Deseret News | A Hispanic cleric criticizes Romney's stance on illegals

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A Hispanic cleric criticizes Romney's stance on illegals

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Don't Forget | 5:03 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

There are more than just Mexicans that come into our country illegally. There are also terrorists that come in through Mexico and Canada. Our borders need to be secure to protect our country. We need to help legal immigration, and hopefully someday the Mexican government will help their people so they won't feel a need to cross our borders illegally. America is a great country!

Teacher | 5:29 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

To 'How Fascism works' - give me a break! You are so incredibly paranoid. All these citizens are asking for is for people to come into the country LEGALLY. When they do that, we can keep track of our new citizens through a census, so we know how much representation they can have in Congress, how much in tax dollars we can depend on to support schools, etc., and have a better planned economy. It is good, financial sense to come here legally, rather than illegally, burdening our hospitals and schools with those who do not pay taxes to support the system that's assisting them.

Journalist-in-training | 5:29 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

I am not a racist or a xenophobe. I know people who are Hispanic and they are great people. But illegal immigration is honestly a serious problem.
I do believe we need to shut our borders to ILLEGALS. However, why not aid Mexico? That should be one thing in Mitt's speech. We can probably dig up the funds and the connections to help Mexico a better place for people to live.
To "Relocated Southerner" - I completely agree. Legal immigrants are welcome, from whatever nationality as long as you agree to uphold our laws.

Comments continue below

Smarty & Legal | 5:32 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, I do know after reading this site that there are a whole lot of SMART PEOPLE, SMART-ELICS and SMART-MOUTH'S. I do believe though that it is not a SMART thing to come to America if you are illegal.

Anonymous | 5:36 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Who's kidding who(m)?
It's the Mexicans who are being scapegoated.

Conejo | 5:39 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

So, Illegals are not going to vote for Romney? That should have a big impact since they CAN'T vote!

Jay,
What does illegal immigration have to do with the LDS faith? Keep looking for reasons to criticize the Mormons. This one doesn't hold any water. I suspect nothing you say will hold any water.

Compassion, please | 5:42 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Crying about the legality of immigration is so ridiculous. Most of us would walk across a border if we were poor and willing to work hard for a chance at a decent life. I equate illegal immigration with sending in your car registration late. People in Utah register their cars in Idaho to avoid fees, so should they go to prison because they "broke the law, plain and simple?"
If good people from Mexico had a safe, easy way to enter this country, then we could put more resources toward stopping the drug runners and criminals from coming in. The people in Latin America are our brothers and sisters, and artificial borders may mean little to them in their upbringing or priorities. They only break an administrative law when they come in illegally, but all they know is that someone is trying to stop them from reaching their goal.
The harsh stand of so many who should be guiding their words and actions with love and compassion surprises me. Regulating the border is reasonable, but denying so many entrance just because they are poor and brown is selfish and bigoted. Immigration should be a logistical problem, not a criminal one.

Anonymous | 6:01 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Vote McCain!

Anonymous | 6:41 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Hey Compassion Please.

Maybe you are right that the original crime is small, but lets look at it for a minute. Now you break a small law but you have to break a thosand more to cover the first broken law.
1.You steal a Social Security Number to get a drivers license.
2. You lie on a employeers application to get a job.
3. You don't have insurance so you lie about car insurance.
and on and on.

It goes on and on just because of one little broken law.

Compassionate | 6:44 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Haven't you heard? Santa has a team of new helpers to help weed out the Illegals from the legals. Put compassion where it belongs. It belongs to the honest and the pure in heart. Not to law breakers.

