It's Giuliani time. Writ way too large.
4
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, III finally has his dream job. Sessions is the Attorney General of the Confederate States of America. And he going to be moving and blocking along many different borders.
Mexicans first. Muslims second. Arabs third. Negroes fourth. "Indians" fifth. Yankees last.
Confederate stalwart and first Attorney General of the Confederate States of America Judah Phillip Benjamin and his successors as Attorney General of the CSA Wade Rutledge Keyes and George Davis must all be singing "Dixie" as a trio in a very warm "southern" place aka Hades. Aided and abetted by Senator Addison Mitchell McConnell, Jr. who is the reincarnation of the so-called President of the Confederate States of America Jefferson Finis Davis.
CSA! CSA!
Mexicans first. Muslims second. Arabs third. Negroes fourth. "Indians" fifth. Yankees last.
Confederate stalwart and first Attorney General of the Confederate States of America Judah Phillip Benjamin and his successors as Attorney General of the CSA Wade Rutledge Keyes and George Davis must all be singing "Dixie" as a trio in a very warm "southern" place aka Hades. Aided and abetted by Senator Addison Mitchell McConnell, Jr. who is the reincarnation of the so-called President of the Confederate States of America Jefferson Finis Davis.
CSA! CSA!
29
Don't kid yourselves. This is not just about the southern border...this is the travel ban on steroids. An Italian friend is a Professor at a prestigious French university. He is routinely invited to speak at conferences around the world on his subject. He has recently been invited to speak at US university. The family has traveled back and forth to the US many times. His son is pursuing a Phd at another prestigious university in the US. His first shock was to discover that as an Italian citizen he is now required to get a visa to visit the US. One of the questions in the lengthy application asked for all travel in the last five years and the reason for travel. A number of years ago he was invited to speak at a university in one of the "seven Muslim majority countries" on the original travel ban. Even though his university backed his explanation, he provided the documentation for his original trip and he provided documentation for the current trip HIS VISA WAS DECLINED. His wife is now afraid to attempt to get a visa to visit their son and the son is afraid to leave the US if they won't let him back to complete his studies. Just how is this making America great?
31
",,the American flag behind him had clearly heard enough — it leaned back and fell over.."
Well at least our Flag could see through all that bombastic tough guy, who tried his hardest to do away with the Civil Rights Voting Act.
So, we're going to deport 11.1 million illegals, the folks that groom our yards, grow our veggies, and all other kinds of other jobs that none of us want or can do. First you have to round them up, put them somewhere, and feed them. Football stadiums. You'll need about 250 of them. Transportation to the border. Buses, 200,000. And let's not forget the rounder uppers ICE. 20,000 currently, not nearly enough. Should have at least one for every 50 That's 220,000. And the list it goes on and on. Oh, forget, their coming across the border at a clip of about 200,000/yr. Need to take that in to account.
Don't you think a path to citizenship might be a tad more practical. Wait a minute, the Republicans are in charge, oh well....
Well at least our Flag could see through all that bombastic tough guy, who tried his hardest to do away with the Civil Rights Voting Act.
So, we're going to deport 11.1 million illegals, the folks that groom our yards, grow our veggies, and all other kinds of other jobs that none of us want or can do. First you have to round them up, put them somewhere, and feed them. Football stadiums. You'll need about 250 of them. Transportation to the border. Buses, 200,000. And let's not forget the rounder uppers ICE. 20,000 currently, not nearly enough. Should have at least one for every 50 That's 220,000. And the list it goes on and on. Oh, forget, their coming across the border at a clip of about 200,000/yr. Need to take that in to account.
Don't you think a path to citizenship might be a tad more practical. Wait a minute, the Republicans are in charge, oh well....
14
Jeff Sessions is actually enforcing immigration laws. The horror!
19
Sessions is a throwback.
8
Question: And this Trump Era exists because?
Answer: Media hype that Hillary would run away with the election in nearly EVERY state and fly over country disemboweled the Party of reason.
Answer: Media hype that Hillary would run away with the election in nearly EVERY state and fly over country disemboweled the Party of reason.
14
White, angry, Christian men. From Timothy McVeigh and Dylan Roof to Jeff Sessions. The greatest threat to our great country.
41
“Be forewarned,” Mr. Sessions said in Arizona. “This is a new era. This is the Trump era.” ecologic anarchy #trumppocene Ground Zero in more than just border control.
7
Don't forget that with Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III you also get racism.
16
he must have recently seen "no country for old men" for the first time.....
5
Like his buddy Trump, Jeff Sessions lives in a La-La land. The landscape that he describes in Arizona doesn't exist except between his ears, and I can hardly wait until he starts to prosecute all our newly addicted to opioids poorish and middle class white citizens. Yeah . . . Right. Backlash anyone?
7
Is this going to continue unabated? Where is the ACLU?
9
Hey if you love illegal immigrants so much and want to be an apologist for identity fraud, I would suggest you give your social security card to an illegal immigrant.
They need social security cards. You have a social security card. If you really believe what this author is saying, I suggest you give you social security card to an illegal immigrant. If you dont believe that identity theft is a crime or that the rule of law has meaning, then show your resistance or whatever by facilitating the stay and employment of an illegal immigrant with your id.
They need social security cards. You have a social security card. If you really believe what this author is saying, I suggest you give you social security card to an illegal immigrant. If you dont believe that identity theft is a crime or that the rule of law has meaning, then show your resistance or whatever by facilitating the stay and employment of an illegal immigrant with your id.
17
Great article. How does a racist like Jeff Sessions make America great?? ...
...With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
...With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
8
Wait, if you are a United States citizen and you commit Federal document fraud it is a huge issue, but if you are here ILLEGALLY it's no big deal?!
15
I am originally from the NYC metro area - many many "illegals" lived and worked there. Irish, Russian, Polish. Maids, busboys, landscapers, like the Mexicans today. But...White folk. Did not hear so much demonizing, or really any. And nary the term "illegals" in those days...
5
Jeff Sessions is unhinged......sick.
6
When you when the opiod crisis ignored by Obama comes to your family with all its destruction, you start feeling that the drug cartels & MS 13 have a free ride in this country. If one family can be spared with walll or intradiction , more power to him..
7
What we need to do is REQUIRE the immigration force to ask EVERYONE for their papers. How do we know Mr. Sessions himself is not an immigrant? Those who protest the loudest are often those they rail against. He had better be a Muskogean or Chickasaw or Cherokee or surely, he is an immigrant. Prove it, sir.
When it takes half a day to get through a border crossing or an international airport, the cry for immigration reform from John Q. Public will be deafening.
When it takes half a day to get through a border crossing or an international airport, the cry for immigration reform from John Q. Public will be deafening.
1
Condoleezza Rice ENDORSED SESSIONS, whose other actions aim at harming all minorities. With so many obvious malefactors in the Bush administration (Cheney and Rumsfeld, for example) and Rice's personal elegance, it is easy to overlook just how damaging to our country she was and remains. And Sessions carries on the legacy of disgrace.
4
“Be forewarned,” Mr. Sessions said in Arizona. “This is a new era. This is the Trump era.”
Following yesterday's MOAB being dropped and then listening to you speak with such anger and hate and watching what is happening to Maribel Trujillo-Diaz in my neighboring state...believe you me I am forewarned, Mr. Sessions. We are now in an era of hate, fear and anger. You must be so proud.
Following yesterday's MOAB being dropped and then listening to you speak with such anger and hate and watching what is happening to Maribel Trujillo-Diaz in my neighboring state...believe you me I am forewarned, Mr. Sessions. We are now in an era of hate, fear and anger. You must be so proud.
8
Yes, shameful and so UGLY in its bald bias and violent enforcement. "...an administration that talks about machete-waving narco killers is also busily trying to deport people like Maribel Trujillo-Diaz, of Fairfield, Ohio, the mother of four citizen children, who has no criminal record. 'Be forewarned,' Mr. Sessions said in Arizona. 'This is a new era. This is the Trump era.'” NYTimes 4/14 And it doesn't get any uglier--on the border, anywhere Sessions, the rabid zealot, can reach with his new (shudder) authority to assault peaceful, working families.
6
To the Editorial Board: You got this wong. You state in paragraph 8 "Mr. Sessions and the administration are being led by their bleak vision to the dark side of the law." This has NOTHING to do with law. It is about hatred for non whites...in other words RACISM. I would imagine if someone looked hard enough, they would find a connection between Mr. Sessions and his family with the KKK. And the idiot in the White House hates all non-white men...with the exception of his his daighter-wife Ivanka. If you put their picturs in the dictionary next to the word HATE, they are the definition of the word!
9
Did you miss the last election? We want our borders controlled, we want the immigration laws ALREADY on the books obeyed and enforced......good on
Sessions and Trump for putting American citizens ahead of illegal aliens who have no right to be here
Sessions and Trump for putting American citizens ahead of illegal aliens who have no right to be here
17
What country can you "sneak" across the border, get arrested for aggravated crime and then get released back into general population? 1) USA 2)????
15
Does the NYT understand the difference between "immigration" and "illegal immigration"? Has any member of the NYT Editorial Board spent meaningful time in the Borderlands and witnessed what is happening here in terms of the magnitude and scope of smuggling of humans and drugs? Your opinion lacks awareness. The NYT's knee-jerk attack against conservative action causes me to doubt my decision to test the subscription with what I had hoped would be an accurate, thoughtful, objective source of journalism.
11
Here is the law that Sessions plans to enforce. He should acquaint the politicians in every sanctuary jurisdiction with its language.
https://www.justice.gov/usam/criminal-resource-manual-1907-title-8-usc-1...
https://www.justice.gov/usam/criminal-resource-manual-1907-title-8-usc-1...
3
I once wrote a letter to this man and I received a standard letter as an answer - addressed to "Mr.Crassenk". His office intentionally mangled my name.
Grand Wizard Sessions betrays his inherent racism every time he opens his mouth. He perjured himself in front of Congress and was given a pass. So now civil rights will have to pay the price. Good job GOP.
4
Oh no! Jeff Sessions is going to enforce the laws of the United States. The rule of law, how absolutely horrible. We need more low skill workers to fill all those new positions in factories right?
13
Unless Jeff Sessions is Native American, neither he nor his boss, Donald Drumpf should be targeting immigrants and their children.
5
In a world where you chat to people halfway across the globe via Whatsapp, fall in love with people in another hemisphere, eat food that you can hardly pronounce, immigration law is really contrary to modern life.
3
One of the greatest racists in US history. The American people accept this. It's who we are. Private prisons anyone?
5
Enforcing the immigration laws already on the books isn't becoming "unleashed." Sessions wants to keep us safe, while Eric Holder actually armed the cartels through Fast and Furious. Remember that?
11
We are all illegal immigrants. Borders on the geography maps are drawn in blood. One person's laws are often other people's persecutions. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' philosophy of life is horrifying disdainful.
7
To use his analogy, Mr. Sessions is part of the tide of evil flowing from Washington. When he speaks of border town "war" zones and his odd anti-immigration babble, it seems like he is stuck in a time warp 20 of years ago.
He would do well to remember the golden rule, of which he seems to have never learned.
He would do well to remember the golden rule, of which he seems to have never learned.
1
Many commentators view enforcing immigration laws is racist, but most deportees are white. Latinos can be of any race, but most are white. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States was 77.1 percent white in 2015, up from 72.4 percent in 2010, due primarily to immigration from Latin America. The Census Bureau projects the United States will continue to grow whiter as long as current migration trends continue.
Deportation seems anti-Latino only because unauthorized immigrants are overwhelmingly Latino. According to the Pew Research Center, about 78.8 percent of unauthorized immigrants are from Latin American countries. The United States also deports unauthorized immigrant from Canada and Europe, but Pew estimates only 5.3 percent of unauthorized immigrants are Canadian or European.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/00
http://www.pewhispanic.org/2014/11/18/chapter-2-birthplaces-of-u-s-unaut...
Deportation seems anti-Latino only because unauthorized immigrants are overwhelmingly Latino. According to the Pew Research Center, about 78.8 percent of unauthorized immigrants are from Latin American countries. The United States also deports unauthorized immigrant from Canada and Europe, but Pew estimates only 5.3 percent of unauthorized immigrants are Canadian or European.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/00
http://www.pewhispanic.org/2014/11/18/chapter-2-birthplaces-of-u-s-unaut...
7
The words were bad enough but what struck me visually was video of Sessions walking along a border wall. There was something about his posture, his pot belly, his red neck, and his clothing that reeked of the South in the 1960s. If the video had been in black and white, you wouldn't have been able to date it.
7
Okay, Sessions is a bigot, and the Trump administration is a nightmare, but we still should have fair and appropriate immigration laws and fairly enforce them.
8
At some point there will be a day of reckoning with Donald Trump and his followers. Be it in the ballot box or in the streets, this will all be settled.
Call it what you will, good versus evil or right over wrong or madness over sanity. It will, and must be decided. It's only a matter of time.
Call it what you will, good versus evil or right over wrong or madness over sanity. It will, and must be decided. It's only a matter of time.
6
I think Sessions was here before. Just reminiscent of a Conferderate General that speaks in gentlemanly ways whille torturing Slaves.
3
Is there anything illegal in preventing illegal entry into the USA? Is there anything wrong in deporting the illegals who have committed heinous crimes while in the USA? I was at the US-Mexico border across from San Ysidro South of San Diego and Tijuana on the Mexican side last Saturday. It seemed very peaceful with several border crossings of legal entry and exit. There is a fence and road travel with several lanes for crossing in cars. There is an outlet mall in San Ysidro where Mexican citizens with permits come to shop and go back. The wall of new and old ICE agents seems to be working well and hopefully drug trafficking will stop and America and Mexico will be grande Amigos respecting each others territorial integrity and not reducing addiction and crime on both sides.
10
Welcome to Guns, Jesus, and Football America. We are now governed by nasty, phony Christian fat old white men who have absobed and love the perverted southern culture of punishment. Sessions really wants about 100 million or so Americans to disappear. Just white men and their guns need apply.
4
If you people insist on conflating the orderly, controlled vetting and granting citizenship in the USA with a Helter skelter,, unregulated invasion (complete with sympathetic and illegal) sanctuary municipalities, then you all are insane.There is a difference.And no amount of logic will change your mind.
14
What a load of liberal-speak!
"above all, human beings deserving of dignity and fair treatment under the law."
Deportation for staying or entering a country unlawfully IS fair treatment under the immigration law.
"the dark side of the law."
Never knew our laws had 2 sides: the dark one that we don't like and can break and the light one we don't mind obeying, when, of course, it suits us.
"machete-wielding depravity"
Eh, just a lie. Sessions has never said that, you've made it up.
“sanctuary” cities are upholding law and order. They recognize that enlisting state and local law enforcement for deportation undermines community trust, local policing and public safety."
Making your job easier and more efficient is not always the same as upholding the law (even if you're in law enforcement).
"When American border cities enjoy safety and vitality, thanks to immigrants."
Ask the older generation (in their 70-80s) of San Diegans, and they will tell you the truth of how much cleaner and safer the county was before 'latinization,' and S. central LA is almost completely Spanish-speaking and as dirty as it's criminal, and quite "vital" at that. Bronx is rather "vital" as well, btw, and with a huge share of immigrants.
When it comes to immigration, NYT ed board grows stranger and stranger by the month, just liberalissimo!
"above all, human beings deserving of dignity and fair treatment under the law."
Deportation for staying or entering a country unlawfully IS fair treatment under the immigration law.
"the dark side of the law."
Never knew our laws had 2 sides: the dark one that we don't like and can break and the light one we don't mind obeying, when, of course, it suits us.
"machete-wielding depravity"
Eh, just a lie. Sessions has never said that, you've made it up.
“sanctuary” cities are upholding law and order. They recognize that enlisting state and local law enforcement for deportation undermines community trust, local policing and public safety."
Making your job easier and more efficient is not always the same as upholding the law (even if you're in law enforcement).
"When American border cities enjoy safety and vitality, thanks to immigrants."
Ask the older generation (in their 70-80s) of San Diegans, and they will tell you the truth of how much cleaner and safer the county was before 'latinization,' and S. central LA is almost completely Spanish-speaking and as dirty as it's criminal, and quite "vital" at that. Bronx is rather "vital" as well, btw, and with a huge share of immigrants.
When it comes to immigration, NYT ed board grows stranger and stranger by the month, just liberalissimo!
15
Jeff Sessions is a nasty little man brimming with hatred for anyone who is not a white, ultra-conservative. Sessions is more than willing to tell outrageous lies in order to punish people of color, immigrants and anyone whose religion is not Bible-pounding Christian fundamentalism.
It is not as though Jeff Sessions is an old curmudgeon who became a hateful, crazy bigot in old age. Sessions has been this way all of his life.
The odd Senator from Alabama latched onto candidate Donald Trump, because establishment Republican candidates were embarrassed to be associated with Sessions.
Trump, as he fought for the G.O.P. nomination, was desperate for early support from a senator – any senator.
Donald Trump, whatever his many faults may be, is loyal to a friend. He rewarded Jeff Sessions with the nomination for Attorney General.
It didn’t hurt that Sessions had no qualms about giving life to the anti-Mexican, anti-Muslim, authoritarian pro-gun, tough-guy nonsense Trump spouted on the campaign trail.
Now, unless President Trump suddenly grows up, the United States is stuck with the moral stain which Attorney General Sessions spreads wherever he goes.
It is not as though Jeff Sessions is an old curmudgeon who became a hateful, crazy bigot in old age. Sessions has been this way all of his life.
The odd Senator from Alabama latched onto candidate Donald Trump, because establishment Republican candidates were embarrassed to be associated with Sessions.
Trump, as he fought for the G.O.P. nomination, was desperate for early support from a senator – any senator.
Donald Trump, whatever his many faults may be, is loyal to a friend. He rewarded Jeff Sessions with the nomination for Attorney General.
It didn’t hurt that Sessions had no qualms about giving life to the anti-Mexican, anti-Muslim, authoritarian pro-gun, tough-guy nonsense Trump spouted on the campaign trail.
Now, unless President Trump suddenly grows up, the United States is stuck with the moral stain which Attorney General Sessions spreads wherever he goes.
5
Guess it's time to send the Statue of Liberty back to France, We don't seem to be using it anymore.
2
Sadly Democrats and the Unions have helped to create this monster of anti foreign fervor and there are many heads and enablers of this Minerva.
The Republicans have been on point but fear of cheap labor undermining their pricing power has led the Unions and the Democratic party to fail on immigration as badly as the Republican party.
And following the money, Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway is listed as the largest single shareholder of United Airlines (9%). Why have we not heard from him as the ultimate Boss and beneficiary of the system? The anti-Christian thugs who pounded an Asian Doctor work for him and he is hiding behind his feckless CEO and administrative staff.
The Republicans have been on point but fear of cheap labor undermining their pricing power has led the Unions and the Democratic party to fail on immigration as badly as the Republican party.
And following the money, Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway is listed as the largest single shareholder of United Airlines (9%). Why have we not heard from him as the ultimate Boss and beneficiary of the system? The anti-Christian thugs who pounded an Asian Doctor work for him and he is hiding behind his feckless CEO and administrative staff.
3
Fair article. Keep it up. I recognize Sessions as one of many bigoted neighbors I knew in our border town in Ireland. There was the guy who ran a nice grocery store, smiled at his customers, and when he locked up, put on his Special Constabulary uniform and went across the border to harass my co-religionists. Then there was Ian Paisley. When he was elected to the UK parliament, he made sure that children's playgrounds in his constituency in north Antrim were locked up in the name of observing the Sabbath. For good measure, he had the swings chained. Sessions is Paisley on FBI/G-men steroids.
6
Why isn't Sessions under indictment for perjury? He clearly lied under oath to a congressional committee about his contacts with the Russians. Do the republicans in Congress and the Justice Department maintain a double standard for the criminal prosecution of their lackeys? Letting Sessions run the "Justice" Department is like letting the fox guard the hen house. This bum should be prosecuted.
5
I fault congress for voting this racist scum into office.
I hope our local small town and city police forces are a force for good and not part of this assholes death squads.
We are all in for hell on earth thanks to Washington !!
States rights live and so do real patriots in community service as volunteers nation wide to fight these smucks
Btw run for office young humanitarians.
I hope our local small town and city police forces are a force for good and not part of this assholes death squads.
We are all in for hell on earth thanks to Washington !!
States rights live and so do real patriots in community service as volunteers nation wide to fight these smucks
Btw run for office young humanitarians.
4
It about Brown folks coming into the country and then having brown American babies who may be less than inclined to vote for republicans 18-20 years from now. This is particularly of concern since many of these brown folks are settling in the Red, Republican South.
Think about the catastrophic impact on the GOP that would occur if all these brown people unite with the Black people and White progressive minorities in those "red" states..........
Immigration is a proxy war for the browning of America and the coming demographics/ political power shifts
If we look at this as a desperate competition for resources and maintenance of power, then all seemingly irrational behavior and unreasonable erratic policies become "logical"
Naked power grabs and the hording of resources are brutal unforgiving games that require immoral, society damaging practices
Think about the catastrophic impact on the GOP that would occur if all these brown people unite with the Black people and White progressive minorities in those "red" states..........
Immigration is a proxy war for the browning of America and the coming demographics/ political power shifts
If we look at this as a desperate competition for resources and maintenance of power, then all seemingly irrational behavior and unreasonable erratic policies become "logical"
Naked power grabs and the hording of resources are brutal unforgiving games that require immoral, society damaging practices
1
Interesting how many other news sites have recently reported that illegal border crossing ar down by almost 40% since Trump took office. That is bigly huge.
9
One of the strong statements the AG made was to come down hard on those individuals "transporting and harboring of aliens" - but what about those individuals "employing aliens?" What would happen if employers of aliens were fined/jailed - taking the "perp walk" on evening news. Maybe this action would be the beginning of a immigration program to meet the needs of the United States and immigrants wanting to become American citizens.
5
"Gonzo apocalypto" vision of immigration? If that's what you call it, count this Reagan democrat all in. It's long overdue for our Attorney General and the Justice Department to vigorously enforce the laws passed by Congress. And for all those folks chomping at the bit to enter this great nation, get in line, follow the rules and come in through the front door. Otherwise, pay the consequences.
9
There are laws to protect and control the boarder, a necessary and correct thing to do. The question is the boarder. Is it a crime to enter territory that was appropriated by a war of aggression as in the Mexican American War?Asking a cross section of Americans to describe that conflict would most likely produce blank stares. The exact opposite would happen should you ask that same question on other side of the boarder. Time to own up to our history when attempting to solve this issue.
2
The United States Holocaust Museum published a book in 2010 titled State of Deception, on Nazi propaganda from 1933-1945. It includes scores of illustrations, including the post-war ravaged urban landscapes, with enough walls standing to still support large colorful Nazi ethnic hate and fear posters. The fanatical language used and the dystopian images portrayed in these posters had the same intent as Mr. Sessions border speech. The goal, to suppress rational thought and stoke fear in the public to justify the actions and suppression of rights demanded by a warped ideology.
6
The NYT editorial board obviously has never been to a border town school or hospital to see the degradation of values in those American cities under a culture of poverty and failed assimilation. These liberal sycophants are promoting real slavery by using these poor people in their ideologic hatred of a true democracy with a rule of law.
10
Why are the employers who save millions by hiring undocumented workers ever charged by the Feds with a crime? Are they not at least as guilty as the workers?
5
Unfortunately, Sessions is just getting started. Watch out when he moves north into those wasteland cities - Chicago - and starts applying Trumpstyle "law and order".
Oh but he is just/finally enforcing the law!
These two racists - Trump and Sessions - are putting our laws on steroids and making sure that the cruelty factor is notched up.
Oh but he is just/finally enforcing the law!
These two racists - Trump and Sessions - are putting our laws on steroids and making sure that the cruelty factor is notched up.
1
I have nothing against Mexican or Central/South American People. If they come to this country the legal way and work to become a citizen so they can pay taxes and contribute to the economy then that's great. I have several friends who have done it. On the other hand it is very obvious that there are a HUGE amount of undocumented immigrant workers who come here to work for cash to send back to their family. I know that's not the case in every situation but quite often it is. It's too bad that Sessions has to be so vindictive about the issue.
4
As an elderly Jewish man from the Bronx I cannot understand how an elderly white male Alabaman named Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III with all of his bigotry and ethnic baggage could be appointed the chief law enforcement officer of the US, even under a misogynistic, sociopathic, idiotic president like trump. It defies everything I have learned in 84 years about this wonderful country and its democratic ideals and diverse population.
6
Jeff Sessions and his boss, Donald Trump, are huge mistakes, as are so many of the others Trump got newly appointed to run our country. Let's hope our citizens band together to put an end to their mishandling of our country. Organize locally, put forward progressive ideas for the next elections wherever you live, begin at the base of the political rungs as the Kochs and their sycophants did, You will be surprised at how many average citizens will respond and together, begin to move our country forward, rather than move our country backward.
1
The best that can be said of Sessions is that he has succumbed to magical thinking: If we just follow his lead, we can become the city on a hill he thinks we were.
1
UCLA sociologists extensively researched the lives of Mexican-Americans who were living in San Antonio and L.A. in the mid-1960’s. 30 years later, Professors Telles and Ortiz decided to turn the original research into a longitudinal study.
They and their grad students were able to find and interview almost 700 of the original respondents (most of whom were citizens) and 800 of their children. They found that the first generation to go grow up here went to school for more years than their parents had back in Mexico. Unfortunately, their children and grandchildren did not continue this trend. In fact, many of their children and grandchildren attended school for fewer years than the first generation. Since economic status generally improves with educational attainment, it was of no surprise that it improved with the first generation, but not with the succeeding ones.
Telles and Ortiz thought that the low level of Mexican-American education was due to the American school system's inability to educate non-Europeans. I wonder how they explain the success of many Asian-Americans.
Americans should be able to decide who gets to live here. Mexicans are already getting more green cards than people from any other country. (They are receiving 30% of all the green cards given out annually.) We should not have to accept any more.
They and their grad students were able to find and interview almost 700 of the original respondents (most of whom were citizens) and 800 of their children. They found that the first generation to go grow up here went to school for more years than their parents had back in Mexico. Unfortunately, their children and grandchildren did not continue this trend. In fact, many of their children and grandchildren attended school for fewer years than the first generation. Since economic status generally improves with educational attainment, it was of no surprise that it improved with the first generation, but not with the succeeding ones.
