You missed the point completely. The kids were handed ISS and were made to re take their reviews. Illegal or legal you have the freedom of speech. There were some “legal" kids in the mix too you know. I think the administrators acted appropriately. You just need to be on the other side of stick to see things the way we as a minority see them.

"The law is very racially skewed and unconstitutional."

How is this law racially skewed?

Unless every white person in GA will be required to carry a birth certificate or US Passport with them at all times, the law is racially skewed. How do you propose this law be enforced without infringing on the rights of Hispanic American and Permanent resident Latinos.

We have been forced to carry legal ID all the time for driving and flying and crossing the border and so forth. Are you saying that "the rights of Hispanic American and Permanent resident Latinos" exempt them from having to produce ID?

"We have been forced to carry legal ID all the time for driving and flying and crossing the border and so forth."
If that's all you think they will be required to present, then explain to me why it was necessary to pass a new law when current law already covers that much ID.

"Are you saying that "the rights of Hispanic American and Permanent resident Latinos" exempt them from having to produce ID?"

When Puerto Ricans are already harrassed when they can't produce a VISA (which btw as US citizens by birth, they don't NEED and can't get), yes. When I can face a prison sentence and steep fines because I help (as part of faith based ministry efforts to keep people from becoming a burden on taxpayers) women and children without having any regard for their legal status, yes. When my children are called wet backs and illegals and Mexicans thanks to the racial profiling box of worms this law opens wide, yes. When I can be pulled over and every person in my car required to provide proof of immigration status (not simple ID) simply because I have Hispanics in my car, yes.

You are supposed to have ID on you at all times already. When asked for ID, simply give your green card or passport. They even make a passport card now that is all that would be required to show. It is quite simple, one document. As I have stated, I would agree to put immigration status right on your driver's license or make it where all people are asked to prove status, not just those that the police want to check.

On a side note, there are always going to be "haters" out there. I really think it is ridiculous, but racism is something we ALL deal with. It goes all directions. I deal with it daily

The one in Lithia might have been out of hand but the one in DCHS was peaceful.

I agree with you, but because of the circumstances I can't say I blame them. Many of these countries are run by organized crime and the people live in fear and extreme poverty. Any of us would want to come to a country where we at least had a chance to be safe and maybe earn enough not to go hungry. As long as they make a positive impact on our society (serve in the military, volunteer, pay taxes, etc.) I don't see what the problem is. Unfortunately we fear the security and economic risk and get very defensive of our lands so people are less likely to try to compromise. Also, as a white person who went through the DC school system I find it to be a joke. The kids are all super entitled and average anywhere else is considered extraordinary here; skipping class wasn't hurting them any. Latinos are some of the hardest working people I have met and they are very family oriented, which is the way we Americans would life to think of ourselves even though we have headed in a very different direction.

This law violates my rights and I was born a US citizen. This law violates the rights of my children and they were born US citizens. Immigration is a federal issue, not a state issue. Undocumented entry into the US is not and never has been a crime. It is a violation of a civil code...the same class of laws that govern traffic.

People who violate traffic laws are subject to paying fines and that is the way it should be. People who violate immigration law are subject to deportation and that is the way it should be. Are you saying that civil code should not be enforced?

"People who violate traffic laws are subject to paying fines and that is the way it should be. People who violate immigration law are subject to deportation and that is the way it should be. "

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. People who speed are not criminals, right? Someone who drives a car faster than the limit doesn't face losing their car and being thrown in jail as a criminal, but HB87 would have violators of the CIVIL CODES of immigration treated as criminals. Georgia is usurping the authority of ICE, DHS and USCIS and wasting taxpayer dollars to pass (and eventually it will be stopped in federal courts due the the unconstitutionality of it...which could very well bankrupt our state) a new law where there were already federal and state laws in place...trying to criminalize a civil law.

I agree with you 100%

AJ and wigglwagon, I too agree with you 100%. I have no issue with people coming to this county, just do it legally.

Exactly whose job did his parents take?

The jobs of legal residents, who else? That is what this is all about. This is just one of the tools business uses to avoid having to abide by American labor laws. As late as the 20's and 30's American business had the Army and National Guard use machine guns to kill workers who were fighting for decent and safe working conditions. The result was things that most Americans take for granted today such as 8 hour days, 5 day weeks, workers comp, etc. Today business is much more subtle. They use things like free trade and illegal aliens to avoid having to provide decent and safe working conditions. The naive and gullible help them continue exploiting workers. If an illegal alien can muster the audacity to complain about abusive and unsafe working conditions, he is held at bay by the threat of deportation.

"Since illegals take more in social services than they pay in; it affects every legal citizen."

Proof???? Or are you blindly accepting the propaganda the politicians feed you? It has been MANY years since anyone undocumented has been able to receive social services in GA. Immigration laws are NOT the same for everyone. The US covered up our involvement in Guatemala's government's massacres against the Mayans by refusing to give refugee status to anyone from there and deporting people without hearing. Search the web for both the ABC Act and NACARA. The ONLY way to qualify for either of these LEGAL statuses was to enter the US border "Without Inspection" (undocumented). The US did not and does not grant refugee status to ANY of our southern neighbors and refuses most who request visas. Look for "Discovering Dominga" on PBS.com if you'd like to learn about the Guatemalan genocidal massacres. Americans buy up their land for next to nothing; we move our companies to other countries and pay pennies per hour. We support oppression and then we complain when they come to our sacred land (oh wait, my bad...it's not our sacred land...the land was only sacred before the Europeans brought their greed and diseases and raped, pillaged and killed the natives).

