Arizona Proposition 300 Denying Illegal Aliens In-State Tuition, Taxpayer Funded Adult Education, Child Care [Update] : Diggers Realm

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Arizona Proposition 300 Denying Illegal Aliens In-State Tuition, Taxpayer Funded Adult Education, Child Care [Update]

By / October 23, 2006 10:21 AM

Proposition 300 on the Arizona ballot this November 7, 2006 really cracks down on the Public Program Eligibility guidelines which currently allow loopholes for illegal aliens to receive adult education, in-state tuition, taxpayer funded child care and waivers, grants and other financial assistance benefits for illegal alien colleges students.

The fact that Arizona - and many other states for that matter -- currently allow taxpayer funds which are paid by the people of this country and intended to go to the people of this country keep getting diverted to pay for illegal aliens is beyond me.

Why should an illegal alien family receive taxpayer funded child care rather than giving it to a needy family here?
Why should an illegal alien received favored status as an in-state student over a citizens or legal resident of this country?
Why should an illegal alien receive waivers, grants and financial assistance for schooling instead of raising the threshold of US citizens and legal residents that can be eligible to receive it?
Why should an illegal alien be able to hop the border and instantly apply to go to an adult school here that the taxpayers pay for while there are many citizens who are denied because there is now no more room?

The answer to all of these questions is that they shouldn't!

No illegal alien in this country should receive a single dime in benefits before a US citizen or legal resident does.

It is simply ridiculous when you look at the political nature of this issue. You have the Democrats out there fighting to give illegal aliens more benefits while at the same time complaining that our education systems are falling apart. One of the key causes being the illegal alien children flooding our schools.

You have the Republicans out there, some of who are fighting to give illegal aliens legal status thus making them eligible for tons of government services, while at the same time calling for smaller government.

Both parties are hypocritical.

Proposition 300 hits all the nails on the head when it comes to the exploitation and looting of taxpayer funds and continuing the bait for even more illegal aliens to come here. It simply makes no sense that any of these suggestions was not included in the eligibility requirements from the start.

Below are the changes for eligibility that are being proposed.

But first let's take a look at some of the arguments opponents of Proposition 300 are making (We should make a drinking game based around how many times the implications is made that this is all racist.). From the Arizona Secretary of State Website (I have bolded portions).

This proposition comes from the frustration over the failure of the federal government to act responsibly and comprehensively on securing our border and reforming the immigration system.
...

This proposition wants state and school personnel making clerical decisions to become immigration police, without the proper tools. This proposition is not the answer. Securing the border, reforming work visa permits and identifying the millions of those in this country without proper documentation is what will eliminate the frustration for both employers and the public.

Kevin Rogers, President, Arizona Farm Bureau, Mesa
James W. Klinker, Chief Administrative Officer, Arizona Farm Bureau, Mesa
Paid for by "Arizona Farm Bureau"

While I agree that the feds aren't doing their job, why is it so bad to actually state that eligibility is denied for illegal aliens? What harm is there in that? If it's not stated then it is implied that illegal aliens are eligible. Rather than bitching and moaning that this can't be properly enforced why don't we start looking at putting a system in place that would allow it to be enforced? This type of general statement that it's the Feds fault is really sad. It's admitting defeat rather than standing up and saying "enough is enough" when it comes to the raiding of tax revenue.

The Arizona chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) supports equality and fairness for all people. We believe it is time for Arizonans to face the reality that, no matter what some may wish, those who are not in our country legally are not going to disappear if we deny them education or other benefits enjoyed by our citizens, as proposed by Proposition 300. The provisions relating to education, which would deny adult education classes to those not here legally and prohibit colleges and community colleges from giving resident status, scholarship assistance, and the like to such students, fly in the face of our state's need for an educated workforce to attract new jobs and lay the foundation of our economic future.
...

Similarly, the provision that would prohibit parents or other caretakers who are not legal residents or citizens from obtaining childcare assistance, presumably so they can work or attend school, relegates these parents and their children to a permanently disadvantaged status. This is punitive and illogical and will drain our resources in ways that are much more damaging.

