Ricardo Quinones has spent all but the first six months of his life in the United States.
“This is my home. This is my country,” said Quinones, 20, an incoming Kansas University transfer from Kansas City, Mo., who plans to study psychology.
But a recent arrest at a protest in Washington, D.C., might get Quinones – an illegal immigrant – deported back to Mexico.
Quinones, along with two other Kansas City-area students traveled to Washington last week and participated in a protest supporting the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, or DREAM Act, which outlines a six-year path to citizenship for immigrant students like Quinones. To qualify, immigrants must have been in the U.S. for five years, have entered the country before age 16, and be enrolled in college or the military.
KU student in danger of being deported after arrest
Ricardo Quinones came to the United States when he was just 6 months old, but after being arrested during a protest in Washington, D.C., he may have to leave. Enlarge video
Quinones’ chances of deportation were greatly increased when he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct while joining 20 other students from across the United States – including 18-year-old Shawnee Mission West High School graduate Diana Martinez – in a Capital Hill protest.
Quinones said he decided to participate and risk deportation because he deserves the chance to work legally in the U.S. when he graduates from KU. Starting a career will be nearly impossible because of his citizenship status.
Quinones, who will commute to KU after attending Johnson Community College for two years, couldn’t go to a public university in his home state of Missouri because of a state law requiring proof of citizenship, but KU allows students to enroll regardless of citizen status. However, Quinones cannot receive student loans or federal grants to help cover tuition, and he works construction in the summer to save money for the out-of-state tuition he’ll pay in the fall.
His hard work and dedication to his studies is just one example of why other Americans should support the DREAM Act, said Erin Fleming, a KU law student and immigrant rights advocate who helped organize the protest last week.
“Because these are the children of immigrants. Because they had no say. Because they’re students,” she said. “They’re a benefit to our society.”
Quinones family might not even be in the U.S. if it weren’t for an illness he had at birth. Doctors in Mexico couldn’t diagnose why the infant wouldn’t eat, and his parents were told he would die without better treatment. His mom was a school teacher in Mexico, and his dad was only one year from a degree in engineering, but they came to the U.S. looking for a cure for their son.
“My parents came here just for me,” he said. “My dad tells me, ‘I’d rather risk coming here than risk losing you.’”
Within a week, he was diagnosed with easily treatable lactose intolerance.
DREAM Act support, deportation?
Fleming said the DREAM Act has received strong congressional support, but advocates are urging the Senate to act on the bill, which remains shelved in the Judiciary Committee. The legislation was first introduced in 2001, and was defeated in a 52-44 Senate 2007 vote.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., is a co-sponsor of the current bill, and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., voted for the 2007 legislation. Sen. Pat Roberts and Rep. Lynn Jenkins, both R-Kan., did not respond to calls asking for their position on the DREAM Act.
At this point, Quinones said there’s no way to know if the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will proceed with deportation, and it remains a prominent concern for him and his family as he gets ready to start at KU.
“That’s on my mind like every day, because at any point I could get deported,” he said.
But, he doesn’t regret his decision, even if he’s sent back to Mexico.
“It would be” worth deportation, he said. “I’m tired of living like this, I want some change.”
Comments
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Godot (anonymous) says…
There should be a provision that is like squatters' rights or common law marriage. If one is in the US, illegally, for a long period of time, and presents him or herself to be a loyal US citizen, and behaves as one, paying taxes, obeying laws, and contributing positively to society, he or she should be able to take a test like the one a legal immigrant takes to become a citizen, and, if he/she passes, he/she should become a citizen. The difference should be that the one who is here illegally must meet double the standard for a legal immigrant to become a citizen. And if the immigrant who is here illegally is convicted of a felony before attaining citizenship, the immigrant must be deported, immediately, no questions asked.
craigers (anonymous) replies…
I certainly agree with you too Godot. If one is here and shows that they want to help make not only the country better, but themselves better in the process then let them get citizenship easily with the test. These are the individuals that we don't want weeded out!
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Immigration is a pie divided into two slices: legal and illegal.
The larger one, the smaller the other.
If the GOP would stop opposing comprehensive immigration reform, we could increase the size of legal immigration and end circumstances like those portrayed in this article.
bearded_gnome (anonymous) says…
Wow,
once again LJW shows its editorial bias *strongly* in favor of open borders!
epic fail LJW!
no comment from those opposed to the DreamAct? No comment from people who believe that illegal aliens shouldn't automatically get citizenship for themselves or their offspring! very very poor article LJW.
cleary this fellow is smart and has smart parents. go stay in mexico and work to make your society better.
if you break our laws, just why should we reward you with citizenship, under any conditions?
the reason the DREAM Act is shelved is because there is a massive angry outcry against it and against the amnesty proponents across the country.
why should Richardo get a better deal than someone who has followed the rules and applied for american citizenship ten years ago, from the Philippines or other countries?
preebo (anonymous) replies…
"if you break our laws, just why should we reward you with citizenship, under any conditions?"
So, anyone convicted of breaking our laws should be subject to having their citizenship revoked or denied?
Which laws? A speeding ticket and its back to Western Europe for you?
Truthspeaker (anonymous) replies…
*psst* The people in question never had citizenship to begin with. Try to keep up.
formerksteacher (Kendra Metz) replies…
Yeah - they obviously failed in not stripping Martin Luther King of his citizenship after all of his crazy illegal antics. Ship him back to Africa! He can work to make some country there better.
Great logic.
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Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Clearly, "open borders" and "amnesty" are wingnut bugaboo words that signal some microchip in your brain that makes you abandon sense. They have nothing to do with any serious discussion.
lawrenceguy (anonymous) replies…
You ask why should Richardo get a better deal than someone who has followed the rules and applied for american citizenship ten years ago, from the Philippines or other countries?
Why not? If the illegal immigrant is asked to meet a higher standard than legal immigrants (college or military), has presented themselves as a good citizen, why not? What would be gained by sending this college student back to Mexico? If you are opposed to a path to citizenship, what are the reasons? This is a great example of someone who was incapable of breaking the law because he entered the country when he was 6 months old. At what point did he become a criminal?
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Why not?
Because it rewards illegal behavior, rather than legal behavior.
If you want something to increase, reward it. If not, punish it - basic behavioral psychology.
bearded_gnome (anonymous) says…
Godot,
you know I respect you, and we often agree.
but please tell me:
if someone violates our laws and comes in illegally, or is brought in illegally, just why must we grant citizenship under any condition?
note that the subject of this article works in construction. it is much harder now for a legal american citizen to find work in construction roofing, and other trades because of illegals.
illegals hurt recent legal immigrants. they depress wages for them and for low-educational-attainment natural born americans, too.
just because someone has been here and paying taxes, does that mean he or she ought to get a chance for citizenship?
I think a better solution is this:
law states that if you are illegal in the U.S., you and your offspring can never become american citizens except if offspring serve in the military.
end anchor babies.
wolfnipplechips (anonymous) replies…
This is a little more complicated than "under any condition". I can think of many conditions where I would be less sympathetic than this one.
jonas_opines (anonymous) replies…
Or we could just make it a whole lot easier for people to come in and end the entitlements for those who did nothing active to become citizens at all, just the passive fact of being born to parents already here. Why should they get special treatment for doing nothing?
rorik23 (anonymous) replies…
"It is much harder now for a legal American citizen to find work in construction roofing, and other trades because of illegals."
Don't you think those who hire and employ illegal aliens bear at least some of the blame? Perhaps if contractors only hired legal laborers...
FREESTATEFAN (anonymous) replies…
That's exactly how you stop it, you fine the employers who are hiring them a lot of money!
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
G, you been doing your rumple S impersonation. How many Kobach articles has LJW ran. Let me help you, they overlap. How many AZ law articles has LJW run. They never go away. But , in compliance with your allegiance to the right wing conservative cartel talking points, you are perfectly willing to put yourself on the line and make a completely ridiculously false statement like....
"once again LJW shows its editorial bias *strongly* in favor of open borders!"
You know where the right wing conservative cartel failed you? Just try to name the articles Ljw has published supporting your claim. You can't do it. G says, "well gee, I was just supposed to spout, nobody told me nuttin about backin it up. Hey, somebody tell me what to say now. Jeezee
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
So much for Compassionate Conservatism. I'm sure you have some bible reference to justify your hate to.
lucky7brand (anonymous) replies…
Agreed. Does anyone realize how many natural born American citizens are losing or failing to be employees because of the non American living souls getting these jobs. Not only that companies send the work to other countries for cheaper labor paying the workers there peanuts. As far as bettering the country or being a "good" citizen Let them be a good citizen in their country & better it. Non American citizens get more government assistance for education, housing, etc that could go to American born citizens to better themselves and the country of the United States of America.
4reasonablediscourse (anonymous) replies…
Actually, as a social worker who has had contact with undocumented people for services, I'd like to let you know that they are ineligible for student loans, grants, and scholarships. They are also not eligible for housing assistance of any kind. Also social security disability, general assistance (i.e. what used to be called "welfare") TANF (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), social security insurance, medicaid, and medicare, despite the fact that they do pay taxes into these systems.
wmathews (Whitney Mathews) says…
The superseding rule on this story: Ad hominem attacks on the subject of the story are not permitted.
Feel free to criticize those who are in the country illegally and the policies involved with that issue. Feel free to give your opinion on immigration and the situation the story presents. Any ad hominem attacks on the subject of the story won't be tolerated and will be removed.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
sorry, whitney, I think your post was the last one I read. hope i haven't adhomkneed anything
wolfnipplechips (anonymous) replies…
This is a little more complicated than "under any condition". I can think of many conditions where I would be less sympathetic than this one.
hbjayhawk (anonymous) says…
Imagine if the DREAM act passes . . . your hard earned tax dollars will be giving birthright illegals like this guy federal financial aid. What about aid for the struggling americans? Why fund education of illegals and give them the financial advantage and prevent hardworking, educated Americans from fully subsidizing their kids education. Support Arizona, Support SB1370 and Support America. Enforce our laws! Protect our State! KU shouldn't admit illegals unless they are here on J1 or F1 student visas. All others should and must be deported. It's the Law.
