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Defeat immigration measures

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DD | 12:40 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Who will do the work? How about American citizens who live in areas with high unemployment? How about English-speaking college students looking for tuition/textbook money? It would be a blessing if the illegal alien and their graffiti painting gang member children would leave the state. Already 130,000 Utahns have had their identities stolen, including young children. It would seem that the editors are comfortable with with this and actually want it to increase.

As far as the so-called driving privilege card study, a careful review of the report reveals that only 76 actual insurance policies were checked out of over 40,000. That is hardly a basis to extrapolate a 76% compliance ratio. Especially when multiple insurance agents have come forward to say that many card holders simply purchase insurance for a few weeks, and then cancel it or let it lapse once the card is obtained. The study did not attempt to examine this phenomenon.

Lionheart | 1:19 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
All your arguments are weak. Life will go on without the illegals, and better. Small legal businesses will have a fighting chance and a living wage will be offered to fill the jobs. When the wages are good, people come out of the woodwork to fill jobs. People who are not working decide it is worthwhile to go out and fill the jobs. The theory that you must continuously increase your population to have prosperity is invalid and unsustainable. Only socialism and communism requires a mass proloteriat. Obviously such a pyramid scheme reaches the point of diminishing returns. We have more than reached that point.
The Apple doesn't fall far | 1:33 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Since the legislature seems to be beholden to those who would kick these immigrants when they need a helping hand, hopefully the govenor will see fit to do the right thing and veto this vindictive and cruel legislation.

The children, biologically and in spirit, of those who built a nation by trampling on the rights of others, for them to insist that all others must follow every requirement of law, when they come here in the same spirit as all immigrants, to make a better life, is hypocritical.

These children say if these immigrants pay a fine this is amnesty. Is it amnesty, if they break the law, pay the consequence and then move on with their life?
Comments continue below
anon | 5:55 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Business wants the cheap labor.
Democrats want the second/third generation votes.
The LDS Church wants Latino converts.
michaelh | 6:54 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
All of your arguments can be applied to any other group of criminals. Why do you want to treat one group of criminals as a special case? All families of rapists suffer when the perpetrator is put into prison. Should we empty the prisons because criminal�s actions harm more than their victims? In the Book ff Mormon society was destroyed by people accepting and protecting the actions of a ruthless band of criminals known as Gadianton robbers. If you support illegal immigration, you and the Gadiantions are brothers. Shame on you, not on us.
Patriot | 7:09 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
You still don't get it. Using your own statistics: I shouldn't have to insure my car 25% of the time; I can run a red light 1% of the time; I can disregard the laws 25% of the time; I can take from those who are taxed and believe in socialism all the time;
Wake up, Mr. Editor. You're wrong 100% of the time. Laws are meant to be upheld, not broken. If foreigners can break the law with impunity then I should be able to as well.
Steve | 7:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Wrong, wrong, wrong. We should treat those who enter our country illegally in a humane way, without hatred. We should not extend special privileges or roll out a welcome mat, especially when it means giving benefits that are not available in other states. This sends the wrong message and weakens the commitment of all to the rule of law.
my two cents | 7:45 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
We live in a democratic republic, where we elect people to represent us in our government. Those we elected are actually trying to do what numerous opinion polls have shown we want done. Why are you opposed to our system actually working? We want the situation with illegal immigration dealt with, and they are dealing with it, in a way that many of us support. Nothing is final, yet, but they seem to be moving in the direction most of us want. Let them do their job.
The Raven | 7:55 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
to: anon

If Churches and businessmen want these illegals so bad, then they should be forced to pay for their them. Since they are so concerned, they should willing be taxed directly to support all the social services the American taxpayer is currently forced to pay. As for the Democrats, let them openly run on a pro-illegal immigration platform and we'll see how far they get.
Dan | 7:59 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
I suugest that authorities arrest those who break the law by employing illegals and the problem is greatly diminished as jobs vanish.
Idahoan | 8:15 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Let me see if I understand:

1. Break the law.
2. Be rewarded for it.

Why?

