Dr. Robert Seeley’s English classes share their thoughts about illegal immigrants and their future

‘A powerful cause’
The recent events that have taken place are quite profound. In the perspective of unity, I notice how a people together were active in what they perceived in their minds. Ironically, the “citizens” in the U.S. can only dream of unifying with such a powerful cause.
— B.P.

Thanks to Hispanics
Hispanics are the ones who built all the buildings here, schools, houses, etc. Thanks to us, Hispanics, all people and kids have a place to work under, a school to go to, and a place to live. We come here to work and get some money, and we will do anything to get some money for our family.
— N.S.

‘Go get your papers’
From what I understand, the immigration laws that are going into effect will only affect non-legal immigrants, to which I say, “If you are not a legal citizen, go get your papers and then this will not affect you.” This is America. If you break the law, you will be punished.
— L.C.

Invigorating
I find it invigorating that immigrants and people of different backgrounds unite as one and stand up for their beliefs in a nonviolent way.
— K.

Economic slavery
I think there is a form of slavery that is equally detrimental to our society, which is taking place today in this country and others. It is an economic slavery that may not know any borders, that is controlled by the wealthy and enforced (to some extent) by the government. What would happen to the corporations if the immigrants from around the world departed this country (the United States) and were essentially returned to their own country of origin? This is a form of economic slavery when large corporations offer low wages, transfer good paying jobs to other countries and cut health benefits. Is it not a form of slave labor? When these corporations remove jobs from our country and move them to another, but at reduced wages and health benefits? The immigrants and their supporters should be marching against certain kinds of legislation. They should, along with every American, be marching and protesting the vacuum that is sucking America’s jobs out of the country.
— D.D.

‘Deport the illegal immigrants’
I agree totally with the idea of making it a felony to be an illegal immigrant in the U.S. I don’t understand why they let the march go on, and I don’t understand why they didn’t arrest the illegals Sunday afternoon. If they want to go about being a citizen the right way, that’s fine, but being here and disrespecting the U.S.’s wishes and laws isn’t cool.
I grew up in a primarily Hispanic area, Carrollton, and experiencing four years of high school with them helped me to realize they don’t take pride in being here in the U.S. with more opportunities and freedom. They abuse their freedom and are very lazy.
So I say deport the illegal immigrants. I believe crime rates will decrease, the school dropout rates will decrease, and it will be less crowded.
— J.B.

Who are we to deny opportunity?
If you trace back your family’s history, someone was given an opportunity to come over here and create a life. Who are we to deny that to someone else? I don’t see these people we are trying to kick out hurting our country. I see them trying to make it better.
— S.O.W.

‘Put companies out of business’
I feel we should fine, arrest and put companies out of business. They are the ones helping support illegal aliens. We should stop the employer from hiring and paying the aliens. If we feel our country is becoming overpopulated with illegals. We cannot keep giving the aliens pardons. Every time this happens, we say it’s okay and they will keep coming over from Mexico. But there are many jobs Americans will not do.
— A.J.

‘These people are breaking the law’
I think the current event with immigration issue is crap. The fact is that these people are breaking the law. What’s the difference between breaking the law by coming to this country illegally and stealing a million dollars from the U.S. government? They are both against the law. The law doesn’t say that illegal immigrants are going to be deported and can never come back. They have to get a visa and come to this country legally like many other people do. I think the U.S. could put more money into programs to help people get visas and come here legally. This would cause a raise in taxes, but I believe it’s something that needs to be done. If we didn’t spend as much money on the Iraqi war, then we would have more money to spend on visa programs. There are so many factors included in this issue that I believe you have to stick to the basic principle that being an illegal immigrant is against the law and breaking the law has consequences.
— S.

Protest shows our freedom
I think the protest over the illegal immigration law has shown how free this country is. Everyone is free to express how they feel and the protest proved it. Not a single protestor was harmed. The result of the law remains to be seen, but I’m sure the protest will have an impact on the powers that be. The most powerful protest is a non-violent one. There is no way to combat it.
— S.S.

‘I am feeling ... insecure’
As a legal international student, I have no problems whether the law gets approved or not. At the same time, I am feeling kind of insecure here in America. I strongly think that what the government is trying to do is not practical. If they had to do it, they should have done it long ago. At that time, America needed a lot of cheap labor to work for them. They didn’t try to tighten the borders for illegal immigrants and just pretended they don’t know about it. Now when their mission is accomplished, they want to enforce something all of a sudden. They are talking about the security reasons, but I think there are other options. I strongly think that what they are trying to do is inhumane. I am feeling very insecure because someday they might pass a bill agreeing to deport all international students, saying it is a security reason. I am against it. It’s not good for the American economy.
— B.M.B.

‘My parents were immigrants’
I’m a Mexican-American and I was born in the U.S., so as for me, I don’t have to worry about anything, but I support all of the Hispanics because I have family and friends who are immigrants and are in this country. To start out, my parents were immigrants when they first came here and they came here to make something of themselves and be able to support my grandparents as they were getting older. Most of the immigrants here are making a sacrifice to cross the border illegally to be able to work and make enough money to send to their families, so they can eat and have shoes to wear. I understand if they do something wrong or illegal here, for example, steal, kill, etc., they should be punished. But if they don’t, then I don’t think there’s anything wrong for us to be here. Many people have different opinions, but this is mine.
— M.H.

Why not rally in Mexico?
While tens of thousands gather around the nation to protest U.S. policy towards immigration, I have one question: Why on American soil? I understand that they want to gain more education and greater economic status. But instead of protesting in our cities, should they not rally at President Vicente Fox’s house? Why are there illegals here? Lack of economic advancement or education. It is up to the politicians in whatever country to serve its citizens. Obviously, Mr. Fox does not follow this idea.
— M.W.F.

Why rally at all?
I am very surprised at the turnout of Sunday’s protest for a few reasons. First of all, on Friday, the actual bill that is being protested against was cut, and is no longer being negotiated.
— C.