TITLE: Immigrants to the United States – Be Americans! By Virginia Gorg 05/09/06 |
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Immigrants to the United States – Be Americans!
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely mine.)
May 1, 2006 was “A Day Without Immigrants” in the United States, a day in which many immigrants refused to go to work or buy goods. The alleged purpose was to show the United States that immigrants make up a significant number of employees by adversely affecting businesses across the country.
Some statistics state there are about 143,074,000 workers on payrolls across the US. Estimates vary, but it is believed that there are around 35,000,000 immigrants working in this country. Of those, between 11 and 12 million people are here ILLEGALLY. In other words, one-fourth of the immigrant population in the US is here dishonestly.
Some people contend that illegal immigrants are paid cash and not included on payroll systems. Cash payroll to illegal immigrants hurts the economy of the US, including the lack of taxes paid to federal, local, and state agencies. Funds are not being channeled into the Social Security system for retirees. In addition, illegal immigrants often receive US-government provided benefits, like food stamps and low-income housing.
During the “Day Without Immigrants” rally, some immigrants spoke in their native tongue, waved flags from their home country, and then proclaimed “we are Americans.” It was reported that some stated that they are the backbone of America, and it doesn’t matter if they are here legally or illegally.
I see a problem here.
If illegal immigrants really want to be a part of this country, as they say, they should:
Become legal citizens
Learn to speak our native language, English
Do not expect us to learn their language
Abide by our rules and laws
Immigrants who chose to live legally in this country must be willing to speak English as their first language. We should not be expected to run a multi-language country.
Although some rally participants waved US flags and “acted” American, they disrupted businesses for the day. Is this proving they are American? I think not.
I am not against legal immigrants being in America, but they should conform to our language and laws. I am against this government handing out freebies to immigrants (legal and illegal), while US-born citizens cannot have the same courtesy given to them. I am against the multiple-language rule in schools, stores, and printed materials. If people believe that the United States will help them improve their lifestyle, then they should be eager to learn our language and become a part of us. If I were to move to another country for its benefits, I would WANT to learn their language.
The United States is too tolerant of people by taking the stance that “we don’t want to offend anyone.” The tolerance levels being reached in America are contributing to loose morals and low values. We are forgetting that this country was founded on Christian principles. (This article is expressing my views on illegal immigrants, but this country is also too tolerant of all so-called religions. This country was founded on the principles found in the Bible, on the oneship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.)
I say it’s time that the United States take the stand that we are an English-speaking country, with laws set in place for the protection and growth of this country.
Immigrants, if you choose to live here, learn our language and abide by our laws. Become full-fledged citizens, self-supporting, and pay into our tax structure. Register to vote and then vote in all elections. If you choose not to abide by our language and laws, you are free to leave.
Sources: www.bls.gov, www.msnbc.com, http://english.people.com.cn
Copyright © 2006 Virginia Lutz
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