BTW Being in Mexico without papers is a felony.
samhill | 8:27 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
I counted five instance of the word "immigration" and four of the word "immigrant", yet only two of the word "illegal". It would seem that the author is trying hard to convince us that the people have a problem with immigration versus a problem with ILLEGAL "immigration". That seems blatently false.

Any time I see editorial slop like this I am reminded of the words "obfuscation", "distraction" and "dishonesty".
It is factual | 8:39 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
"Immigrants do jobs Americans won't do and don't want." President Bush, John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy have all said it. But the facts tell a different story.

America's broken immigration laws are hurting U.S. workers and overburdening our taxpayers.

In 2006, America had 12 million illegal and 26 million legal immigrants. These 38 million immigrants total one-eighth of our population. A third of legal immigrants, and nearly two-thirds of illegal immigrants, haven't completed high school. Nine percent of American citizens aged 18-64 are without a high school degree.

Common sense, basic economics and the data indicate that admitting large numbers of poorly educated immigrants reduces job prospects and wages for less-educated/skilled Americans. Between 2000 and 2005, jobless Americans without a high school degree increased by 2 million. During the same period, immigrants without high school degrees grew 1.5 million
Ken | 8:39 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
So the Deseret News is for illegal slave labor. The only reason there are labor shortages in areas that have cracked down on illegal immigration is because there are not as many illegal aliens to pay sub minimum wage and no benefits. Places that have a shortage of labor may just have to raise wages to attract workers, but that is a bad thing according to the Deseret News. Also the Deseret news in its use of terms such as "anti-immigrant measures" is wrong. We are anti-illegal immigration. We know that illegal immigration drives down wages, puts an undue burden on schools and hospitals, and promotes poverty. The Deseret News apparently doesn't care.
Anonymous | 8:41 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Bad laws were made by bad people.
Repeat | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
If you say it is a duplicate why does it not show after I return later to see my comments.There was nothing abusive about these remarks. So show this as it makes sense.
"Immigrants do jobs Americans won't do and don't want." President Bush, John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy have all said it. But the facts tell a different story.

America's broken immigration laws are hurting U.S. workers and overburdening our taxpayers.

In 2006, America had 12 million illegal and 26 million legal immigrants. These 38 million immigrants total one-eighth of our population. A third of legal immigrants, and nearly two-thirds of illegal immigrants, haven't completed high school. Nine percent of American citizens aged 18-64 are without a high school degree.

Common sense, basic economics and the data indicate that admitting large numbers of poorly educated immigrants reduces job prospects and wages for less-educated/skilled Americans. Between 2000 and 2005, jobless Americans without a high school degree increased by 2 million. During the same period, immigrants without high school degrees grew 1.5 million
Curious? | 9:03 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
If your newspaper is owned by the LDS Church....is this the official opinion of the LDS Church concerning illegal immigration? Is it the LDS Church's position that the laws of the United States and Utah should be broken and the law breakers should be rewarded? I am very curious about this? I am also curious about the Deseret New's respect for the laws of our State and Country? Why not editorialize to the illegal community about obeying our laws, leaving our country, and returning when they can do it legally?
Anonymous | 9:01 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Bad laws written by bad (fascist) lawmakers.
Hey Idahoan | 9:02 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
why am I not surprised that you are from the redneck potato state? The Deseret News gets it right again. These bills are short sighted and motivated by racial hatred. It is going to be a long, hard road for those haters who have yet to accept that they are in the ignorant, uneducated minority on this issue. The D News is run by professional writers, analysts, and commentators. Simply put, their opinion is better educated, more thoughtful, more impartial, and more level-headed than your rambling impotent rant. They are right. Everyone else is wrong.
Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Once again the Deseret News editor insults the intelligence and basic character of Utahns by accusing those of us who disagree with ILLEGAL immigration of being anti-immigrant. That is both untrue and unfair. Most of us are very pro-immigration but anti-ILLEGAL immigration. Duh! I do not support anything that is illegal, including illegal immigration, identify theft, human smuggling, drug smuggling, bank robbery, murder, etc.