"not the citizens 70% of whom don't want them here..."

Again...Proof?????? Which 70% ? When was the vote taken? What were the criteria for being able to vote in this poll? Where are the results published?

"Since illegals take more in social services than they pay in; it affects every legal citizen."

"Proof???? Or are you blindly accepting the propaganda the politicians feed you? It has been MANY years since anyone undocumented has been able to receive social services in GA."

Proof? Every employed illegal alien represents a legal resident whose job was taken by the illegals. A lot of people deny it but everyone knows that is the truth. If it were not the truth that would mean that the jobs they do went undone before their arrival. That is very simple logic. There is no problem understanding that. A lot of people don't like it so they claim it is not true or claim that the unemployed Americans are too lazy to work. That is the propaganda in this argument.

Virtually all legal resident families forced into unemployment and p0verty by the illegal aliens wind up on some kind of welfare. There is no way the illegals can contribute enough to support both families.

You do realize that not every Hispanic who is employed...not even every Mexican who is employed in Georgia...is illegal, don't you? You also realize that we already had laws in place and every employed person in the country must have a form I-9 with verified proof of either ONE form of identification that proves BOTH identity AND legal authorization to work in the US, or TWO forms of ID that prove each of the requirements. Many companies already participate in the Federal E-Verify program and it is FEDERALLY ILLEGAL for a company to use E-Verify for an individual at any time after their initial hiring period (3 days from the time of hire) or to prescreen applicants.

We already had both federal and state laws in place. HB87 is specifically targeting Hispanics (all the people from totally different countries that many of you assume are Mexicans) .

"You do realize that not every Hispanic who is employed...not even every Mexican who is employed in Georgia...is illegal, don't you?"

Why do you keep trying to make this discussion about one ethnic group or one nationality? This discussion is about illegal immigration no matter where the illegal aliens come from or what color skin they have. Illegal aliens come from all over the world and speak many different languages.

"HB87 is specifically targeting Hispanics (all the people from totally different countries that many of you assume are Mexicans) ."

How does HB87 target only one ethnic group? What is the language in HB87 that singles out Hispanics?

HB87 has absolutely nothing to do with New York.

Brilliant! I enjoy reading your post! So very true!!

I didn't realize we were under Mexican immigration laws. Please inform the DHS and USCIS of this so that they can begin following Mexico's law instead of our own.

Who said we were under Mexican law?

I was simply pointing out the fact that the laws in Mexico are HARSHER on illegal immigrants than ours. I think it should go both ways. Mexico is a democracy; the Mexican people voted in their officials and these laws were created. The citizens of Mexico voiced their opinions on those laws, so then why do they think that they should not live up to the same standard here? If you sneak into their country you face those penalties; however, if they sneak into our country we should give them a high five and say congrats on breaking our laws, we look forward to serving all your needs??? This is unfair to those who are trying to legally come here.

"The citizens of Mexico voiced their opinions on those laws, so then why do they think that they should not live up to the same standard here? If you sneak into their country you face those penalties; however, if they sneak into our country we should give them a high five and say congrats on breaking our laws, we look forward to serving all your needs??? This is unfair to those who are trying to legally come here."

Thank you for proving my point. This law and your rants are against "Mexicans" (btw, not all Latinos are Mexican)

Ummm... What is your point? I do not see how this proves any of your points you have voiced. I am not against Mexicans; however, they account for the majority of illegal immigrants, that is why I chose to research Mexican laws as opposed to any other nation (Latinos are not the only illegal immigrants). It would take much more space for me to provide every countries immigration laws.

I have never heard Eastern Europeans screaming and protesting either... Also, (this is just an opinion, not based on facts) the Europeans that I know in this state came here legally and are proud to be here. I would agree to changing the law to make everyone prove citizenship. I am proud to call myself a citizen of the United States and I will gladly show anyone proof of my citizenship.

People complain most about mexicans because they are by far the biggest offenders: "The illegal immigrant population of the United States in 2008 was estimated by the Center for Immigration Studies to be about 11 million people, down from 12.5 million people in 2007.[2] Other estimates range from 7 to 30 million.[3] According to a Pew Hispanic Center report, in 2005, 56% of illegal immigrants were from Mexico; 22% were from other Latin American countries, primarily from Central America;[4] 13% were from Asia; 6% were from Europe and Canada; and 3% were from Africa and the rest of the world.[4]"

it is about time someone in georgia started doing something about this problem.. If anybody wants to see where atlanta is headed - just pay a visit to LA. That once great city has been transformed into the third world city like Tijuana by unchecked immigration from mexico. The sad thing is instead of fighting for their city - americans are fleeing LA and california by the thousands. Instead of controlling immigration and allowing the melting pot to work - our government has allowed 50 million illegals in 10 years. What is happening is our country is being balkanized. And it will lead to a revolution and the ultimate breakup of the US.

o really i would like to see I C E arrest undocumented students ! april 5 students protested in atlanta and bloocke one of the main roads in atlanta! they were undocumented! they were arrested ! but nowere to be found ( I C E) ! JEFF THAT COMMENT IS VERRY IGNORANT COM ON IF THEY DIDNT SHOW UP THEN, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THEY WILL AT A HIGH SCHOOL???

jorge - bro arrogant is coming to my country illegally - crapping on the us constitution - getting a free education and screaming that you want your rights. please - if you want your rights feel free to return to mexico and demand them.

