Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth

MyUserName1

CLICKY

CN: Effective immediately youth who entered the US illegally under the age of 16 and who have been been in the US for at least the last five years consecutively, who are in school or have graduated/earned a GED or honorable discharge from the US military, have no criminal convictions and are under age 30 are eligible to apply for work authorization and qualify for a 2 year deferment on any deportation actions.

I work in immigration law, so we're extremely excited about this in my office today!

adamar15

Someone can be in the military without proving citizenship?

MyUserName1

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:8c246c53-8c16-49a7-9e9c-e06d1922f760">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]Someone can be in the military without proving citizenship?
Posted by adamar15[/QUOTE]

I didn't think so, actually.  But I'm not a military expert.  <em>Perhaps</em>, either that hasn't always been the case <em>or</em> they're giving amnesty to those who falsified citizenship in order to join?  That's just speculation though.

LesPaul

When I was in the Marine Corps it was not a requirement to be a citizen.  You did, however, have to sign a statement that you would not use it as an excuse to get out of your enlistment contract early.  I don't think it has changed, so yes, there are many non-US citizens in the military.

aragx6

Wonderful news!

MyUserName1

Ah, thanks for the clarification, Les! 

brandichamberlain

I am glad that this is being implmented.  There was a story from around here not long ago (LINK)  that comes to mind when this topic comes up.  I'm curious to see what happens with her. 

CN on link:  A girl was brought to America at 6 weeks old and left with an American family to grow up.  When she turned 18 she was deported despite 11 years of trying to fight to become a citizen and be adopted by the family.

[Deleted User]

This makes me so happy I could cry. Hopefully this will be a good thing for my cousin's husband!

Starmusica

I think this is fantastic. Yes- a violation of law brought them here but they were children. If they've contributed to our country or have an education and potentially could work here- why either spend the money to deport them or force them to work illegally. I think it's terrible that children are forced to pay for the acts of their parents. This is a WONDERFUL step forward.

Ali092011

My sister's husband fits ALL of the criteria. I'm emailing him the article right now. Great news! Thanks for sharing!

aurianna

Biggest problem here: This wasn't enacted by congress... the power that is supposed to write the laws. Executive branch is supposed to enforce laws.
This was a complete violation of the separation of powers.

Also this is going to just incentivize MORE illegal immigration, so I doubt anyone who works in those offices should get too excited just yet.

Yes they were just children... but they were children who already benefited greatly from the system. Free education on the tax payers' dime. Free emergency room visits on the tax payers' dime. I'm not sure what great things these minors have contributed to our society when they've already taken so much.

This will lead to amnesty... which I think is so unfair to those who have tried legally to get over here, rather than presuming they are entitled to it.

EDIT:
Don't mean offense to anyone who has loved ones that this affects... but my opinion doesn't change... so often we hear:
"Your case is not special. Don't tier your wedding."
"Your case is not special. Don't not invite SOs"
"Your case is not special. Don't invite people to pre-wedding parties that you don't plan to invite to the wedding."

"Your case is not special. You are here illegally. You should not be allowed to stay."

Starmusica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:26fc5744-4056-4b3b-aabc-11d61faeb020">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]Biggest problem here: This wasn't enacted by congress... the power that is supposed to write the laws. Executive branch is supposed to enforce laws. This was a complete violation of the separation of powers. Also this is going to just incentivize MORE illegal immigration, so I doubt anyone who works in those offices should get too excited just yet. Yes they were just children... but they were children who already benefited greatly from the system. Free education on the tax payers' dime. Free emergency room visits on the tax payers' dime. I'm not sure what great things these minors have contributed to our society when they've already taken so much. This will lead to amnesty... which I think is so unfair to those who have tried legally to get over here, rather than presuming they are entitled to it. EDIT: Don't mean offense to anyone who has loved ones that this affects... but my opinion doesn't change... so often we hear: "Your case is not special. Don't tier your wedding." "Your case is not special. Don't not invite SOs" "Your case is not special. Don't invite people to pre-wedding parties that you don't plan to invite to the wedding." "Your case is not special. You are here illegally. You should not be allowed to stay."
Posted by aurianna[/QUOTE]


comparing wedding planning to the hardships the children of immigrants face is by far one of the most ignorant, inane things I  have ever read on this blog. I read this through twice- trying to find a way to respect your opinion but honestly... you are a frigging moron.

aurianna

If you can't respect the opinion of one who wants to see the articles of the constitution upheld... who wants to see due process... then I think you're letting your bleeding heart cloud your judgement.