Telles and Ortiz thought that the low level of Mexican-American education was due to the American school system's inability to educate non-Europeans. I wonder how they explain the success of many Asian-Americans.
Americans should be able to decide who gets to live here. Mexicans are already getting more green cards than people from any other country. (They are receiving 30% of all the green cards given out annually.) We should not have to accept any more.
6
Jeff Sessions was always a reminder to us all that the old south is still alive and hiding under the surface. He is a little weasel who at last arrived, and as many small minds before him, he will take advantage. The Senate and the Senators repeated that he is such a pleasant and polite person, and that we should respect him because after all he is/was a Senator.
In reality he is and always was a disgustingly publicly polite racist. He is the real internal enemy of this country, he is trying to keep this country down. The United States should be ashamed to have this moral twerp as Attorney General.
His time will also pass.
In reality he is and always was a disgustingly publicly polite racist. He is the real internal enemy of this country, he is trying to keep this country down. The United States should be ashamed to have this moral twerp as Attorney General.
His time will also pass.
3
Make no mistake. If there is a nightmare, Jeff Sessions is it. And his appointment as U.S. Attorney General is just another blemish on the current political landscape.
As an avowed supporter of the Ku Klu Klan, it's no surprise that he would come out with the by now, usual invective against all people of color.
After all, Jeff Sessions is an equal opportunity racist.
But as a New Yorker who was here on that day in September, I find his use of the term "Ground Zero" particularly vexing, especially in light of what we went through here.
There is no comparison between that hellscape and Mexico.
And having to live through it once was enough.
We won't forget. But we don't want to go back.
As an avowed supporter of the Ku Klu Klan, it's no surprise that he would come out with the by now, usual invective against all people of color.
After all, Jeff Sessions is an equal opportunity racist.
But as a New Yorker who was here on that day in September, I find his use of the term "Ground Zero" particularly vexing, especially in light of what we went through here.
There is no comparison between that hellscape and Mexico.
And having to live through it once was enough.
We won't forget. But we don't want to go back.
4
I've lived in Tucson for ten years, 71 miles from the border with Nogales, Sonora. I have hiked the beautiful gorges and mountain ranges at the border, gazed at Mexico from the spectacular summit of Mt. Wrightson (9452') in the Santa Ritas, lived happily in an old adobe in a Mexican neighborhood without any hint of trouble, biked to get groceries while listening to mariachi at Food City in South Tucson, and driven into Sonora multiple times not to go to Rocky Point (aka Phoenix-by-the-Sea) but rather to camp and dive from remote, inaccessible beaches west of Hermosillo to frolic with sea lions in the Sea of Cortes. I have many wonderful students from Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chiapas at the University of Arizona; their sense of application and ambition generally surpasses that of Arizona natives. I guess I am not seeing the war zone. Rather, I see men and women of great ability and ambition who are eager to work hard to support themselves and their families. I know of no Mexicans in Tucson who rely on handouts, but I do know of studies that demonstrate that the effect of immigration (legal or otherwise) on our economy is a net gain. I have students who spend time in the desert helping migrants to cross, and I too may have given water and directions to one or two desperate border crossers. I applaud the many signs that declare "No más muertes" around town and also, until the last election, our former Pima County Democratic Sheriffs. Oh, Mr. Sessions, leave us out of your fantasy.
4
I take exception to this editorial's statement that judges, any judges, answer to Sessions. In case no one told the editorial board, judges are part of the judiciary branch. Sessions is part of the executive branch. They're independent. It's in the Constitution, in case they want to look it up.
3
Every article like this brings out a lot of posters who wonder why employers aren't being put in jail for hiring illegal workers. So, I'll tell you. All an employer is obligated under the law to do is have a prospective employee show a work authorizing document, such as a Social Security card and have them complete an I-9 form. Illegal workers produce forged Social Security cards every bit as authentic looking as yours and happily perjure themselves to complete the I-9. So, employers hire illegal workers every day and do so entirely legally.
The only way to crack down on this is to make the use of eVerify mandatory. Guess which party is the only one that has pushed for this? Guess which states have put such laws in place? Guess which states have prevented the mandatory use of eVerify?
Here are a couple of links that will show you:
http://www.lawlogix.com/e-verify-map/
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/16/local/la-me-e-verify-20111017
The only way to crack down on this is to make the use of eVerify mandatory. Guess which party is the only one that has pushed for this? Guess which states have put such laws in place? Guess which states have prevented the mandatory use of eVerify?
Here are a couple of links that will show you:
http://www.lawlogix.com/e-verify-map/
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/16/local/la-me-e-verify-20111017
8
It is a shame that a combination of Dems ignorance of the needs and perceptions of the voters who live outside of Blue zones (i.e. major cities, West Coast, and the NorthEast Acela corridor) and a historical lack of a sensible vigilance on the most common form of illegal immigration (i.e. overstaying tourist visa) opened up an opportunity for Trump to make it a major politcal and campaign issue. Along with it came people like Jeff Sessions in to powerful positions where they can act on their vile policies and ideas. For Trump, who has no fixed policy ideas as we have seen in the last few days, this only a political move to ensure a second term. The terrible impact on many people and on the image of America is irrepairable.
1
Sessions has been not-so-patiently waiting for his chance to unleash his white supremacist brand of redneck justice on the country. His appointment was seen by many of us as in itself a criminal act. One can only hope he gets frogmarched out of Washington, DC for his lying to Congress and his encounters with Russians. Trump could never be forgiven for such a reckless appointment. His policies seem to be taking us back to the 18th century. Robespierre comes to mind.
1
The real solution is to stabilize regions where refugees or illegal immigrants are coming from. However, no one wishes to empathasize with these people who wish for better lives. It is always easy to say, that is not my problem. The funny thing is that most of these people who hate immigrants are not good samaritans. Even Jesus broke the law.
There is something to be said about having laws against illegal immigration though, as a society needs to have stability by not having a huge influx of illegal immigrants.
Everyone in America is an immigrant. Just ask the dead native Americans.
Nevertheless, immigration laws need to be observed, but having zero compassion with those who have created lives here is rather harsh, especially to those who have been here since they were children. This is not an easy question.
The simple solution is to change the birthright of citizenship to solve immigration problems. And if the society is compassionate and active, then suffering for others is not a bad by trying to stabilize unstable regions. Those here already, I would leave to the current administration for better or worse. Jeff Sessions is the worst, but that is the current AG.
There is something to be said about having laws against illegal immigration though, as a society needs to have stability by not having a huge influx of illegal immigrants.
Everyone in America is an immigrant. Just ask the dead native Americans.
Nevertheless, immigration laws need to be observed, but having zero compassion with those who have created lives here is rather harsh, especially to those who have been here since they were children. This is not an easy question.
The simple solution is to change the birthright of citizenship to solve immigration problems. And if the society is compassionate and active, then suffering for others is not a bad by trying to stabilize unstable regions. Those here already, I would leave to the current administration for better or worse. Jeff Sessions is the worst, but that is the current AG.
1
What really needs to happen is to create a Senate that is above the rabble and riff-raff as the Founding Fathers desired. Senators ought not be elected by popular vote. Furthermore, with technology we can create a class of intelligent, knowledgeable, aware individuals to run and vote for Senators.
1
P.E.W. says there are 20,000 unauthorized immigrants living in Seattle.
Seattle schools have so many English-language learners (most of them Spanish speakers) that the district will run out of money before the end of the school year.
The City cannot afford to hire enough police officers. Some Seattleites no longer bother to call the police to report crimes because it takes too long for the police to show up. If the police do come in time to see the problem, and end up arresting someone, that person will be let go if not charged within 72 hours. The City cannot afford to hire enough detectives to look at all of the cases and file charges within that time frame, so people are let go.
Despite not having money to fund its schools or to hire enough police and detectives, Seattle’s government has decided to make the City a sanctuary for illegal immigrants. And, it may use its severely limited funds to help defend illegal immigrants from deportation. The Seattle city council and mayor are more concerned with illegal immigrants than they are with the educational and safety needs of its citizens and its legal immigrants.
Seattle schools have so many English-language learners (most of them Spanish speakers) that the district will run out of money before the end of the school year.
The City cannot afford to hire enough police officers. Some Seattleites no longer bother to call the police to report crimes because it takes too long for the police to show up. If the police do come in time to see the problem, and end up arresting someone, that person will be let go if not charged within 72 hours. The City cannot afford to hire enough detectives to look at all of the cases and file charges within that time frame, so people are let go.
Despite not having money to fund its schools or to hire enough police and detectives, Seattle’s government has decided to make the City a sanctuary for illegal immigrants. And, it may use its severely limited funds to help defend illegal immigrants from deportation. The Seattle city council and mayor are more concerned with illegal immigrants than they are with the educational and safety needs of its citizens and its legal immigrants.
9
This is very negative thinking.
The best way to tackle a problematic second world country is increased trade and supporting democratic processes and turn the country into a first world country.
The majority of immigrants are hardworking democratically-inclined people who are needed where they came from.
We are trying to do this in Europe.
The best way to tackle a problematic second world country is increased trade and supporting democratic processes and turn the country into a first world country.
The majority of immigrants are hardworking democratically-inclined people who are needed where they came from.
We are trying to do this in Europe.
3
Consolidation of police forces is an essential step in the transition to tyranny.
For many years it has been fashionable in intellectual circles to censure comparisons with Nazi Germany.
We will soon pay the price for not seeing the parallels screaming out at us.
Americans have never seen this before in their own land, and so they do not believe it can happen here. And they do not believe historical parallels unless they are exact.
But everyone in Europe is seeing it, especially Eastern Europe.
Republican institutions never prevent the transition to tyranny. That's wishful thinking. In fact, they generally welcome tyrannic take-overs with open arms.
Nazi Germany did not begin with gas chambers. It began with deportations.
You don't have to worry about whether it will happen in the US.
It is happening now.
My advice: Keep fighting it, but start thinking seriously about a plan B.
For many years it has been fashionable in intellectual circles to censure comparisons with Nazi Germany.
We will soon pay the price for not seeing the parallels screaming out at us.
Americans have never seen this before in their own land, and so they do not believe it can happen here. And they do not believe historical parallels unless they are exact.
But everyone in Europe is seeing it, especially Eastern Europe.
Republican institutions never prevent the transition to tyranny. That's wishful thinking. In fact, they generally welcome tyrannic take-overs with open arms.
Nazi Germany did not begin with gas chambers. It began with deportations.
You don't have to worry about whether it will happen in the US.
It is happening now.
My advice: Keep fighting it, but start thinking seriously about a plan B.
1
Every country must set priorities for the pursuit of lawbreakers, because limited resources preclude equal enforcement of every statute. If the US truly faced a massive invasion by terrorists and drug dealers, then the punitive approach of Trump (or for that matter, Mr. Obama) would merit high praise.
In fact, however, companies which circumvent regulations to pollute the environment or to cheat consumers and employees inflict far more harm than the refugees and jobseekers for whom America represents a safe haven and an economic mecca. A campaign to arrest and deport the small number of immigrants who harm Americans seems fully justified, but not the diversion of vast resources away from more urgent needs, in order to solve a problem that exist primarily in the fevered imagination of the Trump administration and its most fervent supporters.
The brutal behavior and policies directed against largely harmless individuals discredit the administration's pose as a champion of law and order. The real threats to the welfare of the average American reside in corporate suites and funnel large donations into the coffers of compliant politicians.
In fact, however, companies which circumvent regulations to pollute the environment or to cheat consumers and employees inflict far more harm than the refugees and jobseekers for whom America represents a safe haven and an economic mecca. A campaign to arrest and deport the small number of immigrants who harm Americans seems fully justified, but not the diversion of vast resources away from more urgent needs, in order to solve a problem that exist primarily in the fevered imagination of the Trump administration and its most fervent supporters.
The brutal behavior and policies directed against largely harmless individuals discredit the administration's pose as a champion of law and order. The real threats to the welfare of the average American reside in corporate suites and funnel large donations into the coffers of compliant politicians.
1
The words on the Statue of Liberty are a poem, not our immigration policy. Just as Mexico correctly states that a large percentage of guns in their country come from the United States, it is true that the lion's share of illegal drugs in this country come through the Mexican border. Just the facts. Quit ignoring the facts. We, the majority of people in the United States, want a secure border. The fact that so many people came in illegally or overstayed their visas has to stop. Yes, there is sympathy for the people being deported. However, it is long past time for the law to be enforced. Amnesty did not work in the past so don't try to promote It. This new policy will send a message throughout the world: come come to America legally or face the consequences.
10
Our elected representatives, no matter their political party or the place they represent, must speak for the majority of the People and put a stop to those such as Trump and Sessions, who are forces of fear and terror, not of a free, democratic nation. Now is the time.
1
We need some type of responsible immigration reform. Shame on both parties for doing absolutely nothing for decades...for refusing to address this problem head on before it became a crisis. But why do you continue to use the term unauthorized immigrants, when the correct term is illegal immigrant. The right word is illegal simply because they are illegally in the USA. Unauthorized is not a clear description of the act which has left those in violation of the law. They committed a crime by entering the country without permission. I know the left wants to stop others from using the term illegal immigrant, believing that no human being is illegal, but that's nonsense. If it wasn't a problem, we wouldn't round people up and deport them.The term is accurate. It's not a semantic discussion. I think when progressives heard illegal, they decided, well, let's just change the word. Is there something about illegal immigrant per se that it can't be used in polite discourse for people who are trying to have an honest conversation?
We should not be afraid to speak about this problem in an unbiased way. We need to speak clearly so we define what is at stake. Unauthorized seems to imply that some people forgot to fill out the correct paper work when crossing the border. It wasn't. They entered the U.S. knowing they were breaking the law. They are here illegally without permission of the the U.S. That's why it's an issue. We can't solve this tragedy if we can't have a frank discussion.
We should not be afraid to speak about this problem in an unbiased way. We need to speak clearly so we define what is at stake. Unauthorized seems to imply that some people forgot to fill out the correct paper work when crossing the border. It wasn't. They entered the U.S. knowing they were breaking the law. They are here illegally without permission of the the U.S. That's why it's an issue. We can't solve this tragedy if we can't have a frank discussion.
8
Let's call the Trump administration what it is -- radical nationalism. A change in immigration policy is one thing, but rational governance calls for an incremental approach with carrots and sticks, recognizing that previous policy has created a group of non-citizens who have been here a long time, who have children and spouses here, who work and contribute to the economy. Sure. Stop the flow if you must, but show compassion and offer alternatives to the law abiding, productive immigrants who have been here for a long time. A traffic ticket or other minor offense should be considered in context. Snatching people away from established lives shows nothing but radical, inhumane and thoughtless governance.
5
I assume those saying that laws must be enforced also support automated traffic surveillance so anyone speeding or changing lanes without signaling are automatically caught. Drug sniffing drones that automatically detect alcohol brought onto locations where it is not allowed. Sound detection drones that automatically fine anyone who exceeds neighborhood noise laws. And so on. Right? Because laws are laws and must be upheld.
Or do their zeal for upholding laws without discretion only extend to laws that don't happen to apply to them?
Or do their zeal for upholding laws without discretion only extend to laws that don't happen to apply to them?
4
Dear mr. Sessions:
I applaud your concern for law, order, and the safety of Americans. I would like to draw your attention to the most dangerous minority in America today. Since 1982, approximately 66% of mass shootings have been committed by White males carrying heavy fire arms.
White males are far more likely to commit murder or rape than undocumented immigrants. Whites own the vast majority of the 300 million privately owned guns in this country.
Mr. Sessions, please, protect us from this violent minority group.
I applaud your concern for law, order, and the safety of Americans. I would like to draw your attention to the most dangerous minority in America today. Since 1982, approximately 66% of mass shootings have been committed by White males carrying heavy fire arms.
White males are far more likely to commit murder or rape than undocumented immigrants. Whites own the vast majority of the 300 million privately owned guns in this country.
Mr. Sessions, please, protect us from this violent minority group.
13
The fact that DT appointed Sessions as AG should not surprise anyone- after all, DT was endorsed by the KKK. DT just appointed a like minded person.
I am sure the KKK is thrilled with the Sessions appointment.
Trump voters will never be forgiven for this DT travesty of an administration. Shame on you.
I am sure the KKK is thrilled with the Sessions appointment.
Trump voters will never be forgiven for this DT travesty of an administration. Shame on you.
Although I am in the clear minority in this thread, I completely support 100% all efforts by the Trump Administration to remove illegal immigrants and especially those who have committed voter ID crimes, criminal ID violations by misuse of social security numbers and all those who commit crimes of violence and non violence against the community and its families. THAT's what Trump is after. Don't you all read what he puts out OR are you just speculating? Looks like speculation to me.
I certainly hope that in his zeal to seal (the border, that is, not his lips, unfortunately), Jeff goes after those that provide incentives for people in Mexico and Central America to come to the US - small business owners who benefit from hard-working, low-cost labor. Perhaps when there are no immigrants to pick crops in, say, Alabama, those angry white men in Appalachia and the Rust Belt will seize the opportunity to get off the couch and earn a living. No Mexicans, jobs for angry white men, Mission Accomplished, right?
3
NY Times readers don't much trifle themselves with places like Central Islip, NY out on Long Island. Just this week four young men were slaughtered with metal implements, most likely by members of a Guatemalan gang called the MS-13 that is linked to many other murders in Suffolk County. Many members of this gang are suspected by authorities to be illegal immigrants.
10
I get it. Donald wants to deport every illegal who doesn't work for one of his companies, and he has his ugly little pit bull snapping and snarling out the message.
But there's something I'd really like to know. How can I help my friends, good people who have been here nearly two decades and were advised by their attorney some number of years ago to wait for the up-coming amnesty? What can I do for two adults who might be torn away from their American-born teen sons?
But there's something I'd really like to know. How can I help my friends, good people who have been here nearly two decades and were advised by their attorney some number of years ago to wait for the up-coming amnesty? What can I do for two adults who might be torn away from their American-born teen sons?
4
Jeff sessions is doing nothing more than continuing his attempt to return US policy in general back to about 1850, when the "War of Northern Aggression" was starting to happen.
His stances on states rights, police power, and his blatant (yet ignored and disregarded) support for the "white nationalist movement", and his apparent desire to bring back some form of Jim Crow laws impacting African-Americans, immigrants and the LGBTQ community should raise red flags for any American.
In his role as Attorney General, he will continue to use the constitution as a doormat as he pursues his racist and anachronistic drive to recreate the glorified "old South" of his youth, when anyone non-white was demonized and oppressed with impunity.
I wonder how he would feel about these issues if he had been born to a poor black family in his beloved home state of Alabama?
Would daily fear of violence by white supremacists affect his opinion of state's rights?
His stances on states rights, police power, and his blatant (yet ignored and disregarded) support for the "white nationalist movement", and his apparent desire to bring back some form of Jim Crow laws impacting African-Americans, immigrants and the LGBTQ community should raise red flags for any American.
In his role as Attorney General, he will continue to use the constitution as a doormat as he pursues his racist and anachronistic drive to recreate the glorified "old South" of his youth, when anyone non-white was demonized and oppressed with impunity.
I wonder how he would feel about these issues if he had been born to a poor black family in his beloved home state of Alabama?
Would daily fear of violence by white supremacists affect his opinion of state's rights?
2
Not only is Trump of a like mind with Sessions but apparently every Republican in the s\Senate is also since they voted unanimously for his confirmation.
Lisa Murkowski, Rob Portman, and Ron Johnson must be very worried about the transnational gangs who are poisoning and raping and chopping off heads.
Rand Paul, Deb Fischer, and John Thune are obviously very concerned about how our cities are being turned into war zones.
John McCain, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, and Susan Collins must share AG Sessions's fear that criminal aliens, coyotes, and document forgers are about to overthrow our whole immigration system.
Most of all, I'm sure Richard Burr knows deep in his heart that the fairness of our justice system will be upheld to it's historic high standards.
Lisa Murkowski, Rob Portman, and Ron Johnson must be very worried about the transnational gangs who are poisoning and raping and chopping off heads.
Rand Paul, Deb Fischer, and John Thune are obviously very concerned about how our cities are being turned into war zones.
John McCain, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, and Susan Collins must share AG Sessions's fear that criminal aliens, coyotes, and document forgers are about to overthrow our whole immigration system.
Most of all, I'm sure Richard Burr knows deep in his heart that the fairness of our justice system will be upheld to it's historic high standards.
1
I live in a border state and have spent time right on (and across) the line. I seem to have missed all the depravity about which our Troll-General speaks. Could he be more specific?
The world watches with astonishment as the pathetic Jeff Sessions gives the US a new ugly, puerile image - an image where a little man, in more ways than one, jiggles with pleasure as he utters really offensive words about his fellow human beings.
Another country where a little man jiggles with pleasure when utters offensive words about his fellow human beings is North Korea.
We are no longer associated with the great and the good of the world, we are no longer leaders in democratic thought and progressive ideas. The USA is now down in the gutter fighting it out with the same crude and bellicose language as Turkey and Russia, North Korea and Belorussia.
You seem to be walking Bannon to the door Mr. Trump, so, is it not about time that you slow walked Sessions to the back door. You belittle yourself by having Sessions speak for you.
Another country where a little man jiggles with pleasure when utters offensive words about his fellow human beings is North Korea.
We are no longer associated with the great and the good of the world, we are no longer leaders in democratic thought and progressive ideas. The USA is now down in the gutter fighting it out with the same crude and bellicose language as Turkey and Russia, North Korea and Belorussia.
You seem to be walking Bannon to the door Mr. Trump, so, is it not about time that you slow walked Sessions to the back door. You belittle yourself by having Sessions speak for you.
1
The racism on display from Jeff Sesssions and consorts, deporters and hen... err... fencemen, is plain, sordid and simple self-interest.
Their math: from every ten illegal aliens that (Mr. Bruni: the impersonal that is functional here) get documented or which (gotta stay consistent) kids get documented in the process, eight or more are going to vote Democrat.
To them deportation is just another cynical instrument of voter suppression.
For the same reason they've always seen those beautiful for-profit prison walls, like that Fata Marvella of a Border Wall, as their golden calf to be worshipped in religious ecstacy.
Their math: from every ten illegal aliens that (Mr. Bruni: the impersonal that is functional here) get documented or which (gotta stay consistent) kids get documented in the process, eight or more are going to vote Democrat.
To them deportation is just another cynical instrument of voter suppression.
For the same reason they've always seen those beautiful for-profit prison walls, like that Fata Marvella of a Border Wall, as their golden calf to be worshipped in religious ecstacy.
4
Somehow I'd prefer Kate McKinnon to the real Jeffie Sessions. She best captures the essence of this Xenophobic country simpleton. This fraud plays all: 'see no evil, hear no evil' when it comes to his treasonous consorting with foreign nationals as a campaign flunkie (which ensured he'd get that highfalutin' job in the first place). Sessions seeks to further weaponize justice in this country against its people. And don't let actual facts get the in the way of his fanaticism. This man is an enemy of people.
There is a historical context for his brand of Americana. This 'harry and destroy' attitude rationalized American institutions like: the genocide of the native peoples, slavery, Manifest Destiny, the rise of the klan, and now the rise of Trump. Sessions doesn't get called out much as a white supremacist (except by Coretta Scott King) but his stripes are obvious: 'if you're brown, I'm keeping you down', (or out). His policies play to the racist fears of the white majority. He is still managing Trump's ongoing reelection campaign as Attorney General.
One can only hope that Sessions gets indicted along with the rest of the Trump bunch when/if the Russia investigations come to a head (wouldn't THAT be a hoot!). Sessions appears to be as stupid as he is dishonest and incompetent. Kate McKinnon just left the nefarious part out of her portrayal for more comedic impact. But, don't be fooled. He'll rip families and communities apart just for sport.
There is a historical context for his brand of Americana. This 'harry and destroy' attitude rationalized American institutions like: the genocide of the native peoples, slavery, Manifest Destiny, the rise of the klan, and now the rise of Trump. Sessions doesn't get called out much as a white supremacist (except by Coretta Scott King) but his stripes are obvious: 'if you're brown, I'm keeping you down', (or out). His policies play to the racist fears of the white majority. He is still managing Trump's ongoing reelection campaign as Attorney General.
One can only hope that Sessions gets indicted along with the rest of the Trump bunch when/if the Russia investigations come to a head (wouldn't THAT be a hoot!). Sessions appears to be as stupid as he is dishonest and incompetent. Kate McKinnon just left the nefarious part out of her portrayal for more comedic impact. But, don't be fooled. He'll rip families and communities apart just for sport.
5
Jeff Sessions is a cold blooded racist. I don't use this term lightly. But a famous judge once said 'you usually intend the local consequences of your acts.' And Sessions has declared war not on drugs, but on black and brown people.
Sessions favors private, for profit prisons, even after courts have declared them to be unsafe and corrupt. His drug war is nothing but more corporate profit for them and more mass incarceration for us.
Sessions uses the words 'scum' to refer to drug dealers. But most of his prosecutions are directed at poor migrants being used as mules. His dog whistle is loud and clear that brown people are his target. None of the corporate boys who are white and launder billions in drug money will spend a day in jail.
His call for law and order means harsh enforcement, but no civil rights or civil liberties protections. He did the exact same thing when as AG of Alabama he ignored the law to send as many back inmates to death row as he could, even though Alabama had one of the highest percentages of innocent exonerations. Yet he opposed every one of them.
Mayors and city councils who want police reform will get no help from Sessions. Neither will voters who seek fair elections and nondiscriminatory voting practices.
Jeff Sessions is a son of the very old south and still believes that black people need the harsh, stern hand of government control to keep them from being unruly. But Sessions is right, this is all on Trump, so let him answer for it.
Sessions favors private, for profit prisons, even after courts have declared them to be unsafe and corrupt. His drug war is nothing but more corporate profit for them and more mass incarceration for us.
Sessions uses the words 'scum' to refer to drug dealers. But most of his prosecutions are directed at poor migrants being used as mules. His dog whistle is loud and clear that brown people are his target. None of the corporate boys who are white and launder billions in drug money will spend a day in jail.
His call for law and order means harsh enforcement, but no civil rights or civil liberties protections. He did the exact same thing when as AG of Alabama he ignored the law to send as many back inmates to death row as he could, even though Alabama had one of the highest percentages of innocent exonerations. Yet he opposed every one of them.