YOU DID NOT ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!!!! WHAT YOU SAID IS COMPLETELY OF THE SUBJECT ! :]

Joe,
You hit the nail on the head! Legal tax payers are footing the bill !!

Joe, you are completely right. WSB-TV just had an investigative report in regards to WIC. Many illegal immigrants are receiving this state help. This is funded out of every hard working citizen paychecks. No illegal immigrants help pay this, so yes that is a strain.

"Ms Tomas, I don't see how you can say illegal immigration is not a law"

I don't see how I could say that either. As a matter of fact I did NOT say that. I said that the class of LAWS that govern entry into the US is the same class of LAWS that governs traffic violations. They are civil codes, not criminal law. HB87 usurps the authority of the the federal department of homeland security and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and takes what is already a violation of civil law, punishable by fines and up to and including deportation....but is NOT even a misdemeanor....and calls it a crime. So now Georgia's "legal taxpayers" can house and feed them legally for up to six years.

lori i am sure you know hb 87 makes it a felony for these illegal invaders to use a fake id or ssn to work here .

LOL, identity theft and fraud have already been a felony for many years. Explain again why my tax dollars were unnecessarily wasted to pay already overpaid politicians to come up with yet another law that is redundant at best and unconstitutional to boot?

lori your tax dollars are unnecessarily wasted by educating mexican nationals. but that of course doesn't seem to bother you. And if you think migrant workers pay enough taxes to pay for the schooling of their kids you are delusional.

Check yourself about about hb87 and be sure your illegal friends are aware of this - you wouldn't want them to end up in prison. that would cost you even more money:
"HB 87 makes it a crime for a person to use a fake ID in order to "obtain employment.” If you did this AFTER July 1, 2011, you will be guilty of "aggravated identity fraud" and can be sentenced to state prison for up to 15 years and face up to a $250,000 fine. So, yes, there are increased penalties for using fake documents, including a social security number to get a job. This provision, however, may be illegal. "

Foo did yo happen to catch this in your own quote from Immigration.net?

"This provision, however, may be illegal"

LOL. Thanks for that. This is exactly why I call the new law a waste of our money. Georgia has guaranteed itself a long and expensive fight in federal courts that could very well bankrupt the state. The parts of the law that will be allowed to stand are redundant and we already have laws both on a federal level and a state level.

I don't have "illegal friends." I have friends from all over the world who trust me and respect me because I do not violate their privacy. I provide faith based social services to people in need. Before July 2011, not only have I not been required to investigate the legal immigration status of people to whom I give food and clothing, occassional shelter, transportation, peer counseling and translation services to, I am not legally permitted to require that information. Do you do full background and credit checks on all your friends?

The average US citizen's Georgia property tax does not even cover the cost of one child's public education. Then you have the US citizen renters who, some argue, don't even contribute to property taxes (because we all know property owners don't pass on the cost of their property tax to renters...but that's another futile arguement). I paid property taxes for 7 years while I homeschooled my own children. Why shoudl I have had to pay for other people's kids ot go to school on my dime?

"The citizens of Mexico voiced their opinions on those laws, so then why do they think that they should not live up to the same standard here? If you sneak into their country you face those penalties; however, if they sneak into our country we should give them a high five and say congrats on breaking our laws, we look forward to serving all your needs??? This is unfair to those who are trying to legally come here."

Um, Joe, maybe you sould consider rethinking your own research. There are QUITE a few people in the US legally and with legal permission to work in the US who are not US citizens. Just sayin'

"thats unfair why deprive some one of there education because of of nine numbers! i thought this was land of the free and home of the brave??"

unfair is leaving your great country and all of the benefits your mexican citizenship affords you and coming to my country illegally - and expecting us to give you the benefits of being a citizen of the US. We have immigration laws for a reason. The main one being the USA cannot afford to support every poor uneducated person from every third world country in the world who wants to come here and work a minimum wage job and leach benefits like free school that cost far more than you contribute with your small paycheck that you mail back to mexico. We aren't stupid bro. Please return to your country of origin and complain to them about your rights.

You are correct, perhaps I did get a little overzealous when writing NO illegal immigrants pay taxes. Alot do and I do have respect for those that do. Would you say a majority of illegal citizens pay income taxes? (I was referring only to income tax, since that is where most social service programs are funded through). Foreigners can still attend these colleges, as long as they follow the appropriate channels. Get a student visa. How is that unfair? What is unfair is the foreigners who want to come to school here legally and are denied because space is taken by someone who is here illegally? Yes, we are land of the free and home of the brave, but that does not mean that everyone should sneak in here under the radar. Imagine what it would be like.

