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Shocker · 04-14-2006, 06:05 PM

I understand that the constitution gives all Americans the right to assemble and that protesting serves a very important role in society today. What I am confused on, however, is how people have taken the rights and priviledges granted by the United States Constitution and applied it to those who have come here illegally. I understand that ultimatly, we all are here through some sort of immigration, either our own or our forefathers, but even in the 1700's there was an established process for immigration. If you came by boat from accross the pond, then you probably ended up at Ellis Island, where you were documented and checked out for disease or other issues that might make you undesirable to live in this country. I mean, the concept of legal vs. illegal immigration is not a new one, and when the Constition was written, it was written to protect the rights of UNITED STATES CITIZENS, not the rights of people who broke the law in the first place to be here.

I understand that immigrants, both legal and otherwise, perform vital roles in our country, and even take the jobs that I know that I wouldn't want to do at least. Of course they have rights, but the rights they have as recognized by the United States are those rights that are considered basic human rights, not the other rights as outlined by the Constitution. We don't owe them anything for being here. We have created a process and have made laws allowing for legal immigration and eventual citizenship. They have chosen to break the law by not following the processes to properly immigrate here.

Ultimately, the U.S. government's responsibility lies in serving U.S. citizens, and one way they must do that is by protecting our borders and enforcing our laws. I realize that many illegal immigrants help our economy and perform vital tasks, but there are those whose law breaking does not stop when they cross the border, but they continue to break laws and are a threat and a drain on our society. And the immigration bills are just the governments way of protecting its citizens.

04-14-2006, 06:05 PM	#3
Shocker Knight of the Oval-Shaped Conference Table Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Your Mom's house Posts: 378	I understand that the constitution gives all Americans the right to assemble and that protesting serves a very important role in society today. What I am confused on, however, is how people have taken the rights and priviledges granted by the United States Constitution and applied it to those who have come here illegally. I understand that ultimatly, we all are here through some sort of immigration, either our own or our forefathers, but even in the 1700's there was an established process for immigration. If you came by boat from accross the pond, then you probably ended up at Ellis Island, where you were documented and checked out for disease or other issues that might make you undesirable to live in this country. I mean, the concept of legal vs. illegal immigration is not a new one, and when the Constition was written, it was written to protect the rights of UNITED STATES CITIZENS, not the rights of people who broke the law in the first place to be here. I understand that immigrants, both legal and otherwise, perform vital roles in our country, and even take the jobs that I know that I wouldn't want to do at least. Of course they have rights, but the rights they have as recognized by the United States are those rights that are considered basic human rights, not the other rights as outlined by the Constitution. We don't owe them anything for being here. We have created a process and have made laws allowing for legal immigration and eventual citizenship. They have chosen to break the law by not following the processes to properly immigrate here. Ultimately, the U.S. government's responsibility lies in serving U.S. citizens, and one way they must do that is by protecting our borders and enforcing our laws. I realize that many illegal immigrants help our economy and perform vital tasks, but there are those whose law breaking does not stop when they cross the border, but they continue to break laws and are a threat and a drain on our society. And the immigration bills are just the governments way of protecting its citizens.