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
When the dream act becomes law, will you still be saying "Enforce our Laws!"?
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
Support Arizona, Support SB1370 and Support America. Enforce our laws! Protect our State! KU shouldn't admit illegals unless they are here on J1 or F1 student visas. All others should and must be deported.
Just don't support the constitution, Why, because the right wing conservative cartel tells me so. And by the way, Jesus is on our side.
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wolfnipplechips (anonymous) says…
The reason I do not support the Arizona immigration bill is because it circumvents the 4th ammendment by replacing "probable cause" with "reasonable suspicion". tsk tsk tsk!
geoismeo (anonymous) says…
Disorderly conduct is a crime, he should be deported.
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equalaccessprivacy (anonymous) replies…
Disorderly conduct is a catch-all designation, often a false and malicious charge. Just heard Hillary Clinton in Vietnam saying arrest for peaceful dissent about matters of public interest is wrong and a human rights abuse, but it happens here in the U.S.A a lot. Many hypocrites lie and criminalize others to hide their own wrongdoings and civil rights abuses--- hillbilly Powers-That- Be right here in Lawrence even. Best of luck Mr. Quinones-- fairness and enlightenment on your path.
FREESTATEFAN (anonymous) replies…
How about being illegal and protesting, causes me to think he's not as bright as the article seems to think he is!
equalaccessprivacy (anonymous) replies…
I see peaceful protesting as an act of courage and integrity.
foppa (anonymous) says…
first of all, mr. bearded _gnome, 'open boarders' means that ANYONE that wants to live in the U.S. would be able to. I don't think the ljworld or DREAM Act advocates suggest that at all. There is a big difference between open boarders and allowing certain people to become U.S. citizens. It is ridiculous and ignorant to suggest that immigration reform is the same as open boarders.
hbjayhawk, i hope you understand that you are getting certain benefits simply by the fact that your parents had sex and/or gave birth in the U.S or your parent's parents had sex and/or gave birth in the the U.S. Perhaps keeping this in mind will allow you to feel a bit less entitled and stop thinking in terms of 'us vs. them.' After all, what does it mean to be a U.S. citizen in its core? Paying taxes? undocumented immigrants can pay taxes. Defending democracy or the freedoms in the constitution? undocumented immigrants can feel as strongly about them. Growing up in the U.S? many grew up in the U.S.
Although I understand feeling entitled to the benefits that U.S. citizenship brings, I don't understand why people feel so threaten by inclusion of positive members of society. Remember, citizenship laws in the U.S. and throughout history have always shifted. The citizenship laws in place today (jus sanguinis and jus soli), the reason why YOU are a citizen were man-made not that long ago.
still feel so entitled?
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
well foppa, Im glad you took the time to explain a few things to g..... I started to and decided he/she just wasn't worth the effort. Maybe some other folks will benefit from your information as well. G represents a whole lot of whats wrong.
Thinking_Out_Loud (anonymous) replies…
Actually, "boarders" would mean "renters" or "lodgers."
"Borders" means "boundaries."
Hate those pesky homophones.
foppa (anonymous) replies…
you are right. Please forgive the typo.
hbjayhawk (anonymous) replies…
I don't feel entitled. Just because my parents had sex on US soil means I am entitled to the rights, privledges, and benefits of being a US Citizen. This kid should not be taking away resources designed to help US citizens. In fact, come visit places like Ariz, CA, Tex where the K-2 classrooms are 95-100 non-citizen, non-english speaking. These folks are taking your resources, driving your property down and I simply say that there is a LEGAL way to become a US Citizen.
These folks who come here legally should be entitled to nothing! That includes education, healthcare, or taxpayer provided services. They should and must take the steps needed to be here legally. That way, they learn about the country they are raping, the legal citizens they steal from, and the communities they are destroying.
Hopefully we are clear now.
Thank you.
mom_of_three (anonymous) replies…
you have a typo in there HB
rtwngr (anonymous) says…
I think Mr. Quinones should feel let down and betrayed by his parents not the U.S. Although I am sympathetic to his plight, this nation is founded on the rule of law. Not the rule of "whatever we feel like making an exception for today". I am equally convinced that he is a good and decent person with as much to offer this society as anyone. His presence in the country is illegal, however. I feel that based on his circumstances, he should be deported and immediately be eligible for legal immigration status without prejudice to his parent's actions.
gatekeeper (anonymous) replies…
So, if what is most important is the rule of law, why are US citizens that break the law not in jail? Vitter in LA had sex multiple times with prostitutes. He still sits in congress. Karl Rove lied under oath. He's not in jail. Clinton lied under oath. He's not in jail. I could list hundreds of current politicians that have broken the law and never had anything done to them. The rule of law is not what is most important.
If he were deported now, he would have to appeal for years, hoping the govt would do something. CNN has been showing a story about a guy that grew up here, graduated college, is married to a US citizen and has a child. Because he couldn't find work as an engineer without a SS #, he self deported and applied for citizenship. He's denied. He appealed the ruling and has been told maybe in a year they'll look at his case again. In the meantime, his family (US citizens) has no father and a guy who grew up here because his parents brought him here sits in a country he doesn't know, unable to return.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
That's why parents shouldn't bring their kids here illegally.
woodscolt (anonymous) says…
"I feel that based on his circumstances, he should be deported " You know, winger, this young man is as guilty as you. What is your reason for being in this country and just how much different is it than this mans? Just playing King of the Hill, and rules are rules, your on top.
FREESTATEFAN (anonymous) replies…
Does LEGAL come to mind! That's why Winger is here and Ricardo is not.
Bernardo_de_la_Paz (anonymous) replies…
I refuse to believe Winger is in this country legally until I see his birth certificate. The long form, thank you.
Hydra (Roger Ford) says…
“My parents came here just for me,” he said. “My dad tells me, ‘I’d rather risk coming here than risk losing you.’”
Within a week, he was diagnosed with easily treatable lactose intolerance
If he was easily treatable and diagnosed within a week, why didn't his parents take him back to Mexico?
Sorry illegal is illegal. Just another drain on our health care system, one more job lost,
Deport the parents as well.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
Hydra's playing King of the Hill. Hydra, your reason for being here is no better than this mans, why not send you back and save us some money.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
Wrong, when we became a nation they set down laws for this nation to live by. I agree we basically stole the land from native americans and I have some native american blood as well. For what it's worth one ancester was born on american soil the day the second boatload after the Mayflower landed.
I feel sorry for this kid but blame his parents for this predicament. They knowingly came here in defiance of our laws to seek medical help for their child. I don't blame them for that. But they made the decision after that to stay. Thjis boy was not conceived or born here, nor were his parents.
I stand by my previous post all three should b e deported.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
No, hydra, this man creates a dilemma for you. You are steadfastly against illegal immigration, but this puts a face on it. Your using the.....
"I feel sorry for this kid but blame his parents for this predicament. They knowingly came here in defiance of our laws to seek medical help for their child. "(They should have obeyed our laws and just let the kid die, survival of the fittest , you know)
You don't blame the parents, your using them as an alibi to justify your position.
Face it. you just came out of the closet and realized you do have some compassion for at least some of the people (and that is a good thing, by the way) you have just lumped into the "illegal immigrant" pot
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
Nope no dilemma, as I said in my post I don't blame them for seeking medical treaqtment for their son. If I had to go to Canada, Mexico or any other country to save mine I would do the same thing.
Where they went wrong was in their decision to stay here illegally. They set this situation up and he escalated it by getting arrested.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
Right. rules are rules and your king of the hill. gotem on a technicality, Hang em Highe
gatekeeper (anonymous) replies…
So it's ok to break the law to get medical treatment? I thought this was all about following the law??? So, you're willing to break laws if you needed to for medical treatment for your child??? If so, you're a hypocrit. You say above that "Wrong, when we became a nation they set down laws for this nation to live by." Either you believe we must follow the law in every circumstance or you don't. Which is it? Can't have it both ways.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
I sure don't know of many parents who wouldn't.
I guess you are either gay or pemanently single
jafs (anonymous) replies…
The point, ignoring your anti-gay comment for the moment, is that you advocate for following laws in one post, and then in the next say you don't see anything wrong with breaking the law to seek medical treatment for a child.
If the reason that one is against illegal immigration is because it is illegal, and one doesn't care about the many reasons people do it, then the same should apply to illegally coming for medical treatment.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
jafs
Are you saying if you knew your child was dying from a curable disease you would not try to save him or her by any means possible? I'm not talking about illegal immigration here. And no that dosen't mean stay on after.
As far as the anti-gay statement, I know a lot of gay folk and the one common factor is being self centered. I think the true reason gay marriage has taken so long to get a foothold is the fact that most gays don't want a legal commitment that might cost them later.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
I'm sure I would.
There are also many circumstances in which the decision to immigrate illegally seems like the best one - that's the liberal argument. If you were starving, unable to find work, etc.
Your anti-gay stuff is amazing!
If most gays don't want the ability to make a legal commitment, then why are they advocating for just that?
I've known a number of gay people and lesbians, most of whom are caring and not self-centered. One family friend has nursed several lovers through AIDS and watched them die.
Several of my extended family are lesbians in committed relationships.
I see plenty of self-centered heterosexuals.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
The liberal position on illegal immigration is that there are many valid reason why people do it - the same argument you make regarding medical treatment.
sherbert (anonymous) replies…
Totally agree. It's good to be able to go to another country to seek medical help, but that doesn't mean you just remain there illegally. If I went to Germany to get help I would expect to have to follow their laws and citizenship requirements.