Mayors and city councils who want police reform will get no help from Sessions. Neither will voters who seek fair elections and nondiscriminatory voting practices.
Jeff Sessions is a son of the very old south and still believes that black people need the harsh, stern hand of government control to keep them from being unruly. But Sessions is right, this is all on Trump, so let him answer for it.
Here are the people who think Jeff Sessions is the answer to their hopes and dreams for America. This is required reading for the solution to the problems of America bought to you courtesy of Citizens United. They go by the name of Mercer
http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2017/03/30/robert-mercer-trump
http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2017/03/30/robert-mercer-trump
2
"It's no longer just scary speeches. Now as attorney general he has the machinery to make his immigration nightmare real." NYT.
The 'immigration nightmare' started when we changed our immigration laws in the mid 1960's led by Senator Ted Kennedy (D) and signed into law by President Lyndon B.Johnson (D). The nightmare is only going to get worse until we undo the harm caused by the Immigration Act of 1965 !?
The 'immigration nightmare' started when we changed our immigration laws in the mid 1960's led by Senator Ted Kennedy (D) and signed into law by President Lyndon B.Johnson (D). The nightmare is only going to get worse until we undo the harm caused by the Immigration Act of 1965 !?
6
OTM's, "Other Than Mexicans" are +50% of border-crossers. He's the chief law enforcement officer of this country. He's enforcing the law. Elections have consequences. Change the law if you don't like it. For now, America CLEARLY wants it enforced, as is. The gutting of the Democratic party is historic. Not since the 1920's have their been fewer Democrats at state/federal levels. And it's been consistent. First the House, then the Senate, then the White House. The pattern is clear. ENFORCE. THE. LAW.
6
Entering the US illegally is a federal crime. Using fraudulent documents is also a crime as is social security fraud and identity theft. These crimes committed by illegal aliens have real world consequences for the victims who have their identity stolen. As well as for taxpayers who end up subsidizing illegal aliens through lower wages and higher taxes. Nothing is free is this world somebody ends up paying. For years it has been the law abiding legal immigrants and the American taxpayers who have paid. The new administration is shifting the burden where it belongs onto those who break the law.
12
I've been around for many decades and I've meant countless thousands of people, and just watching Sessions for a few minutes and hearing him speak it's obvious to me he is one of those humans who really doesn't give a damn about anyone, and especially so if they're black or Hispanic, and he will not care a whit how many of those people and their families suffer as a result of the actions he takes while happily using his new found power and authority. In fact, he will thoroughly enjoy it. Look in the dictionary for the classic definition of bigot and you will find Jeff Sessions.
14
Let's just stop the pretense and ship the Statue Of Liberty back to France.
17
Thanks to the gop the south is rising again. The inhumane immigration deportations is just the recent assault on citizens and human rights. Policiea straight out of the charters of the Carolinas where wealth and land (ownership) gives imminent domain to those who have both. Civil rights, tax policy, public policy, and the government itself are subservient to those who have entitled wealth. Plantation nation here we come. Sessions is just a modern day plantation owner.
29
Republicans should have listened to Coretta Scott-King instead of silencing her. REGRET!
14
Can anyone explain how an "Open Border"
helps those Americans who have to compete with
Un-Documented Immigrants for jobs/schools/housing/medical care ?
My SS number was stolen and Credit Cards taken out in my name by
several Un-Documented Immigrants seeking work and, evidently, several
Commercial Refrigerators needed for a small restaurant. No, I did not
buy that car or rent that apartment and, no, I did not have the money to
hire a lawyer to straighten out the mess.
As others have said we need a completely new Immigration Policy.
If there are jobs that evidently no American will take - before we offer
them to Immigrants can we please determine that they new employees
will be paid a fair wage, given decent working hours and not face dangers while
doing the work most of us rather not do ?
Otherwise, Liberals and the NY Times Editorial Board are just endorsing the
freedom of those with the power and money to hire economic slaves.
helps those Americans who have to compete with
Un-Documented Immigrants for jobs/schools/housing/medical care ?
My SS number was stolen and Credit Cards taken out in my name by
several Un-Documented Immigrants seeking work and, evidently, several
Commercial Refrigerators needed for a small restaurant. No, I did not
buy that car or rent that apartment and, no, I did not have the money to
hire a lawyer to straighten out the mess.
As others have said we need a completely new Immigration Policy.
If there are jobs that evidently no American will take - before we offer
them to Immigrants can we please determine that they new employees
will be paid a fair wage, given decent working hours and not face dangers while
doing the work most of us rather not do ?
Otherwise, Liberals and the NY Times Editorial Board are just endorsing the
freedom of those with the power and money to hire economic slaves.
26
Enforcing existing laws - the horror.
23
Jobs, jobs, jobs-what about the $19 Billion dollar American tourism industry? No body wants to come here anymore, and this industry could get wiped out!
10
Jeff Sessions is now displaying his true, unbridled bigoted character.During his nomination process for Attorney General, he managed to cover up some of his most despicable character traits. Now that he doesn't have to watch what he says or how he behaves, he is unleashing his bigotry,closed mindedness,and contempt for non-white males,his disrespect for immigrants,his arrogance towards women and gays.
The Senate voted correctly when Sessions was nominated for a position on the federal bench. The vote was bipartisan. This time the Republicans in the Senate decided to "reward "their fellow traveler for Attorney General despite the fact that his character had not changed since he was first before them.
The Senate voted correctly when Sessions was nominated for a position on the federal bench. The vote was bipartisan. This time the Republicans in the Senate decided to "reward "their fellow traveler for Attorney General despite the fact that his character had not changed since he was first before them.
10
Yes, lets talk about this era, an era where 12 million people, more than 3% of the entire US population are here illegally. Trump was elected in large part because people people wanted action on this issue. The fact that the NYT can object to simply detaining all arrested at the border, the previous catch and release program being absurd at face value tells you how disconnected these views are to most Americans.
22
The cure cannot be worse than the disease.
The costs cannot exceed the benefits.
Possible unintended consequences must be predicted.
Ethical humanism must prevail over injurious law enforcement.
Any one else care to add to the tents of common sense that our dinosaur Attorney General, & the Enforcement Goons he wants to manage, is violating?
The costs cannot exceed the benefits.
Possible unintended consequences must be predicted.
Ethical humanism must prevail over injurious law enforcement.
Any one else care to add to the tents of common sense that our dinosaur Attorney General, & the Enforcement Goons he wants to manage, is violating?
4
My wife and I lived in Phoenix, AZ for over twenty years. During that time we hired primarily Hispanics to work in our yards, repair our roof, mend our block wall, all in the "dry heat" everyone jokes about. Heat is heat, and the landscapers and laborers worked hard under the relentless sun. Were they taking jobs from "true Americans" who would rather sit in an air-conditioned office behind a computer screen? Doubtful. We must revisit our immigration laws and create a legal and humane path for the "illegals" to work in our country while obtaining citizenship. The Trump administration categorically calls them drug dealers, rapists, and hardened criminals. They are not. Instead, they are desperate people trying to stay alive and protect their families. Just like we do. The less-quoted passage from Emma Lazurus' poem "The New Colussus" reads: " Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand/A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame/Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name/Mother of Exiles." We have exchanged the her torch for a carbine rifle wrapped in the second amendment. We have laws, but do we still have a soul?
15
Gee, who's going to pull my carrots out of the ground or pick my apples come fall? We gotta a lot of both here in Michigan. There's a big orchard about a half a mile from where i have lived for over 40 years. No problems with all those murderers, rapists, and druggies that i heard.
6
Having lived in California for 34 years it is clear to me that deporting illegal immigrants would lead to a state shut-down. These people are essential for farming, construction, restaurants and lawn care just to name a few industries.
They often do work that those born here won't do. The idea of deporting people who have lived here for years and have no criminal record is both ill-advised and cruel. Most of these people have children who are American in every way (except for being bilingual) and are integrated into schools and communities. Tearing apart families is reminiscent of what was done during slavery in the 18th-19th century. I think there should be an amnesty program for people who have lived here without incident for some period of time, perhaps 5 years.
Preventing people from entering the US illegally is a different issue and I think whatever policy we have should be enforced. But the fact is that with all that is going on in the world this is a minor issue when one looks at the number of people involved and the more pressing issues of our day- childhood poverty, shrinkage of the middle class, mediocre performance of US students, costly medical care with outcomes inferior to countries with national health programs, etc. So it is really a silly display of power can give Trump his first "victory" but nothing positive for the nation.
They often do work that those born here won't do. The idea of deporting people who have lived here for years and have no criminal record is both ill-advised and cruel. Most of these people have children who are American in every way (except for being bilingual) and are integrated into schools and communities. Tearing apart families is reminiscent of what was done during slavery in the 18th-19th century. I think there should be an amnesty program for people who have lived here without incident for some period of time, perhaps 5 years.
Preventing people from entering the US illegally is a different issue and I think whatever policy we have should be enforced. But the fact is that with all that is going on in the world this is a minor issue when one looks at the number of people involved and the more pressing issues of our day- childhood poverty, shrinkage of the middle class, mediocre performance of US students, costly medical care with outcomes inferior to countries with national health programs, etc. So it is really a silly display of power can give Trump his first "victory" but nothing positive for the nation.
19
Jeff Sessions is the Republican Party’s response to the need for immigration reform. A political party which lacks the ability to develop laws with nuance and compassion allows behavior which is neither.
Immigration is a thorny issue. It seems the Republican Party would like to solve it with a machete.
Immigration is a thorny issue. It seems the Republican Party would like to solve it with a machete.
5
Sessions and Trump try and make it sound like our borders are porous, uncontrolled or effectively non existent. They infer that border enforcement under previous administrations were complete failures enforcing illegal border crossing law. How true is that? The official numbers of detentions and deportations over the last three decades paint a different story.
And their claim that the Obama administration was the worst offender is not shown in those numbers.
Plus, in 2013 the Gang of Eight wrote comprehensive immigration reform bill S744 which passed the Senate by veto proof majority. But the bill could not even get a vote in Boehner's House. If it had, it would have passed. There were enough votes to have made it the law. Obama said he would sign it.
Where were Sessions and Trump when S744 was languishing in the House? Why weren't they crying to the world for its passage when it was but one vote away?
And their claim that the Obama administration was the worst offender is not shown in those numbers.
Plus, in 2013 the Gang of Eight wrote comprehensive immigration reform bill S744 which passed the Senate by veto proof majority. But the bill could not even get a vote in Boehner's House. If it had, it would have passed. There were enough votes to have made it the law. Obama said he would sign it.
Where were Sessions and Trump when S744 was languishing in the House? Why weren't they crying to the world for its passage when it was but one vote away?
For some industries what happens at the border doesn't affect their supply of workers. The IT industry is bringing in a flood of workers via H1B visas and those workers really are both displacing qualified Americans and lowering the pay scales. This has been written about for at least two decades and it remains to be seen if the Trump administration cares or not.
Make no mistake, the Republican and Trump agenda is to rid the U.S. of as many people of color as possible. ICE isn't merely rounding up Latinos with criminal records, they are deporting people with no criminal record who have lived here for and raised families for decades. Sessions voting record & some senate colleagues indicated he was a staunch opponent of civil rights for all. The intent of voter ID laws are to prevent minorities from voting. Preventing non-existent voter fraud is a pretext to discriminate as many federal judges determined.
Laws serve the people, not people the law. Rhetoric against rapists and drug dealers is being used to inflame support for policies that deport mothers and children (yes rhetoric also) and thus leaves no middle ground for compassion and humanity, and the basic morality that many feel should define America. We may enforce the laws to their fullest extent, but will we be a land we can celebrate. America first - but think carefully what is the America you are defending.
5
Not only would arresting and deporting the undocumented hurt the agriculture industry, it would hurt entire economic communities. A population of 11 million deported--leaving behind empty rentals that don't bring an income to the owner. Stores and restaurants would lose business and towns would suffer to maintain services immigrants paid for. Although they may not pay income taxes, the undocumented pay sales and property taxes which support schools and community services. People cry, "We pay for the education of the children of the undocumented." Well, no, they pay through taxes. Because immigrants have a lower crime rate than citizens, they also pay for the police department. The hit to the economy of small businesses would be devastating if 11 million people were deported..
Mr. Sessions himself has committed a crime. He lied under oath. He should be jailed or at the very least relieved of his position. Such hypocrisy.
12
Sessions is right but... The Mexican border area is a ground zero of death and violence, but we have created it with our never-ending, expensive and ineffective war on drugs. We've created the drug cartels with our policies just as we created the gangsters of the last century with that equally ill-advised and ineffective war on alcohol, prohibition. The cost of gangsterism this time is being born by the Mexicans and those in other countries who are suffering infinitely more than we are from the gangsterism we've subsidized with our moralistic and ineffective policies.
As for Mexican and Central American immigrants, they are less a source of violence, and illegality, than our own citizens, and they could be stopped without a vastly expensive and disruptive wall and much more effectively by creating a federal register of legal workers and fining heavily those employers who hire workers not on the register. That would be much less expensive and much more effective and humane than our current war on people who are merely trying to earn a decent living and/or escape the violence we have done much to create.
As for Mexican and Central American immigrants, they are less a source of violence, and illegality, than our own citizens, and they could be stopped without a vastly expensive and disruptive wall and much more effectively by creating a federal register of legal workers and fining heavily those employers who hire workers not on the register. That would be much less expensive and much more effective and humane than our current war on people who are merely trying to earn a decent living and/or escape the violence we have done much to create.
5
Punishing large numbers of people for offenses committed by a small number is inappropriate and vindictive. The solution for the problem of immigrant crime, and for crime committed by natives, is to enforce specific criminal laws against specific individuals breaching the law. Unfortunately this isn't being done. The present administration of criminal laws is sloppy and tarnished by favoritism shown to a privileged few. Sessions should be addressing this instead of posturing in front of the border.
5
Where are the protests? Where are the well planned media events challenging this extreme overeaction? Where are the legal immigration experts voicing the moderate counterpoints to this fear-stoking ramping up of the security state mentality and apparatus? Where is the poignant political art and street theatre, for crying out loud? I'm more than disgusted and worried, I'm ready to get on a bus and do some demonstrating. Let's not kid ourselves, people. This administration's intentions to take us backwards, to increase their power and control, is dangerous and gaining momentum. Let's get busy.
5
If the rest of the world looks at America with trepidation, Sessions and his like is the reason. He comes from an enemy heritage who won't give up the cause.
5
It seems as though being filthy rich and surrounded by gold and "winners" - makes the rest of the world looks like the "hellscape" Sessions described in comparison. It would explain Trump's worldview as well as that of most Republicans - who see only the evils of the people who live beyond the wall, or the gates or don't look like them - and never see it in themselves.
6
A substantial number of the so-called illegals are fleeing political and economic circumstances that should qualify them as refugees. It is a cruel joke to keep calling them "illegal immigrants." And for those who keep harping on the word "illegal" -- as if that should end any case for compassion -- here is what the ACLU has to say about that: "The act of being present in the United States in violation of the immigration laws is not, standing alone, a crime. While federal immigration law does criminalize some actions that may be related to undocumented presence in the United States, undocumented presence alone is not a violation of federal criminal law. ... Undocumented presence in the United States is only criminally punishable if it occurs after an
individual was previously formally removed from the United States and then returned without permission."
individual was previously formally removed from the United States and then returned without permission."
4
In response to those applauding Sessions' enforcement of our laws, were you applauding Obama when he became known as the "deporter in chief"? The enforcement of immigration policy is not a new thing. The difference with Trump and Sessions is that they deliberately target the most vulnerable. Why go out of your way to deport actual criminals and gang members when it is so much easier to target the victims of crimes and spend billions to build a symbolic wall instead? Meanwhile, communities that live with the reality of illegal immigration are taking the opposite approach of declaring themselves sanctuary cities, risking loss of federal funding, in order to maintain real law and order.
1
This is not what immigration reform should look like. This effort to deport undocumented citizens who have lived in the US for years if not decades and who are now firmly woven into the fabric of this country could very easily destabilize the US. I fear where this will take us. It seems simple enough to just round up people and send them back across the border but this is so much darker.
3
One of Gandhi's Seven Sins is 'Politics Without Principle', and that describes the scandal of Congress's decades-long inaction on immigration. To frame the immigration issue as solely a matter of legality is to oversimplify it. Our laws must both protect the country's integrity and promote our safety as well as extend a humane hand to those suffering at the hands of drug cartels, death squads, and deprivation in their home countries. President Obama was known among Latinos as the Deporter in Chief, but at least his administration attempted to distinguish between those illegal immigrants that posed a genuine threat and those who, in fact, contribute to the betterment of our society. The current administration's take no prisoners approach serves no one.
2
You may want to call people against illegal immigration, drugs smugglers, human traffickers, gangsters, and forgers of US documents, nativists and xenophobists, it simply doesn't work anymore. I don't take these adjectives as insults ,I take them as a badge of honor. I am extremely liberal and a common sense person. Illegal is illegal is illegal.
Anyone here illegally on forged passports, visas, expired visas, fake driver's licenses and Social Security numbers should be deported on the spot. They really don't have the right to any legal counsel because that is a privilege reserved for US citizens.
If we ignore the legitimate concerns of Americans, we do it at our own risk and perils. American citizens were never consulted or asked if they consent to unbridled illegal immigration. it should be an issue to be resolved by a referendum. Not politicians Republicans or Democrats. It is a matter that affects directly and indirectly the livelihood of our citizens. I don't want to hear one more time or any time that these people are doing jobs Americans don't want. That's a bunch of cheap talk. it is very insulting to anyone's intelligence.
Anyone here illegally on forged passports, visas, expired visas, fake driver's licenses and Social Security numbers should be deported on the spot. They really don't have the right to any legal counsel because that is a privilege reserved for US citizens.
If we ignore the legitimate concerns of Americans, we do it at our own risk and perils. American citizens were never consulted or asked if they consent to unbridled illegal immigration. it should be an issue to be resolved by a referendum. Not politicians Republicans or Democrats. It is a matter that affects directly and indirectly the livelihood of our citizens. I don't want to hear one more time or any time that these people are doing jobs Americans don't want. That's a bunch of cheap talk. it is very insulting to anyone's intelligence.
Sessions is a bigot. This was well know when his nomination for Federal District Court was blocked for exactly that reason. Many Republicans supported Donald Trump for President despite Trumps bigoted statements during the campaign. Session supported Donald Trump because of those bigoted statements and because he believes in them.
4
The Republican Party is turning the US into a nation of Javerts, with Sessions as Javert-in-Chief. We may as well change the name of his agency to something more accurate, since with him at the head, it will surely be no Justice Department.
1
Second submission intended to make very clear what the first one is intended to convey when and if it is accepted. Racism in each of its forms must be clearly identified, especially as expressed by members of the Administration and those assigned to speaking for them.
It helps therefore to have racism defined as clearly as it is characterized by Professor Erik Bleich in "The Freedom to Be Racist" p. 157:
"I define racism as the use of markers associated with origins or deep cultural attachments (notably ancestry, race, skin color, ethnic or national origin, and religious affiliation) to place some groups systematically lower on a status hierarchy. Racism is a complex concept with a variety of forms and intensities."
I note that Bleich has to use "race" in that definition because the US assigns people to invented "races".
Racism is forever and everywhere, and presently is being openly encouraged by various members of the administration. Therefore each form must be pointed out, consistently and continually. Times Race/Related would be much better if it would focus on doing so instead of providing articles such as the one on Newroz that have nothing at all to do with "race" as "race" is understood by the Race/Related staff.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
It helps therefore to have racism defined as clearly as it is characterized by Professor Erik Bleich in "The Freedom to Be Racist" p. 157:
"I define racism as the use of markers associated with origins or deep cultural attachments (notably ancestry, race, skin color, ethnic or national origin, and religious affiliation) to place some groups systematically lower on a status hierarchy. Racism is a complex concept with a variety of forms and intensities."
I note that Bleich has to use "race" in that definition because the US assigns people to invented "races".
Racism is forever and everywhere, and presently is being openly encouraged by various members of the administration. Therefore each form must be pointed out, consistently and continually. Times Race/Related would be much better if it would focus on doing so instead of providing articles such as the one on Newroz that have nothing at all to do with "race" as "race" is understood by the Race/Related staff.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
We have a lot of Hispanics in this basically agricultural area. The ones that I have met have mostly been decent, hard-working and family-oriented people. Legal or not, I prefer them to the likes of Trump and Sessions.
4
"Mr. Sessions has threatened these “sanctuary” locales with loss of criminal-justice funding, on the false assertion that they are defying the law. (In fact, “sanctuary” cities are upholding law and order. They recognize that enlisting state and local law enforcement for deportation undermines community trust, local policing and public safety.)"
Such sophistry from the Times. Sanctuary policies may in fact make for good police-community relations and thereby aid law enforcement, But they also and obviously defy federal law. Why is it so hard to be honest and admit that?
Such sophistry from the Times. Sanctuary policies may in fact make for good police-community relations and thereby aid law enforcement, But they also and obviously defy federal law. Why is it so hard to be honest and admit that?
10
I'm not sure if the left's attempt to make the terms illegal aliens and immigrant synonyms is ignorance or a strategy that Orwell would be proud of. Enforcing existing laws against people in this country illegal isn't a war on immigrants. There are over 30 million legal immigrants in this country and we let in another half million a year. There is no war on immigrants. But there are also at least 11 million illegal aliens who have no legal right to remain in this country.
16
Yes, it's absolutely scandalous that the AG of the US want to enforce the law. Shocking and appalling.
13
What did anyone expect? The Republican's that allowed his nomination to proceed without calling the little angry munchkin back knowing he lied verbally and in writing about his meeting with the Russian Ambassador is a testament to their support for his backward policies. Trump core supporters love this policy especially in the Southern States. They just don't get that a person of color willing to break the law is the exact same thing as a white person as the result of that behavior will be the same. We all bleed red blood. Sessions was a dismal failure in congress and is a dismal failure as Attorney General. He says "this is the Trump era" but it's a shameful era as will be illustrated in history books forever. Trump voters and Christians should hang their collective heads in shame.
I totally disagree with the NY Times Editorial Board's view on Illegal immigration, their use of euphemisms such as "undocumented" immigrants and their snide comments about Jeff Sessions.
If someone enters the United States illegally they are committing a crime. If someone enters the United States legally with a proper visa but overstays the visa or does not comply with the terms of the visa they are also committing a crime.
The United States should not be providing any sort of social welfare or educational benefits to illegal aliens. They should all be deported as expeditiously as possible.
If someone enters the United States illegally they are committing a crime. If someone enters the United States legally with a proper visa but overstays the visa or does not comply with the terms of the visa they are also committing a crime.
The United States should not be providing any sort of social welfare or educational benefits to illegal aliens. They should all be deported as expeditiously as possible.
14
Bravo Jeff Sessions! New York and LA/SF don't speak for the rest of the country. We are tired of the lawlessness of the illegals crossing our borders and the arrogant liberals who support them. If you don't like the laws, change them. There are millions of legal immigrants in our country, and I support their presence 100%. They followed our laws. It is those who chose to ignore our laws that are the problem, and I really don't care if they have four kids with them or not. Either we are governed by laws or we descend into anarchy. Do the libs really want the "Mad Max" world that is the inevitable result of mass defiance of nationally sanctioned laws? The rest of us do not. Sessions is enforcing existing law at the behest of the President, who won election with this action as a central plank of his platform. The myopia of the libs will keep conservatives in power for a generation.
14
52 to 47 was the Senate vote for confirmation of this ideologue Sessions! One Democrat, Manchin of WVa, joined the Republicans in supporting this man. The GOP owns Sessions. 2018 elections not far off - wouldn't it be sweet justice if Bentley, the Alabama replacement for Sessions' vacant Senate seat, could be outside by a Democrat!
As a thoroughly legal green card holder I wonder if I am next (after 35 years).
Sessions personifies every stereotype of corruption and bigotry.
The nation that had welcomed, sheltered and nourished those seeking a land of freedom and opportunities has become a place of dread and fear.
Just as all despots before have fallen, true Americans look forward to the close of this administration and every ignorance ridden ideology with it
The nation that had welcomed, sheltered and nourished those seeking a land of freedom and opportunities has become a place of dread and fear.
Just as all despots before have fallen, true Americans look forward to the close of this administration and every ignorance ridden ideology with it
1
Sessions unleashed means nastiness. The law has been enforced. Net migration across the border tended to a southerly flow in the Obama years. The hype about finally enforcing the law consists of lies. But what else is new from Trump, his ilk, and his supporters? It will take journalists years to count the dead in Afghanistan and in Syria along with the actual number of real airplanes destroyed in Syria. Four missiles per plane? More? God help us!
In this same edition of the paper, the NY Times reports on yet four more young people brutally murdered by the MS-13 gang in Long Island. And factually describes it as a transnational gang with roots in El Salvador and Los Angeles. And factually describes that multiple "undocumented immigrants" have been charged with racketeering and murder for other similar murders in Long Island this last year. 10 out of 13 charged were illegal aliens.
We have bipartisan-enacted immigration laws, passed by a Democratic Congress in 1986, and signed by President Reagan; and further refined and passed by a Republican Congress in 1996, and signed by President Clinton. Jeff Sessions is seeking to enforce this bipartisan-enacted, existing law of the land.
Can the Editorial Board take its head out of the sand and see the world as it is, and not just as it wishes it to be?
We have bipartisan-enacted immigration laws, passed by a Democratic Congress in 1986, and signed by President Reagan; and further refined and passed by a Republican Congress in 1996, and signed by President Clinton. Jeff Sessions is seeking to enforce this bipartisan-enacted, existing law of the land.
Can the Editorial Board take its head out of the sand and see the world as it is, and not just as it wishes it to be?
12
It's only a nightmare for people in our country illegally.
Every person who breaks the law has to deal with the consequences of their actions sooner or later. These folks time has come.
It's about time, too.
Every person who breaks the law has to deal with the consequences of their actions sooner or later. These folks time has come.
It's about time, too.
12
Anyone who favors, even if by turning a blind eye to it, illegal immigration is essentially a good old-fashioned union buster.
The union, in this case, is that between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat against the owners of the means of production who wish to grind the faces of the poor.
One way is to use the (nominally) cheap services illegals charge for their labor.
Illegals cost the state money. Costs borne, primarily, by the traditional working classes (sales and consumption taxes embedded in the costs of everyday life). Illegals compete for classroom space, hospital care, government services, inexpensive housing.