@ FOO
OK WHAT DO YOU CALL ME THEN I WAS BROUGHT TO AMERICA WHEN I WAS SIX. I DID NOT HAVE A CHOICE TO COM! ;WHAT DO I DO TELL ME I CANT APLIE FOR A STUDENT VISA BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER ATTENDED SCHOOL IN MEXICO. SO THAT ONE IS OUT. I DID NOT MAKE THE CHOICE TO BRAKE THE 'LAW' SO Y AM I BEEN CRIMINOLIZED FOR SOMETHING I DID NOT HAVE A SAY SO IN? I HAVE ATTENDED SCHOOL HERE FROM 1ST TO 11TH AND NOW THAT I AM ABOUT TO GO INTO MY SENIOR YEAR THERE TELLING ME I CANT GO TO COLLEGE! BECAUSE MY MOTHER BROUGHT ME INTO AMERICA ILLIGALY.? I DIDNT MAKE THE DECITION DID I? Y AM I BEEN CHARGED FOR SOMETHING I DIDNT DO OR HAD NO SAY IN?
AND I DONT SEND MONEY TO MEXICO MOST OF MY FAMILY IS HERE IN GA. I SEE YOUR JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER PERSON YOU MAKE YOUR OPPINOS BASED ON WHAT OTHER PEOPLE TELL YOU! AND ITS FUNNY TO SEE THAT EVERY IMMIGRANT STERIOTYPE IS USED!

Jorge, you should be upset at your mother, not the laws of the US. At 6, your mother had the power to make decisions for you and she did. I am sure she felt it was in your best interest. The US did not tell you to come here either. I understand your concerns, and agree it sucks. Your mother should have applied for a green card or citizenship, but whatever the circumstances she didn't. If you are not already, you will soon be an adult and can make decisions for yourself. Go back to Mexico and apply for citizenship or a green card. Then you can follow your dream of going to the school of your choice. You can make good money in the tourist areas. Do you go to a church here? Are you a member of any clubs? Work on that this next year, find someone who will help sponsor you.

Laws have already been in place on both federal and state levels long before our tax dollars were wasted in passing HB87.

NOT ENTIERLY TRUE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW MY MOTHER DOES HER TAXS EVERY YEAR BUT YET SHE WAS UNDOCUMENTED?
TRUELY AFTER EVERY THING WHAT MATTERS TO YALL IS THE MONEY ISSUE!
LIKE I SAID BEFORE THINK HOW MUCH MONEY TAX PAYERS WILL PAY TO DEPORT ALL OF THE UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS? AFFTER ALL AMERICANS WILL BE PAYING TO DEPORT IMMIGRANTS! WICH IS ONLY GANA HELP TEMPORARLY BECAUSE I KNOW THEY WILL CROSS AGAIN AND YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY AGAIN TO DEPORT THEM ITS BETTER IF WE HAVE AN AMNESTY. THAT WAY WE CAN PAY MONEY TO GET OUR UNDOCUMENTED STATUS CHANGE AND ALSO THEN WE COULD PAY TAXS AND WE WONT HAVE TO 'LEECH ON GOVERMANT PROGRAMS' !

Money is a big issue for most things. Explain this to me. Why is it that if I illegally go to Mexico I can be imprisoned for 2 years for the 1st offense and 10 for the 2nd? Do you think this is fair? Maybe it is a better idea to imprison 1st then deport maybe that will help deter recrossing. I also believe we need better border patrol. Teach us a lesson, go home and show us how it will affect us financially if you really contribute all that much. Show us where it will hurt us, then maybe we will see the error of our ways and welcome everyone back and pass out the green cards at the border.

LOOK AT IT IN REALITY TERMS DO YOU REALY THINK THAT ALL UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS WILL GET DEPORTED? WERE IS THE GOVERMENT GANA GET ALL OF THIS MONEY THE ECONOMIE IS BAD ALLREADY.....? AND WE GIVE MONEY TO FOREN COUNTRYS THAT WILL HELP THE U.S TO T R Y AND STOP TERROISM ....?
HAVENT WE ALREADY SEEN THIS SAME STORY WHEN THE U.S WAS WESTERNAIZING . WHEN THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAIL ROAILROAD WAS BEEN BUILT MOSTLY BY CHINESE IMMIGRANTS. AMERICA JUST USED THEM FOR WHENT THEY NEEDED CHEEP LABOR AND HARD WORKERS, THEY ABUSED THEM, WHY WERE THE CHINESE IMMIGRANT PUNISHED AFTER THE RAILROAD WAS ALMOST COMPLET? WHY NOT PUNISH THE PEOPLE THAT USED THEM.... NOW THAT THE SAME THING BUT IN DIFRENT TERMS! YOU JUST CHANG CHINESE TO LATINOS AND WE HAVE THE SAME THING HAPENING! AMERICANS ONLY USES IMMIGRANTS FOR SO LONG AND THEN WHEN THINGS ARE GOING DOWN HILL AMERICANS DESIDES TO PUT THE BLAME ON THE PERSON NEXT TO THEM?

You are right, it would be impossible to send all illegals back home but we can send alot. I personally feel that hb87 isn't the solution to the problem, but it is a step in the right direction. I believe that the US foreign policy does need to change. Instead of sending billions into Arabian countries we should keep that money closer to home. Send it to Central America. Help Mexico with their drug wars. Make these countries better places so their nationals won't want to flee. As for now, we have to gain control of the situation and if the federal governmaent is not going to do something, then we must on a state level. However, the state's hands are tie and there isn't much they can do. This legislation is just about all they can do to combat the problem. Like I said it is a step.