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jafs (anonymous) replies…
So what do you think is the moral failure of laws intended to provide for legal pathways to citizenship?
All countries have immigration laws and policies.
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
The moral failure is that the law favors certain nationalities over others. For example, if you are Cuban, all you have to do is step foot on US soil and you are legal.
If all countries had Jim Crow laws, would that make it right?
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Do you have a source for that claim?
Are you advocating that countries should have no immigration laws at all, and simply allow anyone who wishes to immigrate to them?
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
Ok, they are not automatically legal but they can apply for political asylum (and get it easily). Mexicans cannot. (they can apply but won't get it.) I think our laws should treat everyone equally. That's all.
http://www.immihelp.com/gc/asylum.html
I am not suggesting we should abolish our immigration laws. What I am suggesting is that our laws are out of date and desperately need reformed.
foppa (anonymous) replies…
Also, doesn't it seem a bit of a moral failure or at least uncomfortable for a baby born on this side of the border to have a greater life expectancy based on something they can't control?
I am, of course, not arguing that this is a problem the U.S. should or can fix completely. I am saying, however, that contributing members of society should have an opportunity to come here, become legal residents and make a better life. Isn't that what your ancestors did? (Unless you are Native American) Why do you get to decide today that nobody else has the opportunity?
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Nobody I know of is suggesting zero immigration.
We're suggesting that a rational immigration policy limits the number and type of people who are let in based on reasonable basic criteria, such as whether the person let in will be a plus or minus for the country as a whole.
Just like other countries do.
It is uncomfortable that the wealth/health/safety factors are extremely uneven world wide.
But bartstop was claiming that our immigration laws are like Jim Crow - inherently immoral - I was simply asking him to demonstrate that claim.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Well, then everyone who applies for political asylum should get it, regardless of whether their claim is true?
auturgy (anonymous) says…
I certainly hope that all of you who brazenly and cruely speak in this manner about human beings get the chance to meet, face-to-face, an individual like Ricardo. I, a Lawrence native, have been working with kids like him for the past two years and I can tell you that you would be singing a different song if you actually spoke to someone like him. Human beings. Not cattle, not property, but human beings. That's reason enough for respect. And watch what you say - you never know who the person standing next to you is.
Ricardo, keep fighting for your dream. There are many out there who support you in your fight for freedom of opportunity.
And those of you who want to stem the tide of immigrants? You have to end the oppresive trade agreements that keep Mexico and other Latin American countries poor and under the thumb of the U.S.A. Until then, people will continue to flood across the border in order to give their families a better life by doing the jobs you refuse to do (like clean your own house, mow your own lawn, slaughter your meat, clean your public toilets).
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
right wing conservative cartel rule #...... Never put a face on the people we declare war on, it is counter to the cause and in some advanced cases , has resulted in human compassion.
grammaddy (anonymous) replies…
Heaven forbid! Let the kid stay! He's been here since he was 6 months old.
sherbert (anonymous) replies…
I'm sure he's a very nice guy. That has nothing to do with it. They've known all this time that they were here illegally, they should have applied for citizenship like everyone else if they decided they wanted to stay, right? That's how it works.
purplesage (anonymous) says…
What a terrible dilemma. I wonder why they didn't return to Mexico and go through legal channels. There needs to be a way for someone like this young man to become a citizen of this nation.
iamtired (anonymous) replies…
There is; but, getting arrested for disorderly conduct is not one of them.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usci...
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
tired one, you have no proof that this man was disorderly or if he was why he was. It just fits your rhetoric. And it is tired.
iamtired (anonymous) replies…
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
"tired one, you have no proof that this man was disorderly or if he was why he was. It just fits your rhetoric. And it is tired."
Pony tree - I never stated that the man was disorderly. Try a course in reading comprehension. My statement was, "...getting arrested for disorderly conduct ..." Or, do you believe that getting arrested is the same as being found guilty?
Getting arrested, when one is here illegally, is not a path to citizenship.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
" I wonder why they didn't return to Mexico and go through legal channels."
I have to keep reminding myself that many people are clueless about the crap-tabulous nature of the U.S. legal immigration system.
purple - let's just say it would be easier for you to marry a member of the European aristocracy than it would be for someone to immigrate legally to this country from Mexico.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
If you think that's wrong, then advocate for reform of the legal immigration process.
Letting people come here illegally and then rewarding them with citizenship doesn't make sense.
woodscolt (anonymous) says…
"I wonder why they didn't return to Mexico and go through legal channels." Well, think of the logistics, cost, time, food, bureaucracy, and no gaurantees? Do you think this families trip was made in a Lear Jet?
Maybe thats not the solution. I think this young man is an extension of exactly what your talking about, trying to establish some legal channels for a solution. What is our response. Why of coarse, arrest him.
iamtired (anonymous) replies…
"...Well, think of the logistics, cost, time, food, bureaucracy, and no gaurantees [sic]?"
I see what you mean. Becoming a citizen of the US just is not worth all that much hassle.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
Let me clarify my point now that you have right winged it into what you mean. If you had any compassion and or understanding you might realize , these elements might dictate to these people what they do , no matter what they may have wanted to do. Nice try (from the right wing conservative cartel over simplification rule)
Since you want to base citizenship on effort,then could you post what effort you made to be a citizen, if you, indeed are. My bet it is less than these people did, or at best equal. Your just playing king of the hill, tired one.
iamtired (anonymous) replies…
A true confusion by the left is that US citizens must feel the need to "do something" to become a citizen. Just as the illegal criminal aliens are attempting to do for their children - provide US citizenship - my ancestors did: only the legal way. Their sacrifice and dedication should not be mitigated by today's law breakers.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
"I see what you mean. Becoming a citizen of the US just is not worth all that much hassle."
your the one claiming that becoming a US citizen should be some kind of event and accomplishment. Don't put your words into my mouth tired one.
You did no more than this guy has done to be a citizen. Your ancestors wouldn't have qualified for citizenship under the scrutiny you put on this guy
iamtired (anonymous) replies…
The US constitution set up the pathway that one must take to be a US citizen. My ancestors followed that legal path. Too bad Mr. Quinones' family did not do the same.
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Hydra (Roger Ford) says…
erinlea88 (anonymous) says…
No one wants to be "undocumented", there is no other option
But there is, There are colleges and universitys in Mexico. No one forced them to come to the US They are coming because it's easier to live and work here than it is to try fix their own country.
Dream act
To qualify, immigrants must have been in the U.S. for five years, have entered the country before age 16, and be enrolled in college or the military.
Please note that he chose the college path as opposed to military. In spite of the college help he would have received with government benefits.
Please spare me the fake partriotism.
.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
How about Naptha. How about selling Mexico our government subsidized corn cheaper than farms in Mexico can produce it. How about all the Mexicans who lost their jobs because of this very american reason. Oh, that isn't in the right wing conservative cartel guide book, I'm sorry, you wouldn't know anything about this. hang em high
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
You're right about naptha. I don't understand that reference at all. As for the corn I would call that a humanitarian gesture.. How many mexicans would have gone hungrey or starved without it?
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
We didn't donate corn. We substituted our corn for the corn the Mexicans were growing and the owners of the farms just bought and sold it and quit growing corn and laid of all the farm workers. Workers who , undoubtedly, at least a few or a lot, wound up looking for work here.
Think, for a moment , what if Bush had spent the money nation building in Mexico that he spent on nation building in Iraq. They have oil too. Might have created a situation where Mexicans would, as they greatly prefer, stayed home and worked because they could find work..
jafs (anonymous) replies…
The better solution to the problems you mention would be to stop those policies, not allow people to come here illegally.
thebigspoon (anonymous) replies…
Woodscolt: NAFTA, perhaps? As a side note, it seems, if one is going to use examples, one should be familiar with the citation, RIGHT???? Your (weak and knee jerk) argument would gqain a lot of credibility if you knee of which you spoke,
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
you make no sense, my post did
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
naptha? Naptha is a chemical.
are you searching for NAFTA?
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
Naptha (sarcasm) ie, nafta did about as much good for mexico as paint thinner would have.
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erinlea88 (anonymous) replies…
"No one forced them to come to the US"-- yes because at 6 months, he could of said, "naw, parents you go ahead, i'm gonna hang back here."
Ricardo isn't going anywhere. ICE isn't going to touch him. He will one day make a great psychiatrist... that you might actually need/should seek treatment from. We win.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
So what you are saying is that it is his parents fault? Yay we agree!!
TopJayhawk (anonymous) says…
No amount of foriegn aid to Mexico will help. It all gets stolen by corrupt Gov. Officials.
There is no reason Mexico cannot be as prosperous as we are, except for rampant theivery.
Woodcolt, get a grip.
Try moving to Mexico and just anounce that you are here to stay and no one has the right to tell you otherwise. See what happens, or in any other country in the world for that matter.
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ljreader (anonymous) says…
I have to admit, I have far more sympathy for illegals who were brought in by their lawbreaking parents. However, the decision made by the parents to enter or remain in our country illegally, is a personal family matter. It may not be the fault of these kids that their parents made such a choice, but it certainly isn't the fault of American workers and taxpayers.
Yet, these children and American citizens are the only ones bearing the burden of the bad choices made by illegal alien adults. .Meanwhile, the illegal alien parents and their employers are skating. In fact, once kids in Ricardo's situation gain citizenship through the Dream Act, they can petition on behalf of the parents and they will be rewarded for breaking our laws. It's not our job to fix the predicament foreign nationals have placed upon their offspring.
They brought this child in ill-who do you think footed the bill for his care?
"Within a week, he was diagnosed with easily treatable lactose intolerance. ".
Soooo- I have no sympathy for the parent's and am not buying in to the sob story. The parents hardly had time within that week to put down roots and to "be torn away from their families". They should have pointed themselves South and headed back home.