Also being a Mormom, I would most definitely keep all the laws of the land and not cross the borders for a job, and if I thought it would make me a criminal and law breaker. I grew up in "poverty" as an American. So please stop with all this feel sorry for illegal malarkey. I have never once felt sorry for myself because I didn't have the things like money that other Americans had. However, working hard all my life as an American, has made me respect life and others just a bit more. I am happy who I am and I would NEVER stoop so low to breaking the laws just for money. If people break American laws than usually another will soon follow the first.

wallyworld | 6:53 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

As a Hispanic who is hear leagally, I would not find fault with Mitt or any other canidates postion on Illegal Immigration. I would be MAD if they did nothing at all and just let anyone and everyone in this country illegally. And to those who are upset, you have should be ashamed of yourselfs. If you are here leagally you know what it took for you to get here and stay. Why do you want someone else have it any diffrenet???

Arizona | 7:23 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Today's Arizona Republic has a big front page article about Mexicans who are here illegally returning home to Mexico because of a law recently passed in Arizona requiring employers to verify work eligibility or face sanctions. Many are leaving and returning to Mexico, others are leaving and going to California and Utah. As the employers begin to check their SS # and paperwork, those that have forged paperwork are coming to light. Those with discrepancies have the opportunity to fix it or be let go. Many are not taking that chance- knowing that they can't fix it, so they are going home. Employers face the possibility of losing their business license if they hire those here illegally. The law is being challenged in court- it takes effect in January but so far seems to be holding up. Drying up jobs was the intent of the law and it seems to be working before it ever goes into effect.

Honest American | 8:06 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

God bless OUR America!!!!!!!

Citizen | 8:23 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Did you catch the news report about illegals moving to Canada? They interviewed one of them. Who pays for housing?--The Govamint. Who pays for food?--The Govamint. Who pays for school?--The Govamint. Who pays for medical?--The Govamint. Get the word out. Canada can support them 100% The government steals from the worker and supports the idler. Wonder how long till their economy collapses?

Compassion?? | 8:28 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

You have to marvel over calls for "compassion." What about Mexico's compassion for their own people?? Nope..they just create subhuman conditions and turn their backs and help send their people over to our country because they don't want to deal with the human costs.

Also, in case you patriots missed it, the congress voted yesterday to fund a SINGLE fence, not the double fence we were promised.

One must ask the fundamental question. That is, so many Americans want the border secured, yet NOTHING gets done except throwing border patrol agents who enforce the border in jail.

There is in excuse for this.

to: journalist-in-training | 8:32 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Our congress sent Mexico 1.5 million or billion , I've lost track this year, after giving the Mexican gov't hordes of money and equip. that were used to train Mexican government troops who have since become the number one gang on the border. Meanwhile, border towns like Laredo, Texan get NOTHING!!!!!!

change is good | 9:37 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

What our hard-hearted, tough guy Neocons forget is that there is a monumental difference between The People and The Government.
Sounds to me that the Mexican government may almost be as corrupt as the one we have here.
But don't tell that to the Rush Limbaugh freaks.

Just me | 10:10 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

I will love to know what the Mexican govertment will do if Millions of US citizens decided to go to Mexico Illegally,and demand all the rights, comit crimes,force mexicans to speak english and try to change things because they know being a religious country they will not turn to extreme measures to secure Mexicans citizens....
I will say Mexico is a beautiful country,with everything you need to be happy,there are lots of jobs oportunities there,
the soil is fertile.....A wonderful place to live... I have been there.
Don't expect your life to go Right if you started Wrong....God will bless you always if you follow the commandments...you can't have peace when your life is a lie,and you are the ones to blame for what happen to your children...Love them...Follow the Golden Rule...Nothing can go wrong if you rely on the Lord and all the answers you need you will find them in the Scriptures specially The Book of Mormon...I find them everyday and I know all the Illegals will find them too...it is a promise....even if they have to go back home and wait patiently.....I did and I keep counting my blessings.....

A Realist | 10:47 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

I am retired and shop often in DIs (Deseret Industries) along the Wasatch Front. You might say I am a DI junkie. I have observed the following first hand and often.