Karen Van Hooft, State Coordinator, Policy/Spokesperson, Arizona NOW, Scottsdale
Eric Ehst, State Coordinator, Political Action, Arizona NOW, Phoenix
Paid for by "Arizona NOW"

This stance against Proposition 300 simply pisses me off. It is a communist manifesto pretty much.

First the fact that illegal aliens are not going to leave because we deny them a host of benefits could be true, we're not sure because we have never tried. However, this will surely discourage some from coming here in the first place. When word gets around that you can't just come to America, get free child care while you go to school, grab some free money for college and receive discounts, that will discourage a lot who do come to this country simply to get a free education on the US taxpayers back. Their statement above is so short sighted and ignorant.

The assertion that denying illegal aliens adult education, that saps resources that should be going to educate Americans and legal residents so they can fill the positions, just shows that the National Organization for Women believe that Americans and legal residents just don't have what it takes and we need an illegal workforce. The reason we have this lack of educated working people is because of these positions currently on the books. It's bloated our adult education systems and excluded people who should be receiving the benefits. Class sizes are filled with "special needs" illegal aliens who need someone to stop and pay more attention to their lack of skills rather than focusing on others who are actually supposed to be in the classes.

The denial of child care to illegal aliens portion is said by NOW to "relegates these parents and their children to a permanently disadvantaged status". And that's exactly how it should be! We should not be giving illegal aliens a comfortable life. They should have it hard and cruel so that they decide to leave the country when they realize it's no picnic here. And when they leave they'll tell the people in their home countries that America is tough to live in as an illegal alien and that the best thing to do is to apply to go there legally.

It really is common sense. The fact that some families will have to suffer for a while in order to get this problem under control is tragic, but the fact of the matter is they knowingly came here illegally so they should be expecting to have it hard, not receive a pass.

The mean spirited proponents of Proposition 300 ... The proponents have no interest in sound public policy, but rather to be mean spirited because they can ... The proposal is wrought with biases and prejudices that should not be allowed to continue in Arizona... We urge Arizona voters to maintain their sensibilities and not allow another divisive and destructive measure to be added to our statutes.
Jorge Luis Garcia, State Senator, Chairman, Legislative Latino Caucus, Tucson
Ben Miranda, State Representative, Chairman, Legislative Latino Caucus, Phoenix
Paid for by Jorge Luis Garcia

Ahh, the thinly veiled racism charge. When will those on the left actually propose something to deal with the problem of illegal aliens? Every time a proposal is brought up that attempts to cut down on illegal immigration it is just slapped with the racism stamp by these groups.

The only proposal they have made is to just make all the illegal aliens "legal" and then the problem will be solved as there would then be no more "illegal" aliens here. They have no solutions and they don't want any. They want everything to continue as it currently is. Free education, health care, child care, food, free of taxes and nobody trying to interfere with their rape and pillage of American taxpayers and the systems that were put in place for the citizens and legal residents of this country.

The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council believes that Proposition 300 (Public Program Eligibility) does not serve the best interest of families and communities in Northern Arizona. We oppose Prop 300 because passage will undermine our efforts to expand childcare for working families...
Linda Martinez, Co-Chair, Northern Arizona Interfaith Council, Sedona
Lucas Gomez, Treasurer, Northern Arizona Interfaith Council, Sedona
Paid for by "Linda M. Martinez"

I'm just going to stop right there because that is their only main concern with Proposition 300. If it passes then they will lose a lot of their "faith based" funding they get for child care. Don't these church groups get enough donations? Sure they do, but they'd rather also receive taxpayer funds... even from those who don't have the same faith or even have a faith. "Separation of Church and State" is crying.

Yuma County Interfaith Opposes Proposition 300
...

Stripping funding from Adult Education programs will prevent adults interested in a higher quality of life from going to school.