D o you really think latinos are being used and abused??? No one forced your people to come to the US and you are free to leave at any time. Do you really think you are the victim?

"I believe that the US foreign policy does need to change. Instead of sending billions into Arabian countries we should keep that money closer to home. Send it to Central America. Help Mexico with their drug wars. Make these countries better places so their nationals won't want to flee."

Amen

It has absolutely nothing to do with your race, color, religion, or language. It has everything to do with the fact that you are here illegally. Why did your parents not follow the legal steps to get into America? I think I should mention the fact that my son (he is adopted) is hispanic and my husband is not a citizen. No, I would not want to trade places with an undocumented person, because I do not want to break the law. How would you feel if someone you never met came into your house and just started living there? Would you call the cops? Or would you ignore them? Would you ask them to leave? Would you ask them to pay rent?

I am sorry I mistook you as illegal because you said your parents are scared of ICE. I understand the conditions in other countries. Completely. Your family did things right and responsibly I have nothing against that, glad you are here. My husband is here legally as well; he just isn't a citizen. I thought it was relevant to the fact that I somewhat understand the immigrant's viewpoint. You completely ignored my questions as well. Yes, I worry about illegals paying their fair share. I also worry about safety. (Yes, I know that there is only a few troublemakers, but the problem is with undocumented people, it is harder to track down criminals. The safety of your people due to the fact the undocumented people are more likely not to report crimes. This means your people are silent victims and someone who should be behind bars is still on the streets.) I am also upset by the fact that the undocumented guys do not have to sign up for selective service. Though, the draft is rarely used. There are reasons for laws regarding immigration, all countries I know and have been too have these kinds of laws. If you open up your borders for anyone to come in or out freely, you are setting yourself up for bad things to happen. Answer my question about someone coming into your home....

"I am also upset by the fact that the undocumented guys do not have to sign up for selective service."

Actually they do and if they ever hope to have a chance at adjusting their status, failure to have registered (realize though that there is a limited window from age 18-26 to be allowed to register) can make or break their case. From SSS.gov:

"Some non-citizens are required to register. Others are not. Noncitizens who are not required to register with Selective Service include men who are in the U.S. on student or visitor visas, and men who are part of a diplomatic or trade mission and their families. Almost all other male noncitizens are required to register, including illegal aliens, legal permanent residents, and refugees. The general rule is that if a male noncitizen takes up residency in the U.S. before his 26th birthday, he must register with Selective Service."

Let's think this one through... seriously, do you think all or even half of illegal 18-26 have signed up for selective service. Required to register...hmmm, sounds a little familiar, they are required by law to apply for legal status in this country, yet they did not do that one either. Yeah, I think chances are that they are not registered in the selective service as well.

Aj you said you are upset that they are not required to register. I merely pointed out that they are specifically and clearly required to register and failure to do so can cause an otherwise qualified applicant for legal status to be denied. I never said they actually do register.

There are quite a few US citizen males who are required to register but don't.

Who here has said anything about opening up borders or abolishing all immigration enforcement? We already had and have FEDERAL and state immigration laws. We already have specific agencies and officials in place to handle immigration issues. It is already a felony to use anyone else's social security number and to falsify government issued identification. There are already penalties within the bounds of our federal immigration laws.
Companies that already break the law by hiring under the table and evading taxes aren't going to worry about the new law. Companies that already make every effort to follow the rules and hire legally authorized workers are being scrutinized. They face penalties for not crossing T's or dotting I's. Pastors and faith based ministers (which are not "privately funded" and don't appear to be exempt under the new law) who have tried to provide help and relieve the taxpayer burden in caring for the poor have to make difficult decisions now in whether to alienate people or face jail time for helping them.
Taxpayers will be paying for court costs when the new law is blocked. We'll have to fund personnel when police are too busy enforcing immigration to be able to actually protect and serve. We'll have to build new jails, staff them and house and feed "suspected illegals" while we wait for an already over booked federal immigration system to process and hold hearings first to determine immigration status, then to determine whether to deport.

Please read the entire comment:
There are reasons for laws regarding immigration, all countries I know and have been too have these kinds of laws. If you open up your borders for anyone to come in or out freely, you are setting yourself up for bad things to happen.

Paola, I treat all people with respect as well and I could care less where you are from, what religion you are, and so on. My thing is just come here legally, plain and simple. I know several "illegals" and would hate to see them deported, but laws and I agree with those laws. I still treat them with respect and consider them as friends. Your family came here using the right channels, why do you believe others should not show the same respect as your dad? Your dad was respectful and honorable in obtaining the right documentation. I do not blame anyone for wanting to be here, I love my country and I don't mind sharing it.

You are very naive if you would let a complete stranger live with you. In my question I asked about someone you never met. You just come home and there is someone in your living that no one in your family has ever met. You would just say stay here as long as you wish? If I came home and someone had trespassed into my home, they better hope they can run faster than I can get my gun. If you knew me, you would know that I do help everyone I can. It would be a different story though if I met someone and saw they were down on their luck and needed help. All they have to do is ask and they shall receive, but for someone to just show up and expect me to help is wrong. That is very disrespectful of me and my property.