The working classes are being asked to sacrifice their present well-being for a supposed benefit in the future (the legal children of illegals will pay your social security, ha, ha).
But wait! Soon the white collars will be under siege too: Yes, software, legal and a whole hot of supposedly new economy services CAN be outsourced (or brought in by a legal visa system that is so abused that it amounts to legalized illegal immigration).
Trump will be coerced because the owners hold a lot of sway, why they even own the New York Times, but the seething anger harbored by those who see their birthright stolen from them will out.
The union, in this case, is that between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat against the owners of the means of production who wish to grind the faces of the poor.
One way is to use the (nominally) cheap services illegals charge for their labor.
Illegals cost the state money. Costs borne, primarily, by the traditional working classes (sales and consumption taxes embedded in the costs of everyday life). Illegals compete for classroom space, hospital care, government services, inexpensive housing.
The working classes are being asked to sacrifice their present well-being for a supposed benefit in the future (the legal children of illegals will pay your social security, ha, ha).
But wait! Soon the white collars will be under siege too: Yes, software, legal and a whole hot of supposedly new economy services CAN be outsourced (or brought in by a legal visa system that is so abused that it amounts to legalized illegal immigration).
Trump will be coerced because the owners hold a lot of sway, why they even own the New York Times, but the seething anger harbored by those who see their birthright stolen from them will out.
4
Sessions is only parroting Trump, especially Trump's inaugural address, which painted a bleak picture of the U.S. rife with unspeakable widespread crime, drug use and immorality. In other words a hedonistic and dangerous country, which only Trump can fix.
Fear leads to hate, the Autocrat's tool for consolidating power and control. "Group hate" causes increased adrenalin release (a hormone) which in itself acts like a drug and is highly addicting and euphoric.
Trump/Sessions need and have their targets, Mexicans and Muslims. The irony, the "Hellscape" is actually being created by those who rale against it: Trump and Sessions.
Fear leads to hate, the Autocrat's tool for consolidating power and control. "Group hate" causes increased adrenalin release (a hormone) which in itself acts like a drug and is highly addicting and euphoric.
Trump/Sessions need and have their targets, Mexicans and Muslims. The irony, the "Hellscape" is actually being created by those who rale against it: Trump and Sessions.
1
One has to ask 'What alternative universe does this whack job inhabit?' If there was ever any doubt about Sessions, it should all be apparent now.
The New York Times reversal on the issue of illegal immigration since becoming a partisan blogsite is remarkable. In February 2000, the New York Times editorialized that “the primary problem with amnesties is that they beget more illegal immigration. Demographers trace the doubling of the number of Mexican immigrants since 1990 in part to the amnesty of the 1980's. Amnesties signal foreign workers that American citizenship can be had by sneaking across the border, or staying beyond the term of one's visa, and hiding out until Congress passes the next amnesty. The 1980's amnesty also attracted a large flow of illegal relatives of those workers who became newly legal. All that is unfair to those who play by the immigration rules and wait years to gain legal admission.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/22/opinion/hasty-call-for-amnesty.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/22/opinion/hasty-call-for-amnesty.html
12
“Many aliens who illegally enter the United States and those who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visas present a significant threat to national security and public safety." Trump said this months ago. Is there proof to substantiate this claim? Not even close... Here's a thought: Approx. 10,000 Americans are killed each year in DUI accidents; more than 3,000 die annually in distracted driving accidents. 3 American teens die every day in such accidents. How is this not a "significant threat...to public safety"? I get it. The optics of deporting poor brown-skinned people and the shiny bauble of a "beautiful wall" are made-to-order distractions. But in his spare time maybe Atty Genl Sessions could find a way to enforce laws that may actually save lives.
If you really don't want illegal immigration, start jailing/heavily fining the business OWNERS/CEOs employing them. It will stop immediately, as will all the benefits we achieve from their labor. Oh, I forgot, we don't want to hold the ruling class accountable.
1
Mr. Sessions, similar to ISIS radical and violent Islam interpretation...by religious fanatics, finds echo now in his radical fanatic ideology, completely devoid of reality, and sorely absent compassion, of the steady contributions of immigrants to the United States, both documented and undocumented. Insulting immigrants by calling 'aliens' is so stupid and denigrating, that Sessions ought to be ashamed of himself...if capable in his inhumanity. Just because Trump is a dangerous demagogue, who thrives in insulting the very people that made/make this country great, is no excuse to double-down in creating misery and abuse.
One thing that President Trump could do absolutely without Congressional approval would be to deport millions of illegal aliens. As to the feasibility of doing so, it could be accomplished quicker than many think. Current law allows an administration to deport any illegal alien.
Assume that those millions are now occupying millions of housing units. Thus, their deportation would leave millions of vacancies. This would depress the housing market. Home prices and rents could plummet. The departure of millions of people would also hurt the commercial real estate market as well, especially retail. Trump has at times proposed various limitations as to who can enter the USA legally. At one point Trump's camp suggested that to get around the controversy surrounding his proposal to ban all Moslems from entering the country, he could just stop issuing visas to everyone. That would hurt the hotel industry. .."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4026652
Assume that those millions are now occupying millions of housing units. Thus, their deportation would leave millions of vacancies. This would depress the housing market. Home prices and rents could plummet. The departure of millions of people would also hurt the commercial real estate market as well, especially retail. Trump has at times proposed various limitations as to who can enter the USA legally. At one point Trump's camp suggested that to get around the controversy surrounding his proposal to ban all Moslems from entering the country, he could just stop issuing visas to everyone. That would hurt the hotel industry. .."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4026652
The Times believes illegal immigration is/has been a good thing. I agree with this to some extent, but I think it is obvious that regulated immigration is better than unregulated immigration. Illegal immigration is totally unregulated. The immigrants themselves are often harmed the process of trying to get here. And once here illegal immigrants are often forced into behavior such as identity theft, fraudulent marriage, petty crimes to support themselves, etc. that is not good for society.
It seems to me a no-brainer that we should all, including liberals as well as conservatives, all strive for regulated immigration, which by definition is legal immigration. It is amazing to me that liberals who often want to regulate education, environment, corporations, speech, can't see why the regulation of immigration would be a good thing!
It seems to me a no-brainer that we should all, including liberals as well as conservatives, all strive for regulated immigration, which by definition is legal immigration. It is amazing to me that liberals who often want to regulate education, environment, corporations, speech, can't see why the regulation of immigration would be a good thing!
4
I think many of us would oppose mass deportation of illegal immigrants if they registered with authorities, were permanently banned from voting, and were required to financially support themselves and their families without use of any safety net funds. If unable to fund their life here, they and their minority children should be returned to their country of citizenship, with American citizen children eligible to return alone upon reaching age 18. This would be be fair to all, including legal immigrants who waited years to be approved.
12
How did the Banjo Boy from Deliverance get to be the arbiter of justice in the USA?
10
Attorney General Mini Me.
1
What a nasty LITTLE person. At first I was going to write " LITTLE man," but this short, rodent faced LITTLE person has not earned the appellation "man."
11
Every day one of these psychiatric inmate-dodgers in Trumps's cabinet shamelessly announces more insane & useless steps that make Amerika a nastier and inhumane place for everyone except the billionaires who own them. Pruit yesterday in coal country? Vicious. And what is 1 & 2 & uhhhhhhhhhh? Gov. Perry & brainy doctor Carson up to, NYT? Can't be anything good. Maybe just report about them one day at a time, keep up the string of daily reporrts of destruction of the kinder, gentler compassionate conservatism we got going on here, huh? Ya know, how the exceptional number one country of god rolls.
6
America, falling deeper and deeper as symbolized by these expressions of ignorance:
SESSIONS: “…we first take our stand against this FILTH (ALIENS).
SPICER: “…when you come to sarin gas, there was no—he (Hitler)was not using the gas on his OWN PEOPLE people
TRUMP: It’s my GERMAN GENES
and by this near miss:
US Census Bureau considers creating a new “race” called MENA as in all those "white" Americans with roots in the Middle East and North Africa.
The USCB was about to take us to the same border that Germany and Sweden were taken to in the 1920s Swedish race biologist Herman Lundborg and his follower, Adolf Hitler, the designation of a "race" on the basis of religion.
Yes, it is true that the USCB officially would use geography, not religion, but the majority of MENA people are born Muslim, so MENA would have given Sessions, Trump, Spicer and the alt-Right the counterpart of the group identified by Hitler as a Jewish race. (The USCB backed off when the proposal was eagerly welcomed by such as S, T, and S above.)
Please NYT understand the seriousness of this and give us the first article with its starting point these thoughts from ta Nehisi Coates and Dorothy Roberts:
Coates: "But race is the child of racism, not the father..."
Roberts: Race is the fatal invention of racists. My parents taught me, there is only one race, the human.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
SESSIONS: “…we first take our stand against this FILTH (ALIENS).
SPICER: “…when you come to sarin gas, there was no—he (Hitler)was not using the gas on his OWN PEOPLE people
TRUMP: It’s my GERMAN GENES
and by this near miss:
US Census Bureau considers creating a new “race” called MENA as in all those "white" Americans with roots in the Middle East and North Africa.
The USCB was about to take us to the same border that Germany and Sweden were taken to in the 1920s Swedish race biologist Herman Lundborg and his follower, Adolf Hitler, the designation of a "race" on the basis of religion.
Yes, it is true that the USCB officially would use geography, not religion, but the majority of MENA people are born Muslim, so MENA would have given Sessions, Trump, Spicer and the alt-Right the counterpart of the group identified by Hitler as a Jewish race. (The USCB backed off when the proposal was eagerly welcomed by such as S, T, and S above.)
Please NYT understand the seriousness of this and give us the first article with its starting point these thoughts from ta Nehisi Coates and Dorothy Roberts:
Coates: "But race is the child of racism, not the father..."
Roberts: Race is the fatal invention of racists. My parents taught me, there is only one race, the human.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
5
It's about time we are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.......
Nothing wrong with ALLOWING in as many LEGAL IMMIGRANTS as we can absorb every year and who DO NOT NEED AMERICAN TAXPAYER assistance to make it through their first year.
For many years "that" was the nations standard for new immigrants. Then the liberal POLITICALLY CORRECT nuts took over and want anyone they can sneak into our country to come,
The DESTRUCTIVE ways of obama are over........
M A G A, go President TRUMP!
Nothing wrong with ALLOWING in as many LEGAL IMMIGRANTS as we can absorb every year and who DO NOT NEED AMERICAN TAXPAYER assistance to make it through their first year.
For many years "that" was the nations standard for new immigrants. Then the liberal POLITICALLY CORRECT nuts took over and want anyone they can sneak into our country to come,
The DESTRUCTIVE ways of obama are over........
M A G A, go President TRUMP!
13
Isn't Sessions still under investigation for possible perjury in his testimony before the Senate? Aren't his contacts with the Russian ambassador and other Russians under investigation by the FBI? Shouldn't he have tendered his resignation some weeks ago?
7
We are making a huge mistake by allowing Trump and his gang of bullies to round up these families and deport them by the thousands. I have had the opportunity the past two weeks to serve as a testing monitor in the public school where my granddaughter attends. In fact, we pick her up there 2-3 times per week and have assisted in her classroom. It is a school with 90% or more Hispanic families. My daughter always heard the usual talk about attending a school where her daughter would be in the minority - how would she feel, how would she be treated. would she accept them and the language differences, etc. My granddaughter is one of three white children among 24 other Hispanic children. It has been an amazing experience - her classmates are the nicest, most respectful, well-behaved children I have ever seen. The families that come to the school are not well off, but they are as dedicated to their children as any I've seen. There waiting for them after school like clockwork. Talking to teachers, checking homework assignments right there at the door. During the testing in another grade level classroom, I found it ironic that the only one in the room who didn't seem to care, couldn't stay focused, and basically distracted others was the little white boy. The rest of his Hispanic classmates settled into taking their tests with the laser-like focus of graduate students. We are evicting some of our best future citizens on a mere technicality. Dumb! Just like our "president."
8
I'm glad Americans are finally going to pick their own fruits and veggys, because we need the excersise. Thanks Beauregard, the plantation spirit lives again.
5
This frightening march toward Fascism must be countered at every turn. Human rights lawyers must be vigilant. Courts must guarantee that human rights are not violated. We are engaged in a war here--a war for the soul of America, with Jeff Sessions as the chief demon spreading vitriol and poison that affects not only immigrants, but all Americans.
It is already impossible to hold an international congress in the United States. No one will come here to be humiliated at the border. Soon there will be no business travel and no tourism, thanks to Trump and Sessions.
I am shocked, ashamed and frightened that we have such a miserable excuse for a public official in a position of such power.
It is already impossible to hold an international congress in the United States. No one will come here to be humiliated at the border. Soon there will be no business travel and no tourism, thanks to Trump and Sessions.
I am shocked, ashamed and frightened that we have such a miserable excuse for a public official in a position of such power.
8
It seems that God's own country has morphed into the devils playground under Trump and Sessions.
4
Jeff Sessions is simply enforcing the law of the land. You would like to live in America? Well, we the people through congress have enacted laws determining you have apply for a visa at one of our consulates or embassies BEFORE you come. You want to defy our laws and cross the border without authorization (i.e. a Visa)? Well, the law will be enforced and you will be deported to your country and advised to apply for a visa as the law demands and as hundreds of thousands of LEGAL immigrants like myself have done. It is THAT simple folks. The fact that our previous president simply could not grasp a basic concept such as The Rule of Law and encouraged and rewarded the breaking of our laws does not mean this one will, thank God.
15
Rhetoric such as this unrestrained and impolitic rant will serve to re-elect Mr. Trump in 2020. Please restrain your adjectives.
9
The way that they try to associate all "illegal" immigrants with crimes and other problems while being blind of the very significant contributions of these immigrants to America's very own living standard show that people don't think with their head, they think with their hate.
6
Jeff Sessions, a man more at ease in a white sheet and pointed cap,
is our AG, now what does this say about us?
is our AG, now what does this say about us?
4
Seriously, what did you expect from a guy who is named after Jefferson Davis, slaver and president of the Confederacy?
I'm surprised it wasn't a Confederate flag that was flying behind him!
I'm surprised it wasn't a Confederate flag that was flying behind him!
4
We can only hope Sessions will be successful in stemming the flow of drugs and human trafficking across the border.
8
Why can't we have an "America first" policy. Give Americans the first shot at the great jobs in the poultry plants, the back breaking jobs in the fields, mowing our lawns, making beds, and watching our children. Then when nobody shows up, we can give them to the hardworking, decent people that actually represent the American Dream of a better life for their children.
4
Oh the horror! Someone who is going to enforce longstanding law? What will they think of next?
Hopefully, Sessions will figure out a way to end the lunacy of Birthright Citizenship. Illegal "immigrants" can't legally work in this country. No matter how we might "reform" our immigration system, no matter which administration is in charge when we do, illegal "immigrants" will never be able to work legally in this country. If they can't work legally, they can't legally support a family, born in the US or not. How can it make sense for kids born here to be US citizens when their own parents can't legally support them?
Hopefully, Sessions will figure out a way to end the lunacy of Birthright Citizenship. Illegal "immigrants" can't legally work in this country. No matter how we might "reform" our immigration system, no matter which administration is in charge when we do, illegal "immigrants" will never be able to work legally in this country. If they can't work legally, they can't legally support a family, born in the US or not. How can it make sense for kids born here to be US citizens when their own parents can't legally support them?
Someone needs to sit Sessions down and split a righteous joint with him, mellow him out a little.
5
Sessions has no heart, no sense of morality, no brains. He's a vapid void,, reflective of his boss.
The late civil rights icon, Mrs. Corretta Scot King penned a very effective letter detailing the track record of Jeff Sessions manipulating the law to inflict bigotry, hate and racism on African Americans. This letter was used to prevent him from being elevated to the federal bench.
The only way he became Attorney general was to withhold this letter from his confirmation hearing. Effectively, hiding his past of white supremacy to make it appear he was honest, has integrity and his character was beyond reproach. In reality, he is the polar opposite.
The only way he became Attorney general was to withhold this letter from his confirmation hearing. Effectively, hiding his past of white supremacy to make it appear he was honest, has integrity and his character was beyond reproach. In reality, he is the polar opposite.
6
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’
37 Then the righteous* will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
39 When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
40 And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
-Matthew 25:31-40
The closest Jeff Sessions would get to Christ would be to scourge him.
36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’
37 Then the righteous* will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
39 When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
40 And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
-Matthew 25:31-40
The closest Jeff Sessions would get to Christ would be to scourge him.
8
Thugs and bullies, one and all.
2
This is why I won't vote for the Dems. They are true open borders extremists. The United States does not need unskilled Latino labor. Dems need to join Trump, stop Hispandering and advocate for laws that benefit the American public not foreign law breakers.
12
When laws lacking any sensitivity frame governmental actions, there can be no room for discussion and compromise. Sessions is the Republican answer to much-needed immigration reform. Republicans are incapable of subtlety or rational discussion about thorny issues. Their solution is to take out the machete.
1
The man is a joke. The flag falling was probably an Act of God.
4
This is excellent news, especially since the drug cartels' major cash cow today is not drugs, but human trafficking and public corruption.
This is the new war on the border, and Mexico needs to step up.
This is the new war on the border, and Mexico needs to step up.
Liberals can try all the word games they want by calling illegal aliens "undocumented migrants" or whatever trendy word of the day is popular. Tolerating illegal immigration undermines our immigration system. Millions of people all over the world spend time and money to immigrate to America. Some wait years to join family members. If illegal aliens are going to treated as if they have some kind right to be here, why should law abiding future immigrants bother with the legal process? Trump is absolutely right in stopping this now. Any illegal alien in the US should have no expectation other than deportation. If they are allowed to stay, they should regard that as a gift and not some kind of right they are entitled to.
You have to ask yourself the following question: why are these immigrants here in the first place. They came here to escape a terrible, and often dangerous, life elsewhere. The overwhelming majority are not a threat to anyone. For years the Congress has refused to tackle the problem of immigration reform. It will not do so now. Easier to just round them up and ship them out. The more pertinent question is: why aren't you interested in creating policies that allow people to come here to escape a terrible life to try and create a better one for themselves and their families. Just like there is a risk at letting them in and showing them compassion, there is a risk of kicking these folks out. Do you want to fix the problem or make the problem, in your mind, go away. Being a country that does not care about the less fortunate and will not help anyone (Trump wishes to cut food aid to the starving) is your badge of honor now. Wear it proudly when you go to church this Sunday. It goes well with the red hat.
4
How much is all this costing us, and who is making money on the private detention centers? Someone is. And why is it only Latinos being snatched off the streets and not the more than 1 million Asians, Canadians, Europeans who are here illegally?
What are we gaining by this? How is it helping the US to disrupt families who are working, raising their children, and contributing to the economy and to their communities? How does it help the US to forcibly take parents from their children? How on earth does any of this jibe with the vaunted family values, less government control and intrusion, and fiscal conservatism of the party in power? There's nothing fiscally responsible about any of this - it's simply cruel and inhumane...and against everything America is supposed to stand for.
This is proof that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The relish with which Sessions and his crew are carrying this out is frightening. Who's next???
What are we gaining by this? How is it helping the US to disrupt families who are working, raising their children, and contributing to the economy and to their communities? How does it help the US to forcibly take parents from their children? How on earth does any of this jibe with the vaunted family values, less government control and intrusion, and fiscal conservatism of the party in power? There's nothing fiscally responsible about any of this - it's simply cruel and inhumane...and against everything America is supposed to stand for.
This is proof that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The relish with which Sessions and his crew are carrying this out is frightening. Who's next???
Officials in "sanctuary cities" are violating federal law:
8 USC 1324 Bringing in and harboring certain aliens
A) Any person who—
(iii) knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation;
(v)
(I) engages in any conspiracy to commit any of the preceding acts, or
(II) aids or abets the commission of any of the preceding acts,
shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (B).
(B) A person who violates subparagraph (A) shall, for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs—
(ii) in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II), be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both;
8 USC 1324 Bringing in and harboring certain aliens
A) Any person who—
(iii) knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation;
(v)
(I) engages in any conspiracy to commit any of the preceding acts, or
(II) aids or abets the commission of any of the preceding acts,
shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (B).
(B) A person who violates subparagraph (A) shall, for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs—
(ii) in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II), be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both;
8
Sessions is another Radical Christian Terrorist. Plain and simple.
As Rachel Maddow revealed last night, Sessions released the text of his speech in a DOJustice press release saying he was going to Mexico to get rid of the "filth." He deleted the word "filth" when he spoke, perhaps fearing the public backlash like all the Republicans.
The level of hatred, paranoia, fear mongering and lack of humanity of Trump and his cabinet - particularly Sessions - should be of greatest concern to a country that enjoys liberty, a free press, freedom of religion, and civil rights.
I'm expecting Sessions to ask for a renewal of the Sedition Act (by Executive Order, naturally) any day now.
As Rachel Maddow revealed last night, Sessions released the text of his speech in a DOJustice press release saying he was going to Mexico to get rid of the "filth." He deleted the word "filth" when he spoke, perhaps fearing the public backlash like all the Republicans.
The level of hatred, paranoia, fear mongering and lack of humanity of Trump and his cabinet - particularly Sessions - should be of greatest concern to a country that enjoys liberty, a free press, freedom of religion, and civil rights.
I'm expecting Sessions to ask for a renewal of the Sedition Act (by Executive Order, naturally) any day now.
4
Trump and Sessions are simply appealing to their base. A vast majority of Trump voters think that wholesale deportation is a wonderful thing. Not a good thing, a wonderful thing. Trump has revealed this large, dark and hateful underbelly of America. An America of hateful, vengeful, xenophobic and homophobic people. Sad.
4
If u break the law by entering illegally, and remain , u r in violation of federal law, and we are all taught to obey the law, not flout it. A nation that has not secured its borders is no longer a sovereign nation.American citizens of all creeds, colors, ethnic backgrounds must know that law applies equally to everyone. When AG Sessions spoke of cartels entering US,he spoke the truth.EB is living in a buffer zone, "a bubble, " as Ms. Spaeth "a laisse entendre" in a televised interview,and hard core element at the paper, no se ofenda, cannot seem to understand law and order concerns of the rest of the country.It is wishful thinking that "liberation" of Mosul and Raqqua mean the end of ISIS as a threat to life and limb of we who live in the West. If anything,its militant arm will be more focused, and perhaps as the Mayor of London implied,living in an urban environment means tolerating terrorist outrages, the "new normal!"Perhaps I have gone a bit overboard in characterizing his words thusly, but this what I believe he meant.Entire world seems to be degenerating into a war zone, us v. them, and scratch civil liberties off your list if u believe that a price must be paid for increased security.EU countries have learned their lesson and are clamping down, and we are following suit. Latest fatality in the "attentat" on London bridge was a 31 year old professional woman with her whole life ahead of her.What do you say now, P.M. Blair?
3
The Democrats' unwavering support of illegal immigration is why I no longer vote Democrat, for any office. This is why you lost, Dems.
12
The generals can do their will. Now the prosecutors and the police forces can do theirs as well. The president will eat chocolate cake and go to rallies. Echos of the last century.
5
Ol' Jeff Sessions will be trying to terrorize and imprison minorities until his dying breath. Its sad our government is being run by 60, 70 , 80 year-old men who should be retired but fueled by sheer arrogance continue on because they believe they "know better" than everyone else. A man who was denied a federal judgeship and called "a disgrace to the Justice Department" by Senator Kennedy over 30 years ago now has his revenge!! All these comments about how "they broke the law, period" are ridiculous, seeing how many white-collar criminals are still out there making millions while destroying peoples lives for profit. Do all of you people send a check to the government when you go over the speed limit but don't get pulled over by the police?? I hope so! Because that's "ILLEGAL!!!" You broke the law!
3
To be entirely honest, the direction in which this country is headed, with the mean spirited, ignorant and vindictive attitude of the administration and many others whose outlook is narrow and nativist at best, leaves me wondering why any sane Mexican would want to leave Mexico for life in this country. Let America wallow in its misery for the moment ~ I'd stay well clear until we have a better educated, globally welcoming administration who appreciates the rich and diverse contributions Mexicans and immigrants in general make to a country. I'd stay well clear until the likes of Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions are a dim and distant memory.
71
I know the Times finds this quaint, but the country actually does have the right to control its borders. It is an absolute right called sovereignty. Ask the Mexican government what happens to people who enter their country illegally. They are in big trouble (unless they just want to pass through on their way to the U.S., of course).
8
This is so stupid. When will we catch on to this con job. The Trump administration could slow the pace of illegal immigration significantly if they wanted without wasting money on some idiotic wall. Just actually enforce E-verify and actually PROSECUTE the owners of companies that hire illegals or pay under the table. Make it involve jail time. We would have very little in the way of illegal immigration. They will never do it of course because it would just hurt the elite. Consumers would have to get used to paying more for food and services but oh well. Personally I don't have a problem with people that come here to escape poverty and are hard workers just trying to give a better life to their kids. I think an easier path to citizenship needs to happen. But we don't live in times of reason or compassion. Not in the age of Trump.
BTW The Guardian broke a huge story on how British spy agency captured a lot of chatter and links to Donald J Trump and his associates and Kremlin operatives including what may be collusion on the election BACK IN 2015. They informed our FBI and CIA who basically shrugged it off till last summer. Why is this not on the front page of every newspaper???
BTW The Guardian broke a huge story on how British spy agency captured a lot of chatter and links to Donald J Trump and his associates and Kremlin operatives including what may be collusion on the election BACK IN 2015. They informed our FBI and CIA who basically shrugged it off till last summer. Why is this not on the front page of every newspaper???
3
Thank you, NYT editorial board. Illegal/undocumented/unauthorized immigrants are deserving of fair treatment "under the law."
According to the "law," that would be...deportation. Fairly, of course.
According to the "law," that would be...deportation. Fairly, of course.
8
Sessions committed perjury during his senate confirmation hearing. Where are the consequences? He needs to be disbarred not the top "law enforcement" officer in our nation. Despicable hateful human being.
4
If illegal immigrants were White, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III and Don the Con would be welcoming them with free cookies, coffee and automatic citizenship.
1
"When polls show that Americans back reasonable and humane immigration policies giving millions a chance to get right with the law"
Yes - for those already here. We should STOP ILLEGALS from further coming in and create a sensible LEGAL Immigration policy.