Msgr. Richard O'Keeffe, Yuma County Interfaith Co-Chair, Yuma
Mercedes Ruiz, Board Member, Yuma County Interfaith, Somerton
Paid for by "Yuma County Interfaith Sponsoring Committee"

I don't want illegal aliens to stay here and attain a higher quality of life. I want them to go home.

Valley Interfaith Project urges you to vote NO on Prop 300
...

This proposition claims to save state funds by denying access to financial aid to those without legal status, even though the vast majority of financial aid already requires students to prove their legal status.

...

Denies many immigrant parents the opportunity to learn English, which they know is essential for full participation in American society.

Marcie Escobedo, Chair, Phoenix
Richard White, Co-chair, Scottsdale
Paid for by "Valley Interfaith Project"

My question to the "Valley Interfaith Project" is what's wrong with requiring all financial aid programs to require proof of legal status? I mean if the vast majority already do why not make it all fo them?

Their claim that it will discourage "immigrants" from the opportunity to learn English is just outright wrong. Legal immigrants will still be eligible for all the programs Proposition 300 addresses.

The Arizona Interfaith Network opposes Proposition 300 (Public Program Eligibility) ...
AIN is an organization of 170 churches, schools, non-profits, businesses and unions throughout Arizona. We are Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish and Muslim. We have researched Proposition 300 and discovered that it will hurt families, especially families with children.

Proposition 300, if passed, will create problems for many families and communities while solving none.

Proposition 300 will, if passed:
Roadblock many families needing childcare; Deny individuals seeking self-improvement the opportunity to learn English; Derail the ambitions of many high school students seeking higher education. ... Undermine communities, including communities promoting use of the English language.

Some advocates claim this proposition will help with the "illegal immigration problem". Our research has proven this is false.

Richard H. White, President, Scottsdale
Bonnie Danowski, Secretary, Scottsdale
Paid for by "Arizona Interfaith Network"

Yep, Proposition 300 will cause many problems while solving absolutely zero. Funny how they point out it will hurt "many" families. The only families affected are illegal alien families. This thing will also deny individuals who are neither citizens or legal residents the opportunity to attend college or learn English! We wouldn't want that now would we? The kicker: It will undermine communities who are promoting use of the English language. That's funny, I don't see the "Arizona Interfaith Network" encouraging a yes vote on Proposition 103 making English the official language of Arizona. Trying to appeal to the wants of the many even though you don't support them? Hypocrisy!

Then you've got these people who try to make it a "child hating" Proposition. Think of the children!

We, the members of the Coalition for Latino Political Action hereby ask the voters of Arizona to vote no on Proposition 300, which denies equal access to education for immigrants; many of which were brought to this country as children. ... If this ugly proposition passes, they will be turned away from equally attaining a higher education. We are losing out on the possibilities that these children can flourish ... They are bright and eager to go to school. Let's not deny them this opportunity and vote no against this mean-spirited proposition.
Lydia Guzman, Chairman, The Coalition for Latino Political Action, Glendale
Delia Torres, Co-Chair, The Coalition for Latino Political Action, Glendale
Paid for by "Lydia Guzman"

The people who support this Proposition are child hating, mean spirited immigrant haters according to the "Coalition for Latino Political Action" . Note the lack of anything mentioning "undocumented" or "illegal" above. If this argument was just read alone you would think Proposition 300 was written to deny all education for any immigrants and their children.

That about wraps up the arguments. Below are the specific portions and addendum's in Proposition 300.

5. Prescribe a course of study to provide training for adults to continue their basic education to the degree of passing a general equivalency diploma test or an equivalency test approved by the state board of education.
B. THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL PROVIDE CLASSES UNDER THIS SECTION ONLY TO ADULTS WHO ARE CITIZENS OR LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OR ARE OTHERWISE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE ENFORCED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, GENDER, ETHNICITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.

C. THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL REPORT ON DECEMBER 31 AND JUNE 30 OF EACH YEAR TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMITTEE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ADULTS WHO APPLIED FOR INSTRUCTION AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ADULTS WHO WERE DENIED INSTRUCTION UNDER THIS SECTION BECAUSE THE APPLICANT WAS NOT A CITIZEN OR LEGAL RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR WAS NOT OTHERWISE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

---

15-1803. Alien in-state student status
B. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM AND IMMIGRANT RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1996 (P.L. 104-208; 110 STAT. 3009), A PERSON WHO WAS NOT A CITIZEN OR LEGAL RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR WHO IS WITHOUT LAWFUL IMMIGRATION STATUS IS NOT ENTITLED TO CLASSIFICATION AS AN IN-STATE STUDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15-1802 OR ENTITLED TO CLASSIFICATION AS A COUNTY RESIDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15-1802.01.

C. EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY SHALL REPORT ON DECEMBER 31 AND JUNE 30 OF EACH YEAR TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMITTEE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WERE ENTITLED TO CLASSIFICATION AS AN IN-STATE STUDENT AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WERE NOT ENTITLED TO CLASSIFICATION AS AN IN-STATE STUDENT UNDER THIS SECTION BECAUSE THE STUDENT WAS NOT A CITIZEN OR LEGAL RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR IS WITHOUT LAWFUL IMMIGRATION STATUS.

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1825. Prohibited financial assistance; report
A. A PERSON WHO IS NOT A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO IS WITHOUT LAWFUL IMMIGRATION STATUS AND WHO IS ENROLLED AS A STUDENT AT ANY UNIVERSITY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS OR AT ANY COMMUNITY COLLEGE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT IN THIS STATE IS NOT ENTITLED TO TUITION WAIVERS, FEE WAIVERS, GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE, FINANCIAL AID, TUITION ASSISTANCE OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT IS SUBSIDIZED OR PAID IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITH STATE MONIES.

B. EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY SHALL REPORT ON DECEMBER 31 AND JUNE 30 OF EACH YEAR TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMITTEE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO APPLIED AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WERE NOT ENTITLED TO TUITION WAIVERS, FEE WAIVERS, GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE, FINANCIAL AID, TUITION ASSISTANCE OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT IS SUBSIDIZED OR PAID IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITH STATE MONIES UNDER THIS SECTION BECAUSE THE STUDENT WAS NOT A CITIZEN OR LEGAL RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR NOT LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

C. THIS SECTION SHALL BE ENFORCED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, GENDER, ETHNICITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN

---

46-801. Definitions
8. "Eligible family" means CITIZENS OR LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OTHERWISE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHO ARE parents, legal guardians or caretaker relatives with legal residence in this state and children in their care who meet the eligibility requirements for child care assistance.

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L. The department shall review each case at least once a year to evaluate eligibility for child care assistance.
M. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REPORT ON DECEMBER 31 AND JUNE 30 OF EACH YEAR TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMITTEE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FAMILIES WHO APPLIED FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FAMILIES WHO WERE DENIED ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS SECTION BECAUSE THE PARENTS, LEGAL GUARDIANS OR CARETAKER RELATIVES WHO APPLIED FOR ASSISTANCE WERE NOT CITIZENS OR LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OR WERE NOT OTHERWISE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

N. THIS SECTION SHALL BE ENFORCED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, GENDER, ETHNICITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.

Pretty clear cut. Illegal aliens are not eligible and the agencies must report the numbers who were denied as illegal aliens.

* * *

Update

Arizona Proposition 300 passed!

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Posted by Digger on October 23, 2006 10:21 AM (Permalink)

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Comments

Your premise is mistaken.

The state doesn't favor in-state tuition benefits for the undocumented over needy citizens. Currently, both get bites at this apple.

Posted by: Larry Sakin on October 23, 2006 11:46 PM

Hi Larry,

I wasn't specifically talking about Arizona citizens alone. I was refering to citizens from other states. They should cut the illegal out and instead offer a limited number of "in-state" tuition rates to needy US citizens outside of the state.

Posted by: Digger on October 24, 2006 02:40 AM

All a citizen needs to do to qualify for in-state tuition is live in the state for six months. In some cases, even that will be waved, especially if the applicant can prove s/he worked for an Arizona company prior to moving to the state.