BTW- how do they feel about "being torn away "(by choice) from their families in Mexico? Seems some folks only experience the trauma of separation when they are here and asked to return home.
You'd think the US is a roach motel where those who check in, cannot check out. Perhaps if they are confused, the US government can print maps for them, the way the Mexican government provides maps for their own to breach our borders.
Now that the guy is grown, he's working in construction- a job an American would gladly work, especially before the wages were destroyed by an cheap, illegal workforce.
Multiply this situation by the millions.
The kid shouldn't worry. He won't be deported. It rarely if ever happens to people in his situation. Good luck to you, Ricardo. There are many other bright kids in your same situation. At least you have citizenship with Mexico-
I understand there are schools there.
I am sorry for you that your parents have put you in this awful situation.
There are many Americans who have selfish parents who made bad choices, too. There is nobody there to fix everything for everybody, nor is it the responsibility of others to do so. Such is life.
There are billions of young people throughout the world that wish their biggest problem was lactose intolerance and being raised and educated in America illegally, Put it in perspective, Bud.
On a scale of human suffering, I’ve gotta rate yours as a “bummer”.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
"t certainly isn't the fault of American workers and taxpayers."
Fault? You mean to the benefit of American workers and taxpayers surely?
This guy, like so many other immigrants, does not cost Americans anything over time. I wish that we could bring this guy in and deport some of the natural born citizens we have to Somalia.
4reasonablediscourse (anonymous) replies…
Given that his father had a good job in Mexico, and that there is no government subsidized health care for illegal immigrants in this country, I suspect his parents paid for his medical treatment.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Reward people for breaking the law? Nope!
Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
artichokeheart (anonymous) says…
America
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
"...he works construction in the summer to save money for the out-of-state tuition he’ll pay in the fall..."
Is he using a stolen identity when he works?
grammaddy (anonymous) replies…
Prolly doesn't need one, not for construction, roofing, landscaping. Many employers will hire him for cheap.It's all about their bottom line.He must have some form of identification to get into college.
Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
exactly! is he paying his taxes?
I doubt it
bradh (anonymous) says…
The kid has lived here 18 years and has made no attempt to become a legal citizen? Why doesn't he try working within the law instead of circumventing it.
grammaddy (anonymous) replies…
You really think they let minors do this on their own? Know the law before you accuse others of circumventing it. It' just not that easy and can be very expensive.
bradh (anonymous) replies…
I went out to the State Department's site and I didn't find any age restriction. As a matter, of fact there were several links specifically for children. He's 18 now and no longer a minor, so even if there were age restrictions they wouldn't apply to him at this point. As for costs, visas run generally between $150 to $350, probably less than it cost him to go to WDC.
From what I see in the story, this kid wasn't willing to fill out a piece of paper to legally gain entrance to this country, but was willing to travel half way across the country and get into a fight to avoid filling out the paperwork.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Generally, you cannot apply for citizenship until you 18. There are processes to piggyback a minor onto an adult.
Nonetheless, being in the U.S. without having first gained legal residence precludes an application for citizenship (absent some narrow circumstances that don't apply here).
Damning the guy for not making an "attempt to become a legal citizen" is akin to criticizing a dog for not speaking French.
ProudAmerican (anonymous) replies…
I'm not blaming you for your ignorance, immigration is a complicated topic, but you clearly have no idea how USCIS functions. For someone in the country illegally getting a visa isn't just filling out a piece of paperwork and paying a fee - There is a 10 year ban on re-entry to the US for anyone found to be within the United States illegally. That ban can be waived with a I-601, but the processing (which must be done out of country) on those waivers through Ciudad-Juarez runs in excess of 18 months. There is also a rigorous quota based system for disseminating visas to those not immediately related to US citizens - I assure you there are people who would be hard working, law abiding US citizens that apply and are denied every day. For all practical purposes, Ricardo has no way to legally stay within the US and it is disingenuous to suggest otherwise.
grammaddy (anonymous) replies…
There's a BIG difference between applying for a Visa and legally gaining citizenship.It involves a lot more than just "filling out a piece of paper". Everyone acts like it's just a matter of filling out an application and "poof' you're in.Ask someone who has gone the legal route how difficult it is. And how long it takes.
erinlea88 (anonymous) replies…
buddy- he has tried everything, there is no way within in the law. hence why we need the DREAM Act.
skinny (Richard Johnson) says…
I see several violations of the law here. He'll be deported within six months. All he had to do was keep his mouth shut and follow the laws of our country. If he had he'd probably been able to finish school here. Now he will always be looking over his shoulder wondering if the Police or ICE are coming after him. Was it worth it????
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OonlyBonly (anonymous) says…
Illegal immigrant is "illegal" where's the grey area?
Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
friendlyjhawk (anonymous) says…
He was brought here illegally and those wonderful parents have had plenty of time to become compliant with the laws of the USA. If they wanted the good life they have had plenty of time to become citizens and show their child how to do things legally. May not like the law, but that is no excuse for breaking it.
ckennedy (christy kennedy) replies…
To "become compliant" is no easy task. Those of us lucky enough to be born here, even those with resources, sometimes wait weeks, months, or years for the federal government to complete some routine process, never fearing being put on a plane and sent out of the country. I know people who have been trying to become citizens in the proper manner, and one family who adopted a child brought here illegally as an infant — he's in high school now and not one year of his life has gone by without his adoptive family having to go to court, meeting, court, and more meetings, ALWAYS with the threat of deportation over the boy's head. His parents have done everything they've been told to do from day one and it's still not resolved. If the process is that daunting for US citizens with money and a lawyer and good language skills . . .
jafs (anonymous) replies…
The solution would be to make the process easier and quicker, not allow people to come here illegally and then become citizens by default.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
insert the conservative cartel over simplication rule here , please
jafs (anonymous) replies…
1. I'm not conservative.
2. Accepting one problem and creating others to make up for it isn't very intelligent.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
Right! And laws (and poposed laws) that take a situation and make it a worse problem than you start with isn't very intelligent.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
If the problem is that our immigration system isn't quick or efficient enough (assuming that is in fact a goal of our country), then fix that.
Giving everyone who is here illegally a chance to become a citizen rewards illegal behavior.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Are his parents still living here illegally? If so, they need to be deported also.
Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
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zstoltenberg (anonymous) says…
A very close college friend of mine was in almost this exact same situation. He, his parents and all five of his brothers and sisters were born in Mexico. He graduated from a Kansas high school, was admitted to KU, but couldn't afford to attend school without financial aid and scholarship. He is very intelligent, maintained a high GPA, and received many scholarships. But this is where my friend and his family mad a CHOICE that Ricardo hasn't yet. My friend and his family went through an almost year long process to become legal citizens. About a year after we first met they had their swearing in, the ENTIRE family. His parents wanted him to have opportunity, to go to college, and better himself. They knew the best way to do that was to become citizens. I am a conservative, but I'm also a realist. I don't know that the DREAM act is the answer, there is already a system in place and it works when we make people use it. And please, Ricardo is a poor poster child for this cause, he is exactly the reason the fringe makes the arguments they do. Let's start by just enforcing the laws that we already have. Let's go Arizona!
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
" there is already a system in place and it works when we make people use it."
Uh, no, the system in place does not "work". Stop living in fantasy land to soothe your conscience.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Please elaborate on how the system isn't working, and how it should be changed.
Akreed (anonymous) replies…
You would probably have a better chance of your false statement being taken seriously if you hadn't replied directly to a comment showing where it does and DID work.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Hardly. Zsolt gives few details about his example (assuming it is even accurate - there are some obvious facts missing). If you entered the U.S. without inspection (in the lingo) there are very few, minor loopholes that will allow you to later become a citizen absent removing yourself from the U.S. (often for 10 years) and then applying for a waiver, which is entirely discretionary.
Seriously, I wish every yahoo like you could be sentenced to doing community service in an immigration attorney's office for a month and you'd soon discover how broken the immigration system really is.
Argument by anecdote is not a substitute for actual experience.
zstoltenberg (anonymous) replies…
Jimo, your widespread speculation and flung accusations suck every ounce of credibility from your argument. Yes, my friend is a real person, he now has his masters degree and a great job in KC. In fact he's only one of a half dozen of my friends from 4 different countries that are all in this country legally and working, abiding by this country's existing laws. When my friends hear about "yahoos" like Ricardo, they get mad as hell. They all followed the rules, went through the process, and worked very hard to be here legally. It's individuals like Ricardo that feed the stereotypical prejudices that people like my friends fight against every day.
Akreed (anonymous) replies…
Kudos to your friend! Tell him welcome aboard and good job on doing things the right way.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
How's about seizing whatever these people own and giving it to some folks who came here legally and have completed the process of becoming American citizens?
Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
How about seizing whatever these shiftless, lazy, drug-addled Americans have and giving it to hard-working, enterprising fellows like this guy?
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Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
hmmmm...so when will we declare war on mexico?
mb we should nuke them now.....then....everybody will be happy...
fu7il3 (anonymous) says…
It's not like protests are a new thing in Washington, and lot of people manage to do them without getting arrested. Obviously, he did something beyond the normal Washington peaceful protest that got him arrested.
Apparently he feels whatever he did was worth it. “It would be” worth deportation, he said. “I’m tired of living like this, I want some change.”
He knew the possible consequences. He did it anyway. It's too late for him to back out now. If he wants to blame someone, he should be blaming the people that organized the protest. They put him in a position where he had everything to lose and lost.