The border is about stopping Illegal activities like M13 gangs crossing, illegal aliens crossing and drugs crossing.
Yes - for those already here. We should STOP ILLEGALS from further coming in and create a sensible LEGAL Immigration policy.
The border is about stopping Illegal activities like M13 gangs crossing, illegal aliens crossing and drugs crossing.
5
This administration and republican congress will go down in history as the most hateful, dishonest and corrupt group of men and women ever to be in control of the U.S. Government.
They govern based on lies they tell the people and themselves. Instead of trying to help the country, they will destroy it. So much for "Conservatism"; it is not so much an ideology as a cruel joke.
They govern based on lies they tell the people and themselves. Instead of trying to help the country, they will destroy it. So much for "Conservatism"; it is not so much an ideology as a cruel joke.
gonzo-apocalypto...what a great [word?]. The best thing The Board has come up with in a long time, and certainly the high light of this particular piece! I hope it wasn't lifted from some hipster blog.
Rose Wong's caricature. I know it must mean something, but what? Purposeful art with no purpose. Warhol would be envious.
About that Jeff Sessions character. That Southern accent. How strange. The University of Alabama Law School? How do you get a job in D.C. with a public school diploma?
Rose Wong's caricature. I know it must mean something, but what? Purposeful art with no purpose. Warhol would be envious.
About that Jeff Sessions character. That Southern accent. How strange. The University of Alabama Law School? How do you get a job in D.C. with a public school diploma?
1
I don't watch zombie movies, read zombie books, nor watch zombie TV shows. Yet, late last year I began having zombie apocolypse dreams. They invade my otherwise peaceful sleep several times a week now. Recently, while talking to a dear friend I was able to decifer why they arrived:
My country has devolved into an unrecognizable nighmare peopled with brain dead individuals who can not be reasoned with, who have no shame, and who above all feed off the weak and vulnerable. Truth has no place in their world, it is hate that rules and hate that motivates them. They heil to their Bigly Leader with a zeal that is blind to literally every single flaw and flashing red warning in his personality.
Sessions, with his hatred of everyone brown, said it right, "This is a new era. This is the Trump era".
And so the nightmare continues.
My country has devolved into an unrecognizable nighmare peopled with brain dead individuals who can not be reasoned with, who have no shame, and who above all feed off the weak and vulnerable. Truth has no place in their world, it is hate that rules and hate that motivates them. They heil to their Bigly Leader with a zeal that is blind to literally every single flaw and flashing red warning in his personality.
Sessions, with his hatred of everyone brown, said it right, "This is a new era. This is the Trump era".
And so the nightmare continues.
4
"When many of those arriving from Central America immediately surrender to border agents — having fled to the United States to find safety, not to do it harm. " - The NYT is apparently in favor of an immigration policy of, if you can get your boots on American soil, you can stay. So much for the rule of law in this country. Of course, Progs like the NYT editorial board were never in favor of the rule of law. They much prefer subjective and relativistic law that favors those individuals they like.
5
Trump and his Nativist voters needed a helpless, rights-less population they could terrorize, and these folk were the perfect targets. He's a canny little man, patronizing an angry tribal group he rode into power. Sessions is the embodiment of that spiteful tribe.
I can't believe your shameless backing of illegal immigration. Our borders are like swiss cheese, and they need to be beefed up. every nation has a duty to defend its borders and we are no exception. Are these illegals bringing guns, disease, drugs across the border with them? Please spare me, this nation is falling apart, adios america.
6
Jeff Sessions is Attorney General and is responsible for enforcing laws enacted by Congress. Mr. Sessions procedes to do his job and the left wing and it's compliant MSM attacks him for this. Such is the bizarro world of the left.
Illegal immigrants willfully broke the law knowing the possible consequences for them and their families. If caught the illegal immigrant is soley responsible for the consequences that befall them and their children.
If the NYT and the left in this country don't like the laws I suggest you start winning some elections and change the laws. In the mean time let the Justice Department do it's job.
Illegal immigrants willfully broke the law knowing the possible consequences for them and their families. If caught the illegal immigrant is soley responsible for the consequences that befall them and their children.
If the NYT and the left in this country don't like the laws I suggest you start winning some elections and change the laws. In the mean time let the Justice Department do it's job.
5
The Lady in the Harbor weeps. Our Constitution wilts. Metaphors for a shamed nation whose Senate confirmed a white nationalist as an "affable" guy and a President seeking fame in others' misfortune. The people are real.
The term of office--a sentence--for America.
The term of office--a sentence--for America.
"[T]he American flag behind him had clearly heard enough — it leaned back and fell over as if in a stupor." A perfect image for the times we live in. Sessions? He grew up in an environment here in Alabama where the great threat was the "outside agitator." Remember that epithet? Those Yankees and Intellectuals coming down here to march in our streets and stir up our happy and contented black folks and make us let them in our schools (happened to some extent) and our churches (less so) and marry our sisters! Well, those aliens, illegal or otherwise, are no doubt to him outsider threat. And if they are outsiders, they must be agitators. Plus any other ugly thing you can think of. George Wallace's famous stand at the schoolhouse door is seen as an agreed-upon staged photo op to satisfy him and his followers. I fear that the stand of Sessions is for real.
1
Two adages come to mind:
1. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
2. Ask not what you country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
As an immigration lawyer in California, I have seen first-hand the "non-violent" targets of Sessions ire, those that the Times asserts "represent no threat."
These individuals are not poor huddled masses yearning to breathe free. In the majority of re-entry after deportation cases - a federal crime btw - they are strong, healthy men in their 20s and 30s who could give a flying flip about the American judge who previously ordered them deported, based on a flagrant violation of existing federal law, after a fair hearing. Nor in the majority of cases do they seem to be here to ask what they can do for this country, unless you define making some money and deciding to live here "doing what you can for YOUR country."
I don't doubt that these multiple offenders want a better life. But when I compare them to my larger share of earnest, law-abiding immigrant clients, who don't flout the law and in many cases wait for years to obtain permanent residence - or return to their home country when they aren't legally eligible - I lose sympathy for those that hide under Lady Liberty's robe as they sneak across the border three, four, five times. Tired poor huddled immigrant?
There is hyperbole on both sides. Jeff Sessions "unleashed" throws fuel onto the fire. His job is to enforce the law.
1. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
2. Ask not what you country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
As an immigration lawyer in California, I have seen first-hand the "non-violent" targets of Sessions ire, those that the Times asserts "represent no threat."
These individuals are not poor huddled masses yearning to breathe free. In the majority of re-entry after deportation cases - a federal crime btw - they are strong, healthy men in their 20s and 30s who could give a flying flip about the American judge who previously ordered them deported, based on a flagrant violation of existing federal law, after a fair hearing. Nor in the majority of cases do they seem to be here to ask what they can do for this country, unless you define making some money and deciding to live here "doing what you can for YOUR country."
I don't doubt that these multiple offenders want a better life. But when I compare them to my larger share of earnest, law-abiding immigrant clients, who don't flout the law and in many cases wait for years to obtain permanent residence - or return to their home country when they aren't legally eligible - I lose sympathy for those that hide under Lady Liberty's robe as they sneak across the border three, four, five times. Tired poor huddled immigrant?
There is hyperbole on both sides. Jeff Sessions "unleashed" throws fuel onto the fire. His job is to enforce the law.
4
This action like many Trumpish acts will result, already is resulting, in a back lash of super power. I know that it sounds corny but the Light has a way of triumphing. That is why this nation exists. From our beginning we have had to overcome idiots who place material wealth and personal power over Human Rights and Dignity. We won the war of Independence. We won the Civil War and on a global scale, we won the 2 part World War. From the beginning the ignoramuses have struggled. From the beginning we conquered.
The difference in this particular Trumpish event is that it will be much shorter and a lot less bloody.
The difference in this particular Trumpish event is that it will be much shorter and a lot less bloody.
We are at net zero and this little creep thinks we need a wall. I think we need a new AG more then we need a wall.
3
How's this for some illegal "immigrant" crime for you? Tax fraud. It is rampant. This is why income tax refunds were purposely delayed by the IRS this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exptf9--5nA
http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=184009&showcomments=T
This is what happens when a complicit IRS and Social Security Administration, supported by the "document forgery isn't a big deal" lobbyists, such as the NYT, allow our basic identification systems to be corrupted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exptf9--5nA
http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=184009&showcomments=T
This is what happens when a complicit IRS and Social Security Administration, supported by the "document forgery isn't a big deal" lobbyists, such as the NYT, allow our basic identification systems to be corrupted.
7
I wonder how the editors would feel if I showed up at their building, walked past the security guards, took over an office and told the publishers I would be willing to write anti Trump columns at a much lower price than Roger Cohen, Frank Bruni or Gail Collins.
8
Thank you. The entire Trump administration is a disgrace. One shameful act after another, one uncaring bigot after another. Ripping families apart, causing people to fear to leave their homes. Disgusting. I love my Mexican neighbors. I certainly hope they are rounding up all the European illegal immigrants with the same zeal that they demonstrate against people of color. That's only fair.
3
As a resident of Alabama for 6 years, I have these thoughts. (no longer there)
That is one of the most racist states I've ever encountered.
I was appalled to see the confirmation of Sessions to the AT at DOJ.
He has been on a crusade against ANYONE who doesn't look like he does for his entire career.
He is a petty, small minded, racist, and along with the POTUS is determined to turn our country back 60 years to the era of George Wallace.
Who, BTW, most people in Alabama refer to as a Great Leader and "God".
They seem to forget what that statue in the harbor of NYC actually means.
Shame of the entire administration for this disgraceful attitude.
That is one of the most racist states I've ever encountered.
I was appalled to see the confirmation of Sessions to the AT at DOJ.
He has been on a crusade against ANYONE who doesn't look like he does for his entire career.
He is a petty, small minded, racist, and along with the POTUS is determined to turn our country back 60 years to the era of George Wallace.
Who, BTW, most people in Alabama refer to as a Great Leader and "God".
They seem to forget what that statue in the harbor of NYC actually means.
Shame of the entire administration for this disgraceful attitude.
1
Why is the NYT so hostile to the idea that the US has borders and has the right to maintain borders?
Part of having borders means that people who try and/or succeed in entering the country without permission ought to be identified and sent back to their own country, There's nothing unfair or unreasonable about that.
If we want to have a discussion about why some countries are less than pleasant to reside in and what the world can do to change that, then ok. But a foreign national has no more right to enter this country and stay than I have to find someone with a nicer home than I have and enter their house without permission. After all I always wanted a 500 sf mud room and 5 car garage...
It's really irritating that the people in support of illegal immigration can't see this basic distinction.
Part of having borders means that people who try and/or succeed in entering the country without permission ought to be identified and sent back to their own country, There's nothing unfair or unreasonable about that.
If we want to have a discussion about why some countries are less than pleasant to reside in and what the world can do to change that, then ok. But a foreign national has no more right to enter this country and stay than I have to find someone with a nicer home than I have and enter their house without permission. After all I always wanted a 500 sf mud room and 5 car garage...
It's really irritating that the people in support of illegal immigration can't see this basic distinction.
On the one hand, I understand the problems around illegal immigration; on the other hand, I know the history of this country, and I know from that and from personal experience that this country has never been comfortable with brown people from south of the border. Three of my grandparents emigrated from Mexico when they were young, in the early 20th century. I've known no other culture but American, but as a child I learned all the derogatory words for people who look like me, and when I first went job hunting as a young adult in the 1980s, I was asked things like, "why is your English so good?" and "when did you cross the border?" Turn on your television: there is one television show that I can think of that realistically portrays the life-giving diversity of Los Angeles: TNT's Major Crimes. For the most part, entertainment media still sees America, including its metropolises, as all white, with a background springled with insignificant "others." It's not surprising that Steve Bannon made much of his fortune in Hollywood. Popular literature is the same: best-selling authors like the mediocre little James Ellroy hide behind "historical accuracy" to freely voice some of the most racist garbage this side of Jules Streicher. The fake president and his entourage of deplorables are nothing new. They are as white American as apple pie and white hooded sheets.
If the NYT feels that enforcing the law is a nightmare the NYT should lend its energies to immigration reform.
2
One of the uncountable ironies in the immigrant hysteria is the issue of crime rates. All the actual data that have been examined show the violent crime rate among immigrants is less than in the "native" population. This means that if you kick out all the illegal immigrants, you will in fact raise the overall rate of violent crime.
74
It's great. Enforce the law, Sir.
9
Sessions is enforcing the law. That's what he gets paid for, that's the reason he wanted the job in the first place, that's why he got selected. Not cherry-pick laws he likes, discard those he doesn't. Not skim over the dirty details when he could just as easily spin them, as much of this editorial does, and as does the rebel state of California.
The good news is Trudeau's making Sessions' job easier. Maybe ICS can offer illegals first-class to Toronto and a packet of marijuana upon landing if they give up peacefully. Whatever it takes.
So let Sessions be Sessions, working hard at MAGA. Feel free to watch from the sidelines, cheering optional, enabling à la Trudeau welcome. More coffee?
The good news is Trudeau's making Sessions' job easier. Maybe ICS can offer illegals first-class to Toronto and a packet of marijuana upon landing if they give up peacefully. Whatever it takes.
So let Sessions be Sessions, working hard at MAGA. Feel free to watch from the sidelines, cheering optional, enabling à la Trudeau welcome. More coffee?
8
It's an extreme (and frightening) irony that a known Southern racist like Jeff Sessions is now Attorney General of the United States and whipping up race hatred with speeches on its border. He has even referred to undocumented immigrants as "filth" coming into this country which was founded by immigrants. Thank you for this editorial condemning Sessions' rhetoric and vile deportation proceedings against people whose crime is to seek safety and economic opportunity in America, once known as the land of the free and home of the brave.
6
All the adults who broke our immigration laws knew what they were doing and that they could be deported--usually immediately--if caught. So all the psychodrama, race shaming, name calling, enabling, and guilt tripping are beside the point. If we do not enforce our immigration laws, we will have larger more painful problems in the future, with a huge underclass that may boil over because of crime, unemployment, poverty and discrimination.
10
"This is the Trump era." All you have to do is watch the sad documentaries and news stories of people fleeing their countries exactly because of drug cartels, sexual slavery, and poverty to understand why they cross the border.
In California, I encountered quite a few illegals. I hired some to mow my lawn and clean my house, thus taking away lucrative jobs from my fellow Silicon Valley workers who would probably have given up their engineering jobs for these opportunities!
Hello America, I love you. (Arlo Guthrie). If we are not a nation of immigrants, then who are we?
In California, I encountered quite a few illegals. I hired some to mow my lawn and clean my house, thus taking away lucrative jobs from my fellow Silicon Valley workers who would probably have given up their engineering jobs for these opportunities!
Hello America, I love you. (Arlo Guthrie). If we are not a nation of immigrants, then who are we?
6
The South HAS risen again.
2
Stop all these specious arguments when all you seek is votes from people who are in favor of wealth redistribution and a socialist society like those in Europe that are going broke. Illegal immigration needs to stop, and undocumented individuals, with very few exceptions need to go back: white, Hispanic, black, or Asian. Companies use their cheap labor only SINCE THEY ARE ALREADY HERE. My ancestors came here legally, so please stop the "last one in" folly, as I am FOR legal immigration. I am for diversity, not against it. How can diversity be served with mostly Latinos coming here? Let's give others of all races across the world an equal chance through legal immigration.
6
Creating fear, diminishing truth, attacking the media, creating a federal immigration force (police state?). It's so hard to believe this. This administration is very dangerous. This much hate? Can't pack that back in the box.
6
With this new, tougher policy it would seem that Melania Trump would be in jeopardy of being deported. She illegally worked here without the proper visa from what I understand. It's sad but we have to uphold the law.
Sessions and his gospel of "DDD"; darkness, doom, and death is a populist narrative directed to the extremists, racists and haters in our country which is about 1/4 to 1/3 of the population if you use Trumps popularity as a guide.
I personally know of several "Mexicans" whom are loving and loyal parents, churchgoers, and have a standard of work ethic far higher than that of their local American counterparts. These people desire and value the "American Dream" far more than most Americans themselves.
We had 916 drug overdose deaths in Connecticut in 2016. I wonder how many of those were hard-working Mexicans compared to Americans who are exceptionally skilled at sitting on their entitlements, eating delivered pizza, developing diabetes, and playing video games while chatting on their phones?
That's the truth.
I personally know of several "Mexicans" whom are loving and loyal parents, churchgoers, and have a standard of work ethic far higher than that of their local American counterparts. These people desire and value the "American Dream" far more than most Americans themselves.
We had 916 drug overdose deaths in Connecticut in 2016. I wonder how many of those were hard-working Mexicans compared to Americans who are exceptionally skilled at sitting on their entitlements, eating delivered pizza, developing diabetes, and playing video games while chatting on their phones?
That's the truth.
6
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.
With apologies to Pastor Neimoller for copying his work but theres a lot of truth in those lines which can apply to today.
Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.
With apologies to Pastor Neimoller for copying his work but theres a lot of truth in those lines which can apply to today.
7
Must be hard living as a Republican. Always so scared. Never trusting facts.
Immigration has been falling for years. Net immigration of Mexicans, per Pew, is negative. Other studies show undocumented immigrants commit less crime than citizens.
But it doesn't matter. Fear governs Republicans. Always need something to be frightened of. No wonder so many insist on carrying guns, despite the low crime rates in their neighborhoods.
Immigration has been falling for years. Net immigration of Mexicans, per Pew, is negative. Other studies show undocumented immigrants commit less crime than citizens.
But it doesn't matter. Fear governs Republicans. Always need something to be frightened of. No wonder so many insist on carrying guns, despite the low crime rates in their neighborhoods.
There is only minor consolation that even his fellow Republicans knew not to give this human piece of trump a lifetime appointment as a Federal judge.
If this true Son of the James Crow South were at the Canadian border, would he refer to illegal border crossers as "filth," somehow I suspect not. ("James" is to reflect the veneer of gentility that this truly evil excuse for a human being, let alone one of the most senior officials in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, has when in public. "Evil" is intentional, knowing that I could be accused of having the same gross attitude as does this depraved individual. Except that I am referring to one specific individual, NOT to a mass.)
Is there any indication, any vague hint of enforcement against employers who almost certainly know that people they are hiring are "illegals"? I don't think so.
Enforcement against people who perjure themselves or attempt to defraud the government? Ha
Civil rights violations? Explicitly not.
Price-gouging by Big Pharma for legal drugs? Exempt - a free ride. Individual use of an illegal drug? Years of jail in a private taxpayer-gouging prison.
If Attorney-General Sessions had a sense of decency, he would resign. And if the illegitimate president also had a sense of decency, he would fire Sessions. Not to be expected.
If this true Son of the James Crow South were at the Canadian border, would he refer to illegal border crossers as "filth," somehow I suspect not. ("James" is to reflect the veneer of gentility that this truly evil excuse for a human being, let alone one of the most senior officials in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, has when in public. "Evil" is intentional, knowing that I could be accused of having the same gross attitude as does this depraved individual. Except that I am referring to one specific individual, NOT to a mass.)
Is there any indication, any vague hint of enforcement against employers who almost certainly know that people they are hiring are "illegals"? I don't think so.
Enforcement against people who perjure themselves or attempt to defraud the government? Ha
Civil rights violations? Explicitly not.
Price-gouging by Big Pharma for legal drugs? Exempt - a free ride. Individual use of an illegal drug? Years of jail in a private taxpayer-gouging prison.
If Attorney-General Sessions had a sense of decency, he would resign. And if the illegitimate president also had a sense of decency, he would fire Sessions. Not to be expected.
5
Why a racist is in charge of the Justice Department is beyond me.
9
Sessions is doing what he has always done--support white supremacy in America. Have no doubt that the issue of illegal immigration or immigration as a whole is code for trying to prevent the country from changing demographically from a white majority nation to a white non-majority nation by 2043. This is at the top of the agenda for white nationalists and nativist groups. When Session speaks of immigration he is speaking of demographic change and the rejection that the country move toward white non-majority status. When viewed under this clearer lens the actions of Sessions and Trump make perfect sense to ethnically cleanse the country and prevent 2043. They will fail as the demographic forces are too large to reverse at this time through deportation or the closing of all borders and asylee seekers. But they will try and in trying they will break every American value and tradition to reverse this trend. When speaking, discussing, considering and viewing the actions of Sessions and Kelly look at it through this lens and you will see the truth behind their actions.
quote
Detention and deportation on a mass scale would be a gargantuan task — divisive, enormously costly and legally fraught. The only feasible way to get millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country, as Trump has promised, is to create a climate that induces immigrants to leave on their own. “You basically would have [to] selfdeport,” Sessions said on CNN last fall. That means “leveraging fear,” as Kamal Essaheb, policy director for the National Immigration Law Center, puts it.
unquote
Department of Justification, By EMILY BAZELON FEB. 28, 2017 New York Times
Detention and deportation on a mass scale would be a gargantuan task — divisive, enormously costly and legally fraught. The only feasible way to get millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country, as Trump has promised, is to create a climate that induces immigrants to leave on their own. “You basically would have [to] selfdeport,” Sessions said on CNN last fall. That means “leveraging fear,” as Kamal Essaheb, policy director for the National Immigration Law Center, puts it.
unquote
Department of Justification, By EMILY BAZELON FEB. 28, 2017 New York Times
Why not be honest and cover the totally lawless conditions on the other side of the border in every Mexican state ? Its not just Honduras and Guatemala reeling from internal strife. Send one of your intrepid reporters down to the Tex Mex border or Nogales or California. Talk to the border patrol agents about what they face and the canned story line of those they detain, who unlike your claim do not turn themselves in.
Yes, I suppose Sessions has it all wrong. Let's remove the border patrols world wide and let our enemies move as they may. Is this the ultimate message of this article? I am sure it is not but we do need solutions and simple answers/approaches that might just work for a change. Let's stop being wimps in the US and solve our problems!
5
God Bless Our President Trump, and his AG Jeff Sessions -- who are protecting us from lefty liberalism, unlimited illegal immigration, amnesty and oh yeah -- the New York Times.
5
A man in his seventies, as Jeff Sessions is, is unlikely to change his stripes--that's why it remains a disgrace that Elizabeth Warren was prevented from reading Coretta King's letter into the record while Sessions was being confirmed. Sessions of the 1960s is the same as Sessions of the 21st century. More reason for disgrace, of course, is Sessions's own perjury during the hearing to confirm him as the top law official in the country. Although I have lived in the Northeast all my life, and was thus somewhat isolated to the rabid, overt racism of the deep South, it's clear that Sessions has DNA infused with a racism that he believes is logical and just, just as it was when he was growing up. He's not going to change, but he is actively changing this country. While Trump may be on a "steep learning curve," Sessions knows what he is doing and he has been waiting his whole life to do it. Unfortunately, since Trump, also a man in his seventies, who openly--but perhaps inadvertently--reveals how much he doesn't know--his administration and the entire GOP will be remembered for how much damage they wrought on both unsuspecting citizens and those of us who knew how much damage an empty-headed leader could allow to happen.
One of the huge issues that never seems to get discussed when discussing immigration reform is the basic lack of naturalization "infrastructure" to enable people to naturalize. A woeful lack of administrative support and employees to process, analyze and decide on various applications for both the so called "green cards" and other long term and permanent status. I have friends that have spent literally a decade trying to obtain permanent status, spending thousands of dollars on attorney fees and continuing getting appointments and hearings postponed, continued or otherwise buried in the system. And then a bigot like Jeff Sessions says he wants to hire immigration judges, not to hold hearings for citizens trying to legally immigrate, but to throw out people that are and have been here and contributing to our economy and society. Unfortunately, even the most enlightened and liberal plan to give immigrants a path to legal status is a bitter joke because we just don't have the administrative resources to do so.
10
They came for the American Dream and it is turning into a nightmare.
7
Tyrion Sessions the tiny hand of the tiny king.
7
What's dignified about breaking our immigration laws?
13
Today it's "illegal" immigrants, and tomorrow it's any citizens of the U.S. that consume marijuana, (even in states that have legalized it medically or otherwise) and any other number, of "evils" that Sessions has harbored in his 1950's version of the U.S. So while those of you that cheer Sessions tough stance on immigration - remember he feels this way about just about everything that is not "straight white 1950's male"
You don't truly think that once all these detention centers are in place they will only be used for illegal immigrants? Don't be so naive - when the immigrants stop coming they will fill them with whomever they deem a threat to their ideology. Pot smokers, people struggling with addictions of any kind, women seeking abortion, (Trump has said women should be punished for this). Don't forget anyone they deem to have given sanctuary to any of the above.
So for those of you cheering this on - stop, and think ... do you fit the ideological picture of 1950's America (things were not so great for many back then), and if the answer is "no" then prepare to potentially spend time in the all the new detention centers that will need to be filled. Or prepare to see family, neighbors, or loved-ones hauled off. When there are no more "illegals" to hunt down do you honestly think these new officers, and centers will sit idle? The answer chillingly is "no." This is the Trump era after all.
You don't truly think that once all these detention centers are in place they will only be used for illegal immigrants? Don't be so naive - when the immigrants stop coming they will fill them with whomever they deem a threat to their ideology. Pot smokers, people struggling with addictions of any kind, women seeking abortion, (Trump has said women should be punished for this). Don't forget anyone they deem to have given sanctuary to any of the above.
So for those of you cheering this on - stop, and think ... do you fit the ideological picture of 1950's America (things were not so great for many back then), and if the answer is "no" then prepare to potentially spend time in the all the new detention centers that will need to be filled. Or prepare to see family, neighbors, or loved-ones hauled off. When there are no more "illegals" to hunt down do you honestly think these new officers, and centers will sit idle? The answer chillingly is "no." This is the Trump era after all.
15
"Make America Great Again" has turned into 'make America cruel again'. With the exception of Native Americans and African slaves, we are a nation of immigrants who want to now keep out new immigrants and refugees. We as a nation want to and are deporting immigrants with long histories of success in this country. Mexican deportees can take little with them and are dumped in their former country, many with no connections. Mexico provides them with a bed for three days...then what? It is tragic, but what did we expect from Trump and Sessions...good will towards man?
11
Many of the commenters here write that they simply want the law enforced.
.
