Home > The Border Line > Archives > 2007 > December > 05 > Entry
Democratic candidates discuss deportations, learning English
Democratic candidates spent much time discussing immigration at their latest debate, after National Public Radio decided to make it one of three themes of the exchange.
They covered a wide range of topics including the cost of mass deportations, whether to deputize Americans to enforce immigration law, and the English learning curve of current immigrants.
Here are the highlights:
Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York: “What we’re looking at here is 12 million to 14 million people. They live in our neighborhoods. They take care of our elderly parents. They probably made the beds in the hotels that some of us stayed in last night. They are embedded in our society.”
Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois: “We’re not going to deputize a whole bunch of American citizens to start grabbing people or turning them in, in part because the ordinary American citizen may not know whether or not this person is illegal or not. Now, we should be holding employers accountable…But, you know, the notion that we’re going to criminalize priests, for example, or doctors who are providing services to individuals, and throw them in jail for doing what their calling asks them to do, which is to provide help and service to people in need, I think that is a mistake. I think that’s out of America’s character.”
Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware: “They’ll speak English. Like every other large wave of immigrants, once they are bond with the second generation, they’ll all be speaking English. What’s the fear here? Give me an example where that hasn’t happened.”
Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut: “I’m very worried about the fear and hate-mongers out there who are going to divide this country very terribly on this subject matte
More Clinton: “You’ll hear the voices of those saying, ‘Deport people. Round them up.’ That is absolutely unrealistic, and it is not in keeping with American values. The best estimates I have is it would take about $200 billion over five years to round up 12 to 14 million people. It would take tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of new law enforcement officials. It would take a convoy of 200,000 buses stretching 1,700 miles. People in America would be outraged at the loss of their privacy and the invasion of their homes and businesses.”
Comments
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By Registered Democrat
December 5, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
American people to Democratic candidates: Enforce our laws and control our borders! Every nation in the world — including Mexico — insists upon the same prerogatives. It’s still OUR country, right? Is it OK to say that: OUR COUNTRY? And this BS about mass deportations is a red herring. Illegal aliens will self-deport if we truly start fining/jailing those who hire them. If no one hires them, they leave. Pretty simple, and a lot less expensive than “rounding up” all the illegals.
By Wally Knowles
December 5, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
As usual the Democrat Presidental candidates were very “tepid” when it comes to the illegal situation.. There responses were the same old “can”t do”syndrome. If the American voters don’t awaken to this major disaster we have there is no hope for the survival of this Republic as we have known it… Too many of our Congressional members have commited treason as relates to the oath to protect our country which includes our borders.
By Wally Knowles
December 5, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
As usual the Democrat Presidental candidates were very “tepid” when it comes to the illegal situation.. There responses were the same old “can”t do”syndrome. If the American voters don’t awaken to this major disaster we have there is no hope for the survival of this Republic as we have known it… Too many of our Congressional members have commited treason as relates to the oath to protect our country which includes our borders.
By Mary
December 6, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
The liberals continue to sell We the People out! They’re so full of misinformation: We don’t need to deport them. They’ll leave once we quite handing them everything they want. Crack down on employers of illegals; cut out the free education, medical care, welfare, etc. Stop translating into Spanish. I don’t want MY tax dollars going to support illegals. It’s costing We the People a fortune to support illegals so othey can make our beds and clean our toilets. When they’re gone, others with low education will step up and replace them but won’t work for slave labor as the illegals do. It’s time to stop slave labor and get rid of the illegals. Our tax dollars can be better spent than on illegals.
By Billy J. Cooper
December 6, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Give us Americans a break will you. We are not all stupid. Illegals have caused the wages to stay low. They den up in homes 25 or more eat beans and tortillas, dont have insurance on their vehicles, take advantage of all the gimme programs that we offer. We want to kiss Mexicos behind and let them all stay here in the land of milk and honey. If they want to become American citizens, Let them join our military and fight for this country.We then will see where their loyalty lies. and standing around here waving a Mexican Flag dont cut it with me.
By Ron
December 6, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Have ICE announce that in Jan 1, 2008 they will pay a bounty to people turning in illegal aliens who will be documented in a website of illegals who cannot apply for any programs. They will run to flee the country and keep eligibility for programs.
By JULIE BROWN
December 6, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
The dollar amount Clinton was spouting could have easily been raised if we weren’t in a war that we have no business in. Cut out all the free-be’s, teach/speak nothing but English and fine the people that keep hiring them. They’ll leave on their own. But why should they now? They are not here to become American like all the others of the past, they are forcing their cultures on us and screaming discrimination when we object. Who’s country is this again??