If he is convicted, he should be deported. He's here illegally, working illegally, and if he committed a crime, he should be gone. He knew that was a possibility. The only sympathy I have for him is that he will have to go back to a country he doesn't know. But, he knew the risks and he took them.
avoice (anonymous) says…
I fail to see why obtaining medical treatment required these people to become long-term residents in the U.S. People go to other countries all the time to obtain medical treatment and they don't remain in those countries. They get temporary visitor visas for that. If seeking medical treatment was a legitimate reason to claim asylum, we'd have every ailing child in the world brought here by parents trying to circumvent the immigration system. This man's story is compelling, and I do agree with those who have said that people who have been here living as contributing citizens for 20 years should have a path to citizenship. But we need to make sure we are not opening the floodgates. Naturalization must be an orderly process, not the chaos that is occuring in our border states at the present time.
gsandell (anonymous) says…
"His mom was a school teacher in Mexico, and his dad was only one year from a degree in engineering, but they came to the U.S. looking for a cure for their son."
My parents came here just for me,” he said. “My dad tells me, ‘I’d rather risk coming here than risk losing you.’”
"Within a week, he was diagnosed with easily treatable lactose intolerance"
_________________________
OK. I understand why the kid wants to stay here. He's been here all of his life. But, read this again. Within a week, dianosed with an EASILY treatable lactose intolerance. So, why did they not get him treated and go back home? Why have they stayed another ninteen years? One, a school teacher and the other, one year away from an Engineering degree? Could she come over here and teach? Could the father finish his one year of school and get his degree here? No! Why not go back home and keep teaching and let the father get the degree, then, if they had still wanted to immigrate, they could have applied for US citizenship while they were working and finishing school. A teacher and an engineer would probably do Mexico a lot more good in getting their country back in order than coming here illegally, and working at what? If they came here legally, they could probably put those skills to work here also.
Sorry kid, you need to go back to Mexico, apply for citizenship, and take your illegal parents with you!
monkeyspunk (anonymous) replies…
OK, if every child carries the burden of their parents sins, then we should start paying reparations to Native Americans and descendants of slaves.
Oh, and another lame comment about going back to his home country.
7/8 of his life was spent in the US, more or less, against his will. The first 1/8 was spent in a place that is most likely as foreign to him as it would be for us.
To assume that he could just jump back down there and assimilate is at the very least ignorant.
estespark (anonymous) says…
"The sit-in apparently wasn’t the kind of representation Durbin was looking for. A spokesman for the senator told The Hill that the demonstrations “crossed the line from passionate advocacy to inappropriate behavior".
http://washingtonindependent.com/9210...
In fairness they do not specify the actions....
kansastruthteller (anonymous) says…
A little different focus.....
The real villians are his parents. They knew the consequences of their actions and the future negative impact on their child and yet they remained here illegally. But, even beyond that issue is the fact that they are educated people that were not willing to work to improve conditions in their country.
Why are they not working to reform their government and improve medical conditions in their country so other children receive better medical care without breaking US laws?
Graczyk (anonymous) replies…
You ask a bull crap question so I will give you a bull crap answer? Why didn't your ancestors just stay where they were and try to make it a better place. They must have been real cowards.
kansastruthteller (anonymous) replies…
You make one good point that people often leave countries for a better life, but the distinction between this lad's parents and my ancestors is that my ancestors came here legally so that their children would have opportunities.
The parent's of this young man came here illegally and knew he would be illegal with limited oportunities.
thebigspoon (anonymous) replies…
The "fact that" your, my, most of our ancestors came here legally, ain't quite correct. When the "first" immigrants came here, there were no immigration laws: the indigenes had no reason to believe they needed laws to keep others out. Immigration law in the US is an invention of those who left a country to gain a better life that protects them from others who want to do the same. I agree there has to be some control, but just where does humanity enter the equation? You can talk all you want to about legality, but there has to be some latitude for those who truly mean well. This kid has done nothing, so far as we know, to downgrade American society, so leave him alone, give him the means to become a citizen, and leave well enough alone. If he fails from there, then he deserves to be disappeareded.
kansastruthteller (anonymous) replies…
I can't speak to your ancenstors, but I know when mine came here and they followed immigration laws and entered legally.
If there were no immigration laws, then no laws were violated.
"The kid has done nothing, so far..." Yes he did - he got arrested during his demonstration.
What good are laws if we do not enforce them? Where do you draw the line in enforcing laws and ignoring them? If the laws are bad then fix them, but don't ignore them.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Amazing how Americans export their drug problems to Mexico and then blame Mexicans for suffering. Damn you Jesus, why don't you crawl down from that cross you lazy, shiftless, lawbreaker?
Meanwhile: it's open borders for Cubans!
KLATTU (anonymous) says…
It would be easy to solve the illegal immigrant problem. Start putting the legal American citizens who make a profit from hiring illegal immigrants in jail. Then watch the economy collapse even further. Just look around, from the biggest chain stores and restaurants to small, local businessmen everyone seems to be hiring. I guess I could be wrong. Maybe all those guys at local construction sites who can't speak English did grow up in Kansas? Move along. These aren't the droids you're looking for.
This is a great country, and if I wasn't lucky enough to be born here I'd want to come, and so would you. Let's keep the hard workers and deport the folks who don't want to pay taxes. What they charge to live here is a bargain at twice the price (of course if we got the corporations out of DC it would cost half the price). Endless war, subsidized food and gas, and socialized capitalism that's too big to fail costs money so pony up, whiners. America, love it or leave it!
bartstop (anonymous) says…
At one time the "LAW" said everyone had to pay taxes to King George III. Our "Forefathers" refused. Should they have been deported? They broke the law. Illegal is illegal.
kansastruthteller (anonymous) replies…
Many did pay the consequences of breaking the law with their lives.
520dude (anonymous) says…
"And if the immigrant who is here illegally is convicted of a felony before attaining citizenship, the immigrant must be deported, immediately, no questions asked."
I don't understand waiting until they commit a felony before being deported. They should be out regardless of their rap sheet.
Ludus (anonymous) replies…
Ignorance! Moving on.
jafs (anonymous) says…
Nobody's mentioned the fact that KU doesn't require citizenship when applying there.
Why are we subsidizing inexpensive education for non-citizens?
monkeyspunk (anonymous) replies…
He pays out of state tuition. I wouldn't call that inexpensive.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
It's much cheaper than private school, isn't it?
Practicality (anonymous) replies…
Very good point jafs!
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Because he's a resident of Kansas. That doesn't require U.S. citizenship.
There was a Kobach lawsuit/scam about this a few years ago here in Kansas. Kobach lost. Pay attention.
fu7il3 (anonymous) replies…
He's not a resident. He's from Missouri and didn't go there because they won't allow illegal immigrants into universities. He's from out of state, paying out of state tunion. Pay attention.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
fu is correct.
Also, even if he were a Kansas resident - If he's in the country illegally, why on earth should he benefit from subsidized education? Much of the funding comes from the federal government, whose laws he is breaking.
jcstepmom28 (anonymous) says…
I commented on this story when it first popped up yesterday. Then it disappeared... So again, here are my comments.
Mr. Quinones, have you even applied for legal citizenship and are you papered to work in the US? Why doesn't the reporter check on this?
How about the construction firm employing him, do you have proof he's eligible to work in the US?
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
stepmom, I apologize for being short with you but please educate yourself on immigration matters first and stop asking stupid questions. The time it took for you to read this article and post this comment were all the time you needed to become knowledgeable using a system of magic called Google.
troll (anonymous) says…
I'm surprised that the article didn't mention why Ricardo or his parents haven't become US citizens through the naturalization process as described on the U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services website. http://www.uscis.gov/
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
If you ran across the border, you are not eligible.
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
Even if you marry a US citizen.
gatekeeper (anonymous) replies…
Even if you marry a US citizen. You have to be here legally to marry legally, then are elligble.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
I guess he could pretend to be Cuban. I suggest showing up in Key West on a raft.
bartstop (anonymous) says…
Here is a good article to read. The same arguments were made in the early 1900's that are being made today. Most economists agree that the country as a whole benfits from immigration.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...
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This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
It's his country as much as the dude pictured on the $10 bill.
bartstop (anonymous) replies…
When your family immigrated here, this wasn't their country either. What makes your family so special?
jafs (anonymous) replies…
There is an obvious distinction between legal and illegal immigration.
rockchalk1977 (anonymous) says…
“It would be” worth deportation, he said. “I’m tired of living like this, I want some change.”
Then simply go through the proper steps to become legal.
clc1298 (anonymous) says…
I don't understand?? Where are his parents? are they here illegally, or did they attain legal citizenship years ago and not do the same for their son? Who says anyone of them is paying taxes? and speaking of him working so hard in construction to pay his out of state tuition, just who is this construction company that hired him "illegally"? are we supposed to feel badly that this young man had to work to pay his tuition? WOW!
I am sorry to say that I, for one, do NOT agree with most of the above post's. The government should not just stop with this young man, who, by the way, could have been working on gaining his legal citizenship for at least the past 2 years, but go on to investigate his family which no doubt will lead to still yet, many others.
I do NOT support the DREAM Act; not when these persons are doing nothing to help support this country and are simply sitting back waiting for amnesty to be given rather than going forward to obtain legal status.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
I generally agree, but I think there is not a current system in place allowing folks who are here illegally to become legal citizens.
fu7il3 (anonymous) replies…
Probably because they are here illegally to begin with. If someone ignored immigration laws initially, what sense would it make to make them legal citizens. His family could go back to Mexico and apply for visas or naturalization, they just didn't.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
I agree.
local_support (anonymous) says…
I just want to say that no 6 month old baby makes the decision to cross the border illegally.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Yes - should his parents be prosecuted for endangering a minor?
kernal (anonymous) says…
Ricardo knew what was at stake when he went to D.C. to be in the protest. Evidently, he didn't think long and hard enough about living with the consequences. Due to the situation in Mexico, it's dicey if he will be able to work his way through a University there.