Ethical principles often conflict and they certainly do here. Consistent enforcement of any law IS a good ethical principle. In this case, morality demands also considering the tremendous harm done by enforcement. The clearest harm is the direct human suffering caused by the families destroyed and lives disrupted. Less directly, there is damage to the U.S. economy that eventually will hurt all of all.
Strict enforcement does tremendous harm to many people who never did anything wrong. And for many longtime U.S. residents who did break the law, the harm done to them is disproportionate to their offense.
I am a pre-Trump law-and-order Republican who has no problem saying that in this case, strict enforcement of the law would be the greater evil.
I see no ethical or moral argument for Sessions's rhetoric that uses misrepresentation to stoke fear and hatred.
.
Ethical principles often conflict and they certainly do here. Consistent enforcement of any law IS a good ethical principle. In this case, morality demands also considering the tremendous harm done by enforcement. The clearest harm is the direct human suffering caused by the families destroyed and lives disrupted. Less directly, there is damage to the U.S. economy that eventually will hurt all of all.
Strict enforcement does tremendous harm to many people who never did anything wrong. And for many longtime U.S. residents who did break the law, the harm done to them is disproportionate to their offense.
I am a pre-Trump law-and-order Republican who has no problem saying that in this case, strict enforcement of the law would be the greater evil.
I see no ethical or moral argument for Sessions's rhetoric that uses misrepresentation to stoke fear and hatred.
12
I know people are desperate for jobs but why would anyone in their right mind want to work for Jeff Sessions?
9
Reuters Feb 26th -"The (Obama administration) memorandum changed long-standing policy and practice, and impaired the bureau's ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system. Therefore, I direct the bureau to return to its previous approach," Sessions said in a letter dated Tuesday to Thomas Kane, acting director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Mr. Sessions overturned the Obama administration order to reduce the influence of the Private Prison Industry in the federal system. Mr. Sessions seems to be more than willing to supply this industry with an endless supply of non-violent 'customers' for this industry.
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions should be investigated for his ties to and investments in the heinous For Profit Prison Industry.
Mr. Sessions overturned the Obama administration order to reduce the influence of the Private Prison Industry in the federal system. Mr. Sessions seems to be more than willing to supply this industry with an endless supply of non-violent 'customers' for this industry.
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions should be investigated for his ties to and investments in the heinous For Profit Prison Industry.
8
"Mr. Sessions is ordering his prosecutors to consider prosecution in any case involving “transportation and harboring of aliens” and to consider felony charges for an extended menu of offenses, like trying to re-enter after deportation, “aggravated identity theft” and fraudulent marriage.
Oh the horror! Actually prosecuting people who traffic illegal aliens. Actually prosecuting people who return to our country after being removed once before for being here illegally. Actually prosecuting people who attempt to gain citizenship by"marrying" under false pretenses.
Yes. It's the wild wild west of enforcing the laws. It's crazy. How will be ever survive. Here's a thought . . if you don't like the laws, change the laws. You had two years of congress and the executive all to yourselves. You did not have to govern with a pen and a phone. Next time you gain power, try writing law. It last longer than the pen and the phone.
Oh the horror! Actually prosecuting people who traffic illegal aliens. Actually prosecuting people who return to our country after being removed once before for being here illegally. Actually prosecuting people who attempt to gain citizenship by"marrying" under false pretenses.
Yes. It's the wild wild west of enforcing the laws. It's crazy. How will be ever survive. Here's a thought . . if you don't like the laws, change the laws. You had two years of congress and the executive all to yourselves. You did not have to govern with a pen and a phone. Next time you gain power, try writing law. It last longer than the pen and the phone.
11
No law is enforced 100% of the time. There are always priorities. Consider the laws against consuming illegal drugs, speeding, etc. Then consider the financial and human cost of finding and deporting every single undocumented person, or even half or a quarter of them. It would bankrupt the country, and to make it the #1 priority of our government would be insane.
Mr. Session, along with Mr. Trump, are not condemning all immigrants. They are condemning those who take advantage of the loose enforcement of the immigration laws passed by the elected representatives of the American people.
I drive a classic sports car, at times at speeds above the posted limits. I can do so due to lax enforcement of speed limit laws and would like it if the enforcement stayed lax. Does that mean that should the sheriff start enforcing the speed limit laws after no doing so for quite a while, he is somehow evil? I think not. I can justify my lawbreaking by saying that I am not driving drunk; I am a good driver who is not harming anyone by my speeding, and I support the local economy by purchasing more gasoline than I would if I drove legally. Nonetheless, I am violating the law and should I get a ticket, I doubt that there would be articles in the NYT about how I was being persecuted.
I drive a classic sports car, at times at speeds above the posted limits. I can do so due to lax enforcement of speed limit laws and would like it if the enforcement stayed lax. Does that mean that should the sheriff start enforcing the speed limit laws after no doing so for quite a while, he is somehow evil? I think not. I can justify my lawbreaking by saying that I am not driving drunk; I am a good driver who is not harming anyone by my speeding, and I support the local economy by purchasing more gasoline than I would if I drove legally. Nonetheless, I am violating the law and should I get a ticket, I doubt that there would be articles in the NYT about how I was being persecuted.
6
Yes, let Session take all 12 million. While the grief this will create for millions of mixed status families will be unimaginable - perhaps once the U,S. doesn't have anyone to pick the crops, work in the restaurants, build houses and roads, and babysit the kids- we as a country will realize the yuge mistake we made.. maybe Trump would backtrack like he did on NATO and Putin- and invite everybody back!
2
Sessions is a sinner ... plain and inhumane. Simple. Shame on him and his righteousness.....
4
"A guy with a uniform and gun, wrapped in Old Glory, helping to give the trump administration's nativist policies a patriotic sheen." That truly says it all. The painting of entire populations in the dark language of this administration serves only to divide and sow hate. The police state Sessions envisions is completely opposite of the values so many in this country say they live by - at least on one day of the week. Perhaps the Staue of Liberty should be put into storage somewhere for the duration of this administration.
5
The real sadness in our national discussion about our immigration laws and their sporadic enforcement over the years is that it is not a discussion. It is many incoherent voices blathering at the same time trying to talk over each other. There is no dialogue. Just sound bites. All are guilty.
With all due respect to those correctly pointing out that illegal immigration is against the law, I don't think that is the point in this case. If it is true, as asserted, that illegal immigration is at its lowest ebb in 20 years, why the deployment of such precious resources to a dwindling problem? That, to me, is the real issue. There are more important crises facing the country, all of which need law enforcement resources. If we are spending our personnel and money on this, who is going after the embedded terrorists, the mentally ill potential gunmen, the corporate raiders stealing from their own fellow citizens? These are the things that the Justice Dept. needs to be concentrating on. Please, don't 'protect' us from something which isn't hurting us. Instead, spend your energy and resources on those things which actually can hurt us.
2
Does the Trump administration have plans to stop illegal immigrants who overstay their visas? The billion dollar wall does not address this.
3
This editorial states that all human beings deserve dignity and fair treatment "under the law." At this point, the Trump Admin hasn't passed new legislation re: immigration. There hasn't been a change in the law. The Admin is simply enforcing the laws already on the books. How is application of existing law somehow interpreted as denying fair treatment under the law? We can't pick and choose the laws we enforce. It's an "all or nothing" proposition. Finally, the editorial only argues 1 side of this issue. Aren't there some cases where illegal immigration has been harmful? What about Kate Steinle and other Americans killed by illegal immigrants? What about the young girl in Maryland who was raped at school? Shouldn't these cases count for something?
7
This guy amazes me, and not in a good sense. Yes, Session is doing some of things Trump said he would. But since it has become apparent that Trump changes his mind once he is actually informed about the consequences of positions he had during campaign mode, one could hope that Sessions would rein in his zeal towards illegal immigrants.
Building that wall ($$$$), aggressively pursuing migrants who actual are the ones who harvest our fields ($$$), cleaning our homes and yards ($$) and preventing people from actually testifying against REAL criminals because they will be tackled and arrested right outside the courtroom ($). Seriously, he's the real menace. What is with Sessions anger towards migrants? I'm sick of hearing that they "broke the law". Lots of people break laws every day (underage drinking, speeding on the highway, etc.) and the numbers of people that come illegally into the US and work outnumber the ones that are criminals.
And don't get me started on his attitude towards the legal marijuana laws (medical or otherwise) enacted by many states. Clearly Mr. Sessions is interested in applying federal pressure and federal laws when it suits him but will clearly flip into Mr. States Rights when the laws in question are about civil rights or the environment.
Building that wall ($$$$), aggressively pursuing migrants who actual are the ones who harvest our fields ($$$), cleaning our homes and yards ($$) and preventing people from actually testifying against REAL criminals because they will be tackled and arrested right outside the courtroom ($). Seriously, he's the real menace. What is with Sessions anger towards migrants? I'm sick of hearing that they "broke the law". Lots of people break laws every day (underage drinking, speeding on the highway, etc.) and the numbers of people that come illegally into the US and work outnumber the ones that are criminals.
And don't get me started on his attitude towards the legal marijuana laws (medical or otherwise) enacted by many states. Clearly Mr. Sessions is interested in applying federal pressure and federal laws when it suits him but will clearly flip into Mr. States Rights when the laws in question are about civil rights or the environment.
4
Sure, it is a crime to enter the US illegally, as it is for most every other nation in the world. The problem is how serious a crime is it really? Compared to murder, mayhem, and even larceny?
1
Each day is more disgusting and alarming than the last. I've gotten to the point where I want to crawl into a corner, thumb in mouth, blanket over my head. How did we reach such a horrific point? Have we no shame? Did we learn nothing from the targeting and scapegoating of the Japanese during WWII? One part of me recoils heartsick over the vicious hatefulness and ignorance of the trump administration another part wishes for total destruction so we can rebuild instead of watching this long drawn out fall from grace. I sign petitions, I participate in protest marches, I've worked on campaigns and supported candidates financially, I've thanked my representatives for continually working in the best interests of the people of our country but all the effort seems for naught. How can we halt this utter march to ruination? I am at a loss. Maybe the trump supporters need to lose everything before they will appreciate what they had. Poison water, poison air, poison food, no education, a gutted economy, loss of constitutional rights. When all that was so hard fought for by generations past is completely destroyed by this dangerous, vile president and his administration, maybe then, and only then, will his zealous supporters realize how dangerous a pied piper they followed. It took centuries to gain the many rights we enjoy today, but just the stroke of a pen will destroy them all in the blink of an eye. Will we be able to rebuild from the ashes? How long and hard will the suffering be?
5
We could have elected Clinton and the march to ruination which began under Obama could have been continued and accelerated. The only thing we Trump supporters will lose is the lax and negligent enforcement of our own immigartion laws. From what I've seen on college caspuses, it's only conservatives who have lost their constitutional right of free speech when they are confronted by violent protesters more worthy of the name, brown shirts. The "suffering" you refer to will only begin when the next Democrat is elected President.
2
I feel for those families that may face deportation. Part of my concern is certainly for the disruption this may cause them, as individuals and as family. But, truth be told, another part of my concern is that we as a country have basically lied to these illegals by giving them hope (false). We have instilled in them, over so many years, the idea that, even though they broke the law, we would never really enforce these laws and send them away. So, the numbers and the problems multiplied. Well, POTUS Trump and his team are doing what should have been done many years ago. It won't be pretty and it won't be nice, but it needs to be done.
6
This "looking the other way" was a gross mistake and should never have been allowed to happen. There were plenty of people screaming about it. In fact, congress promised to stop it in 1986 when Reagan's amnesty passed.
It was inevitable that when this "looking the other way" was over there would be ugly personal situations. But those situations will only get uglier in the future. Pull off the band aid now.
It was inevitable that when this "looking the other way" was over there would be ugly personal situations. But those situations will only get uglier in the future. Pull off the band aid now.
1
“ … less prone to crime than the native-born …”
There are no hard figures on the number of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. All of the estimates are based on assumptions made by researchers.
There are no hard figures on the number of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. All of the estimates are based on assumptions made by researchers.
6
I do not have a strong enough sedative to read the article. I can only read the comments to know I am not alone in my disdain for what is happening to my country
13
There are only 571 days until the midterm elections.
Support organizations that fight voter suppression.
Register to vote and vote.
If you do not like these Republican policies, do not vote for Republicans.
Support organizations that fight voter suppression.
Register to vote and vote.
If you do not like these Republican policies, do not vote for Republicans.
3
Thanks to the solid Republican vote for Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, he now has the authority and resources of the federal government to deploy his resentments, implement his prejudices, and punish opponents, minorities, and women. But nothing he does should be attributed solely to him. The Republican senators knew their fellow senator for decades; his resentments, prejudices, and punitive disposition were very well known to him. So, despite his his administrative position, he is their factotum in undermining American judicial values.
5
It is not a crime to enter the US without inspection. Just to clarify that for those who really don't understand US immigration law. It is not a crime.
46
We should remember that thousands of these "illegal" immigrants are fleeing dangers and repression in their Central American homelands. They are seeking a safe haven and a way to help their families as generations of immigrants have done in the past. America has been a beacon of hope in the past and has welcomed the tired, the homeless, the repressed. The vast majority of us, including myself, are descendants of these immigrants and have contributed to the well-being and prosperity of our new land.
81
On Easter Friday, we Canadians - who generally feel a measure of compassion for refugees, asylum seekers, and those fleeing violence and hopelessness in their home countries - will pray that President Trump will find it in his heart to REVERSE his stand on immigrants. We pray that he gives even illegals a chance, a second chance, to be part of a great nation.
We will pray that he creates his own lasting legacy through compassion.
We will pray that he creates his own lasting legacy through compassion.
50
Have you ever heard the American phrase, "fat chance"?
I am curious what will happen in the fields and vineyards of this country when the flow of immigrant labor stops, period. I doubt very much that unemployed mine workers will take up the slack.
101
This country really dotes on it's corporations and their campaign cash. That is where there might be a chance at reasonable immigration reform. If this new administration can actually accomplish something and seriously affect the industries that have relied on immigrant labor for many years (why isn't Trump and Sessions going after them?), there might be a push back on the administration that they might actually pay attention to. I mean, if the associations for farming, hospitality, construction and whatnot all get together and lobby the government, perhaps something might give.
Yes, the party is over for illegals rolling through the border without a care for the rule of law. If that a nightmare, count me in. He's simply holding the guards to the law of the land.
Not supposed to be here? Guess what....
Trump is following through with what he promised......nice compared to hid predecessor.
Not supposed to be here? Guess what....
Trump is following through with what he promised......nice compared to hid predecessor.
26
And when is the party over for the people who hire these illegal aliens? And President Obama deported more illegals than any President before him. Just setting the record straight.
2
Heard today they are building a private prison for 1000 detainees costing taxpayers probably about $100 or more a day. Before being rounded up these are people who are most likely working, living peacefully and paying into the economy. Clearly the upside is the profits to be made by the private prison owners who are major donors to Republican candidates.
I don't hear much about the pregnant Chinese women who come to live in group homes expressly for the purpose of getting US passports for their babies when they are born.
I don't hear much about the pregnant Chinese women who come to live in group homes expressly for the purpose of getting US passports for their babies when they are born.
4
Last paragraph puts the matter clearly: President Trump and his mind and lack of historical persepective and/or knowledge..."is a vacuum that allows ideologues like Mr. Sessions--who know their minds--to do their worst."
As a resident of Texas where the Rio Grande has always been a shallow stream between two nations and cultures, the present reveals that in fact illegal immigration has been falling for 20 years! The past has included bracero or work programs and every city in Texas where construction is ongoing, whether highways, restaurants, high-rise offices or condos, you will see Mexicans busily at work. It is simply rhetoric to hear Trump and Sessions shrilly speak as they do. The flagging American flag at the border in Arizona where Sessions spoke adds a metaphorical flourish to the point.
As a resident of Texas where the Rio Grande has always been a shallow stream between two nations and cultures, the present reveals that in fact illegal immigration has been falling for 20 years! The past has included bracero or work programs and every city in Texas where construction is ongoing, whether highways, restaurants, high-rise offices or condos, you will see Mexicans busily at work. It is simply rhetoric to hear Trump and Sessions shrilly speak as they do. The flagging American flag at the border in Arizona where Sessions spoke adds a metaphorical flourish to the point.
3
When the agriculture industry and hospitality industry start complaining about the need for labor I hope all those Trump voters line up to work.
2
The selfish desire for cheap labor is not something we should enshrine into law.
I still don't understand why Sessions hasn't been removed from office for perjuring himself before the Senate committee, or why all efforts to do so have ceased?!?
So let's play word association...
States rights....slavery & segregation
Alabama....political corruption & Bob Bentley
Jeff Sessions....failed Supreme Court nominee
Jeff Sessions...State Rights when it suits him
Jeff Sessions...supporter of the 1950s( segregation, states rights and hard working white people)
"nuf said"
States rights....slavery & segregation
Alabama....political corruption & Bob Bentley
Jeff Sessions....failed Supreme Court nominee
Jeff Sessions...State Rights when it suits him
Jeff Sessions...supporter of the 1950s( segregation, states rights and hard working white people)
"nuf said"
5
Jeff Sessions , "unleashed at the Border" is just another disgusting reminder of our dreadful President's pick for Attorney General. Beauregard III, wrapped in the fallen Stars and Stripes, an apt metaphor for his position in the Trump Administration.
2
I'm glad to see that the editors of the NY Times think that "document fraud" is such a meaningless offense. I'm sure they'll have no problem with illegal immigrants stealing their social security number and using it fraudulently. Hey, who cares about identity theft?
Secure in his position as Attorney General and without the need to further dissemble, our bigoted racist Attorney General Jeff Sessions approved and selected by our similarly predisposed Repulican Congress and President is now fully unleashed in all his depravity to wreak havoc on millions of salutary immigrants, the end result of which will be a surge in the number of hate crimes and overt acts of bigotry and racism committed against law-abiding American citizens of color.
1
The last paragraph of this editorial was so deft and on point, it took my breath away.
1
Jeff Session , Russian puppet is the extreme racist in the cabinet. He lied under oath and I thought it was a crime. Law is not equal for everybody in America. What a shame.
3
Just on LI today, Newsday reported that unaccompanied minors from Central America were causing a spike in MS-13 gang-related deaths in Brentwood/Central Islip. The violence associated with illegal immigration may not be affecting liberal wealthy communities of the Upper East Side, Brookline, or Berkley, but for poorer communities, it is having terrible consequences which the NYT fails to acknowledge.
7
Although the Times' editorial board may disagree, neither Sessions nor Trump created the mess that is the immigration issue at hand.
For the first time in my relatively short lifespan, we have a President and an AG that are committed to enforcing EXISTING immigration laws that neither Trump nor Sessions authored and yet went unenforced for decades before.
The Times criticizes Sessions for unleashing anti-illegal immigration agents against non-violent offenders for deportation. As if the mere presence of illegal immigrants themselves doesn't qualify them for deportation anyway...
Illegal immigrant need not have committed ANY other crime whatsoever other than them being here illegally for them to be deported. That is not travesty nor depravity. That is an Executive Branch committed to doing its job: enforcing the laws of the nation.
For liberals who continue to bemoan Trump's other actions as illegal or unconstitutional, you'd all do well to get behind a President that is actually following the letter of the law on this issue. Anything less is rampant hypocrisy by liberals and it must end.
For the first time in my relatively short lifespan, we have a President and an AG that are committed to enforcing EXISTING immigration laws that neither Trump nor Sessions authored and yet went unenforced for decades before.
The Times criticizes Sessions for unleashing anti-illegal immigration agents against non-violent offenders for deportation. As if the mere presence of illegal immigrants themselves doesn't qualify them for deportation anyway...
Illegal immigrant need not have committed ANY other crime whatsoever other than them being here illegally for them to be deported. That is not travesty nor depravity. That is an Executive Branch committed to doing its job: enforcing the laws of the nation.
For liberals who continue to bemoan Trump's other actions as illegal or unconstitutional, you'd all do well to get behind a President that is actually following the letter of the law on this issue. Anything less is rampant hypocrisy by liberals and it must end.
6
If every racist bigot who rants and raves about "illegal aliens" having violated the law were to apply the same standard to Jeff Sessions, he would have been prosecuted and convicted for perjury: he lied under oath to the United States Senate about a matter of State -- indeed, about possible treason against the United States.
But they don't care. He and his kind loathe brown-skinned migrant workers who come here to work at menial jobs to try to make better lives for themselves.
He and his kind will end up making the United States a singularly unattractive destination for immigrants of every kind, causing lasting harm to the country.
Mr. Sessions also plans to ramp up the discredited War against Drugs, which will ENRICH the cartels because it creates black markets, and which will also enrich the private prisons operated by Mr. Sessions' cronies.
Who in their right mind would wish to start a new life for themselves in Mr. Sessions' United States? In consequence the United States will go downhill swiftly. Highly educated immigrants dominate our graduate departments ols for maths and science and dominate our high technology companies. Poorly educated immigrants reliably perform work that native-born Americans won't do. Immigrants in general start businesses and hire people far more so than do native-born Americans, and they commit less crimes. But they will stop coming here. We will be a lesser country in every way.
But they don't care. He and his kind loathe brown-skinned migrant workers who come here to work at menial jobs to try to make better lives for themselves.
He and his kind will end up making the United States a singularly unattractive destination for immigrants of every kind, causing lasting harm to the country.
Mr. Sessions also plans to ramp up the discredited War against Drugs, which will ENRICH the cartels because it creates black markets, and which will also enrich the private prisons operated by Mr. Sessions' cronies.
Who in their right mind would wish to start a new life for themselves in Mr. Sessions' United States? In consequence the United States will go downhill swiftly. Highly educated immigrants dominate our graduate departments ols for maths and science and dominate our high technology companies. Poorly educated immigrants reliably perform work that native-born Americans won't do. Immigrants in general start businesses and hire people far more so than do native-born Americans, and they commit less crimes. But they will stop coming here. We will be a lesser country in every way.
3
Everything Mr. Sessions said made total sense to me The country is fortunate that a Southern Boy is the Attorney General. Get some of that Southern, country fried, take on the "law". Thank you.
1
One wonders if your opinion would be the same if you were on the other side of Jim Crow laws -- because that is where we're headed.
No thank you.
No thank you.
Attorney General Sessions' rhetoric comes right from the playbook of racist demagogues. Instead of African-American boogymen, we now have latino boogeymen. Disgusting!
4
"Now as attorney general he has the machinery to make his immigration nightmare real."
Imagine that, an Attorney General who actually enforces the law. I guess that's what the Times thinks is a "nightmare".
Imagine that, an Attorney General who actually enforces the law. I guess that's what the Times thinks is a "nightmare".
7
Trump's actions on immigration have been one of very few highlights of his young Presidency.
The Times should devote more stories to these successes (and not just endless anecdotes about how it's not especially good to be deported). After all, immigration was probably the #1 reason he was elected.
The Times should devote more stories to these successes (and not just endless anecdotes about how it's not especially good to be deported). After all, immigration was probably the #1 reason he was elected.
6
Well, there you have it. A flag teeters, and the NY Times sees prophetic meaning in it. We must now all accept the sign from God that Jeff Session has gone over to the dark side of the law.
2
I often wonder when I go to the grocery store, and stand in line at the checkout counter, behind Spanish-speaking adults, with tattoos all over their bodies, whi with food stamps, and then place their groceries into their big Cadillac SUVs to take the groceries home. Tatattoos and SUVs are expensive. Where do they get their money? The US taxpayer is being ripped off by illegal aliens from all over the world, who come here, have their anchor babies, and then immediately qualify for all social welfare benefits because of their newborn. Jeff sessions is doing his job. Next important step, get rid of the 14th amendment and citizenship for newborns to illegal alien parents.
6
A " Southern Gentleman" waxing poetic and sounding absolutely stupid.... more to the point, dangerous. The New face of a welcoming America. He needed to reacquaint himself with Ms. Lazarus!
1
The NYT has, for years, pushed a pro-illegal alien agenda. Trump's election showed that the country is just not buying it.
It is not wrong to oppose illegal immigration.
It is not wrong to want our laws enforced.
It is not wrong to want your country to have a secure border.
Nobody is opposed to immigration: the problem is ILLEGAL immigration.
It is not wrong to oppose illegal immigration.
It is not wrong to want our laws enforced.
It is not wrong to want your country to have a secure border.
Nobody is opposed to immigration: the problem is ILLEGAL immigration.
12
Thank you for standing up for us, The New York Times. It is at times like this, that real reporting as yours, is needed. Thank you all for your hard work. We will not give up.
3
This is racist Sessions at his Bible-thumping Alabama best. Now, Beauregard, I want you to make sure you apply equal energy and resources to prosecuting to the growers, builders, restaurateurs, and all businesses, large and small, who are hiring these evil migrants. Let's give this country exactly what it asked for.
5
Thank God ICE has been unleashed! No more cynical gamesmanship by Mexican elites who see the US taxpayer as a safety valve for providing services to Mexican poor. Dean Baquet and the rest of the Times editors should stop treating illegal Mexican aliens as US citizens.
6
This hysterical, over the top editorial is a laughable example of why Dems lose elections. No one has the right to break our immigration laws, let alone engage in document fraud or any other crimes without expecting we'll send them home. The United States does not owe such people the right to "get right with the law" as this editorial so quaintly phrases it and get permission from the rest of us to stay here. That's open borders advocacy and it is neither reasonable nor humane.
5
Immigration is a nightmare. We're being invaded by low skilled Latinos and told to enjoy it. The liberals elites sell out their base so they can Hispander.
5
Small-minded, mean little man now wielding power; avenging angel complex, or something; whatever it is it's ugly, cruel. Watching him barely able to read a written statement, with that grin, that evil gleam in his eye, obviously enjoying himself like never before...he's a terrifying spectacle. He's drunk with power. And they're trying to hire thousands of border patrol/ICE agents but in order to do so they're having to do away with the polygraph and other requirements because applicants arent's able to pass/meet the standards. So what are you going to end up with: a gang of semi-thugs who believe they can do no wrong, that "these people" are not deserving of being treated as human beings, and human beings with American spouses and children.
3
Sessions is a sadist, a liar, and a traitor.
It says something about the Republican Party that they not only voted for his nomination, but praised him. The one person courageous enough to question his nomination was silenced and rebuked.
We must work STRONGLY to vote them out of office to save our country.
It says something about the Republican Party that they not only voted for his nomination, but praised him. The one person courageous enough to question his nomination was silenced and rebuked.
