but you who came here illegally and did not contribute in any way to the “free schooling” your children recieved.Medical bills used to be somewhat affordable but to make up for what taxes and services that are not payed have gone up to the thousands for one physical exam. I remmeber when it was at most 30 dollers now its 1500 so to state you are helping this economy is bull and unfounded alls your doing is hindering it and raising the cost of everything.You have offered your services for cheap and have taken away from people who were qualified and better to do the job and yet bitter about it hillariouse that to get a job you offered to work for cheap in the first place knowing full well you would not have gotten it in the first place as you would have been unqualified. Food has been contaminated with ecoli,samonella,and other things so if your doing a great job on the cheap evidence proves that your not and are poisening us americans and legal immirgrants and yourselves(what do you do pick you butts and crap on the produce as you pick it?)meat has been recalled with ecoli and other deseases that in the past was not a concern or even happened so in the cost to refund the consumers of america you cost us more.Your so great for our economy yet its declining in so many ways.Quality of food,quality of life,quality of everything.A friend of mine thought it would be great to higher illegals to redo there roof although unqualified and untrained in a matter of a year the home was so damaged due to leakes from the roof seeping into the foundation the home was demolashed great job on your back breaking quality work. they ended up losing everything and due to job loss lost there children and seperated there homeless now and due to not having a home and not being able to attain a job soon enough there children are in the care of others.they paid these illegals 500 each for a weeks worth of work and bought the supplys themeselves when a contractor looked at the work to do there plumming he was shocked of the quality and found mold throughout the home within the walls and condemed it as it was a health issue so lives lost due to the illegal epidemic and it is an epidemic how many lives have been affected whether due to crime or other things due to illegals in the millions so how you believe you help this nation is beyond me and believe your making false statements without any findings and ignoring the truth.look at all the statistics as a whole and you will see fact that america as a whole is decling so much will soon be a third world country.And as for school for our legal and american born citizens what happened to drama,art,music,home ech,and learning how to speak french and other languages all that is offered now in enrichment in language is to learn spanish and other learning is being cut. what happened to school trips for added enrichment dont hear about that anymore.soon other things will be cut like history,science and grammer due to budget cuts to support your children in school with free lunch and free vacines.great way you illegals contribute your making americas growth in knowlegde decline.the space program has been cut to pay more into you illegals in social security,welfare,wic,foodstamps,and medical and schooling.great way to take away american and legal immigrants dreams of being an astronaut.budget cuts have been made in scholership programs to help in college so futher taking away from american and legal immigrants dreams great way to contribute to the decline.Your goverement should pay it back and enact laws of there own to further make you think twice about coming here illegally.America should sue your country for all the past benefits you have recieved and misused to get ahead here illegally.If your deported you should pay child support for the children you had here and are forced to leave behind due to you illegal actions of crossing the border.as for job loss You have made it so hard to attain a job for full pay that many have given up does not make us lazy makes us oppressed even when americans offer to work for less are declined as you illegals work cheaper.Why should we keep allowing such injustice of laws being actively broken and give you citizenship becuase of how long you have been here too bad you broke the law and literally made a mockery of us with your protests and exhibits of hate to certain cultures of america(greenga maskes fools)so keep on with your ignorant beliefs that we are racist as not many are and not all are white we are i state again a melting pot and this country may have been founded on immigrants but who said they were illegal? This is now not then so try to use our constition against us and this and that as you have no meaning to us other then burden and decline and added poverty. Your protests are racist in themeselves adn were allowed due to freedom of speech your greenga mask protest was hilarouse as some hispanics look white (cubans have blonde hair and blue eyes and so do puerto ricans also if you want to wear masks of other cultures hispanics come in different colors and really all your doing is poking fun at yourselves) you just showed how retarded you were and even showed your ignorance as our presidint is african american actually hes biracial as he is also caucasion. so you insulted the very man who is going to decide on this.I guess this is how its done in your country and i guess your proud to act this way by burning our american flag,urinating,defacating and then wiping it on your behinds but really you all look stuped and I laugh everytime i see such things as your acting like children rather then adults and see your proud to teach your children to hate also.And keep toting your countrys flag what ever it may be as i see you proud of the country that oppressed you and made you come here in the first place that did not care about you at all and allowed you to wallow in poverty and did not offer you any services also to the people from mexican decent you want to reclaim mexico for you country?why do you really lol.just know this you would not be offered the ammenitys offered here and would have more land to wallow in your poverty and oppression as your leader would pocket more and more into his greedy little pocket.americans arent sitting back anymore and are going to fight with protest,pettitions,voting and more to stop the decline and reclaim english as the national lanugauge with no secondary lanuguage replacing it.We are going to fight for our children,and for ourselves as we are tired of the decline and things our children are put through and ourselves due to your illegal actions and taking what is not yours.we offered you so much and you disrespected us you bit the hand that fed you and gave you freedom so choke on our new laws and learn that to be an american you have to full heartedly forget your country of origin as it never helped you in the first place and only oppressed you be thankfull that american tax payers and legal immigrants are suffering more and more to maintain your free medical and food and other things.those people who came here legally are thankfull to be here learned english to eloquincy and have made huge contributions along with americans to be here.Your sucking up what belongs to american citizens and insult us everyday.why do you think az has made such strict laws and other states are following?With your speeches and protests of hate,and economic decline and quality of life have forced us americans to do so.we are not racist we want justice and our jobs back.we want better education for our children not 1 teacher for 50 students to make budget.You have forced us to implemet border laws and have force us to deport you as it is law you came here illegally and have forced us to take you away from your familys.If you came here legally and payed for services recieved this would not even be an issue I hope they make an impenetable border that has patrols to stop the decline of america.housing has gone up from 5 yrs ago from a studio being 300 or less to now being 1800 or more so illegals making life cheaper is bull also You add up and clearly i and many others see no benefits in boosting our economy so stop making false statements and look at the statistics as a whole and not look at statitstics that are based on one thing and supposedly supports your false statements.Look at crime rate statistics,look at job statistics,look at health statistics,look at pricing statistics as a whole and not focus on just one probably false statistic.Also statistics are not accurate and really should just look around you like what you see i dont and many others dont on both sides of this debate.