Everyone has hardships. Children of American citizens have hardships, and our resources for them get diverted because of those that are here illegally. Children in countries that don't border us have hardships, but money that would go towards foreign aid is being diverted because of those that are here illegally.

There is a bigger picture and I think anyone that refuses to look at is being ignorant.

Perhaps something like this should be put in place one day, but more thought out. But no... it had to be done right now, skirting the constitution, right before an election where a certain voting block has a vested interest.

I'm not buying it.


EDIT:
And obviously I used the wedding examples to put in terms that everyone here would understand. What makes some people more special than others?

aurianna

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:9fb3616c-0a5f-439d-a478-f896e37695f3">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]I think this is fantastic. Yes- a violation of law brought them here but they were children. If they've contributed to our country or have an education and potentially could work here- why either spend the money to deport them or force them to work illegally. I think it's terrible that children are forced to pay for the acts of their parents. This is a WONDERFUL step forward.
Posted by Starmusica[/QUOTE]

Also, it is not just crossing the border that is illegal. Their continued presence is illegal.
That education they've obtained illegally. And now they can use it to obtain jobs that, with these high unemployment rates, could go to citizens or those who have worked hard to <em>properly </em>secure a work visa.

If they are educated here in America and get to adulthood, then they've hopefully been taught about the laws... shouldn't they respect them? If they don't respect our law and land then why do they want to stay?

EDIT:
The military portion of this is the only part I support (though still prefer it was passed by congress instead). If you are willing to die for this country, served and were honorably discharged, you should be allowed to obtain visas.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:8c246c53-8c16-49a7-9e9c-e06d1922f760">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]Someone can be in the military without proving citizenship?
Posted by adamar15[/QUOTE]

I think it's sad that this implies that in the past, they could have deported someone who served in our military.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:26fc5744-4056-4b3b-aabc-11d61faeb020">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]Biggest problem here: This wasn't enacted by congress... the power that is supposed to write the laws. Executive branch is supposed to enforce laws. This was a complete violation of the separation of powers. Also this is going to just incentivize MORE illegal immigration, so I doubt anyone who works in those offices should get too excited just yet. Yes they were just children... but they were children who already benefited greatly from the system. Free education on the tax payers' dime. Free emergency room visits on the tax payers' dime. I'm not sure what great things these minors have contributed to our society when they've already taken so much. This will lead to amnesty... which I think is so unfair to those who have tried legally to get over here, rather than presuming they are entitled to it. EDIT: Don't mean offense to anyone who has loved ones that this affects... but my opinion doesn't change... so often we hear: "Your case is not special. Don't tier your wedding." "Your case is not special. Don't not invite SOs" "Your case is not special. Don't invite people to pre-wedding parties that you don't plan to invite to the wedding." "Your case is not special. You are here illegally. You should not be allowed to stay."
Posted by aurianna[/QUOTE]

Tell me more about the free emergency room visits. My insurance makes me pay $100, and only if I'm admitted.

I mean, considering most people in the US don't have free healthcare, it seems counterintuitive that people would come to the US for our awesome free healthcare. I WISH that existed.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:397cee87-e79c-4157-876c-ff663002d80b">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth : Also, it is not just crossing the border that is illegal. Their continued presence is illegal. That education they've obtained illegally. And now they can use it to obtain jobs that, with these high unemployment rates, could go to citizens or those who have worked hard to properly secure a work visa. If they are educated here in America and get to adulthood, then they've hopefully been taught about the laws... shouldn't they respect them? If they don't respect our law and land then why do they want to stay? EDIT: The military portion of this is the only part I support (though still prefer it was passed by congress instead). If you are willing to die for this country, served and were honorably discharged, you should be allowed to obtain visas.
Posted by aurianna[/QUOTE]