We must work STRONGLY to vote them out of office to save our country.
Im against illegal immigration. Why does the NYT just love having a group of people that do the jobs "Americans dont want to do" as second class citizens who can be abused and have no workers rights? Why do the Democrats insist that this group of wage depressing people continue to be allowed into our country?
Im fine with amnestying the ones here, but no more please. Also, there ARE transnational criminal gangs that chop peoples heads off and force immigrants to pack 50lb bales of pot accross the desert to pay for their smuggling. Why is this article minimizing that so much? I mean, dont they also publish tons of articles about how horrible it is that smugglers who are part of international gangs are killing these immigrants? Is that little fact only relevant when trying to elicit an emotional response in readers so that they dont think rationally about illegal immigration?
Im fine with amnestying the ones here, but no more please. Also, there ARE transnational criminal gangs that chop peoples heads off and force immigrants to pack 50lb bales of pot accross the desert to pay for their smuggling. Why is this article minimizing that so much? I mean, dont they also publish tons of articles about how horrible it is that smugglers who are part of international gangs are killing these immigrants? Is that little fact only relevant when trying to elicit an emotional response in readers so that they dont think rationally about illegal immigration?
3
A country without borders is like a building without walls - it collapses. Sessions is only enforcing the law and if the PC crowd does not like it, work to have those laws changed. If allowed to continue, over time America will end up like a Banana Republic like where most of these illegal immigrants come from. As for the PO (perpetually offended) crowd worrying about parents being seperated from their children there is a simple solution. They can just take their kids back with them to whatever country they came from. I can't just pick up and illegally enter whatever country I choose and neither should these illegals.
7
The AG is enforcing the law much to the chagrin of the New York Times. Good for him.
6
It will be a shame to see all those Alabama crops rot in the fields due to lack of fruit pickers. As elsewhere, the natives aren't going to it.
Trump is keeping his promises. Since Jan. 20 we have not had one rape or murder by any illegal Mexicans. America is safer. The criminals know to stay away. The word is out on the Mexican Streets. Thank you Mr. President for making America great again.
1
Since when is enforcing our federal laws a nightmare?
3
As a nation of immigrants, this is insane. First we rape and kill Native Americans as we steal their land (revising THEM as the savages), then we justify slavery (early signs of perverted "Christianity"), then we make a bit of progress on various fronts. Now we are the lowest of the low in terms of being a so-called democracy. There is no humanity in it. Just greed and stupidity. Canada? I'd love to move but I would not blame you if you close the border.
3
Jeff Sessions, the epitome of hatred and bigotry writ large.
What an odious and despicable little man he is.
What an odious and despicable little man he is.
Attorney General Sessions intends to enforce the law vigorously. This is what rises to the level of nightmarish horror for the Times.
Words are inadequate to express my contempt for the Grey Lady.
Words are inadequate to express my contempt for the Grey Lady.
5
Typical for the NYT's. Unauthorized immigrants? No, the correct term is Illegal aliens.
7
I'm shocked I tell you. First this week the news out of Alabama is another Jesus loving Baptist is caught with his pants down and resigns and now Beauregard, the extremely white gentleman from Alabama, we're discovering could have an agenda. What's next, an education secretary who wants to defund public education, and EPA afministrator who thinks coal sludge is good for rivers, or a Health and Human Services director who thinks health care is only for closers. That would be a nightmare almost as bad as the one I had where the country elects a sexually depraved con man with the intellectual curiosity of a tree slug as the 45th president.
1
There you go again, New York Times - "the unauthorized population". Illegal immigrants they are and will remain whatever euphemism you cook up. However compelling their stories and individual lives, however sad their stories and good their citizenship, if one has crossed the border illegally then one had broken the law. Most of us do have compassion for the 60 million starving refugees in the world, and the Venezuelans living under Maduro's nonsense. We feel terrible about the unfortunate Turks stuck with Erdogan's dictatorship and the Rohinga who have no where in the world to be. Shall we let all sad, displaced, hungry threatened people move to the US? If the answer is 'No' then the US must enforce its laws. Is it draconian? Yes. Is that wrong? No.
7
Sessions has shown himself to be even more delusional, rigid, hateful, paranoid, and dishonest than I had feared. Its's not possible to view him with the respect I would normally give to anyone in his office; having perjured himself before congress, he a criminal, and is emerging as a lunatic as well.
There are a lot of people making a lot of money with illegal immigrants as slave labor.
Once they muscle him, he will shut up.
Once they muscle him, he will shut up.
1
I wish Mexico would erect a wall from their side, to keep the tide of evil from flooding down from the US. This Administration, and Jeff Sessions in particular are evil incarnate. No good comes from this group of miscreants chosen by #45.
1
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III - a disgrace to humanity, a disgrace to the office he holds and a disgrace to the shining light America used to be as symbolized by the statue of Liberty and the words inscribed at her feet. Watching this pathetic little man strut around with ICE agents yesterday, a very big gun holstered on his hip, was one of the most sickening things I've seen lately - and that's saying something. I don't think I've ever truly seen the face of evil until now. That it came with a southern drawl somehow doesn't surprise me, and I say that as a southerner. For shame.
1
"..Massive drug bust in Dayton connected to Mexican drug cartel Sinaloa.." perhaps the NYT should spend some time reading other news papers...to find out what's going on in the world.
6
It is frightening to think that a major US newspaper's editorial board has issues with the enforcement of full immigration law. President Trump won in large part due to his stance on immigration. Many of us are thrilled about the restoration of law and order. For those who would like to see otherwise, it is going to be a long 4-8 years. The enforcement of immigration law as well as the new composition of the Supreme Court, will restore this country to the place where most of us want to see it. Sorry NY Times and its liberal/leftist readers!
5
I suspect Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions would find common cause with one of his state's representatives who introduced a bill to invalidate all same sex marriages and went on to declare, as in ah declare (Scarlett O'Hara) that Abraham Lincoln was a tyrant in the vein of Hitler.
It is doubtful this nation will survive the Trump era, certainly not as a Democratic Republic. At the rate Trump is saber rattling and flexing his newly discovered military might, democracy might not be the only thing destroyed.
It is doubtful this nation will survive the Trump era, certainly not as a Democratic Republic. At the rate Trump is saber rattling and flexing his newly discovered military might, democracy might not be the only thing destroyed.
1
Immigrants, illegal or otherwise, are the perfect foil for Mr. Sessions and the cadre of armed thugs and private detention camps that he is creating within America. Jeff Sessions is an old time, evangelical racist and bigot who now has the power and vision to enact his dream. He will not be stopped easily, and he will do harm before his term as attorney general is completed. He, of all of Trump's appointments, will do the most harm to the most people in the name of freedom and democracy. Shame.
2
The more illegal aliens that are deported, the more jobs that will be available for low-skill American citizens such as all of the "non-violent" felons that the "progressives" want to release from prison.
7
After reading the editorial about Jeff Sessions, I had to stop and calmly breathe. I can not believe our country has a racist as Attorney General and a president who encourages racism and hate. How can we as a nation of immigrants, accept this hateful rhetoric from our government representatives? God help us, we have become a country of angry white men. We need, as a people, to stand united against hatred and bigotry. The only way to do this is vote but vote with intelligence.
2
I don't know how to break this to you aging, bitter snowflakes, but your side lost.
If you don't like the laws of the United States, try to get the laws changed. At least we no longer have a socialite coward who refused to carry out the law as he swore he would - another set of Obama lies.
Don't like the Congress? Try to elect different people to it. But you're going to have to actually come up with some plan that won't turn logical thinkers away.
The single word ''hope'' won't do. We saw tyranny rise in Germany and Russia with the liars asking for hope. What won't work is growing government any more - Barack the Teen Idol showed us that.
If you don't like the laws of the United States, try to get the laws changed. At least we no longer have a socialite coward who refused to carry out the law as he swore he would - another set of Obama lies.
Don't like the Congress? Try to elect different people to it. But you're going to have to actually come up with some plan that won't turn logical thinkers away.
The single word ''hope'' won't do. We saw tyranny rise in Germany and Russia with the liars asking for hope. What won't work is growing government any more - Barack the Teen Idol showed us that.
4
Every day, I shake my head in dismay and disgust, not only about what this administration and fascistic little bigots like Sessions represent, but WHO they represent: the voters that made this waking nightmare possible.
1
He's a racist who lied under oath to get the job , who was first denied a position in the 1980's when congress had integrity. How pathetic this country has become.
1
Let's not forget that this lying racist dirtbag is doing everything he can to ensure that non-white Democratic voters cannot cast their CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED votes!
He's planning to drop the Justice Dept's suit against Texas's totally unconstitutional voter ID law the violates multiple amendments, from the 15th to the 24th.
Because "Constitutional Rights" only belong to White Christian Republicans--according to Jeff Sessions.
He's planning to drop the Justice Dept's suit against Texas's totally unconstitutional voter ID law the violates multiple amendments, from the 15th to the 24th.
Because "Constitutional Rights" only belong to White Christian Republicans--according to Jeff Sessions.
3
Jeff Sessions is a pitiful excuse for an attorney general. His racist rhetoric and unabashed support for all things White and to the right is dangerous and embarrassing. Bannon may be on his way out, but there are still plenty of reptiles in the swamp.
God bless Jeff Sessions. Keep the families together. Deport them all as a family unit. Asian females who come here in their 8th month of pregnancy to give birth here is a cottage industry that should be shut down. H1B visa holders. Another scam program that needs to be shut down.
3
It's getting to the point with this moronic jerk running the "justice' department, that one had better have a valid U.S. passport whilst traveling anywhere -- either from state to state, or out of the country and returning.
Mr. Sessions (and I use the term "Mr." in a very loose manner) finally has the power he has craved in his small racist mind for so many years. He is certainly going to use it - and against anyone who crosses him.
But, if he bothers my friend Jose, he certainly had better watch his back.
Mr. Sessions (and I use the term "Mr." in a very loose manner) finally has the power he has craved in his small racist mind for so many years. He is certainly going to use it - and against anyone who crosses him.
But, if he bothers my friend Jose, he certainly had better watch his back.
If businesses stopped using (exploiting) illegal immigrants, they would stop coming. Period. There are two sides to this equation. Very, very few politicians are willing to drop the hammer on business by enacting large fines and then following through by imposing them. So much easier to blame immigrants for coming, than to focus on the reasons they come.
86
Once again, the best liberals can say about the state of our immigration system is "There are many good immigrants, you xenophobe!"
Our immigration system has been broken for my entire lifetime. The New York Times used to admit this, calling illegal immigration a "nightmare" as recently as 2009. That's why in my first election I voted for Trump.
I don't blame the immigrants. They suffer terribly. I blame the politicians and the rich who benefit from illegal immigration, and tell us it's inevitable. "They do the jobs Americans won't do!" Please. Americans will do all sorts of jobs- just not for $5 an hour.
At this, I'm sure you'll sneer and say "Oh, you'll have to pay more for food!" So, it's ethical to have wage slaves to keep food cheap? We throw out a third of the food we produce before it even gets to the table!
Our immigration system is bad for citizens, and bad for migrants, legal and "undocumented." So I day close the border. Build the wall. Because politicians and the rich won't lift a finger to solve the problem unless we force them to.
Our immigration system has been broken for my entire lifetime. The New York Times used to admit this, calling illegal immigration a "nightmare" as recently as 2009. That's why in my first election I voted for Trump.
I don't blame the immigrants. They suffer terribly. I blame the politicians and the rich who benefit from illegal immigration, and tell us it's inevitable. "They do the jobs Americans won't do!" Please. Americans will do all sorts of jobs- just not for $5 an hour.
At this, I'm sure you'll sneer and say "Oh, you'll have to pay more for food!" So, it's ethical to have wage slaves to keep food cheap? We throw out a third of the food we produce before it even gets to the table!
Our immigration system is bad for citizens, and bad for migrants, legal and "undocumented." So I day close the border. Build the wall. Because politicians and the rich won't lift a finger to solve the problem unless we force them to.
3
It's quite rare that one can tell a book by its cover or a person by his or her face. But we know that Hitler's face was brutal and that his cronie's faces were sinister, so sometimes the face does telegraph what's inside of a person. Sessions' face looks as if it is quasi-frozen in an expression of violent rage just waiting to burst out of him. Even when he smiles it doesn't wipe off. He's the most scarey of the Trump cabinet, next to Trump. I had not heard about the speech that the editorial tells about, but it reflects the imbalance I would expect from the face.
1
This is what 63% of white men, and 53% white women who voted for Trump wanted. A racist Attorney General.
7
Wrong. We want legal immigration. Keep up your defense of lawbreakers and we'll have four more years of Trump.
5
Immigrants built the United States. Period.
But consider this for a minute - illegal immigrant detention centers are supposed to have some one washing and changing the linen everyday, not every 3-4 days, not every week but everyday (I live in a fancy hotel by the sea with a frigging helipad and they change linen every 5 days).
The pages for illegal immigrant detention center standards run 455 pages long (no mention if it's double spaced!!).
No one wants inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants but at some point you gotta wake the hell up and work with some common sense.
But consider this for a minute - illegal immigrant detention centers are supposed to have some one washing and changing the linen everyday, not every 3-4 days, not every week but everyday (I live in a fancy hotel by the sea with a frigging helipad and they change linen every 5 days).
The pages for illegal immigrant detention center standards run 455 pages long (no mention if it's double spaced!!).
No one wants inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants but at some point you gotta wake the hell up and work with some common sense.
4
Frankly I'm sick and tired, as a life long reader of this paper, hearing about the sins of this current government. I KNOW IT'S EVIL. I knew it the day the results of the election were announced and the day I cursed The Times for not preparing me for the eventuality of a Trump government in the least. Remember, Hillary had an "85% chance of winning" according to your analysis the day before the hateful result was announced. What I NOW want to know is what we can DO about this government. What mechanisms can the minority party in Washington call upon to slow down if not overthrow this hateful regime? I never expected anything other than malice from Sessions. Anyone, after all, that gets elected to national office from that state must by definition be someone diametrically opposed to all sense of decency as far as I define that term at least. So ok, another editorial preaching to the choir. Now what do you, editorial writers, propose that we can DO about this man and all the others that are defiling our system of government and way of life?
4
I'm just going to be honest here - I am as liberal as they come, and I agree with a good portion of NYT editorials. Furthermore, not one ounce of me wants to admit to agreeing with Jeff Sessions on anything, anywhere, at any time. However.... I do not understand why this editorial had to put "aggravated identity theft" in quotation marks, like it is some inconsequential or made-up offense. I know two people who have been the victims of identity theft by illegal immigrants, and their credit history and financial situation were absolutely destroyed. These things take a long time to repair, and cause many hours of angst and frustration to the victims. In my day job, I deal with illegal immigrants every day, and I can tell you this: even the most benign, hardworking, otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants (and I will concede, there are many) have fake documents and stolen social security numbers. It's a problem, and it shouldn't be treated lightly and put into quotation marks in the same way that President Trump puts "wiretapping" into quotation marks.
6
How can a man who committed perjury be responsible for enforcing immigration laws, or any laws for that matter. The first person to be in jail should be Sessions himself.
4
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions; stuck in the past and forever stalling the future.
The sooner we somehow manage to expunge these perverse Don Quixote-esque old white men into history, the better off we all (white included) will be.
Mr. Sessions and his ilk are not capable of going at the root of the problem, they are only capable of attacking the comparatively feeble and defenseless low fruit and claiming victory. When somebody claims a war on anything - run. Because we know the results will be disastrous.
The sooner we somehow manage to expunge these perverse Don Quixote-esque old white men into history, the better off we all (white included) will be.
Mr. Sessions and his ilk are not capable of going at the root of the problem, they are only capable of attacking the comparatively feeble and defenseless low fruit and claiming victory. When somebody claims a war on anything - run. Because we know the results will be disastrous.
3
Sessions embodies small minded white supremacy at it's worst. Surely he can't really reflect the views of his home state, can he?
1
I've long read that immigration is what prevents our country from falling victim to our own very low birth rate (like Japan has), which would be a disaster for our economy. why don't these folks so eager to build a,wall and a "deportation force" know that?
1
When you have a thinly-veiled White Supremacist as Attorney General it should be no surprise when he acts as a White Supremacist.
NOW do all you deniers believe that Jeff Sessions is EXACTLY the racist Democrats told you he was?
NOW do all you deniers believe that Jeff Sessions is EXACTLY the racist Democrats told you he was?
3
I've lived in southern Arizona for over forty years. I know a whole lot more about the border, and the people who live near there, than Jeff Session does. And I also know that his screed has nothing to do with unlawful immigration, but instead, everything to do with targeting brown people.
When rounding up this community begins (as it surely will), for either "detention camps" or mass forced deportations, we will truly see what kind of country we have become.
The American public's response to Sessions has been far too muted. He rightly suspects that he'll have no meaningful opposition to his agenda. Years, decades from now, we will remember this time and wonder why we didn't try harder to stop this racist dictatorship. Because if you think this will end with mass deportations of undocumented residents, I have a bridge to sell you south of Tucson...
When rounding up this community begins (as it surely will), for either "detention camps" or mass forced deportations, we will truly see what kind of country we have become.
The American public's response to Sessions has been far too muted. He rightly suspects that he'll have no meaningful opposition to his agenda. Years, decades from now, we will remember this time and wonder why we didn't try harder to stop this racist dictatorship. Because if you think this will end with mass deportations of undocumented residents, I have a bridge to sell you south of Tucson...
154
I doubt there is a serious patriotic American who could possibly object to the enforcement of our nation's laws.
The country has finite resources. Law enforcement requires resource.
The objection some of us on the more liberal side have is the unequal application of resource used on enforcement of our country's laws.
For instance - how many have even been brought up on charges for the sub-prime mortgage debacle, which tanked the world economy and destroyed the lives of millions of Americans?
How much resource is expended on charging Sessions himself for the perjury he committed in full sight of the entire country?
Trump, his staff, and his supporters are absolutely willing to dismiss crimes of the administration and the elite he represents.
Let us remind ourselves - they are a minority.
We are not fooled by the attempt to shift the public's attention away from the crimes Trump is committing in plain sight - and the ones we would uncover later were we to expend our precious resources there.
The country has finite resources. Law enforcement requires resource.
The objection some of us on the more liberal side have is the unequal application of resource used on enforcement of our country's laws.
For instance - how many have even been brought up on charges for the sub-prime mortgage debacle, which tanked the world economy and destroyed the lives of millions of Americans?
How much resource is expended on charging Sessions himself for the perjury he committed in full sight of the entire country?
Trump, his staff, and his supporters are absolutely willing to dismiss crimes of the administration and the elite he represents.
Let us remind ourselves - they are a minority.
We are not fooled by the attempt to shift the public's attention away from the crimes Trump is committing in plain sight - and the ones we would uncover later were we to expend our precious resources there.
8
If we are targeting illegal immigrants in the country for deportation, then the Trump administration should also target the employers of those illegal immigrants.
They too are breaking the law and yet the ONLY people we hear facing the consequences of their illegal activity are those who have come into the country trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.
They too are breaking the law and yet the ONLY people we hear facing the consequences of their illegal activity are those who have come into the country trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.
12
Here is the IRS site describing what an employer must do when hiring an employee:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/hiring-emp...
Illegal "immigrants" supply forged Social Security cards and perjure themselves to complete the required I-9 form. Employers hire illegal workers every day and break no laws. We need mandatory eVerify.
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/hiring-emp...
Illegal "immigrants" supply forged Social Security cards and perjure themselves to complete the required I-9 form. Employers hire illegal workers every day and break no laws. We need mandatory eVerify.
1
Arresting illegal immigrants who are coming here to work is as effective as arresting the drug user. We should be arresting the employers of these people. They are the drug dealers. Most of our illegal immigrants are hear because they need work (their drug) and we supply that work. Why doesn't Attorney General Sessions attack the dealers? He certainly seems more than willing to go after even those sellers of drugs considered legal in many states.
4
We are often told American farms could not survive without unauthorized immigrants. According to the Pew Research Center, unauthorized immigrants make up 26 percent of U.S. farm workers, but only 4 percent of unauthorized immigrants work on farms. So, we could deport 96 percent of the 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants currently residing in the United State without affecting farms. We could replace the 4 percent who work on farms my expanding the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker visa program or reviving the Braceros program of the 1950s and 60s.
http://www.pewhispanic.org/2016/11/03/occupations-of-unauthorized-immigr...
http://www.pewhispanic.org/2016/11/03/occupations-of-unauthorized-immigr...
5
To the many commenters that are blaming this immigration crisis on American business looking for cheap labor, please stop. Employers are always looking for cheap labor, and cheap sources for all of their other expenses. That doesn't justify breaking our laws to enter our labor force. Why not enforce our immigrations laws and then the Law of Supply and Demand will magically force wages higer for American citizens? I agree that most Americans won't clean a hotel room or wash dishes for $7.00 per hour, but they just might for $10 or $12 or $15. There is a magic wage number where the employer and the employee will both see benefit.
2
If the American workers you cit are refusing to clean a hotel room for $7.00/hour, are they on welfare? Unemployment? Faux disability?
What, then, are they doing for an income?
If immigrants are "breaking our laws to enter our labor force" then, by definition, there is a labor force here waiting for them. If there were no jobs for them, they wouldn't come here.
Look at any state (California is the best example) with agriculture. There are almost zero white guys working in the farms - it's ALL immigrants. If you like eating, thank them.
What, then, are they doing for an income?
If immigrants are "breaking our laws to enter our labor force" then, by definition, there is a labor force here waiting for them. If there were no jobs for them, they wouldn't come here.
Look at any state (California is the best example) with agriculture. There are almost zero white guys working in the farms - it's ALL immigrants. If you like eating, thank them.
2
RE: “This is a new era. This is the Trump era.”
We had 240 years of a republic, and now we enter the first year of the Trump Dynasty.
We had 240 years of a republic, and now we enter the first year of the Trump Dynasty.
3
What are the sources of pain that led so many Americans to vote for Trump? A vote that was as much desperation as rational choice.
Here's a very small list that's a start:
1. A decades long redistribution of wealth. Upwards. The .1%ers are squarely in control of the asylum. Have been for the better part of 50 years.
Tax laws needs to be made fair again, and the .1% and the corporations they own and run need to pay their fair share. No loopholes. No lobbyist maintained deductions. Eisenhower era rates would work nicely.
2. Speaking of Eisenhower, the military industrial complex has us by the throat and is never going to let go until we kill it. Stop spending money on defense. Drop the budget by 50% and make them live with it. Then drop it another 50% next year. We own plenty of nukes, have lots of planes and ships and guns. Instead let's spend money on the people of the United States and the people around the world. Think a Global Marshall Plan that starts right here at home.
3. Illegal drugs. Let's make them all legal - like the Canadians are doing with pot. Regulate them. Tax them. Put the South American cartels out of business overnight. Everyone will be safer and better cared for.
4. Labor business partnerships. Do you have to learn German to know how this works? The Germans do. It means jobs! Living wage ones.
This isn't rocket science. Why not start now?
Because the .1%ers won't allow it.
Which means the pain will continue.
Here's a very small list that's a start:
1. A decades long redistribution of wealth. Upwards. The .1%ers are squarely in control of the asylum. Have been for the better part of 50 years.
Tax laws needs to be made fair again, and the .1% and the corporations they own and run need to pay their fair share. No loopholes. No lobbyist maintained deductions. Eisenhower era rates would work nicely.
2. Speaking of Eisenhower, the military industrial complex has us by the throat and is never going to let go until we kill it. Stop spending money on defense. Drop the budget by 50% and make them live with it. Then drop it another 50% next year. We own plenty of nukes, have lots of planes and ships and guns. Instead let's spend money on the people of the United States and the people around the world. Think a Global Marshall Plan that starts right here at home.
3. Illegal drugs. Let's make them all legal - like the Canadians are doing with pot. Regulate them. Tax them. Put the South American cartels out of business overnight. Everyone will be safer and better cared for.
4. Labor business partnerships. Do you have to learn German to know how this works? The Germans do. It means jobs! Living wage ones.
This isn't rocket science. Why not start now?
Because the .1%ers won't allow it.
Which means the pain will continue.
3
If Mr. Sessions is so concerned with illegal immigrants coming here seeking employment, then it is the employers who should be charged, and the people seeking employment should be dealt with compassionately. If we really wanted to help with the immigration problem, work visas would certainly help, but employers eager for cheap labor do not want that, it would mean they would have to pay a decent wage and comply with all regulations regarding their workplace.
"Be forewarned, this is a new era." "This is the Trump era." Those words sent ice cold shivers up and down my spine. Trump and Sessions have no compassion and certainly no humanity. Even President Reagan dealt more kindly with immigrants by offering amnesty. Yes, the flag falling over was like some ominous metaphor for what is happening to the values long held dear by this country.
"Be forewarned, this is a new era." "This is the Trump era." Those words sent ice cold shivers up and down my spine. Trump and Sessions have no compassion and certainly no humanity. Even President Reagan dealt more kindly with immigrants by offering amnesty. Yes, the flag falling over was like some ominous metaphor for what is happening to the values long held dear by this country.
4
I'm glad to see Sessions reversing the Obama doormat policy, a cynical ploy to buy the Latino vote. Democrats were so tone deaf on illegal immigration and even the Hispanic vote. They thought Hispanic votes could be bought with open borders, only to find out not all Hispanics were the same place on the issue - see Florida. Obama gave illegal immigrants a playbook, just say they were persecuted by gangs in their country and that the U.S. was the only place they would be safe, and they could get in. Unfortunately, this led to a wave of gangs entering the U.S., importing gang violence, as we see in Long Island with MS-13. Democrats don't want to talk about crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
MSNBC had a segment at the border with one man and 3 pregnant women coming over the border. Victims of persecution or a pipeline of anchor babies? Trump and Sessions are dealing with Obama's mess. Illegal immigration is down simply due to the tone shift in Washington. I thank them for caring about our citizens. Another of Trump's big wins in the first 100 days.
MSNBC had a segment at the border with one man and 3 pregnant women coming over the border. Victims of persecution or a pipeline of anchor babies? Trump and Sessions are dealing with Obama's mess. Illegal immigration is down simply due to the tone shift in Washington. I thank them for caring about our citizens. Another of Trump's big wins in the first 100 days.