Posted by: Larry Sakin on October 25, 2006 07:08 PM

I am sure these immigrants applying for inOne thing I here often about the economic impact of illegal immigration is that they are drain on public services because all they do is take and don’t replenish the pot by paying taxes. I logically do not see how this is possible because as they buy goods they pay sales tax, they buy gasoline where the tax is imbedded in the price, and wages get taxed in the paycheck, a common argument for this is that they get paid under the table but still a companies books would not match and they would have trouble with the IRS.

Now my point here is that I do not see why illegal immigrants who pay taxes, and technically fit the residency time requirements should be denied instate tuition.

This looks like racist legislation to me, history repeats itself. When the economy is booming and cheap labor is in need programs like the Bracero one are instated to keep the flow coming and U.S. citizenships are handed out like candy, but the economy takes a tumble and people look for a scapegoat. This cycle happened in the 1930’s, 1950’s and today.

Posted by: George on October 31, 2006 12:02 AM

George,

Whether you believe that illegal aliens have a positive or negative impact economically that is no reason to give illegal aliens who should not be in this country, let alone the state any kind of benefit at all.

If all we are is an economy then let's dissolve the United States immediately as everything else that a country provides would just be meaningless banter.

I personally see absolutely no way that illegal aliens can possibly contribute more than they take. Having one child in the public education system costs more than most illegal aliens make in a year. That doesn't take into account that many of those families have multiple kids in school.

This argument that sales tax makes up for it all is a total strawman. Our tax system is not based on a national sales tax. Some would say that's the way we need to head though to ensure that everyone is actually paying taxes, but that's an argument for a different day.

It's not racist either, no matter how much you'd like to believe it. It's a matter of law and order and the citizens and legal residents of this country receiving the benefits they deserve. For others to take from the system when they have no legal right and then turn around and demand further rights and respect is just ridiculous.

For this country to continue to exist, grow, maintain the standard of living of those here and to allow further immigration in the future things need to be handled in an orderly and well thought out manner, not in a "open the floodgates and hope for the best" way that has been going on for far too long.

Posted by: Digger on October 31, 2006 06:27 AM

hello guys

Posted by: Mariela on November 1, 2006 07:04 PM

what is seriously wrong with you people? the so called "aliens" as you put it don't have 3 heads and 80 eyes they are human beings just like you and me and if you were denied an education wouldn't you be upset and angry. if you want these people to be productive members in our society then why not give those students who yearn for an education and a better life an equal opportunity??? we were all immigrants at one point. your ancestors came from all over the world. do you not remember where you came from?? i myself was born here but i know for a fact that my ancestors were not and for you to judge these people because they were not born here is rather unethical don't you think?? instead of moving forward people like you are taking us back 100 years. discriminaton and they way that you think is absolutely absurd. most of these students were brought here as children and infants and don't even know the country that they are from and to try and send them back to what they don't even know is wrong. all they want is a better life and educaton. most of these peole are ready to graduate high school and some even college and they worked so hard to achieve their goals and because of people like you they have no further opportunities.but beware because latinos are on the rise and we will beat single mined people like you and when we do i will be the first person to laugh in your ignorant face. later

Posted by: Adrianna on November 3, 2006 12:03 PM

the so called "aliens" as you put it don't have 3 heads and 80 eyes they are human beings

The term alien is in the law and is an English term for immigrant. Go look it up. I think I'm just about sick of people complaining about the "alien" word as trying to be a slander on them being from another world.

It's been in the English language and law a lot longer than the 1940's "outer space encounters" usage.

if you want these people to be productive members in our society then why not give those students who yearn for an education and a better life an equal opportunity???

We do not want them to be "productive members of society". They are not supposed to be here, we want them to go home not encourage them to stay here.

we were all immigrants at one point

I personally was not an immigrant. Maybe you meant all of our families were immigrants. While in general this is true (except for Native American Indians, unless you are taking this argument all the way back to the ice age), most of these families came here legally and went through the proper channels.