What education have they obtained illegally? Public education? That's paid for by property taxes. If they own a home, they pay property taxes. If they rent a home, like me (a natural born citizen), they pay those taxes indirectly through their landlord. Also, they pay sales tax. Also, if they are using a fake SS number, they are paying income and SS taxes. However, they can't collect on that down the road, or file to get a tax refund. Also, public education isn't based on legal status, thankfully. It's in the best interest of our society to have an educated public. Having people who are brought to the US at the age of 4 who are never allowed to attend public school would be a much bigger clusterfuuck.

If they have a public college education, they are entitled to that as residents of their state, and also based on the tuition they pay.

However, many of them, including those with college educations, can't get jobs because of their legal status, creating more of a drain on society, when you think about. Someone with a college degree is obviously trying to be a productive citizen.

MyUserName1

Mery has made a bunch of valid points. I'd like to add that any child who has not been in the country for five years AS OF TODAY is not eligible.  If they have been here for five years as of tomorrow?  SOL.  If they enter today?  SOL.  So, I don't see how it encourages more illegal immigration.  This only applies to people who have been here since June 15, 2007.

Starmusica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:2dfdf2e8-bd5a-47f8-aedf-be463703329b">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]If you can't respect the opinion of one who wants to see the articles of the constitution upheld... who wants to see due process... then I think you're letting your bleeding heart cloud your judgement. Everyone has hardships. Children of American citizens have hardships, and our resources for them get diverted because of those that are here illegally. Children in countries that don't border us have hardships, but money that would go towards foreign aid is being diverted because of those that are here illegally. There is a bigger picture and I think anyone that refuses to look at is being ignorant. Perhaps something like this should be put in place one day, but more thought out. But no... it had to be done right now, skirting the constitution, right before an election where a certain voting block has a vested interest. I'm not buying it. EDIT: And obviously I used the wedding examples to put in <strong><u>terms that everyone here would understand.</u></strong> What makes some people more special than others?
Posted by aurianna[/QUOTE]

Are you implying that if a post isn't filled with tiaras and flowers, we won't understand a point? My point still stands- comparing illegal immigration to weddings makes you a moron.

And explain you r "wants to see due process" comment. I feel like you are just blurting out legal terms in an effort to sound intelligent.

And what are you not buying? That this is a good law or that this was passed for the right reasons? And honestly- even if it was passed for the WRONG reasons- what of it? The end is still the same. CHILDREN have no say in the matter- if their parents brought them here, what can they do. If they are too young to join the military they should be deported? Even if their parents pay property taxes- thus negating your entire "free education" claim. Yes, some immigrants take advantage of welfare programs- so do a whole hell of a lot of citizens. But so many others are hard working tax payers. Your whole claim that they are lying around, taking things for free is honestly, in my opinion, racist.

Starmusica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:79ede6cb-83fc-4795-a4e8-a9829d7de106">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]Mery has made a bunch of valid points. I'd like to add that any child who has not been in the country for five years AS OF TODAY is not eligible.  If they have been here for five years as of tomorrow?  SOL.  If they enter today?  SOL.  So, I don't see how it encourages more illegal immigration.  This only applies to people who have been here since June 15, 2007.
Posted by MyUserName1[/QUOTE]


good observation.

aurianna

If a parent knows that if they can stay hidden for 5 years their kids won't be deported, it creates a greater pay off for the risk. How would that not encourage people who were already on the cusp of sneaking in?

Also,what kind of proof do these people need to offer up that they've been here for 5 years, exactly?

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Oh, and from my understanding (still trying to figure this out), they can be deported after they turn 30. So I'm not sure if there's a way for them to apply for citizenship while in the country without the risk of deportation because of this, or if it's just giving them a reprieve for a few years. If it's the latter, then it just seems like political pandering and not a real solution to anything, IMO.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:6fd3e50c-4c06-4392-9087-da3f832ba840">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>If a parent knows that if they can stay hidden for 5 years their kids won't be deported, it creates a greater pay off for the risk. How would that not encourage people who were already on the cusp of sneaking in?</strong> Also,what kind of proof do these people need to offer up that they've been here for 5 years, exactly?
Posted by aurianna[/QUOTE]

Because they don't have time machines and didn't know that Obama would be passing this as of 5 years ago?