So we should reward someone for doing something illegal? I want the illegal people to go home, apply and wait for the status. The way it was supposed to be done. It is like with a child, they want candy, you say no because it will spoil their dinner, but they whine and cry. Should you give them the candy any way, just to shut them up? Most parents I know would not and the experts say not to. You should firmly tell them no, if that doesn't work punish them. This is same situation, these people knew it was wrong to come here without papers, they are whining and crying to get what they want, they have been told "no", now it is time to face the consequences.

YOUR COMPERING TWO COMPLETELY DIFFRENT THINGS!!!!! AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE STATISTICS MANY OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BEEN DEPORTED ARE BECASUE OF MINOR TRAFIC VAIOLATIONS....ITS NOT LIKE THERE AND KIILING INOCENT PEOPLE!

No, they are deported because they are here illegally, not because of a minor traffic violation. I am comparing two different situations with the same basis of theory. I am simplifying a more complex political discussion into a more comprehensible level.

This is not true. As I have said my husband is not a citizen. We have had some problems renewing his status, as of right now he does not physically have his green card and hasn't for the past year because INS messed up on the new green card by putting his middle name as his last name. However, you can get a temporary stamp in your passport declaring your status which is good for 1 year. He has even travelled in and out of the country with this stamp. Before that, his card did expire before he received the new one (the messed up one) but it was no problem getting the temporary stamp. It was a hassle, no doubt. The new laws do not take away status. If they did I would be 100% against it and trust me my voice would be heard.

"This is not true"
Either you are calling me a liar or you believe that your own experience trumps mine.
OK, what country is your husband from? What year did they enter the US? What was their education level before they came. Was their country at war or in a state of emergency?
Immigration laws and the process for legal documentation is NOT the same for everyone, not the same for every country, not the same for every situation, not the same for every year or even every month. The path from outside the country is not the same for everyone and not even available to many. The path for inside the country is just as legal. I will say again and a judge who helped rule on stopping the Arizona law agrees...Immigration is a FEDERAL issue and states don't belong in foreign policy.
I have worked w Spanish speakers for 20 years. I have made numerous trips to Immigration. I have spoken to MANY immigration lawyers. I have worked in several human resources offices. I know of many cases when a company had to lay off a good employee for weeks due to delays in immigrant processing. One woman who was already in the immigration legal process was attacked by 2 other people. They then called police, she was arrected, turned over to immigration and spent 2 months in a holding facility away from her children. She was finally released and reunited with her children and her work authorization was returned to her.
There have been cases of US BORN citizens deported to other countries.

"Every time they have to renew their permissions (and they apply and pay heavy fees months before the new one should arrive), the US government is very likely to let one work authorization expire before they get the renewal card to the immigrant."
"Even legal permanent residents are at risk if their card expires before they receive the new one."

No one's experiences are ever the same. I was refuting YOUR broad statement. Not your PERSONAL experience.

My apologies. I was typing too fast. I meant that they "fear that the gov't is likely to let it lapse" and there are many cases that do happen that way. I've helped hundreds of people who all have different experiences. MOST renewals are very much on time and I certainly wasn't thinking of how my words came out in that phrase. Thanks for pointing it out.

I am still curious as to what country your husband's family came from and what their circumstances were. While there are some relatively simple ways to gain legal entry into the US from some countries and within certain socioeconomic classes in other countries, there are also many paths to legal status from inside the border. Some of those have been brought about because of our unfair treatment of Central Americans and some Mexicans (some remote areas have experienced great turmoil) when they fled dangerous or oppressive situations in their countries. The ABC act I mentioned earlier gave pending asylum and protected legal status to Guatemalans who entered within certain dates and applied within a specific time frame. NACARA broadened the scope of it and other Asylum paths and eventually granted Permanent residence to thousands of Central Americans. There are currently several Temporary Protected Status programs in place for several different groups. That is why I have said that it is not the same for everyone. Most immigration lawyers have to specialize in specific areas it's so complicated.

My husband and his family came from the Bahamas. Education was very important to them. Also, his father was interested in mission work and becoming a preacher. They literally had no money when they came here. His father had met a preacher back home that took the family under his wings and into his home (there were 6 kids also). It took time for the paperwork to go through, but they waited it out. I also know other Mexican, Pakistani, Egyptian and several European nationals who did the same. Applied, got papers, and moved. I have absolutely nothing against anyone who is in need of asylum. What makes me upset are the people who are not in immediate danger, just want to make more money or better education, that are not willing to follow proper procedures to legally come here. I know conditions in their home countries are not "peachy". I have been to most of Central America and I have been to Mexico at least a dozen times (yes, outside the tourist traps, that is where I like to visit). I know the conditions are rough to say the least, but I also know most Mexicans are very proud of their homeland. I also know that there are legal ways to come to the US and I also know a few Latino green card holders who are also aggravated by the people who illegally come into the country. (Yeah it actually shocked me when we were talking about it).

Are you talking to me? In regards to paola? If so:

It doesn't make any difference to me. How is it racial profiling?? I made an assumption (yes I know I shouldn't assume anything) based off of what she said, not by her race. I would have assumed that from anyone who had written that they were at a protest for illegal immigrant rights, said that they were being their parents voices, and that their parents couldn't speak up because they were scared off ICE. Most documented people are not scared of ICE.