In the case of European immigrants they went through the hassles of Ellis Island being inspected for diseases and being scrutinized immensely. After Ellis Island closed all European immigrants were screened in Europe before they even got on a ship.

These legal immigrants endured discrimination. They followed the rules and worked hard and advanced, building America into what it is today. Now illegal aliens are coming here and trying to live off of the legal immigrants hard worker for the past hundred years.

There's a big difference between legal immigrants and illegal immigrants. The biggest difference being that illegal aliens aren't supposed to be here at all.

for you to judge these people because they were not born here is rather unethical don't you think?

It's unethical for me to defend my country from foreign invasion? And yes, it is an invasion. These people are not screened and given permission for them to enter this country, therefore they are foreign invaders.

I see nothing unethical about it. What's unethical is breaking the law and sneaking into another country, using fraudulent documents to obtain jobs and benefits and then trying to blame your plight on the citizens of the country you've wronged. That's unethical.

As for the rest of your comments...

The parents of those kids knew the potential consequences of their actions years ago. For us to all of the sudden feel sorry for their children and bow down is absurd. You do the crime you pay the consequences. In this case it means you leave our country and stop your whining.

You're advocating that we do absolutely nothing. Which means that the problem will continue and worsen. What's the next demand? After education are they going to demand a full amnesty? Are they going to start complaining that there's not enough "undocumented immigrants" as CEOs at companies? Or discrimination suits because a legal Hispanic citizen was promoted over them because they are an illegal alien?

While that may sound ridiculous, there are currently many lawsuits in this country filed by illegal aliens against legal citizens of this country.

They're not supposed to be here.

Is that so hard to understand? If they weren't here none of these issues would even exist.

It needs to end and it needs to end now.

Posted by: Digger on November 3, 2006 04:13 PM

I teach English as a second Language to adults here in Arizona. No matter what your opinion is on illegal immigration, the bottom line is they need to learn English.

If you're worried about the cost we could always charge illegals and give them free to all others. But prop 300 does not allow that possibility. It totally prohibits English classes and Family Literacy.

If this prop passes, I and many good teachers like myself in AZ, risk losing our jobs. The author of this vent mentioned that illegals are taking space from others who truly deserve classes and this is totally untrue. In fact, if this prop passes, so many classes will be closed down that those here legally will lose class availability and it will be much harder to get into a class at a time or place convenient for them. You see, the illegals make up the bulk of our classes and without them our classes will be closed. This will basically kill adult Education in Arizona. Teachers will lose jobs and/or flee to other states. Arizona would be the only state in the United States denying English classes.

Will denying English classes help AZ? No! We need more English classes not less. Every person (regardless of citizenship) needs to speak English. (Isn't that why we are declaring English our official language?)

I hope you will take my viewpoint into consideration. And if you find yourself unsure and undecided on Tues. remember the old saying, "When in doubt, leave it out!"

Posted by: teachtheworld on November 5, 2006 04:13 PM

what you are saying is that if no illegal immirants were here than there would be no crime?? are you blind? if president polk had not declared war in 1846, after Mexico refused to sell that land to america you my friend would be as you put it an illegal alien. thank God that he did because if not then you would understand what these people are going through and why they want so much more.during WWI and WW2 who did america turn to when they needed people to help in the factories and when they needed ranch hands when all the servicemen went off to war?? they looked in Mexico where they would do the work at a lower wage and you didnt see them complain they did it because they needed the money and they wanted the freedom.you want to talk about looking things up? look up the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and then tell me what you think.you say that it is because of people like me who want to grant them amnesty i think you should be blaming the good old USA for inviting them here in the first place.i think that it is because of people like you with no heart and regard for human life that is the problem, there are many famous people who came here and fully assimailated to our culture anthony quinn(who had to change his name to a more american one because of people like you) luis valdez(sreen writer) and ricardo montalban (actor) there are many ordinary people out there who have done this if you just open your eyes a little and give them some credit not all of them are drug lords and criminals some really want to be here legally but because of people like you it is impossible. just think about what ot says on the statue of liberty: "from here beacon hand glows WORLD-WIDE WELCOME" without so many immigrants legal or not america would not exist.