It would do a lot of you well, filled with hate and fear towards the illegals from Mexico, to remember this is a neighboring country. We rely on them for a lot of our food, especially during the winter months, we have business interests there and American citizens living there. Deporting ALL of them is not the answer. If we try to do that, it is likely both of our countrys will feel the economic ramifications. If we send them back with hate and despair in their hearts, that will eventually come back to bite us.
Putting up a border wall is too reminiscent of the Berlin Wall. It is costly and counterproductive. There have to be better ways to deal with the problem.
monkeyhawk (anonymous) says…
The people who are against illegal immigration are going to be the big losers here. Too bad the majority will once again be ignored in order to serve the Soros open border agenda:
tp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/29/memo-outlines-backdoor-amnesty-plan-for-obama
"With Congress gridlocked on an immigration bill, the Obama administration is considering using a back door to stop deporting many illegal immigrants - what a draft government memo said could be "a non-legislative version of amnesty."
"Mr. Grassley said it confirms his fears that the administration is trying an end-run around Congress.
"This memo gives credence to our concerns that the administration will go to great lengths to circumvent Congress and unilaterally execute a backdoor amnesty plan," Mr. Grassley said."
So breathe easily, Ricardo, you will probably be offered a position within the Obama administration if you play your pity card right.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
..."He would contemplate the distance
With a look of pensive meaning,
As of ducks that die in tempests..."
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devilwithinthedetails (anonymous) says…
Being the second generation of Mexican immigrants, I support an overhaul of our immigration laws because I've grown up accutely aware of the realities. It's a complicated morass of multiple governments and economies and cultures. Also, I'd like to add that the 'illegal immigration process into the US is a cakewalk compared to what folks go through to get through Mexico, especially if they are not Mexican citizens. I think if people were aware of just how horrific and dangerous it is, they may think differently.
That all aside:
I'm having a hard time reconciling why this kid put himself in danger by willfully engaging in an act of civil disobedience knowing that an arrest could warrant deportation. I'm not saying he shouldn't stand up for what he believes in but he should do so in a way that doesn't completely make what he's trying to do moot. Getting yourself deported and reducing your access to the opportunities you're fighting for isn't noble, it's just poorly thought through and perhaps just a little disrespectful to the painful process his parents went through to get him here. A little personal responsibility for his actions that got him here would be appreciated.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
"Getting yourself deported and reducing your access to the opportunities you're fighting for isn't noble"
Absent change, there are no "opportunities" for him other than maybe using his college degree to play gardener for some Alvamar Republicans.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Can an illegal alien get a driver's license in MO or KS? Other than doing so while committing identity-theft, that is?
ljreader (anonymous) replies…
The Dreamers have quite a network going on for fraudulently obtaining driver's licenses from Washington State and New Mexico even if they don't live there. Just ask them. (Hint: Look for the new posters who are defending the right to ignore the sovereignty and laws of the US).
Hup 2, 3 Demand.
One trick they use is to find month to month apt agreements in those states through Craigslist to establish residency.
Or, they find someone they know (or pay) in those places to aid and abet them.
They yammer on and on about this topic openly and endlessly on Dream Act forums.
Washington recently stopped requiring proof of residency. Now, they just have to travel there and take their driver's test. They borrow or rent a car for the test. The State sends the license to the address they give in about 2 weeks. If they've already gone back to their "home" state, the friend or relative (whose address they falsely gave to DMV) forward it on to them.
They call themselves dreamers, but I'm thinking "schemers" .
whatthehell (anonymous) says…
I have read every word of this board and article... there is no mention of the parents status and what they have been doing here for 18 years. Answers wouldn't solve all the problems but it would add some clarity.. What have they been doing? How do they get a job, a real job where taxes are assessed? If they are illegal and DO have a job that collects taxes then they have continually broken the law by assuming false identities... if they have not done that then they have been paid in cash, and paid no taxes for 18 yrs while sending their kids to school that the rest of the people paid for, not to mention all the other benefits like driving on the roads, other people paid for.
whatthehell (anonymous) says…
Now the young man... Same questions apply.... If he has been working construction for cash... he has paid no taxes (I am in this business and I can tell you for a FACT that a well educated, hard working bilingual young man will be paid well, IN CASH to translate with and for the other illegals), if taxes have been deducted, then he has been breaking the laws of this country repeatedly and knowingly by falsifying his status . What part of this is vague?
Mean_Green (anonymous) replies…
I brought up this same topic but my comment was removed??? I think it was removed because I'm a white, tax paying, law abiding, US citizen, male. That's 5 strikes against me for trying to bring up a educated question excercising my 1st amendment right. Shame on me.
yankeevet (anonymous) replies…
Don't feel like the lone ranger....................if u dont agree with the article; and you voice a different opionion; they delete your post..............this country is changing; and not for the good....so many immigrants here; and everyone is going different directions; this country is not united like it was during WW 2.
kernal (anonymous) replies…
It's not unlikely that Ricardo was not the only one paid in cash. It's not uncommon for construction workers to be hired as "sub-contractors" so the employers don't have to deal with payroll and all that entails for FICA and withholding for taxes, nor do they have to carry work comp insurance for Ricardo and the other "sub-contractors" as they are considered self-employed.
whatthehell (anonymous) replies…
True, but, the sub has to be genuine and real because the general is required to "1099" them at tax time. There is usually one real legal citizen that is THE sub and he pays the illegals in cash... no 1099. Audits of the subs are necessary to catch this. For example, if questioned in depth it is difficult for one "sub" to explain 500K worth of roofing contracts and have zero employees.
kernal (anonymous) replies…
But the smaller subs who hire by the job and only have 5-7 on their crews aren't going to be filing 1099s.
whatthehell (anonymous) says…
You cannot and must not compare today to the centuries of the past, where we had a VERY liberal policy because we NEEDED the people to come. The only areas where we NEED them now is probably agriculture (picking lettuce for instance) and they should still have to be documented... for many reasons. We REALLY need to get this together and make it legal for Hispanics to migrate seasonally, or to be granted annual work visas, and MORE importantly, employers who facilitate the problem by paying cash will be jailed and all their assets frozen and or seized. You want to come here, fine.... apply for it, play by the rules or don't come, and if you do come for medical reasons... pay your bill on your way home.
Mangino_saurus (anonymous) says…
Dude - take the trip back to Mexico, travel down to Playa del Carmen and start a new life! I The Caribbean, sandy beachs, and sun would be a hell of a lot better than Lawrence, KS any day. You're a smart kid...make it work for you.
whatthehell (anonymous) replies…
THAT is funny!!
Mean_Green (anonymous) says…
When you mess with the bull, you get the horns! Illegal aliens try and hide behind our civil rights. Did he pay taxes on the money he earned while working construction?
yankeevet (anonymous) replies…
It seems when you do not agree with this article; and state your own feelings about this; they delete your entry..........
DaddyTopCat (Scott Kaiser) replies…
Ain't that the truth!
I guess if you agree with the sob story and molly-coddle the law breaker, you are OK in LJW's book...
Sheesh.
DaddyTopCat (Scott Kaiser) replies…
I guess that when you are "The Power That Be," you can shape the stories and restrict the comments to your satisfaction.
The Liberal media is alive and well in Larryville...
Goodbye 1st Amendment.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
has he been paying his taxes?
pace (anonymous) says…
What an interesting cross section of two stories. Some of the posters who are rabid about creaming this guy post on another story the nazi should not be held responsible for war crimes. Consistent stand on race?
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Illegal alien Nazis should be deported at once!
The_Big_B (anonymous) says…
Choices have consequences.
jayhawklawrence (anonymous) says…
This is what happens when you have irresponsible people running Congress.
You end up with a mess that nobody wants.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Au contraire, this is what you get when you have an irresponsible electorate.
We're trying to institute a draconian police state system of immigration in a nation that has never known or tolerated such a thing right on down to identity documents and border walls. Added on to that is a barely disguised dislike of non-white people "over running" America. Binding it together is a nation that doesn't have enough people (in good times) to do all the work needed and an obsession with getting the cheapest price for all goods and services.
You cannot have a nation of poor desperate people living alongside a nation of wealth and simply decree that the former shall not move a few miles over to the later. Nor is it clear why it would be advantageous to try to stop it let alone reverse it.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
As soon as Mexico and Canada give up control of their borders, we should consider doing the same thing.
kernal (anonymous) says…
Oh H#*), let's just invade Mexico, annex it as the state of Old Mexico, jail all the corrupt Federales, politicians and government employees, move some more industry down there, legalize marijuana and be done with it.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
Once upon a time, the American flag flew over a defeated and occupied Mexico City.
kernal (anonymous) replies…
I'd forgotten about that.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., is a co-sponsor of the current bill, and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., voted for the 2007 legislation. Sen. Pat Roberts and Rep. Lynn Jenkins, both R-Kan., did not respond to calls asking for their position on the DREAM Act.
-------------
Most important paragraph in this story. Roberts and Jenkins are so scared of doing anything at all about immigration that they can't even comment on one small piece of reform.
The buffoons in Congress are the real problem. They love giving lip service to the "evils" of immigration, but heaven forbid they actually do something about it or even suggest reforms.
You can bet Sam Brownback will be claiming the DREAM Act was all a... dream.
institches (anonymous) says…
Lo que fue él supuesto decir, ninguna Mamá, ningún papá, yo no quiero ir.
HogJiver (anonymous) says…
KU charges illegal immigrants "in state tuition", but if a citizen from another state attends KU they're charged "out of state" tuition. Thanks for nothing KU.
HogJiver (anonymous) says…
KU charges illegal immigrants "in state tuition", but if a citizen from another state attends KU they're charged "out of state" tuition. Thanks for nothing KU.
