My European ancestors have been in the Americas for over 500 years, and my indigenous ancestors since time immemorial. I am a new generation American, cosmopolitan in outlook and proud of my roots, who understands that America is not a country but a continent that spans the Western Hemisphere. I support humane and comprehensive immigration reform in the US and throughout the countries of the Americas because together we are building the future.

The person I love is the son of Latino immigrants and if his parents hadn’t come here there would be no us. It breaks my heart knowing that it is impossible for people within his family to see each other because of the immigration laws in this country. How dare the United States allow for families to remain separated and longing to be together. ALL PEOPLES OF ALL NATIONALITIES AND ETHNICITIES HAVE MIGRATED AT SOME POINT ACROSS THE WORLD. Just remember, if you are not Native American in some respect then you too were the spawn of an immigrant. Immigration laws were vastly different in the past and we need to continue to change the restrictions, time, and money that we squeeze out of those who are actually going to benefit the country. The time is now for changes to occur. We cannot push this issue off any longer.

I was brought to this counrty when I was a year old. Both my parents migrated illegally. My father is now a legal resident. My mothers case is pending. Both worked hard in Mexico, crossing the border, and working for 25 years. I wasn’t asked if I wanted to come to America. My parents gave me the American advertised, “American Dream”. Since then we have moved around California various times. When it was time for me to start school I went. Obviously it was a long road full of potholes and dangers to arrive at my destination. Which was to become bi-lingual. Yes till this day I am a bad speller in both English and Spanish. I graduated high school. While working two jobs, being on the school paper, tennis team, and keeping up with my grades. I earned money from working. Because of my perfect attendance record at school my junior and senior year I was entered in a raffel. A few who also qualified were also entered. I won’t a thousand dollars. I also wrote an essay. After being interviewed I got a 200 dollar grant. With that I went to community college. Since I qualified as an out of state student I paid close to five thousand dollars. Later on I learned that I qualified for the AB 540. With all this going on I had no spare time to get involved in drugs, join a gang, help other counties bring terrists to the land I new as home. Since I couldn’t get a drivers license. Something my friends shared. In a circle they commented on eachother picture. I did receive a traffic ticket. Which I paid for by serving community service. After completing my 60 hours and paying a fee of 90 dollars. I continued going to that center till my family was evicted and seperated. Now I am living in a different state. Hoping to reunite with my family. I do not take hand outs or apply for food stamps. When I need to go to the doctor I wait till the pain is not allowing me to do day to day activities. I pay 40 dollars or 70 what I can. And yes I have applied for income based programs. I have been not taught not to steal. Among other things. HOPEFULLY OTHER PEOPLE WILL READ AND LEARN BEFORE JUDGING ME, AS A PERSON AND NOT A MEXICAN AMERICAN WOMAN. Thank you.

This is extremely outrageous and dehumanizing, all the things they say and do to Latinos and immigrants. Just look at the private prisons making profits off jailing and separating families. Immigration reform? Yer right with these people paying politicians we won’t be able to. About coming here legally, do you really think its that easy if it was everyone would do it. Learn before you speak!

We have rights, no more family separations!

I think it is deplorable to speak this way of any group, nationality or race of people. Especially latinos, chicanos, mexican american or spanish. They were here in this land before we were. We are a land of immigrants. I am descended on my fathers side of Irish, who also experienced prejudice and of german on my mothers side. I’m very proud of both heritages, and thank my ancestors for having left their homelands to come here to make a new life for themselves and future generations. I am a bilingual teacher and have found that the majority of students of immigrants, and who themselves are immigrants are the most respectful and the most anxious to learn and do well. Their parents treat teachers like gods and work very hard with teachers instructions to help their children. They are hard workers in low level jobs, but honest jobs and provide richly for their families. They are a great contribution to our society. We like their food, jewelry, clothing and many artifacts and furnishings for our homes, but take advantage of them to obtain them.


Come on America, remember they are americans too just of a more southerly part. As a teacher i have most always that our hispanic, and foreign students in general are more respectful and appreciative of advantages given them.

Are the people you have pointed out, misrepresenting our country? In part, yes. However, enforcement should be increased. Am I against immigration? NO. Am I against ILLEGAL immigration? YES. If they want to come to the U.S. legally? The more the merrier. But the illegal immigrants are coming to the U.S. to take advantage of our country, our benefits, etc. For those in our country already, give them an opportunity to be here legally. If they chose NOT to be here legally, then the enforcement of our laws should be mandetory, BECAUSE they made their choice, and must now stick with that choice.

Maybe they should be more concerned about drugs coming into this country rather than hard working individuals who are looking for a better life for them and their families.

We are going to overcome these idiots. It is just a matter of time. Be patient and stay positive.