Above everything, I want President Obama to state firmly that he is committed first to dealing with the undocumented immigrants who are already here and are overwhelmingly contributing to society and our economy — and giving them a pathway to legal status. Now — not eight years from now, as one proposal has recommended. These responsible, hard-working people need to be able to have the rights and opportunities that all American citizens have, including the chance to see family members in their countries of origin. Please Obama!

Mr. Obama
I just want you to think about how you would feel if someone separates you from your family. I am U.S citizen but I feel bad for all the people who are being separated from their families, especially children. Please Mr. Obama do something now.

Thanks!
God Bless You

Fix broken green card system and Expedite the green card process avoiding those long years of waiting, especially for those hard working, high tax paying and highly educated by the american universities.

Mr.Obama, I am sure that you will agree with me that we Latinos voted for you to be our President on a promise that you will give us THE COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM…..Don’t you think that it is about time that you abide your promise? Let’s be real,this country could not survive without the immigrant workers. So, please put the politics aside and give us our COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM.

Dear President Obama,
The immigration debate is not longer a debate is a war between old immigrants and recent immigrants. Is not longer how to secure the borders and build a strong economy is about blaming our neighbors for what the big corporations have made to us. Yes, I understand all the Americans fears, keeping their language, improving the economy, secure the borders etc, etc, etc. But What about the thousands of people that have applied already to fix their status? What about them? They have surpass years and years of proofs and they have been waiting years and years in the ICE back log? Why is taking so long? They have pay all the fees increases but still they have to wait years and years for the final appointment! Why? How much time take to know that a worker is a good worker? YEARS!!!! NO only 90 days. Why they have to wait years? Push the accelerator and complete those long term processes so we could reduce the number of “undocumented” not “illegal” the problem is “UNDOCUMENTED” people. The discussion is about undocumented people. Illegal still under discussion what really means Illegal for all.
Thanks

Uhh deborah Estrada your white huh? what ever you yourself are probably not from here also you have a hispanic name so either your biracial are an illegal who is in hiding.also america has made immigration easy just apply and wait your husband came here illegally not legally and probably you have someones identity and so are able to stay here with your children lucky you you get to live in america and if you miss your husband so bad and hes not sending you any help as i see you work 2 jobs to support the family made here. then he is scum find a better man one that will help support you and your family.whats he doing in your country sitting on his rearend while you send him money?He cant even send you money and your clinically depressed over it you have issues and should seek therapy and get a reality check.Law is law and sorry if he lost his visa but he should not have come here illegally afterword and now you all suffer.

I know the sentiments for the undocumented living in the US. But, a law is a law, a law should be implemented or it will create a chaos. What about the other people who followed the rules to immigrate legally, who waits their time to get a visa and those who are waiting in their home country for years? Is it fair for them to give amnesty to all who are in the US while others who chooses the right way are ignored once again? A law is created to have justice and fairness to everyone. Fix the flow for legal immigration the waiting years would sometimes take a decade. For many years, legal immigration is ignored we want an action. Giving amnesty wouldn’t stop the people disobeying the law, they will just keep on coming. Encourage them to obey the law for immigration, there are no shortcuts.