LOL when 90 percent of mexicans in georgia are illegal aliens - It isn't exactly racial profiling when you ask a Mexican to show you his id. It is called common sense police work. Get over it Jorge. This ain't California. Your people are aliens here. You stand out like a sore thumb.

"SHE IS A CITIZIEN SO WHY SHUDENT SHE HAVE THE RIGHT TO GROW UP WITH HER FATHER??"

She is free to go live with her father. What made you think she is not?

It is a sad situation, but it again goes back to the parents. That is a risk if you decide to illegally come to this country (or most any other country) and have a child. I really feel for her. She is a child, but I am not upset that the state upheld the laws, I am upset that her parents would put her in that situation.

Let me rephrase, all the documented people I know are not afraid of ICE. (Which I know many)

You are more than free to post the rest of the story. I would be interested to hear it.

If you attend college, how is it that you have never learned how to turn off a Caps Lock? Or, is it possible that is just one more instance demonstrating the arrogance of people who look down on us mere mortals?

That's highly interesting Fred. Thank you. I didn't know that it was considered a misdemeanor to speed. Wow! That means the vast majority of metro Atlantans are criminals. Traffic offenses (rather, "minor" traffic offenses) do not carry much if any weight on many state and federal job applications.

However, federal law does not classify undocumented entry into the US as a misdemeanor or other criminal act. I am not now and have not ever dismissed possible (or probable)criminal violations with regards to unlawfully obtaining jobs...we already have both federal and state laws in place ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies for falsely obtaining employment , identity theft and fraud regardless of immigration status.

Immigration falls under foreign relations which is very clearly a Federal issue, governed by the US Department of Homeland Security. States have no power to deport (and if they were to try, we'd have MAJOR problems on our hands...Formerly illegal immigrants have won millions of $ in lawsuits against non federal institutions who have taken it upon themselves to deport them...however unfair you may say that it, it is an unfortunate result of usurping the authority of the US gov't...btw the three lawsuits I am personally aware of took place before teh current administration). There are several points in GA's new law that bring major questions of constitutionality. After the costs of fighting the new law in federal court, the potential cost that Georgia will incur in prosecuting, housing, feeding and holding the number of individuals who could potentially be arrested under this new law is huge. People who already did not have access to welfare or other social programs will become wards of the state, supported 100% by our tax dollars. Some will be deported but the federal immigration courts are already so backlogged, it could add YEARS to the docket. Meanwhile their US citizen children will also become wards of the state and our already overwhelmed DFCS will be flooded with new foster children and orphans.

Julie Camp can leave Jorge Lopez out of this. He still has the right to say and express his believes. Who are you to tell him that he is a criminal? As far as anyone knows your just another selfish person who thinks that you can talk crap about Latinos/Hispanics. Making it obvious that your THREATEN by change. I am 100 % sure your ancestors are not originally from here.

Not all illegals pay the 15.3%, only the ones who are receiving an actual paycheck do. Which means someone is committing yet another crime. Either the employee is using fraudulent documents or the employer knows they are illegal and are still allowing them to work. Alot of illegal immigrants are paid "under the table" therefore pay no FICA or income taxes. Also, alot of the employers who take out money for taxes from workers they already know are illegal, don't report this taxes, just pocket the extra money. Employers must match an employee's contribution into Sociall Security as well, so the employer skips this as well.

State, local, and federal governments contribute to education. Schools must meet certain "standards" to receive the federal money (such as standardized testing, attendance and so on). I don't know the actual percentage that each provide or who provides the most. Alot of the local funding comes from property taxes.

It's kind of a double edged sword. Either we complain that they don't pay taxes or we complain that they've managed to get a job and pay taxes, LOL. The federal government would MUCH rather have the second problem than the first. That's been the way things have been for over 30 years. For the past at LEAST 3 decades, almost ALL the produce we consume, taking for granted that we can buy them at reasonable prices, has been plants, cultivated and harvested by illegal aliens. Farmers and contractors have found ways to get the taxes paid and somewhere along the line, the system of "taxpayer identification numbers" created by social security for certain groups of legal non permanent residents to be able to pay taxes, became perfectly acceptable by the IRS to accept taxes from poeple without actual social security numbers.

Currently Gov Deal has launched an investigation into the sudden shortage of farm workers in GA (mostly the south half) due to the new law scaring off quite a few. Look for our produce to either rise dramatically in price or to come from other states where the migrant workers are still welcome. Don't throw all the blame on the feds. The state has made deals for decades to protect the farming way of life. I personally know judges and higher officials who have used this cheap labor for many years and who have fought what used to be INS in making occassional "sweeps" to show compliance but leaving the majority of the workers behind.

Those are huge problems. I'm sorry that happened to you. I got hit by white guy with 18 tires in his back seat who didn't even get ticketed even though the police report said he was distracted and ran a redlight to cross out in front of us. His insurance company told him to skip town and it was 2 years before we could get anywhere with a settlement because they claimed they couldn't get his statement and he was not ticketed. Our uninsured motorist insurance would not pay anything because the report said it was his fault.

"Hispanics are considered WHITE so don't complain of our racism."