Many Latinos shop DI. Almost every Latino mother is trailed by several little children and she is usually pregnant. Latinos appear to be consciously multiplying in the belief that the more babies they can produce who are native-born U.S. citizens, the less likely they are to be deported. They are encouraged in that belief by pro-immigration bleeding hearts who say that separating families would be uncharitable and inhumane. The exponential growth in population of illegal alien parents and their citizen offspring will be staggering. You do the math.

Am I racist? Yes. So are members of NAACP, LULAC, LA RASA, etc. racist. Anyone belonging to a race is naturally racist in varying degrees. To deny it is
hypocrisy.

What does the future hold for the United States? We are sowing the wind, we will surely reap the whirlwind. There are at least five billion people in the world who are worse off than our neighbors south of the border. We can't take them all. 'Nuff said.

Marius South Africa | 11:36 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

It is not a race thing it is breaking the law, Its ok to have an hispanic or black association but as soon as a white person have a white association its considered racist. I don't think its fare that our generation needs to get punished for the sins of our fathers. Apartheid is over deal with it we should all stand together all races and stop trying to be the victim if Oprah can make it from dire circumstances we all can we don't need handouts we only need to work hard. If i could vote i would vote for Mitt Romney he is the best the US have at the moment If South Africa had a condidate like that we would become the most powerfull nation in the world..

Tired | 11:59 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

A vote is a vote, an American is an American, and an illegal alien is an illegal alien. Being a responsible human supersedes race, ethnicity, skin color and national heritage. And if you can't develop an informed opinion for yourself without automatically surrendering to the racist banter and rhetoric of some "group" or "race" that you think you belong to, then you are nothing more than a mindless sheep in a herd. Countries create laws and establish borders to protect their people. That's what countries do. Humans have the ability to think for themselves which often leads to the discovery of solutions to human problems. At least that's what some humans do. You should try it for yourself sometime (thinking)... playing the "race" card helps no one and only contributes to the problem by delaying the discovery of a solution. Step away from the herd and think for yourself.

MITT WINS | 2:38 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

the Republic nomination LOSES The election to A DEMC Candidate Watch

RE :AZ MOM | 2:39 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

hope you get the same STANCE with your METH JUNKIE from you neighborhood

GOD BLESS ! | 2:42 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

the HUMAN RACE to come together as one

John | 4:23 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

As an employer, our government would put the burden of proof on us to do their policing of illegals, with no system in place to do so, not federally, or locally, fix that and a lot of the problems would go away. Mitt is right do a system employers can verify who they are employing, it's not racist, it's good business. Employers that hire LEGAL immigrants,(hopefully soon to be citizens) pay taxes along with the employee...this a a win win situation. So throw out the bigotry, the amnesty, the compassionate,the rhetoric, get real and let's solve this problem and make America strong again. Have a nice day!

To: the citizen | 5:27 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

I am from Utah, but live in Canada. Canada is having an influx of illegals fleeing the USA in fear of deportation, but the Canadian officials have to turn them back to the USA. Some have gotten through, and applying for visas or residency in this country is just as hard as filing for it in the states. Canada is following their immigration laws. Part of their law is to turn back "refugees" to the country that they sought refuge from to begin with. Don't kid yourself about Canada letting in all the illegals.

To Utah Canadian @5:27 | 8:52 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Sorry ï¿½The Citizen" didn't mean Canada would take any illegals. I know they won't. My family moved to B.C. a few years back and we all had to get visas. It took some time, but it was legal and worth it.
I was just trying to show that just because Canada has a different health care system it doesn't make it right for us to cross the border for "free" health care. Right now, here in Utah our emergency rooms are often full. Many patients are illegal immigrants with a simple cold. It can take 3+ hours to be seen for something more of an emergency than their "free" family doctor visit. We have not-for-profit hospitals here that will see them for "free". We all (legal tax payers) pay for their free visit, free food, free schooling, free transportation and we pay for their crimes. They build large tunnels from Mexico (not all are Mexicans) to cross the border with drugs and without visas. They don't ALL work in the fields. Many just sell drugs.