Because of this constant use of dishonest language by the Deseret News, I question the intelligence, character and journalistic integrity of this organization.

Although it just about rips my heart out to deny in-state tuition to deserving young people, I believe we must do it as part of a larger message that illegal immigration will no longer be tolerated. I support the honest and courageous state legislators who are standing up for Utah citizens and trying to do something about the out-of-control illegal immigration problem that we have.
Dave | 9:07 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
It looks like the readers are a lot smarter than the editors. They make sense. The editors don't.
lp-rocky | 9:11 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
If you all trace back your inheritance and can honestly tell me that you have no immigrant blood in you, then I'll be with you 100%. And if not, then I think it will be more realistic and more humane to give a chance to the law abiding immigrants. After all our bloods are all as red as anything and therefore indicates that equality is needed to be served.
John | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Enough is enough. As a citizen of the US I am expected to abide by the law or I receive punishment. Yet, we want to reward illegal activity by giving tuition breaks, free medical care and free public education to illegal immigrants. What am I missing? My grandparents came here legally why can't everyone else? I am tired of seeing spanish everywhere. This is America not Mexico.
boomerang | 9:26 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
I have a good solution: The LDS church could allow illegal aliens to attend any BYU school for free (it would only be 280 or so, right???). It would solve the issue for the state-funded schools and taxpayers concerns, and the LDS could show their compassion for illegal immigrants.
Bogus argument | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
The News seems to think that short-term economic consideration trump long term impacts to taxpayers. How does allowing millions of adults without high school educations into the country help us in the long run? Nevermind that it would favor one ethnic group over everyone else in the world, or that this group has a crime rate that's 2.5 higher than average. The point is, not all immigrants are the same. Assuming we can't throw the gates open and allowing anyone and everyone free entry, the question becomes who do we owe a debt of gratitude or who could help this country the most? For the former, why not consider the Hmong people who were our allies in SE Asia? For the latter, what about highly skilled Indians and Asians? At least there'd be a rational basis for favoring these folks, instead of just allowing Mexican citizens to take up residence with impunity.
Jazz Fan | 9:57 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
How many 'Illegals' are on the Deseret News's payroll? And if none, Why Not! Is the 'News' racist, bigoted and xenophobic?

So Deseret News, give us an accounting as to your employee's status.

I think The Morning News needs to practice what they preach, and so does the LDS Church.
Compassion or Amnesty | 10:37 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Everyone with a brain knows that the new politically correct buzzword for "Amnesty" for Illegals is "compassion."
Anonymous | 10:33 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Don't ya just love the ultra-nationalists?
But instead of Der Fatherland, we have Der Homeland.
MadMax | 11:19 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
It is clear that the DNews and many businessmen favor unfettered immigration, legal or illegal, I understand why businessmen want such a situation. They benefit from it and earn higher profits as a result. Whe does the DNews favor it?

Illegal immigration cause problems for citizens and illegal alike. Citizens bear financial and social burdens such as higher costs of education, health and social services; increased crime (both property and personal - indentity theft up to murders) and decreased emplyment opportunities (fewer jobs avialable and substandard pay for those in the lower echelons). Illegal pay the costs of being abused by employers; inability to communicate with educators, health and social service personnel; fear of being caught; isolation and not assimilatling into tehe American culture. These negatives ultimately outweigh any positives.