By Brittanicus
December 6, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Suddenly the laws of the 1986 Simpson/Mazzoli Immigration Control act is in full swing, except the internal enforcement is limited to resources.
In any City, Community, Town, Village ar hamlet throughout these United States (ICE) is finally raiding the factories, offices, work-places and corporate HQ of pariah business hiring cheap illegal foreign national workers.
(ICE) Immigration & Customs Enforcement can only do so much. They have limited resources and limited man-power. The “SAVE ACT” can elevate much of the frustration and anger of the American citizen. Use of penalties from predator employers of heavy fines and confiscation of business profits, would pay exceedingly well for internal enforcement?
Stop all this festering issue of illegal immigration. Unless U.S. citizens strive to end this conflict amongst the ruling parties, the immigration debate isn’t going away. None of the political parties are without blame, nor the American people? This invasion has not just started, it’s been gaining momentum of three decades. Its an argument full of venom and pro-illegal immigrant-organizations, only have to use the race card to send both politicians and activists cowering in a dark corner. This is not about a persons ethnic background, its all about Americas state and county treasuries, heading towards bankrupcy. However, times are changing and the globalist, open-border, free-marketeers are not winning any more. Mitt Romney, Obama, Huckabee, Guiliani, Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Richardson, McCain and others are now scrambling to appease the majority of the American citizen population who are fed up with paying the tab for pariah employers.The annual cost to taxpayers is about $22 + billion a year according to Center for Immigration Studies and the tax burden will grow — because 15 million more immigrants are set to arrive by year 2017 according to their latest research.
More than 10 million immigrants have arrived since year 2000; it is estimated that nearly 6 million are illegal. All told, the group of immigrants now account for 38 million at the moment according to the White House’s own census bureau. Fight back today and demand your Washington (Public Servant) co-authors “THE SAVE ACT”.
By Rubicon
December 6, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
The illegal alien population may only be here because they want to improve their lot in life, but Americans only want laws enforced so our lot in life is not destroyed. We do NOT need to round up the illegal alien population. If we prosecute greedy employers to the full extent of the law, and eliminate jobs & other incentives to come here or stay here, those here now will leave. Those who do not leave are the true criminal element who were not going to leave no matter what & need prison, then deportation. If learning English is so easy, why are Democrats obstructing employers from requiring it be spoken at jobs? Pelosi wants the Salvation Army efforts blocked. Why? Americans “did” all the jobs illegal aliens now do, prior to their arrival. Illegal aliens are NOT everywhere in the nation, yet beds still get made, trash collected, tables waited on, dishes washed, etc. Wonder who is doing those jobs? Tell the “they do jobs Americans won’t do” crowd, to watch television a little. The Discovery Channel has a program hosted by Mike Rowe called “Dirty Jobs.” If Americans do the jobs Mike visits at, it is obvious Americans will do ANY job. However, Americans will NOT do those jobs for illegal alien slave labor rates. That is the issue here folks. Greedy businesses want to drive down American workers’ wages. If we keep the illegals out, employers will have to pay living wages & actually offer some decent benefits to employees. The greedy employers can threaten the illegal aliens with disclosure so illegals work at slave labor rates, with few or no benefits, and abysmal conditions in many cases. But, do NOT tell us they do jobs Americans won’t do. Its a lie. Its an exaggeration designed to fake a problem that does NOT exist! Lies are why the people want the borders secured “before” we talk about any other actions for illegal aliens or other immigrants!
By Derek
December 6, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Now days most politicians are only interested in those able to vote and future voters. Who do you think the illegals will vote for in the future. My country, my rules Hillary. Ship their sorry butts out you allowed this crap to happy, now clean it up. The people can take the cost from your pay, which I understand is well into the millions, should help deporrt a few. America for Americans. Legal immigrants “Welcome.” Illegals go back thats what laws are for. Start obeying them,understand. or are you brain dead.
By Derek
December 6, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Until this country can control the pay our politicians help themselves to. We will have to put up with their BS. Let the state and it’s people control their salaries. Instead of them helping themselve to our tax dollars. One term for retirement with full pay and allowances BS. They should get the same as all federal retirees. Then maybe we could get some useful results from them. Right now they consider themselves as the Capital Elite of the American Nation. The perveyors of money, another term for whores.
By Dixie McKie
December 6, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
The candidates are the illiterates when it comes to illegal immigration. This morally bankrupt crowd, which includes the president, congress and senate, refuse to enforce our laws and our borders. None of them are fit to be in office. They should do us all a favor by resigning.
Americans really do want the “RULE OF LAW” upheld. These “leaders” have had 20 plus years to enforce our borders. Obviously, they have no intention of doing so.