Concerned | 9:34 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

I have a problem with the increase crime in Utah and all the illegals living here. Utah isn't anything like it once was when I was a child. It's become a nightmare! I certainly hope and pray something can be done to clean this place up before it's too late. Is there someone or place we can call if we suspect a person is a illegal?

to: the citizen | 11:40 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Thanks for your comment. I didn't mean to sound rude; I too have experienced the frustration of hospital waits, college tuitions, drivers licenses etc. that they are privileged to there in Utah. Lyn (above) said they need to earn their freedoms, and one does that by abiding by the laws, contributing to society in productive ways, upholding our Constitution. You also understand about what really goes on in Canada, and you are right...it isn't right for us to cross over to Canada for free health care, just like it's not right for them to do that to us. Canada isn't going to stand for it, why does America? I didn't come into Canada to steal from their garage sales and deal drugs, but America is letting this happen and calling it inhumane to deport them back. I think it's inhumane to let this happen to each other as fellow Americans. Their clergy and the leaders in their community need to encourage them to follow the law.

Lucy | 12:44 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

I would like to know what kind of upbring these illegals have had in their lives to think they can justify and deliberately break American laws. Even to the point of using God as their scapegoat. Whats wrong with obeying American laws? It's acually quite simple to live honorably without breaking laws in America.

It really upsets me to watch TV and see these guys scramble across our boarders like rodents. But the crime and drugs growing and increasing in America say it all.

Anonymous | 12:55 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

You will never stop the mass-migration of starving people (playing the legal-eagle game included).
You best accept the fact that Mexicans are here to stay and will someday soon be in the majority. (Voters, religion, etc.)
Then you will get to experience a karmic (cause-and-affect) situation where you will regret treating fellow human beings as criminals or worse yet - animals.
I feel the utmost compassion for you.

tenx | 12:59 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

The new laws in Arizona and Oklahoma seem to be working. Since 85% of you who write comments on this subject are in favor of the rule of law and enforcement of existing laws regarding Illegal Immigration, please write or email to your legislator to support Sen. Bill Hickman's bill that he will propose in the coming legislative session. It is patterned after Oklahoma's bill 1804 which follows closely to EXISTING federal laws that are not being enforced by the clowns in Washington.

LIVE FREE OR DIE | 1:17 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

To Lucy: It seems pretty easy for you to look down on these people. Why is that? Are your a better human being just because you grandfather was fortunate enough to be born on this side of the border?
Meanwhile why don't you consider how much the United States economy depends on these impoverished people.
How many products have you personally used or purchased that were picked, processed, or somehow produced by these "rodents" in the last week?
Get off your high horse and start looking at these people as human beings just like you, except they have probably had to work for everything they have.
Why don't you get a job picking apples next fall.
Oh, by the way, you mentioned "American Laws".
Did you mean North American laws, South American laws, or what.
You realize both Canada and Mexico share the North American continent with our country, The "United States of America". We are all Americans.

ah-ha! | 1:17 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

It just dawned on me why the mass-migration of Mexicans is so hated by so many Utahs.
Mexicans (legal or not) are Catholic!

Illinois Cougar | 2:06 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Hey- "ah-ha" The anti-mormon thread is one thread over. This is the"Let's rationalize our reasons for breaking the law" thread. It is also known as the "If you think National Sovereignty is important, you must be a facist Nazi" thread.

Go Home! | 2:16 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

I am Catholic and Catholics are legally here. You illegals are law breakers. Catholics don't condone law breakers...... I say go home! We don't need people who claim to be catholics who break the law living here anymore than do the Mormons. So Go Home!!!!!

RE: ah-ha | 2:17 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

What does catholic have to do with the article? The cleric is evangelist.