We can solve this problem by work place verification of legal status of employees. Only those legal residents will be allowed to work. (It functions that way in most other nations and they do not appologize for it.) Those found in violation of this policy will be severly fined and upon subsequent offense HR personnel and CEOs will do jail time. No jobs = self deportation of illegals. Problem solved.
Stewart | 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
The Deseret News position is very short sighted, along with its support of the Senate and Bush Amnesty of last summer. I suppose the editors think that this is only a compassionate issue, a means of providing cheap labor for their friends at the Chamber of Commerce, or their friends in the hierarchy of the LDS Church. It is much more than either of these, it is a matter of the sovereignty of the United States. After all we are not talking about people coming to Utah from Virginia or Kansas, but from a foreign nation. If it isn't stopped now the consequences and ultimate reaction to illegal immigrants will be much worse than gaining control now.

The editors seem to be hoping for a new congress and president(even though Bush was their boy) that will support their views next year, but it seems that the people are only becoming angrier. Utah legislators that oppose these bills do so at their own peril this fall.
tenx | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Illegal Immigration is not Immigration. Immigration is when you wait your turn, stand in line, fill out forms, have the required medical and background checks (very important), pay the required fees, then Immigrate under the quotas set forth by this country. DMN doesn't understand this. The readers do because most of us have been through this legal process. It takes patience and some pre-planning, but when done you have a Legal Immigrate. Remember there are 3 billion people in this world who would love to immigrate to the USA. Thats why we have quotas.
Lee | 12:11 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Wasn't this editorial already written in the 1860s? At that time the title was "who is going to pick the cotton" and was published by newspapers that were opposed to ending slavery...

Despite what the business community or newspaper editors think, the majority of people want immigration laws enforced and employers sanctioned for hiring illegals. For too long, the vocal minority has been allowed to pass laws in the name of compassion that give illegals unwarranted access to higher education and driving licenses.

To quote Mitt Romney: any proposal which allows an illegal alien to remain in this country and live out their lives here is amnesty. The proper restitution for breaking our immigration laws is to return to the native land and follow the legal procedure. Anything else is blatantly unfair, and racist against people from around the world who don't have such an easy access to our country.

Providing amnesty to the current group of illegals will only make it harder to convince future generations to come here legally? Why would anyone follow the rules, pay the fees and wait for years when illegals obtain more rights than citizens and are only winked at for a penalty?
tenx | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
LEE - Very nicely written. I agree.
more words | 12:47 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Compassion or Amnesty 10:37 -
Everyone with a brain knows that the new politically-correct buzzword for fascism is anti-illegal.
AmericanCitizen | 12:42 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
The argument to keep slavery legal by the south and it's leaders was the same as we hear today! "Who will do the work", "Our economy will suffer", "We can't survive without them"! Funny, but I doubt you can find very many folks today who think the south was right back then! As for "Amnesty", we tried it in 1986 and we were promised by Sen. Ted Kennedy, "if we pass this amnesty bill today, we will secure that border, enforce the laws in this bill and never again have to pass another MASS AMNESTY bill like this one."......Well.......here we are 20+ years later with 20 times as many illegals! Anyone who thinks repeating the same behavior will bring different results is......well.....not to bright! Let's try what we do see working in Oklahoma, Arizona and Georgia.....enforce the laws (all of them)and watch the illegals go home! Let them come here legally and show respect for our laws, OUR country, OUR way of life, OUR LANGUAGE and OUR CULTURE. Let them ASSIMILATE like our forefathers did! And yes, let it be difficult so they will appreciate being here!
Thomas | 1:32 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
What level of immigration to this country should be allowed?
legal immigrant | 1:55 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Hey Idahoan, what this guy wrote about you at 9:02 is UTTER NONSENSE!!! You're right and he is full of baloney!
Mike | 1:56 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
What a sad commentary that a church's newpaper encourages law-breaking.

Why don't we ever see articles about the problems that illegals are causing this country? Never any comparable articles about what happens when someone enters Mexico illegally. Biased, one-sided, are words that come to mind.

I generally skim over editorials because the writers are ashamed to put their names to it.