FREESTATEFAN (anonymous) replies…
Tell me this isn't so...
slang4d (anonymous) says…
I think in certain circumstances it's wise to set aside hard held beliefs and try to feel some empathy. Some of us have had to pay for our parent's mistakes in one way or another and it's a rough road. He did not come here of his own free will. A baby has no say in where its parents go and what they choose to do. Also, "disorderly conduct" can mean a lot of things and I'd consider it to be the least serious criminal acts and charges, depending on what he did (which we don't know the details of). He didn't murder anyone, he didn't even assault anyone, he wasn't dealing drugs, and it's pretty clear from his background and goals that he isn't some trouble-maker bent on breaking the law.
As for legalization, that's very difficult. If you aren't familiar with immigration law, it's probably best to refrain from commenting on how he should have applied for residency. One has to be petitioned by an immediate relative and even then there are extremely long waits and backlogs. It would probably require him to return to a country that is not his home (as he's lived here for years) and wait out the process, possibly being denied due to his unintentional illegal stay in the United States. Mexico and the Philippines have huge backlogs, people legally abiding by the immigration laws wind up separated from their children for years on end.
This is a complicated situation and the "all the illegals should go home" statements are knee-jerk reactions based on ignorance and quite possibly racial hatred. Try to put yourself in this person's shoes and practice a little flexibility.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Feel some empathy for those people who are going through the process of coming here legally. Should this dude get to step in front of them because he's managed to evade the law?
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Perhaps the Community Organizer in Chief's illegal alien aunt could help this guy avoid deportation like she did.
independant1 (anonymous) says…
The lad has hung himself out to dry. He admits, he/his family are illegal. If I turn myself in for tax evasion will they forgive me because I'm being honest? don't think so.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
If I admit to having committed tax fraud for years (which I actually haven't, I'm one of the mopes that pays taxes) , can I get an indie-rock album cover photo in the LJW too?
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
has he been paying his taxes? has his mom & pop been paying their taxes? I've been paying mine.
seriouscat (anonymous) says…
best of luck to you ricardo! You will be an asset to whatever nation you adopt!
Mr_B9 (anonymous) says…
OK ,so we all know he is an illegal alien that got arrested and most of my other questions have already been asked.
So, I would like to know:
1) Does he have a drivers license?
2) Does he vote?
3) Do his parents vote?
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
greenworld (anonymous) says…
If you want to do something, fix your own country up and develop it so it can take care of its people. I know Mexico is ran by all Mexican Mafia and that doesnt help but dont run over here with your hand out because your country cant take care of its own. Its kind of strange all these people jump and come over all the time yet no canadians are doing it. What does this say?? Canada has a good meds, decent dr's and a country that doesnt need help. So fix your country and this will make it so you have the ability to live your dream..."the American Dream" right there in Mexico.
ivalueamerica (anonymous) says…
He was 6 months old, I do not understand punishing an adult for the sins of his father over something that happened 20 years ago.
It is unhuman, unAmerican and ignorant.
I wonder if all the stone casters here on this board had a father without sin and how they would feel if we held them accountable for their father's sins.
I assure you they would be screaming bloody murder, but that is because they have a different standard for themselves than they do others.
whatthehell (anonymous) replies…
No. No. No!!! This "boy" has been knowingly breaking the laws of this country in one way or another for years. If you speed you get a ticket. If you steal you go to lockup. IF you live here illegally, don't pay taxes and sponge off the rest of us that live here legally, you get sent out. It is the law. It is the way it should be. His parents did this, they all live with the consequences as we do not get to choose to ignore whatever laws we do not like. Period. I asked many questions above, as have other posters and without the answers it is difficult to know the whole story...because we just don't know the whole story based on this article. Hispanic leaders (the legal ones) need to come forward with proposals that make sense... a method for people like this guy to stay and be legally integrated in society, agreements that illegals must obtain documentation, pay taxes, etc and then we need to approve them. Immigration reform that makes sense is critical.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
has he been paying his taxes? what about mom & pop?
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
has he been paying his taxes? my parents did. I've been paying mine.
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
His parents should've taken advantage of Regan's amnesty in the 80's. What do they tell you if you pead ignorance of the law? Ignorant but guilty, ignorance is no excuse. In this case sounds like willfull disregard of the law, the parents knew what they were doing. Use whatever rationale you want. Victimless crime? I don't think so. The flood of illegals, openess of the southern border and spotty enforcement is riddled with dead illegals in back of stiffling hot trailors, dehydration in dessert, etc. It's chaotic.
mom_of_three (anonymous) says…
This person has lived his life here for 20 years and has not been in any trouble. He did well in school and wants to make something of himself. But now you find out he is illegal and you want to ship him home. He could really make something of himself where ever he is.
Hydra (Roger Ford) says…
Dang I didn't know ilegal immigration was a sin. Here I just thought it was a secular law. His mother and father are criminals, they turned their child into one. I'll even be willing to bet they taught him how to get work without documentation and avoid paying all kinds of taxes. You can't pick your parents.
Too many posters like woodscolt think that the fact they want to come here it is their right. News flash it is not.
Hydra (Roger Ford) says…
ivalueamerica
By the way miss I judge you to be a poor parent. Are you related to Ludus (Ignorance! Moving on?
ivalueamerica (anonymous) replies…
I am so sorry, whatever happened to you must be bad.
I will pray you can be repaired before you damage yourself or anyone else.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
O Lord please protect me from your followers!!
greenworld (anonymous) says…
JW- Why waste you time and money publishing such a dumb article?? Its not even worth talking about if the kid has already been deported. I mean what do you want everybody to feel sorry for him or what. I mean there isnt that much to debate here. If you wanted to turn this into a Immigration article why use this guy so people can throw darts at him. Not very nice.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
"This person has lived his life here for 20 years and has not been in any trouble." He's been earning money. Either he's paid taxes using a stolen identity or he's not been reporting his income. He's in plenty of trouble, he just hadn't been caught until recently.
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
He volunteered to get caught.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
has he been paying his taxes? I have been paying mine.
SassyGirl (anonymous) says…
Too many unanswered questions. Why did they not return to Mexico after having such a simple diagnosis? What have his family been doing for the past few decades (Paying taxes or sending $ to Mexico/). Who is paying for his college education? Come on LJW give us the entire story for a change and not just what you want us to hear.
independant1 (anonymous) says…
Anybody here ever watch "Locked Up Abroad"? The horror of it all! I am illegally in this country just by chance, went to a protest because I want to make my education at KU payback, got arrested. Released on personal recognizance. And now, I might get deported. Life is so unfair.
When I was 20 and got in trouble, I made my amends. Picked myself up, dusted myself off, moved on. It's called learning or the school of hard knocks. One learns either how not to get caught or how to live legally and make the best of ones situation. It ain't my fault I was born to low class poor parents either, I should've been born to some nice middle class couple.
independant1 (anonymous) says…
Have had many friends while at KU and at places I've worked that were illegal or afraid to or didn't want to go back to home country. Almost everyone of my aquaintances decided to do it the hard way, they went back to country of origin and worked for legal entry. The skids were greased by friends stateside.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Since the current regime is all about unequal enforcement of the law, this dude probably has nothing to worry about.
independant1 (anonymous) says…
Illegals are now in our face, no personal responsibility to be found here folks, they apparently want usa to make them legal. In a sick sort of way they are more equal in the eyes of the law than joe/jane taxpayer, there's little or no enforcement for their crime. The only Gov't solution on table = amnesty/path to legal residency and not much on the table to stem the tide of future illegal immigration. The pols run for cover on this one. Maybe if we ignor it long enough it will just go away just don't cut the mustard anymore.
skinny (Richard Johnson) says…
The owner of the Phoenix Suns basketball team, Robert Sarver, opposes
AZ's new immigration laws. Arizona's Governor, Jan Brewer, released the
following statement in response to Sarver's criticism of the new law:
"What if the owners of the Suns discovered that hordes of people were
sneaking into games without paying? What if they had a good idea who the
gate-crashers are, but the ushers and security personnel were not allowed
to ask these folks to produce their ticket stubs, thus non-paying attendees
couldn't be ejected. Furthermore, what if Suns' ownership was expected to
provide those who sneaked in with complimentary eats and drink? And what
if, on those days when a gate-crasher became ill or injured, the Suns had
to provide free medical care and shelter?" -Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
What if the owner of the Pheonix Suns was talking about AZ's illegal immigrations laws.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
Please post your address so I can come and camp in your yard. I'll show up whenever I want and stay for as long as I want. If I manage to spawn while there, I get to stay forever! Doesn't that sound like jolly fun?
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
irrelevant the law is illegal. Some of us still honor the constitution no matter where you want to camp or who sneaks into basketball games. doesn't make an illegal law legal. Thats why all you wingers want to make the issue about basketball or camping or any ridiculous apples and oranges BS you can wing out there
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
Where in the constitution does it say any illegal immigrentrs have a US rights? And if you are talking about AZ law this fellow wasn't caught under that situation.
whatthehell (anonymous) says…
I have decided I don't even believe the reason given for the parents coming here... Educated people in Mexico couldn't find a doctor to diagnose lactose issues? I think just a smoke screen.. Doesn't matter. Bye-bye.
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
Good point! He11, I go to Juarez for my lactose intolerance problems. Catch the clinic van to J town in El Paso, get treatment, ride free van back across border. Send insurance papers to address in El Paso, they are so good at filling out the insurance papers I make money. The clinic in Mexico gets paid and I get a check from clinic, my share. No copay.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
Two simple cures for lactose intolerance.
1. breastfeed
2. buy a goat
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
Bet he is getting a minority scholarship. so, deport him and Obama's aunt.
What's her story nowdays in public housing.
OR just make Mexico the next state of the United States and then all of the manufacturing companies in Mexico can be taxed.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Verdad (anonymous) says…
He has been an adult since his 18th birthday. As such he is legally responsible for his actions. He is here illegally and should be deported.
woodscolt (anonymous) replies…
theres that compassionate conservatism that guy always lied about.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) says…
I love how the ultra-right winger's keep going on their rants about how the Feds and Obama aren't enforcing immigration laws, yadda yadda yadda...