To ah ha ???? | 2:36 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

The Catholics, Mormons, and Jews all get along just fine in Utah. So please (ILLEGALS) leave all us Legal American religions out of your ridiculous fight. Also quit using religion and God for your reason to be here.

what the ...? | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Always the whining:
"leave us alone."
Always the battle cry:
"Get out of here."
What have your leaders been telling you?

What would your opinion be if... | 4:49 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

these illegal immigrants were white, english speaking Later Day Saints?

Mexican | 5:06 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Look at America. The country with the most homosexuals and lesbians in the world. The country with the biggest pornographic industry in the world (including savage, animal, and incest phornography). It has the largest number of pedophiles and sexual abusers in the world. America has the largest consumption of cocaine and other drugs in the world. The country with the most corruption at its highest government and military levels. The country where preachers, mega churches, and organized religion is used to finance expensive life styles at the expense of the poor.

America, the country that is destroying the Ozone and the environment. America consumes more natural resources than any other country. America invades countries for oil and anytime any country endagers its way of life.

All goods things come to an end. The Greek empire came to an end. The Romans had an end. The Babylonians, the Israelites, the Egyptians; they all enjoyed their years of power and richness. But America will one day come to its needs and ask forgiveness to the world for its sins.

Everything has its end. Life has an end.

hmmm | 10:55 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Mexican | 5:06 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007 must think the end for the USA will be soon.
I guess it is true... I heard that Mexico was trying to take back the land north of Mexico to Canada.
I hope we can get control of our own borders, deport the illegal immigrants and finally have room in our jails for the criminals still left in our country.
To: Mexican | 5:06 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007
For all our sakes please use real information. Emotional rhetoric has no place in a successful debate. Have you been to some parts of the Orient lately? The pornography and sex abuse of children is horrifying there. The spouse abuse that happens because women are considered property is rampant in several other countries. The USA has no corner on the market when it comes to the destruction of the planet Earth.
If everything has its end, I hope the invasion of our country by illegal aliens ends soon!

Illinois Cougar | 12:23 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

At this point, the conversation has been done to death. It is time to put our votes where our mouths are. It is our own fault that there is a problem. We have allowed the same folks who think they can manage health care efficently manage immigration. We need to vote for people who will build the wall, reform the system, and punish the guilty.

If the name calling apologists feel they are right, let them do the same. At the end of the day, If you don't vote, you have note right to gripe!

Illinois Cougar | 12:47 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

"Mexican" If the USA is soo horrible, can you please call all of your associates and go back to the thriving country of Mexico.

VOTE MCAIN | 1:55 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american ** ** VOTE MCAIN a true american **

Cougar i will vote | 2:15 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

FOR A DEM this time around

no way | 6:16 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

You are naive "Illinois Cougar" to think any of the angry points you make will actually come to fruition.
Aside from the morality of the issue, it would cost zillions of taxpayer dollars. Zillions that are earmarked for the Bush Doctrine's war machine.
Live with it and learn to love salsa.

Whose land? | 7:43 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

I get a kick out of our freaky "law-of-the-landers"
when it comes to the Mexican mass-migration.
The question is Law of WHOSE land? The U.S. government stole the Native Americans' land from them - but that's okay.

Illinois Cougar | 7:47 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

No, my friend I am not naive, with regard to immigration. Several close members of my family are latino immigrants, and I employ latinos in my business.
I haven't said anything on this thread to indicate what my positions are. Bottomline: Come election time, it will be very clear, one way or the other, which direction the "citizens" of this country want to proceed. BTW: I am not angry, just determined to see this resolved.

change is good | 8:16 a.m. Dec. 20, 2007

... make that VICE president of the U.S. whose Halliburton is enjoying no-bid contracts and making he and his pals insanely rich!
Cheney's wife, Lynn (former CEO of Lockheed Martin) is also happy as a clam fighting the eternal war on terror. So you see, no body is going to tap into this to keep Mexicans out - it's just too dang expensive!

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