Starmusica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:5fe65db9-bf73-4781-b421-15d53861e72c">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth : Because they don't have time machines and didn't know that Obama would be passing this as of 5 years ago?
Posted by msmerymac[/QUOTE]


I am giving up on this chick. She is clearly not reading responses well and she clearly hasn't read about what was actually passed.

MyUserName1

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:6fd3e50c-4c06-4392-9087-da3f832ba840">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]If a parent knows that if they can stay hidden for 5 years their kids won't be deported, it creates a greater pay off for the risk. How would that not encourage people who were already on the cusp of sneaking in? <strong>Also,what kind of proof do these people need to offer up that they've been here for 5 years, exactly?</strong>
Posted by aurianna[/QUOTE]

What?  Are you looking for legal advice?  I'm afraid my firm cannot provide that unless you sign an engagement letter and send a retainer fee.

Please.  They need to offer proofs that will satisfy U.S. agents.  It's not like they'll just take their word for it.

AND, Mery is correct, it is a deferment.  These kids are getting a two year deferment if they have a deportation proceeding in effect already.  This will not grant them citizenship or legal permanent residence.

Starmusica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:89c6f045-7ed7-4c66-8427-c48aa3726cfc">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth : What?  <strong>Are you looking for legal advice?  I'm afraid my firm cannot provide that unless you sign an engagement letter and send a retainer fee. Please.  </strong>They need to offer proofs that will satisfy U.S. agents.  It's not like they'll just take their word for it. AND, Mery is correct, it is a deferment.  These kids are getting a two year deferment if they have a deportation proceeding in effect already.  This will not grant them citizenship or legal permanent residence.
Posted by MyUserName1[/QUOTE]


Username- this cracked me up. (I also practice- though not immigration).

aurianna

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:f1eae443-ec10-4217-99bc-69dab34085b3">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth : Are you implying that if a post isn't filled with tiaras and flowers, we won't understand a point?  My point still stands- comparing illegal immigration to weddings makes you a moron
Posted by Starmusica[/QUOTE]
No, I'm implying that it's generally a fairly effective technique to tie in something people are familiar with when trying to make a point. I'm sorry if my use of metaphor was not well received.


[QUOTE] And explain you r "wants to see due process" comment. I feel like you are just blurting out legal terms in an effort to sound intelligent.[/QUOTE]
Separation of powers: Legislature writes the laws. Judicial branche interprets the laws. Executive branch enforces the laws. My biggest beef with this whole thing is the president taking it upon himself to create laws. This should probably concern everyone, even though in favor of the act.
Due process comment? I more specifically meant the rule of law and that it should be upheld (that's probably what I should have said instead). Also that people who are here illegally should be treated correctly by the system, but the system should follow through.
I'm no lawyer / poli sci major and I'm fairly out of my realm. If I wanted to sound intelligent I'd throw out math terms but that didn't seem appropriate.

[QUOTE]  And what are you not buying? That this is a good law or that this was passed for the right reasons? And honestly- even if it was passed for the WRONG reasons- what of it? The end is still the same. [/QUOTE]

I'm not buying that this wasn't done, in this manner, to get minority votes in swing states like Florida. I think it's disingenuous. However I'm very cynical. I hope that that isn't the reason (I also hope that wasn't the reason he came out for gay marriage a few weeks ago, but I have my doubts considering things he's on record saying in the past).
And, this isn't a law. A law is written and passed by an elected congress of our representatives.
Your argument also assumes that this is a good "law."