They are only considered "white" for statistical purposes and has been very helpful to keep whites as the "majority." Calling them white on arrest reports makes it look like there's not a disproportionate number of minority arrests. They are by far not treated as white. They are actually many different races and in some classification systems they are more closely related to Asians than to Caucasions. Many Mexicans have European ancestors, but most are either descendants of the Ancient Native Tribes (even more true for Central Americans...my husband is 100% Mayan and not "white" at all) or multiracial.

"Requiring businesses to E-Verify or face stiff penalties WILL work."

Here's the problem I don't think you are understanding: it is FEDERALLY illegal to use E-Verify at any point beyond the initial three days of employment. They can shut a company down if we use it for pre-screening or for already employed people. Even if I "suspect" someone who is working, I absolutely cannot go to them and request any further proof than was presented on the original I-9. It is against Equal Employment Opportunity laws. If a person claims to be a permanent resident but provides a State ID and Social Secutiy card, I CANNOT require their green card. As long as the ID's comply with the I-9, appear real and pass E-Verify (which many employers already use), there's still not much we can do.

"In my opinion, the people who buy and use these fake documents are just as guilty of a crime as someone who buys and possesses illegal drugs. We can sugar-coat it all we want... but stealing is stealing. "

Absolutely. I've never said differently and HB87 is nothing new with regards to this. It's ALREADY a crime. HB87 pushes over a line though. If I "suspect" someone of selling drugs, I can't just bust into their home and arrest them. I have to have proof. Identiy theft not only committed by illegal aliens and statistically more damaging and wide-reaching identity theft is committed by American Citizens http://www.privacymatters.com/identity-theft-information/who-is-identity-theft.aspx .

"What I don't understand is how anyone who is in our country illegally has the audacity to believe they are entitled to take our jobs using stolen identities and use our services when they are breaking the law each and every day they are here."

The good news is that the new law has done at least some of what it intended (lawmakers knew it would be challenged and will most likely be stopped in court)...that is to scare away people in droves. One farmer reported a shortage of at least 75 to 100 workers on his farm this past week. Quick, go take your jobs back! Where are the lines of Americans waiting to go back to the fields after the illegals ripped those jobs away from them?

{{As a tax paying legal citizen of the United States of America and resident of the state of Georgia I am entitled to support HB87}}

And as a tax paying legal citizen of the United States of America and resident of the state of Georgia I am entitled to oppose it.

GApatriot - Thank you for your service! (and thanks to all who have served) I agree 100 %.

The E-verify section of Arizona law was upheld and allowed to stand as law and will be in GA as well. However, though we can pass a law to require it (and as I've said I have no problem using it), it will do nothing to remove already employed people and the way GA's law is set up, an employer could technically lay off or reduce to part time all their employees on December 31st, be exempt from e-verify on January 1st, and increase their hours or end the layoff on Jan 2nd each year. Pretty elaborate scheme but the companies who don't want to comply will find a way out and only the companies who are already trying to do things right will be scrutinized and penalized. E-verify is free but it can be time consuming for companies with high turnover and I have encountered a few errors in regards to actual US citizens being sent to "prove" that the Social Security records are wrong and their birth certificates, social security cards and all other documents aren't fake. The only people I have personally seen rejected or sent through the process of proving themselves, are actual US born citizens. That may be because I have never worked in a company that knowingly or intentionally hires illegals so by the time we input anyone into E-verify, we've done our part anyway.

I spent today, Memorial Day, at a cemetery in Douglas County. They were having their annual Memorial Day service. There were a lot of people there, but just like you GaPatriot I saw no Hispanics attending. Not one.

I am grateful to you and every member of our military for your service to our country and the many sacrifices that have been made for our freedom and protection. I will never take my freedoms for granted.

It made me feel proud to see so many people at the cemetery today to honor our fallen veterans. At the same time it made me feel angry and resentful to think of the 50 youths demonstrating at our Douglas County High School, disrupting classes and chanting through their bullhorns: "Undocumented, unafraid" "Hispanic power," "Student power," "People power" and "Latino power."

It's very hurtful to hear the demands of ungrateful immigrants who think they are 'entitled' to the freedoms our veterans gave so much to protect; simply because they managed to evade the border patrol and slither into our country illegally. It's hurtful to read about groups wanting to re-write our national anthem in Spanish. It's hurts my heart to see immigrants disrespect our flag on our own soil.

On this Memorial Day I have no sympathy for their 'cause'. Illegal immigrants need to go back to their Homeland and wave their flag and chant their chants there.

I agree with you GaPatriot. 100%.

"You never answered my question about your brilliant knowledge of the former name of Memorial Day being Amnesty Day"

How dare you insult a veteran on Memorial Day. You should be ashamed of yourself . What kind of person would do that?

You're so right. I'm an awful person. Just because GP claims to be a veteran I should give him free reign to insult me and a whole race of people on the day we celebrate the Soldiers who lost their lives in battle. 11% of US military are Hispanic.

I shoudl never ask anyone who claims to be a veteran, who has accused me of "not kowing" a piece of history to explain to me why that piece of history not only conflicts with what he claimed but supports the opposing view. Instead I should let him rewrite history. I'm so ashamed of myself. Send me back to where I was born!