Meanwhile back in the real world- "Report: Record Number of Illegals Deported This Year"
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/02/...
So what do you say now? Obama's fed government has deported 60% more than in a comparable period of the Bush administration's last year.
60% MORE than Bush's last year... yet somehow I don't think that will stop those on the far right from continuing to spew forth the lie that Obama isn't enforcing these laws.
Don't let a little thing like a fact get in the way of your diatribe.
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
As my statistics prof always said, "now that we have the data, let's massage it."
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
Please show me how any of this was "massaged" or fabricated...
If X number of illegals were deported and X is the largest number of illegals ever deported then it isn't "massaged" statistics. It's raw numbers.
But keep your head in the sand and keep denying the truth. It really supports your arguments. *snicker*
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
In other illegal alien news:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2...
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
In other non illegal alien news:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/03/...
Score so far-
Illegal aliens: 1
Natural U.S. citizens: 9
Ricky_Vaughn (anonymous) says…
Eh, we all know what the B in Brewer stands for...
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) says…
So... in keeping with the argument that legal is legal, and illegal is illegal, shouldn't we ALL be deported? I think that the descendants of all of the people that arrived here between 1492 and 1776 should answer to the sins of their fathers and be deported because there was, and still is not anything legal about genocide. There were no green cards back then, only bloodlust, terrorism, and genocide. If you don't think so just ask a Native American Indian.
All of the people that arrived here "legally" after 1776 need to be deported because contrary to the belief that America was built on something legal, the US Government, (and America itself) was actually built on a foundation of terrorism and murder. Shouldn't all of our "legal" status as American citizens fall into question because the human rights violations of our forefathers created an illegal country to begin with?
Human beings is what we are talking about. It has always been about Human beings. Should the subject of illegal immigration even be worth arguing? These Human beings that just happen to come from Mexico and other countries are only guilty of trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. Is that not exactly what brought all of us "legals" here to begin with?
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
I'm "sending" the above "post" to http://www.unnecessaryquotes.com/
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
Well flame on, brother!
greenworld (anonymous) says…
Back to my point of yes they are running here to make a better life for themselves but once again do that in regards to fixing up your own country and making it better for your own people instead of running to the free land where you can get all the handouts. If Mexico became good all of a sudden do you really think all races would head south in a hurry. Right now if you go into mexico and your not mexican you stand a good chance of getting shot or killed. What's that tell you about Mexico and the people that currently run it.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
Interesting post...
One of the prevalent arguments among Americans is that Mexicans come here to work and send their money back to their families in Mexico. To me, this IS them trying to make their own country better for their own people. It should also be said that, since the dollar is not a currency backed by gold, rather a receipt on debt issued by the Federal Reserve, all of the Money that goes into Mexico eventually makes its way back into the American economy anyway.
The handouts and the entitlements they receive here are, unfortunately the incentives that bring them here in the first place. They are a drain on the American system regardless of the nationality of the recipient-- Americans included. Entitlements should be more limited to everyone that collects them.
If Mexico became "good all of a sudden?" What makes them "Bad?" Probably in large part, the American appetite for illegal drugs! Our appetite forces our country to funnel money into their country to limit trafficking and forces the cartels to become more violent on both sides of the border, and causes the Mexican government to get in bed with the cartels. This does not speak negatively to me about the morality of the Mexican people. Just that the government, and the wealthy are corrupt. Not unlike their friends north of the fence.
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
The problem of economic flight from Mexico and South America in general is not caused by america's appetite for drugs. Granted that problem exists but for the most part the abject poverty and small middle class down Mexico way are due to their government. Strong central government and weak province rights. Not nearly as limited as ours. We were lucky we threw out the old government when we established independence. The loyalists pretty much all packed up and shipped out. Mexico went from one corrupt government to the next with many of the same players moving on from one to the next.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Oh, do let us get into the way-back machine & return to the thrilling days of yesteryear to judge people of centuries ago by our standards! It would be such jolly fun! Totally pointless, but fun none the less.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
It is exactly the same thing as holding this young man accountable for the actions of his father. Not really my opinion, but an incontrovertible, mass hysterically, and conveniently ignored fact.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
Not so much. This lad is old enough to understand his situation. He's in America illegally and is demanding that we reward his evasion of the law.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
HaRDNoK9
The incontrovertible, mass hysterically, and conveniently ignored fact is
that this lad is a Mexican citizen not a US citizen. The fact that he wants to be in the US does not over ride the procedures in place to become one.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
Yeah, you are probably right. History is pointless. It has no merit whatsoever. Let's quit teaching it altogether and continue to bumble ourselves into war after war, one economic disaster after another, and atrocity after atrocity. Nothing at all to be learned from here!
Hydra (Roger Ford) says…
Let's try rephrasing the question. What is wrong with deporting a Mexican citizen for breaking a US law?
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
Nothing wrong with that, if the question is answered at it's face value. There is a human factor here, though. This man has been in the US for all but the first 6 months of his life. He has no understanding of the Mexican way of life, and no real prospect of making a life for himself in Mexico. Effectively, deporting him could be a death sentence.
He also does not bear the full responsibility of his "crime." For Nineteen and a half years, there have been lawmakers and politicians in the US, sworn to uphold the law, that have enabled this young man to flourish here. If we can in good conscience, deport this man then what is wrong with locking up all the US citizens who helped it happen along the way?
independant1 (anonymous) says…
"deporting him could be a death sentence. does not bear full responsibility, what's wrong with locking up enablers"?
What? He has no family in the old country, doubtfull. I work with folks who regularly go home to Mexico for holidays, weddings, funerals. The young man can still go back to old country and apply for entry (although if he has criminal record here it reduces his chances of return, you know he'll get a pass though.) As for enablers? Yup they are breaking the law and should also get their comeuppance.
Which brings to mind, have friends/aquaintances I've argued with on topic. There is a cottage industry by folks who run mexican underground railroad (shouldn't have used that term, oh well) loosely affiliated with mainstream church that are helping as many as possible settle north of the border. It's a humnitarian thing for them and a full time endeavor. Unhappily, no matter how good their intentions, their religion does say render unto the Kaiser what is Kaiser's, or something like that.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
You "assume" he has family in Mexico and that they stay in touch and are close.
I have family in Malta. I have never met them nor have I ever spoke to them. I doubt I could easily move there and fit in comfortably.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
The Holy Bible, KJV
Luke 20:25
And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
Ok. I will attempt to help you understand the context of this statement. This is the parable of the vineyard owner and Jesus' response to the Herodian question of monetary tribute. If the image on the coin is Caesar, then pay the money to Caesar. But God made man in his image, so a man is to be paid to none but God. I am no theologian, but there it is in context, and has nothing to do with our discussion although it could be loosely construed that Mexicans need only be delivered to God, not Mexico.
I think the man should be able to stay here and apply for entry. I am no lawmaker, and there are plenty of naysayers out there who won't agree with my perspective. When I think about these kinds of issues I try to exercise compassion and empathy on the side of the human being, laws be damned. Just because it is law does not make it right. Therein lies my point from the very beginning, despite all the focus, (convenient as it may be) to the contrary.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
Very nice post and I tend to agree with it. But the problem here is much larger that just one isolated case. It called setting a precedent. Compassion does say let him stay, it's not his fault his parents put him in this position. However when you do that you open a new can of worms and a new avenue for millions more immigents. Not just from Mexico but from anywhere.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
A precedent was set when Bill Clinton lied to the American People and the Grand Jury about his relations with Monica Lewinsky. Now presidents don't feel obliged to tell the truth under oath, as we can see when GW Bush lied to Congress about Iraq's involvement in 9/11.
In February a man was charged with selling illegal substances that were not illegal, right here in Lawrence, and the case is still open. A precedent is being set that gives police and other government agencies the right to charge people today for the crimes of tomorrow.
Hopefully, the system will be inefficient enough to keep this man, (Quinones) in the country long enough for The DREAM Act to pass which is the legal concession for people in his situation. Obama has also made it clear that he will be passing Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2010 via executive order if he has to. http://www.examiner.com/x-35821-Immig...
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
Dream Act? once we get it passed then we can find out what's in it.
Hydra (Roger Ford) replies…
Bill Clinton set the precedent for presidential lying? Hardly!!
We could talk about Bush 1" read my lips" and find cases from every President ever elected.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
Independant1, very true.
Hydra, thank you for correcting me. Had the Government done what it was supposed to do and kept our border secure to begin with, we would not not have to open that can of worms, would we? Somehow it is acceptable that every President ever elected is a liar, but it is not acceptable to treat people humanely. Some precedents are just more tolerable than others.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
What is keeping the IRS investigating this dude for tax evasion? He's been earning enough money to go to KU but cannot file income taxes as an illegal alien.
HaRDNoK9 (anonymous) replies…
Could be that he has an Individual Tax Identification Number, (ITIN)? This does not make it legal for him to work, but a drug tax stamp doesn't make it legal to sell drugs, either. It does however, give him a layer of protection against tax evasion, and possibly gives his employer a tax ID to report his income to.
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/articl...
One might also register themselves with the State Department of Revenue and the IRS as a sole proprietor of a company that happens to be named after them. Uncle Sam doesn't really care if you are legal or not, as long as he gets his money, and it is, (kind of) surprising that he provides a way to file income to a variety of illegal activities.
I don't know if any of these things have been done by this individual or not, but when I was thinking about your question, it occurred to me that when I registered my business with the State of Kansas, they did not ask me for my SSN and I did not provide it. The IRS asked, though and I gave it, but if I had not had one, I still could report my business income if I could provide an ITIN.