[QUOTE]
CHILDREN have no say in the matter- if their parents brought them here, what can they do.[/QUOTE] Quick aside... if the children come forward and suddenly can't be deported, what happens to the parents? Are they really going to deport the parents and not the children? If the answer is "no" then this act essentially also rewards the adults who <em>did</em> have a say in the matter. If the answer is "yes" how many parents are going come forward with their children immediately? I'm guessing instead the children will wait until till they are grown, hopefully know right from wrong and do have a say in the matter. They should then join the military and fight for this country they want to stay in, or try to become a citizen the legal way and wait in their country of birth until the time is right.

[QUOTE]If they are too young to join the military they should be deported?[/QUOTE] I don't think they should be deported if they served their stint in the miltary. I said that above. But I think this case should be <em>legislated</em>.

[QUOTE]Even if their parents pay property taxes- thus negating your entire "free education" claim.[/QUOTE] I find this really a really interesting point she made as well. How do you even pay property tax if you're illegal? Do you not need a SS#? Assuming there are in fact illegal immigrants that pay property tax (without doing so through any other illegal means like identity theft), I definitely have some respect there (and definitely a lack of respect for their local government for not enforcing the law), but I'm pretty sure schools still get federal funding as well (I think I saw a chart once with 8%?)(though I really think it should be a purely local/state thing).

[QUOTE]
 Yes, some immigrants take advantage of welfare programs- so do a whole hell of a lot of citizens.[/QUOTE] It is incredibly wrong when Americans abuse the system. It is still incredibly wrong with illegal immigrants abuse the system. This changes nothing.

[QUOTE] But so many others are hard working tax payers. Your whole claim that they are lying around, taking things for free is honestly, in my opinion, racist.
Posted by Starmusica[/QUOTE]
I never claimed that anyone was lying around all day doing thing so you can take back the race card you were so quick to throw (I find this especially amusing as I'm assuming you do not know my race).
I'm saying in 90%+ percent of the cases that these children received advantages equal and above that of those whose parents are waiting to get into this country legally, at least partially on the American tax payer's dime, and that should be enough. Why reward 100% of both them [and their parents who possibly won't be deported because we don't like to split up families] and encourage more illegal activity in the process?
(note: the less than 10% are those whose parents pay full property, income, social security, sales tax, association fees, etc but regardless... still here illegally)

And that took a long time to type. I bet we're already onto a different topic by now...

aragx6

Your lack of empathy is striking. There are people who, in their teens, find out for the first time that they're illegal. The idea of sending them back to a place they've never known out of some sense of "punishment" or "justice" even though they would prefer to stay here and be a contributing member of American society is galling to me.

rsanna

Question:  If they are already here illegally, draining our system, etc. what are the downsides of granting them citizenship, or at least making their stay legal so they have to follow the same rules as any other legal immigrant here?  I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but I am just honestly curious (and naive).

Would deporting illegal immigrants (who got over here somehow, so I bet they can do it again) cost more money than making them legal and thus subjugate them to the same rules and everything as everyone else?

Ali092011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_deferred-action-for-dream-act-eligible-youth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:fdaabf08-07d5-4c0e-a10c-99a0535fbe1dPost:fc16b5f8-2fc3-4a6d-af36-c6be7fffbe52">Re: Deferred action for Dream Act eligible youth</a>:
[QUOTE]Question:  If they are already here illegally, draining our system, etc. what are the downsides of granting them citizenship, or at least making their stay legal so they have to follow the same rules as any other legal immigrant here?  I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but I am just honestly curious (and naive). Would deporting illegal immigrants (who got over here somehow, so I bet they can do it again) cost more money than making them legal and thus subjugate them to the same rules and everything as everyone else?
Posted by rsanna[/QUOTE]

Well, yes, deportation is a legal process. You don't just round everyone up and toss 'em on a boat headed back to where they came from. So we're talking possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to deport people--which taxpayers would pay for of course--versus allowing these people to work, get educated, spend, and otherwise pour money into our shittastic economy.

So, I think you're absolutely right.

Simply Fated

My bf's father had FOX news on today and was yelling about this. I think it was The O'Reilly Factor. Anyway, it was hard to swallow my dinner listening to his ranting. I think it's very important to not punish children based on their parents' choices. At any wedding I don't sideeye children. They're just kids.