They are aiding and abetting the illegal aliens in the hopes that they will gain more voters. What they fail to see if that when the illegal aliens are able to vote, they will be voting in their own candidates - not these jokers.
By JoAnne
December 6, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Only so many LEGALS - of any nationality should be allowed in each year- and so many per state-and they have to support themselves…. we cannot afford all the handouts- we are not the BOARDING-HOUSE for the poor! It is very simple- Say it- mean it and do it!!!! Amnesty, and turning your head is WRONG! Enforce the laws- heavily fine anyone who hires a illegal! Give no handouts- no food programs, no medical, no jobs and they will leave- politicians make it so inviting- all for votes and fear, and lack of following through….they will keep pouring in until the end of time- and turn American into a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY!!!! Their government(they send them here to get money to bring back) should make them a first world country and they should stay in Mexico! We are not the 911 for the world!!! We vacationed there many times, but will NOT go back to visit- as long as they are trying to invade and skim off our country- no other country is so stupid! Washington is weak and turns their heads- no one has the guts or takes the lead and stands up for what is right!!!! NO NAFTA superhighway-(duh! it is open for the extreme terrorists to get in -like a invite) NO to Canada, US & Mexico all one country?—— the Amero dollar?-the new world order! Hasn’t anyone in DC read the bible? We don’t want to join countries- and we don’t want to pay for illegals — they are lawless people-& Canada is too liberal-we are different kinds of people- they don’t respect us- Mexicans put their flag on top of ours - their will be a civil war first. .. Let those border agents free- they were only doing their job! Give them authority! Mexicans have been warned- let boarder agents shoot-if they come anyway(that stopped the airline hijackers in the 1960’s) if they know you mean business - they won’t come- they know the laws here are weak-WAKE UP AMERICA! WAKE UP WASHINGTON!
By L1M89
December 7, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Immigration Issue Reveals Arrogance Of The ‘Ruling Class’ - Link - http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/cadamo/2007/cga_12061.shtml
[“Intermixed with Hillary Clinton’s many disparate stances on illegal immigration are the occasional, very revealing statements that say far more about her character in general than about her transient and flexible beliefs. In one recent statement, she expressed her surprise at the vehemence of real America in its opposition to the massive invasion of illegals.”] —snip—
[“Try this for subtlety and nuance Mrs. Clinton. Most Americans love their country, revere its heritage, and hope to pass its blessings of bounty and liberty on to their children and their children’s children. They have no intention of sitting idly by while their nation is “Balkanized,” and increasingly takes on the attributes of the third world in its everyday life. They are outraged by every incident reflective of a “banana republic” in the workings of its local, state and federal governments.”]
By L1M89
December 7, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
[“Of course such a blast of reality would never be compatible with the standard operation of the Clinton political machine. Thus, while Hillary may occasionally land on the right side of the illegals issue, as she did in the Las Vegas debate where she was finally coerced into opposition of driver’s licenses for illegal aliens, her heart clearly is not, and never was, for taking sufficient action to stem the invasion. If elected, she will not abate the crisis.”]
Both DemocRat & Republican’t political cucarachas are listening more to globalists than to patriotic American Citizens & are willing to allow our U.S.A. to be Balkanized. If the invasion of Illegal Aliens is allowed to continue our wonderful sovereign nation will be relegated to the level of a 3rd world banana republic, begging for U.N. handouts.
By L1M89
December 7, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
[“Unfortunately, Senator Clinton is hardly alone, nor does her party hold a monopoly on the border issue. Some of the worst displays of arrogant disdain for real America, and detachment from its plight, have occurred on the Republican side of the aisle. Consider, as perhaps the most outrageous example, a statement made by Arizona Senator John McCain in the recent CNN/Youtube Republican debate.
For starters, McCain reiterated the falsehood that last summer’s amnesty bill, once known as “McCain/Kennedy,” did not entail amnesty. So all of those American imbeciles, who were fired up at the prospect of a fast track to legal status for possibly twenty million illegal aliens, should have been at ease since the bill offered a token “hoop” or two on the road to full citizenship. Somehow, the pathologically cynical
By Irember911
December 8, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
These fancypants politians need to be plucked out of their Ivory towers and live down in the trenches with the rest of us. Then they would see what is going on. They had better listen there are millions of us out there that could run the country better than they are and we will show them in 08 We have to wake them up or they will just keep doing the same old thing. John Mccain said to shaun hannity, I got the message when asked about his stupipid amnesty bill, but since I heard him say that I don’t think he really got the message. We want the boarders closed, laws enforced and if like hillery says it takes millions of dollars then I would rather use our tax dollars for that than forking it our to the millions of illegals that are here. Just my perspective , and millions just like me. We have had it.