Posted by: adriana on November 6, 2006 11:23 AM

Wake up hypocritical america if it weren't for the masses of aliens who came to this country legal or legal we would not have this awesome country we all enjoy the land of the free and the brave what is our motto work hard and achive the american dream or is this an illution we all have been feed and we want to belive yet deep down we know it is not and were in it for our selves no matter what the costs there is a saying fake it till you make it is that what were doing every child, animal or dog born in this country is a us citzen should a child bear the responsibility of our law makers or citizens not to have made better choices in makining laws or were they blinded by greed and couruption face the reality that every one american or alien needs to feed themselves,cloth themselves put a roof over there heads, and have some since of security these people put millions over millions into the coffers of our govt. and infastructor so let rewrite our forefathers wrongs in a way that we americans are truly one nation under God indevisable with liberity and justice for all

Posted by: gary j galvan on November 7, 2006 09:41 PM

YOur assumption that people just "hop" over the border. The reality is that this racist legislation only affects kids broght here illegally and that had no matter on their parents decision. They grow not knowing what to do after high school. Most of the kids that would apply to a university have been at the same state for more than five years. This is a bigoted legislation.

Posted by: Mike Rojas on November 8, 2006 08:15 PM

I read with total disgust the article that MSNBC ran on Friday stating that the illegal immigrants had their "hopes and dreams" crushed as a result of the law not being passed. Give me a frickin break !! What about MY dreams ? What about MY employment ? ONe guy out there said since this law didnt pass then he would have to keep hiding and running from the police ! Nice law abiding citizen huh ? Oh wait - thats right, he ISNT a citizen ! I can only hope that when the cops do catch up with him and they yel FREEZE that maybe he wont understand English and they get to shoot hir sorry butt!

Posted by: Susan Ashe on July 1, 2007 12:48 PM

Unfortunately, Proposition 300 had some other things tagged to it. I've lived in Arizona for two consecutive years, I was born in Washington so yes, I am a Proud American citizen. My parents are divorced and my dad still lives in Washington but I've been living with my mom in Arizona. I attended my Junior and Senior year of high school in Mesa, Arizona. My mom was remarried and was going through a divorce with the guy she had been with and he moved to Nevada. The University of Arizona says that under Proposition 300 I am a "non-resident" of Arizona. We pay taxes on our house, we put money into the school, I live in the state and I am a non-resident. And the Residency Office has put off calling to talk with my mother for almost 3 weeks now. This is ridiculous and I think that some parts of the Proposition needed to be interpreted the way they were meant to be--for illegal aliens.

Posted by: Kt on July 13, 2007 05:48 PM

The DREAM Act is about people trying to pursue their dreams and get a better education and no assholes and jelowsn unsecure "born citizens" of this country should denied them that opportunity, especially if someday those students can influence this country for better and can chose a smather president unlike the freak and criminal Bush...
The DREAM Act should be passed. The students who would benefit did not ask to come to this country, but this is the only country they know. How much better to have them here with an higher education, and making a contribution to our society. This country desperately needs MORE teachers, nurses, doctors and many other professions. We especially need bilingual workers, since we live in a country that is a melting pot of many cultures and Spanish is spoken all over the country. If they are denied an education, we are hurting the future of our country. With a good education, they would be much more informed as voters an will pay higher taxes. How much better to have them in school then living an unproductive life?. The fact is, they are here, and we should let them get an education. The United States has a proud history of accepting immigrants from all aver the world. People have always come here for a better life, new opportunities and to start over.
again... Illegal immigration has become a controversial topic in this country. But If more educated people integrate into our society, it will make our country more productive, more balanced politically and economically.
what you don't understand?

Posted by: Rebecca on October 15, 2007 06:12 PM

Also see these other great immigration resources
The Dark Side Of Illegal Immigration A 28 part detailed report on the negative impacts of illegal immigration.	Immigration Stance Find out how your members of Congress voted on immigration issues.