"Californians hold positive views of immigrants; most oppose deportation"

[The Land]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

With the exception of the AZ law issue, I generally stay out of these illegal discussions. However, and others have known me to do this, when it comes to illegal immigration, I generally part ways with my fellow liberals.

I do believe that no country, the USA or any other can afford to allow illegal immigration to go unchecked. We're not the only place cracking down on illegals. Actually we're not really cracking down. France is simply rounding up Roma and others and deporting them. Italy and the UK have a big problem with eastern Europeans, especially Albanians and are also taking steps toward curbing that tide. It is in the best interest of all of us to really tackle this problem. I'm all for helping others but I don't see how we can help those less fortunate when we ourselves have been pushed to near the breaking point.

Sorry if I've offended anyone but on this issue, I'm largely on the other side.

And yes, it isn't just a Mexican Phenomenon. There are illegals from many different places.

I agree however I'm more extreme, I take the North Korea approach. Place landmines at the border, electric fenses and bring all the troops home and out of places like Germany and Korea and place them on the border. See who dares cross then. Also give those who sneak in 10 years had labor with no pay. Boost our economy and frighten people from coming here illegally. It's how it should be. But of course that won't happen.

[Ceece]

I don't know anyone IRL who supports illegal immigration here in CA. I don't know what this poll is supposed to be about but nobody is in favor of it. Some are just more hard nosed about it than others.

[Jay100]

The only difference between the far right and far left is that the far right is upfront about its intolerance. The left is just as intolerant of the right and/or American fundamentalism as the right is of the left. I think there are too many people in California, period. So every additional person is like an eyesore to me. I'm sure they are nice people but my opinion is that they should be nice in their own country.

Spin!

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Jay100

I'm sure they are nice people but my opinion is that they should be nice in their own country.

I, too, think it's much more interesting and rewarding to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Ergo, if I want diversity I'd prefer to visit it there where it belongs in its pure form than have it "celebrated" here.

Pitchfork and torch concession is on the left! Rails, hot tar and feathers on the right!

[majoun]

IMO, the primary dichotomy at work is while most the CA population - IMO - is at least somewhat opposed to illegal immigration, they're not so opposed to individual illegal immigrants, as many (myself included) know people who are definitely illegal and even more who may or may not be.

I'm personally for stricter border control and stricter immigration laws but am wholeheartedly against demonizing illegals - and find the hardliners' views of illegal immigrants as subhuman to be extremely odious and distasteful. They're people like everyone else. I am FOR deporting violent criminals and extremists who happen to be illegal but opposed to mass deportations (which will never happen anyways)

[steel7]

I dont support illegal immigration cause they are here illegally. If they go the legal route, dont leave used diapers in their yards & flush their used toilet paper down the toilet then i dont have a problem with them.

Some yrs back in the highland/del rosa area of san bernardino i had illegal mexicans for neighbors & these dirtballs stole my mail & caused nothing but problems for me & other neighbors.

I moved shortly thereafter to a apt complex that didnt rent to illegals at that time. Five yrs later the 100+ apt complex was sold & illegals were permitted to move in. I moved to yucaipa within a yr. I will be here 12 yrs in jan & no illegals can move here.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by majoun

I'm personally for stricter border control and stricter immigration laws but am wholeheartedly against demonizing illegals - and find the hardliners' views of illegal immigrants as subhuman to be extremely odious and distasteful. They're people like everyone else. I am FOR deporting violent criminals and extremists who happen to be illegal but opposed to mass deportations (which will never happen anyways)

Always the one that makes the most sense in these threads

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by majoun

IMO, the primary dichotomy at work is while most the CA population - IMO - is at least somewhat opposed to illegal immigration, they're not so opposed to individual illegal immigrants, as many (myself included) know people who are definitely illegal and even more who may or may not be.

I'm personally for stricter border control and stricter immigration laws but am wholeheartedly against demonizing illegals - and find the hardliners' views of illegal immigrants as subhuman to be extremely odious and distasteful. They're people like everyone else. I am FOR deporting violent criminals and extremists who happen to be illegal but opposed to mass deportations (which will never happen anyways)

Yes they are. So, too, are pedophiles, murderers, thieves, drive-by shooters, gang-bangers, robbers, practitioners of fraud and the entire pantheon of law breakers. Isn't drawing the line at illegal immigrants bordering on racist?

[majoun]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Yes they are. So, too, are pedophiles, murderers, thieves, drive-by shooters, gang-bangers, robbers, practitioners of fraud and the entire pantheon of law breakers. Isn't drawing the line at illegal immigrants bordering on racist?

That's assuming that illegals are all of one race which they are not.

There is a difference between illegal immigration and violent felonies.
Do you ask everyone you meet with an accent if they're here legally or not? I highly doubt anyone does that.

[hoffdano]

I think much of the US, including CA, is "against" illegal immigration. I think most support far stronger border protection than we have today. Only a small percentage of the people think the US should ease immigration laws.

The bigger differences of opinion probably relate to what to do with illegals already here, and what kind of services can/should be provided by government to illegals.

I think deportation is impractical, and not really feasible. I think the US should dramatically strengthen the borders and continuously work to make the US less attractive to illegals. California is a "happy place" for illegals. The benefits are relatively rich. Jerry Brown even thinks illegals deserve assistance for college (which I think is absurd). When resources are precious - they must be reserved or biased towards legal residents, who pay the taxes that fund these universities.

I think over time, the jobs that illegals dominate now will be forced to pay higher wages, attracting more legal workers. Some goods will cost more - but that's OK and a fair price to pay for more employed LEGAL residents.