President Obama, this is your hour. This is your hour to campaign for justice
which I know is in your heart. Do not let the opposition stop you. Millions
of people who are suffering are depending on you. It is time to value the
immigrant families who are here working hard and to unite families who are
painfully separated. By including the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)
with Immigration Reform, you will go down in history as the President who
provided justice for all, in the land of the free and the brave!

No more bla bla bla Mr Obama it is time to approve it.. you are demagogue… no more false promises… it is time to impose your will against everybody who are not letting you to do it.. We want a reasonable resolution… !! Rafael Perez

Diana, your diarrhea of words sure makes a lot of interesting but twisted science fiction. It also suggests you need some serious psychological help. There is so much hate in you. I suppose you have a wretched life, and need to blame someone else for how you’ve screwed up, so you hate Hispanics. I bet you hate Blacks and Asians, too. And there is so much wrong with what you say. Here are some examples:

* Mexico is part of America, just like Canada is, Brazil is, Colombia is and the United States are. The United States only constitutes part of America. Check on a map, little miss neonazi racist.

* Whites can be Hispanic. Hispanics can be of any race.

* Your English is suck. You talk a lot, but have no “eloquincy,” as you put it, which by the way is spelled wrong, like so many of the words you write. Why do so many ignorant racists like you so uneducated? And why do you demand that everyone speak English when you are poorly equipped to do so yourself? Perhaps if you were educated and read you wouldn’t be an ignoramus.

There is so much more that is wrong with you state in your writings, I thought we would just start with these.

* Hispanics were here second. You northern European whites were here last. So if anyone should leave, it must be you.

I would like to see a streamlined process where illegal immigrants who came here many years ago to have a better life are able to assimilate into our culture and eventually become U.S. Citizens without it taking 10 years to complete and having to leave our Country and pay significant fines before they are able to get a foot in the door. Part of this process would include the immigrant getting an identification card or papers that would allow them to obtain Social Security numbers, obtain legal jobs by having work authorization, take classes in order to become English-speaking, pay taxes, travel legally (whether traveling back to their home country or around the United States, drive legally and all of the other things that an American Citizen can do while going through the process to become an American Citizen within a reasonable amount of time, i.e., approximately 5 years. I know a lot of people that may have overstayed a Visa or entered the country illegally but have wanted to assimilate into our culture and have taken some of the steps necessary to become part of our culture but they have no avenue to become U.S. Citizens because of the limits on the numbers of immigrants from certain countries and for other reasons. I think the Federal Government got the process on the right track back in the late 1800’s up to the mid-1900’s when they had a citizenship process in place. If the Federal Government could develop a process like what was used in the past, I think the United States would start to see less illegal immigration and more people wanting to become productive Citizens of our country.

Dear President Obama,
Please pass immigration reforms that will help families, reforms that will not punish children brought here by their guardians in search of a better life. Please review the DREAM Act and find a way to help children who would otherwise continue to have no rights. We can’t continue to ignore this growing issue and need to find a solution that benefits the people living in this country.
I voted for you with the hope that you’ll be able to make changes for this country that will benefit and improve immigration policy, the environment and especially education policy. I know these decisions are the hardest, but I have faith that you will do what is best for us.
Sincerely, Sara M. (Teacher, NYC)

President Obama: Recognize that this is a country of immigrants. The Original People of this nation, the Native Americans, remain marginalized and under-represented in national affairs. However, people of Spanish-speaking descent are also among the original inhabitants of the Southwest. Their contributions to this country, past and present, should be acknowledged. Every effort should be made to recognize that we are becoming an ever-more diverse racial and cultural nation. DO NOT CONTINUE to endorse the policing and militarization of the border. Enforce a welcoming environment so that we can become the progressive nation of the 21st century we are meant to become. Embrace diversity and multi-culturalism through legislation that is supportive and not punitive.

Full citizenship to every one in the States at this time. Enough suffering already.

TO: ALL HISPANICS:

I’m a white male, 78 years old. PROBABLY OLDER THAN ANYONE POSTING ON HERE.ALL THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE HERE LEGALLY, STAY HERE AND FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN LIFE. TO THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE HERE ILLEGALY, PACK YOUR BAGS AND GO HOME.
wHEN YOU GET BACK HOME, EARN YOUR RIGHTFULL WAY IN LIFE AND WE WILL WELCOME YOU BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.
I believe most Americans would agree with the above statement. I only speak for myself here, but those who wish to stay here and commit to a new way of life,then obey the rules of the land. Learn our language, get yourselves into a school or college and get aneducation. The doors of opportunity will open up for you, like you could never dream possible.
Rememeber this: You will only get out of life, what you put into it, and
life is a gift to be enjoyed, not a problem to be solved.