I AGREE LEE! | 2:06 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
I agree 100% Lee this need to be changed now I wish all of these comments would help. I will make sure to vote for someone who can make things happen.
here we go again | 2:04 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
The Deseret News contrives yet another phony argument as to why illegal aliens should have the run of our country. There is nothing wrong with demanding that immigrants obey our laws. There is nothing wrong with repealing laws that give "resident" tuition to non-residents. There is nothing wrong with getting rid of driver's privilege cards for those who shouldn't even be here anyway, much less driving here!
Anonymous | 2:12 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Mike 1:56 -
What a sad commentary that a person's point of view encourages fascist-like tactics.
Agree | 2:11 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
I agree with Lee 100% I also believe we need to not favor just those speaking spanish (having spanish everywhere). It is all english or all languages. We should not pick and choose in America.
Lee H. | 2:39 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
So the D-News thinks a potential short term labor shortage is more important than enforcing our immigration laws? What happened to the free market Mr. Cannon? Won't the invisible hand sort it out, or do you think artificially lowering wages by allowing illegal immigration is the answer? Hypocrite.
Ronda L. Phillips Acosta | 3:00 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Utah should consider giving those who have lived in this state for more then 3 years "amnesty".
It would greatly benefit the state in taxes and also reduce the cost it takes to find and procuete them.
There fore saving all of us a lot of greif and dismay.
It is hartening to read about a family being torn apaart when the "bread winner" is arrested and taken to jail.
This puts a drain on our "welfare resources" and taxes our mental enjoyment to a quite, peaceful neighbor life.
What a negative concept for children to live with and have to cope with when dealing with their friends.
The whole community is effected in a negative way.
Please put a stop to this inhumane practice.
Move these people to becomming citezens instead of criminals.

Each of us would do the same thing given their shoes and cercumstances.

Our own forebearers did.

Sorry, but you don't have spell check.

Think about it.
Ronda Acosta
P.O. Box 86
SLC 84110
no phone
they know not what they do | 3:14 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Perhaps if God didn't want these people here, He would remove them Himself.
Thank a Foreigner | 3:09 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Did you know that illegals sending money home is good for America? Foreigners holding money in their own countries, even for a short period of time, acts as a sink of dollars. It has the opposite effect of counterfiting money and works to reduce inflation. In fact if not for the fact that foreigners hold so many of our dollars, we could not put out as many dollars as we do, without incurring great inflation.

Say you don't need a wheel barrel of money to buy a loaf of bread? Thank a foreigner, even the illegal ones.
Dave | 3:09 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Anonyous--allow other people a chance to voice their contrarian opinion without your juvenile, sophomoric reply that anyone not agreeing with you is a fascist.

By the way, your ignorant slip is showing. Fascists are socialists, whereas most of the pro-American commentators here are capitalists. Nationalists aren't necessarily fascists. Nationalism is unique to a given race or culture and can occur in any political system.

Most of the people commenting here want rule of law and lawfulness, which makes for a more orderly and safe society (and Church).

You must be an anarchist (or an anarchist sympathizer, along with the editors), since you don't.
AC | 3:21 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
I think your all wrong. I agree with the Editor and I think you'd better be careful. You are going to wish you had a little hind sight into the problems that will arise in the future. Yes, these people are here illegally but there are far more of them than can ever be returned to Mexico. Stop more of them from coming, but work with those that are here. I see fear and misunderstanding, rather than a desire to solve the real problem. The Editor is talking about resolving an existing problem in a way that would benefit all parties. I see hatred and fear in your comments. How long do you think the Latinos will sit back and take it quietly, legal or not? Rights or not?
Jud | 3:50 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
All you fascists who want to round up and cart off the "undesirables"--you remind me of Hitler. I've never seen people work harder than the Mexican immigrants. I have no problem giving them a few chances--why can't the government just give them a work card and let 'em get on with a better life? Why can't we let young people who've graduated from our own high schools get in-state tuition? Who does it hurt? Besides, you fascists, most of your ancestors came here illegally, too!
Anonymous | 6:17 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Well put, Jud!

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