3
Most of the letters emphasize the illegal nature of the issue. Fair enough. If you live in an area that is utterly dependent on labor that is done by mostly by these very immigrants, you have to wonder why the government doesn't legislate alternatives that address these needs and the disaster ahead. When the workers are not there to harvest our crops, make our meals and clean our rooms, take care of our elderly; perhaps then we will tackle the issue in all its complexity. Their children, many US citizens, who staff our hospitals and other professional positions, keep our economy vibrant. And that is only considering the economics - there are families forever changed by the actions we do, or don't, take.
3
Global immigration is entirely driven by economics and political and social conflict. At any given moment, millions of people are in transit from one country to another without benefit of visas. These immigrants are either intent on bettering their lives, fleeing violence in their homelands are simply want to be reunited with family.
As for Sessions, he makes the fatal error of treating immigration as solely a law enforcement issue and one of immigrants crossing the southern border.
He has nothing to say, so far at least, about getting tough on employers who violate the law by hiring undocumented immigrants.
The dirty secret is that many American industries are wholly dependent on easily exploitable immigrants from Latin America, Mexico in particular.
It's been this way or decades. Who besides Latin America immigrants will pick the nation's crops, clean hotel rooms, staff restaurant kitchens, take jobs in the poultry and meatpacking industries, if not Mexicans.
My Mexican grandparents picked cotton in Texas and Oklahoma in the 1920s. All of their fellow workers were Mexican. Picking cotton was considered Mexican work, just as it was considered African-American work in the Deep South.
We Mexicans have witnessed periodic get tough efforts, which have resulted in hundreds of thousands of deportations.
But when the American economy is humming, illegal border crossing will increase.
Crossings are down because the U.S. job market is not attractive for unskilled workers.
As for Sessions, he makes the fatal error of treating immigration as solely a law enforcement issue and one of immigrants crossing the southern border.
He has nothing to say, so far at least, about getting tough on employers who violate the law by hiring undocumented immigrants.
The dirty secret is that many American industries are wholly dependent on easily exploitable immigrants from Latin America, Mexico in particular.
It's been this way or decades. Who besides Latin America immigrants will pick the nation's crops, clean hotel rooms, staff restaurant kitchens, take jobs in the poultry and meatpacking industries, if not Mexicans.
My Mexican grandparents picked cotton in Texas and Oklahoma in the 1920s. All of their fellow workers were Mexican. Picking cotton was considered Mexican work, just as it was considered African-American work in the Deep South.
We Mexicans have witnessed periodic get tough efforts, which have resulted in hundreds of thousands of deportations.
But when the American economy is humming, illegal border crossing will increase.
Crossings are down because the U.S. job market is not attractive for unskilled workers.
4
Sessions may as well have said, "Be forewarned America. We are a state. A police state."
1
Who's going to pick all the strawberries and raspberries?
The wolf sheds his sheep's clothing - as all aware and educated people knew he would.
The shame of Mitch McConnell shutting down and "sushing" Senator Elizabeth Warren as she read from the prescient letter of the wife of the slain Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Senate floor, and then let men read from the same document, still scalds. The silent aquience of the other members of the Senate still tolls loudly over that previously august body.
Jeff Sessions is not the man to be making domestic policy involving race and law enforcement in 2017. No matter your politics, could we not find a less controversial person, among all the eligible candidates in this country? Is not his very selection the message? Are not his actions those of the last millennium? A government by, for and of rich old white men?
I am a child of the 60's and 70's and never felt more relevant. Power to the people.
The shame of Mitch McConnell shutting down and "sushing" Senator Elizabeth Warren as she read from the prescient letter of the wife of the slain Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Senate floor, and then let men read from the same document, still scalds. The silent aquience of the other members of the Senate still tolls loudly over that previously august body.
Jeff Sessions is not the man to be making domestic policy involving race and law enforcement in 2017. No matter your politics, could we not find a less controversial person, among all the eligible candidates in this country? Is not his very selection the message? Are not his actions those of the last millennium? A government by, for and of rich old white men?
I am a child of the 60's and 70's and never felt more relevant. Power to the people.
6
What cities in America are "war zones?" Even Chicago is not a war zone. Its major problem is that is at the center of the drug trade and the war on drugs.
4
Many (including Coretta Scott King) have said over the years, that Mr. Sessions was not ethically or morally fit to make important legal decisions, (or to even serve as a neo-confederate in the US senate) that can impact human lives. Nothing he has done has altered those assertions.
4
For over 25 years I have been entering the USA through the Miami airport from Central America where I live for part of the winter. It is usually a simple matter to pass through immigration with a hearty "welcome home" from the immigration officer that takes no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
This year was different! It took 2.5 HOURS to get through immigration! The general scene was of complete chaos. Nobody appeared to be in charge. There were dozens of lines. Our line became "orphaned" when the agent abruptly closed his lane. Those in our line pleaded with the one person, who appeared to be an entry level employee that was able to guide people to lines, that they would miss their connecting flight. This employee was completely indifferent to the plight of these people and simply said, It' immigration: you have to stand in line." Within another ten minutes both lanes in either side of us closed as the agent left. There were now about 50 people stranded in lines with no immigration agent and nobody paying any attention to these people.
Eventually, we were ushered into a line that ended with an immigration agent who appeared to be harried and morose. There was no "welcome home" from this agent simply and perfunctory few questions and standing around waiting for him to fuss with his computer. So, it seems that every American who travels out of the country is being punished for this new administration's policy.
This year was different! It took 2.5 HOURS to get through immigration! The general scene was of complete chaos. Nobody appeared to be in charge. There were dozens of lines. Our line became "orphaned" when the agent abruptly closed his lane. Those in our line pleaded with the one person, who appeared to be an entry level employee that was able to guide people to lines, that they would miss their connecting flight. This employee was completely indifferent to the plight of these people and simply said, It' immigration: you have to stand in line." Within another ten minutes both lanes in either side of us closed as the agent left. There were now about 50 people stranded in lines with no immigration agent and nobody paying any attention to these people.
Eventually, we were ushered into a line that ended with an immigration agent who appeared to be harried and morose. There was no "welcome home" from this agent simply and perfunctory few questions and standing around waiting for him to fuss with his computer. So, it seems that every American who travels out of the country is being punished for this new administration's policy.
4
It shouldn't *be* illegal. Instead of enforcing outdated laws that are out of step with our current economics, diplomacy, humanity, and what most of us want out of our national immigration policy, we should change the laws. In the meantime, we should *not* enforce them. A reasonable analogy is how we have dealt with our outdated, draconian marijuana laws that have served no purpose other than to destroy lives. I don't consume or support marijuana consumption. I have had the chance to cross borders myself without visas, and refrained from doing so. But these laws are stupid.
1
Thank you. So exactly true and extremely well stated.
Sounds like we are starting to enforce the law. GOOD! This is why trump won and snowflakes lost.
10
Why complain now? That's what the American People voted for.
You mean the United States is actually going to start ENFORCIING our immigration laws! Is that legal?
11
In reading history of this country and of immigration (my paternal grandparents were immigrants from southern Europe, gasp), the nativism practiced and encouraged by Trump and his shill Sessions is astounding and could almost repeat history. Irish need not apply, herding Slavic and souther Europeans into ghettos lest they mingle with the White North European Puritan Protestants. Yet, as the immigrants today, legal or otherwise, perform jobs that no White High School Educated Person would ever perform. Yet, we enjoy the fruits of their labors but abhor them in our society.
Some of the comments posted here are eye openers ranging from closet white supremists who preach, one in particular stating adherence to some "constitutional" belief, as if he/she is the only person to those who have a genuine love for the country that is not cloaked in some half-baked conspiracy theory nonsense and would welcome immigrants. However, their beliefs are shadowed by the white nativist militants who are in many ways our very own politicians, Trump and Sessions included. Not all are what Trump, Sessions and the other nativists would have us believe they are-crooks, drug runners, coyotes, etc.
Yes indeed, all non-white non-American English speakers keep out. That would have excluded my grandparents-and many others.
Perhaps we should look in the mirror and see the racism we have reverted to. Sad.
Some of the comments posted here are eye openers ranging from closet white supremists who preach, one in particular stating adherence to some "constitutional" belief, as if he/she is the only person to those who have a genuine love for the country that is not cloaked in some half-baked conspiracy theory nonsense and would welcome immigrants. However, their beliefs are shadowed by the white nativist militants who are in many ways our very own politicians, Trump and Sessions included. Not all are what Trump, Sessions and the other nativists would have us believe they are-crooks, drug runners, coyotes, etc.
Yes indeed, all non-white non-American English speakers keep out. That would have excluded my grandparents-and many others.
Perhaps we should look in the mirror and see the racism we have reverted to. Sad.
8
First comprehensive immigration policy is needed. Second the Republican Party is not able to govern and create decent legislation. All they know under Jeff Sessions and president Bannon is 'police state.'
9
In my area there are thousands of citizens of Ireland with expired Visa's. There was hope before the election that there would be a period of amnesty which has been allowed in the past. Unfortunately Jeff Sessions won't allow that but is he now going to go after these people who are white. The majority are working, paying taxes, raising families. Hoping against hope for a better future. This is what every human being wants.
6
There should be equal opportunity enforcement of our laws against illegal "immigration". And we are way, way overdue to have a visa entry/exit tracking system to curtail this visa overstay problem.
1
Maybe they should make an effort to legalize their presence in the country? Which implies paperwork and fees: is there a valid reason why Irish nationals are not doing this, especially if they are working, paying taxes etc which implies they have an employer who should file some paperwork for employing them ? It seems dangerous to raise families knowing the children have no legal status in the country where they are raised. I am really just asking, I cannot see the pay off of refusing to go through the available legal immigration channels - and from all I know, Ireland is not on any list of balck sheep countries, is it?
"A new era." The government as BULLY era.
It's not just Sessions threatening and arresting and deporting people. Trump wants to bully Dems into "coming" to him to ask for Obamacare destruction. And dropping of a bomb bigger than anybody else dropped. As a threat to bully others.
This is turning government from protector to destroyer.
It's not just Sessions threatening and arresting and deporting people. Trump wants to bully Dems into "coming" to him to ask for Obamacare destruction. And dropping of a bomb bigger than anybody else dropped. As a threat to bully others.
This is turning government from protector to destroyer.
9
Rose Wong's illustration hits the nail on the head. Small man...Small minded!
2
PLEASE report on the for-profit prisons and immigration "centers" conditions and big reason for Trump team trying to fill them up, kids and all. PLEASE
11
Do you understand that deporting someone means they leave the US? Deportation doesn't mean being incarcerated in a US prison.
Soon the DEA will be arresting senior citizens as they exit the state-certified dispensary, where they seek relief from maladies like arthritis and Crohn's disease while avoiding opioids. It seems that that Mr. Sessions subscribes to a form of Christianity where suffering is to be embraced and excessive wealth is a sign of God's grace. He surely would have Jesus arrested at the Temple for the crime of "Economic Terrorism"...
5
This was caused by Congress who has failed, over decades, to write a humane and realistic immigration law. Now the effect, in the hands of the Republicans, is similar to the Salem Witch Hunts.
...who are we?
...who are we?
6
Is there a "ground zero" in Massachusetts for all those undocumented Irish? Doubt it, but you might see it soon. I also worry about the Canadians - a wall there someday?
2
Coincidence is no accident. Our flag clearly had had enough and fainted from the noxious atmosphere of mistruth, mistrust and mismanagement.
Sessions should stay in Alabama where the flags have adapted to an environment of fear, hate, and weakness.
Sessions should stay in Alabama where the flags have adapted to an environment of fear, hate, and weakness.
8
I don't know how the American public can sit back and let decent humans get assaulted by ICE. Further, how is the big money of the ag industry allowing for its workforce to get assaulted by the administration that it supported.
5
It is those same Trump voting make America Great Again day-worker employers who slowly drive by the curb to pick out the day's "chain gang", spewing them out at dusk with a couple bucks for their labor, thus cheating the disenfranchised of a fair day's work and the rest of us for unpaid payroll taxes - but it is so much easier to go after the victims!
4
I remain troubled that the talk about " illegal immigrants " remains one with a Latino face . How about the "illegal " Eastern Europeans ? How about the organized crime from European countries that lives of human trafficking, drugs, etc.?
For the first time after 35 years of " legally" immigrating I feel scared, waiting for the day to be questioned about my documents and or right to be part of this nation
For the first time after 35 years of " legally" immigrating I feel scared, waiting for the day to be questioned about my documents and or right to be part of this nation
5
Unauthorized foreign nationals know they risk deportation when they illegally enter a sovereign nation or overstay their visas. They also know that the United States holds elections every 4 years and that different administrations can prioritize how they enforce the federal laws. Until the US grants universal birthright citizenship to all humans on planet earth this problem will persist.
2
Trump, Sessions, and McConnell are an affront to every idea this country was founded on. As long as men (and women) of their ilk hold sway we will move backwards as a nation.
6
you mean the idea that we are a nation of laws?
1
When the first undocumented Irish person (of which there are 50000) is caught and sent home, it will be interesting to see the reaction then. Will it ever happen? I seriously doubt it. And why does Sessions stand at the border? Since almost half of the undocumented have arrived by other means and are overstaying legally issued visas and probably arrived by airplane...maybe he should go to an airport...
7
People coming into the airport with visas are arriving legally. Can't you see the difference?
Certanly the visa overstayers are a problem. When they commit other crimes, they will go. An Australian in LA was shipped out on the last but round in February (a pedophile).
Certanly the visa overstayers are a problem. When they commit other crimes, they will go. An Australian in LA was shipped out on the last but round in February (a pedophile).
Are all of the "progressives" who just couldn't vote for Hillary having fun yet?
7
“Be forewarned,” Mr. Sessions said in Arizona. “This is a new era. This is the Trump era.”
Wh would anyone in their right mind speak like that to the American public? Everyone is this administration is gonzo-apocoplyptic as you so well put it. His remarks are right up there with the American Carnage speech. It is the Trump Administration itself, a group of truly mean-spirited white men, that is our ground zero. They are making our country a "hellscape" where desperate immigrants and refugees are no longer safe or welcome. They build walls to keep people out, and shoot missiles and drop bombs--with increasing frequency-- in order to "help' people, creating real American carnage across the world. Sessions and the rest of these men are tone deaf not to hear that despite Trump's victory, a majority of Americans are opposed to a politics based on hate and violence.
Wh would anyone in their right mind speak like that to the American public? Everyone is this administration is gonzo-apocoplyptic as you so well put it. His remarks are right up there with the American Carnage speech. It is the Trump Administration itself, a group of truly mean-spirited white men, that is our ground zero. They are making our country a "hellscape" where desperate immigrants and refugees are no longer safe or welcome. They build walls to keep people out, and shoot missiles and drop bombs--with increasing frequency-- in order to "help' people, creating real American carnage across the world. Sessions and the rest of these men are tone deaf not to hear that despite Trump's victory, a majority of Americans are opposed to a politics based on hate and violence.
5
The best part of any appearance or utterance by the AG is the apoplexy it causes among the losers. In fact, the best part of the Orange Election, the coming SCOTUS red revolution and the 2020 Liz & Bernie Show is the tight-lipped final awareness of rejection that will overcome the establishment liberals who have made the democratic party a parody of itself. The future of american politics belongs to the animated populists on the left and the right; eventually they will join forces - as is happening in France - to oppose the agents of the status quo - republican plutocrats and democratic fascists - who currently define the economics and the culture, respectively. The competing opinionated evening shows that pose as "news" should make for humorous viewing as they struggle to determine just which voters they speak to. Why, we might even tune in should we put a flatscreen in the cabana.
2
Jeff Sessionsis is warped in old glory.
2
It's more like "Stars and Bars"....
Could someone please get in Trump's ear about immigration reform? Until someone does, Jeff Sessions will be running amok over people's lives and the economy, doing his best Buford T. Justice impersonation.
A long broken federal government entity, our immigration system desperately needs fixing. It is a hodge-pudge of rules and regulations built up over decades, with little thought to what is best for the economy and its employment needs nor for the immigrants, both legal and illegal, who are caught up in its web.
A long broken federal government entity, our immigration system desperately needs fixing. It is a hodge-pudge of rules and regulations built up over decades, with little thought to what is best for the economy and its employment needs nor for the immigrants, both legal and illegal, who are caught up in its web.
It is striking that although Mr. Sessions states that he wants prosecutors to consider felony charges for all kind of immigration offense, one such offense is conspicuously absent: Employing an illegal immigrant! I guess we wouldn't want to inconvenience any "good old american business", would we?
2
Why is anyone surprised? While AG in Alabama the guy tried to gut special education services. He went out of his way to pay lawyers above the rate so they could fight legislation that protected student's basic rights. And these people were American citizens.
In general, he has it out for people who are disenfranchised or different from him. He belongs in coffee shop somewhere complaining about "those" people, no where near real power.
In general, he has it out for people who are disenfranchised or different from him. He belongs in coffee shop somewhere complaining about "those" people, no where near real power.
9
This administration is following the law. Why are so critical?
3
Up till now, the police state among us has been satisfied as long as it could fill prisons. Now, it additionally wants to be able to conduct dragnets and tear parents from families if they are not documented.
The hallmark of a police state is its indiscriminateness. From Jean Valjean and on, it is not the existence of police force per se, but rather the impunity this force is given, that marks a punitive society.
This is what Trump has unleashed, and is also one of the promises that got him elected. He did not promise the cautiousness of due process; he promised instant solutions, roundups, dragnets.
And I have had to read daily, of established lives being broken up, families and children, because of ICE being taken "off the leash," as they say.
In the ancient world, civilized peoples practices hospitality, it was a cornerstone concept of ancient ethics; barbarians were known by their unwelcomeness toward outsiders.
And further, are illegal Canadians being rounded up? Are our dragnets targeting potential undocumented Canucks working in our Northern cities?
No, this dragnet of "illegals" is furthermore racially composed.
So two aspects of our lower nature are being fed here. The barbaric desire to cast out the outsider, and the racist desire to purify the land. America seems to have only had a lull in its self-abasement; the Obama years were only an interregnum of the rise of our worst impulses. Thus, we go from torture to mass deportations. For shame.
The hallmark of a police state is its indiscriminateness. From Jean Valjean and on, it is not the existence of police force per se, but rather the impunity this force is given, that marks a punitive society.
This is what Trump has unleashed, and is also one of the promises that got him elected. He did not promise the cautiousness of due process; he promised instant solutions, roundups, dragnets.
And I have had to read daily, of established lives being broken up, families and children, because of ICE being taken "off the leash," as they say.
In the ancient world, civilized peoples practices hospitality, it was a cornerstone concept of ancient ethics; barbarians were known by their unwelcomeness toward outsiders.
And further, are illegal Canadians being rounded up? Are our dragnets targeting potential undocumented Canucks working in our Northern cities?
No, this dragnet of "illegals" is furthermore racially composed.
So two aspects of our lower nature are being fed here. The barbaric desire to cast out the outsider, and the racist desire to purify the land. America seems to have only had a lull in its self-abasement; the Obama years were only an interregnum of the rise of our worst impulses. Thus, we go from torture to mass deportations. For shame.
6
How does your theory explain the fact - US Census data - that fifty-six million American CITIZENS are foreign born? Those people, your so-called outsiders - all went through the legal process of attaining US citizenship, and I don't recall Trump and his barbaric horde clamoring for their deportation.
Yes. We deport unauthorized immigrants from Canada and Europe, but according to the Pew Research Center, they make up only 5.3 percent of unauthorized immigrant. Since nearly all are white, they receive little notice, since their deportation can be characterized as racist.
First "Giuliani time," now the "Trump Era." What next?
1
Authoritarian states begin w/hate and the lie of false paths to security, paths stained w/ruined lives/futures of a segment of the society which is fashioned to beat w/its cold heart. The blood/tears of those who suffered have written the darkest pages of human history: the Incas, lost to the greed of Spain, the slaves of Alexandria and Egypt, genocide in Armenia and so many more, stretching to 20th-century Germany, where the lives of Jews were devalued, then taken, their futures lost in the name of the nation state and its perverted ideals. The story of subjugated populations has since been written in Africa, Asia, and the Mid-East, including Syria.
In America, now, it is Muslims/immigrants. The Trump administration’s cold heart, founded in the fear/insecurity of those who themselves were devalued by the political/economic elite, and the anti-democratic self-interest of the ruling parties, has wedged the power of the state between families, tearing them apart in the name of dictated law, absent compassion.
Justice demands obedience to law be judged through blind eyes and compassionate heart. Trump and Sessions have no such notion of justice, or fidelity to the obligation of liberty which lights pathways to America’s doorstep—liberty to be shared/expanded, never ruthlessly denied.
The Trump administration’s heartless execution of power, supported by Republicans in Congress, is a travesty of democratic principle and the ideals of our Charters, wherein is all of their value.
In America, now, it is Muslims/immigrants. The Trump administration’s cold heart, founded in the fear/insecurity of those who themselves were devalued by the political/economic elite, and the anti-democratic self-interest of the ruling parties, has wedged the power of the state between families, tearing them apart in the name of dictated law, absent compassion.
Justice demands obedience to law be judged through blind eyes and compassionate heart. Trump and Sessions have no such notion of justice, or fidelity to the obligation of liberty which lights pathways to America’s doorstep—liberty to be shared/expanded, never ruthlessly denied.
The Trump administration’s heartless execution of power, supported by Republicans in Congress, is a travesty of democratic principle and the ideals of our Charters, wherein is all of their value.
7
The NYT limit of 1500 characters on comments left no room to include that Trump’s arbitrary attempts to blockade entry, and his deportation of undocumented immigrants, innocent of any crimes, with the witness of their service to work and community, separating them from their citizen children and families by the authoritative right of law is not only an injustice to those citizen families, it is a disgrace all citizens must bear and for which all must answer. And government—Congress and the executive branch—must also answer, because it is complicit, both by failure to enforce the law through the decades and to reform the immigration system.
One-third of the Senate’s seats are up for election in one year, seven months, along with all those of the House. Votes must come for change to follow.
One-third of the Senate’s seats are up for election in one year, seven months, along with all those of the House. Votes must come for change to follow.
Trump's claim of being wiretapped by Obama came as the perfectly timed smokescreen for Sessions lying to congress. Smokescreen.
Jeff Sessions perjured himself for all to see, and now no one is talking about it anymore. For all of Trump's silliness, he knows what is effective. Throw a chunk of meat out to the press and they will all lock their jaw on it until his latest embarrassment has run its course. Sad. Sad that the press takes the bait every time. Sad that the news cycle can't continue to include important 'day old' details like our lying AG. Sad that we have a president who constantly chums the water. Strange new world. Plus, our top cop is a liar.
I want out.
Jeff Sessions perjured himself for all to see, and now no one is talking about it anymore. For all of Trump's silliness, he knows what is effective. Throw a chunk of meat out to the press and they will all lock their jaw on it until his latest embarrassment has run its course. Sad. Sad that the press takes the bait every time. Sad that the news cycle can't continue to include important 'day old' details like our lying AG. Sad that we have a president who constantly chums the water. Strange new world. Plus, our top cop is a liar.
I want out.
6
The Trump administration has done several 180s in less than 100 days to make the country dizzy, but apparently not on the immigration issue, probably because there is no lobby or major power pushing back.
NATO is no longer irrelevant, China is no longer a currency manipulator, healthcare replacement will no longer include "insurance for everybody," the campaign promise that US would “stop racing to topple foreign regimes that we know nothing about, that we shouldn’t be involved with,” is no longer applicable, there is no longer talk of Mexico paying "for the wall" and on and on and on, but if you're a brown skinned immigrant, legal or not, you are considered suspicious and the full weight of the US Justice Department will be upon you.
Oh, if some in the population take shots at some some-skinned immigrants and kill them, well, that's collateral damage of which there won't be much discussion nor will the US Justice Department go after the culprits for violating their civil rights or their right to life.
Only in Trump's and Sessions's America.
NATO is no longer irrelevant, China is no longer a currency manipulator, healthcare replacement will no longer include "insurance for everybody," the campaign promise that US would “stop racing to topple foreign regimes that we know nothing about, that we shouldn’t be involved with,” is no longer applicable, there is no longer talk of Mexico paying "for the wall" and on and on and on, but if you're a brown skinned immigrant, legal or not, you are considered suspicious and the full weight of the US Justice Department will be upon you.
Oh, if some in the population take shots at some some-skinned immigrants and kill them, well, that's collateral damage of which there won't be much discussion nor will the US Justice Department go after the culprits for violating their civil rights or their right to life.
Only in Trump's and Sessions's America.
4
Sessions's view of drug cartels is "gonzo-apocalyptic"? They are literally leaving chopped -up bodies in the town square and dumping them from airplanes.
As for immigrants being good for the economy and bringing vitality etc., they do--if they are here legally. Otherwise they are a burden on our social services. As for lower crime rate, how can you know when, so you tell us, they suffer crime rather than come out of the shadows?
But the main error of this opinion piece is this: thinking that there is something inhumane or undignified about adhering to our laws.
As for immigrants being good for the economy and bringing vitality etc., they do--if they are here legally. Otherwise they are a burden on our social services. As for lower crime rate, how can you know when, so you tell us, they suffer crime rather than come out of the shadows?
But the main error of this opinion piece is this: thinking that there is something inhumane or undignified about adhering to our laws.
4
Maybe in Vermont but not here in California.
Palmer Raids
Some things never change.
Some things never change.
1
Seems Nature herself has had all she can stand of this administration too.
3
"Hellscape?" He must have been dreaming about Alabama.
12
Beauregard lied to Congress.
He's lying about immigration, too.
What Would Jesus Do?
He's lying about immigration, too.
What Would Jesus Do?
3
Let's not bring Jesus into this unless you're willing to ask him his opinion on abortion as well.
"...to consider prosecution in any case involving “transportation and harboring of aliens” and to consider felony charges for an extended menu of offenses, like trying to re-enter after deportation, “aggravated identity theft” and fraudulent marriage."
Strip away the hyperbole of this editorial – and this is the focus. And why wouldn't we want this?
Strip away the hyperbole of this editorial – and this is the focus. And why wouldn't we want this?
6
We do not want this because it is inhumane. Justice is more than a list of offenses and their punishments.
Over a thousand years ago some wise people knew this. They wrote the Biblical story "The Judgment of Solomon" as a tale of caution. Unfortunately we have not learned very much.
Many so-called religious people always manage to find statements in the Bible that justify their hatreds and superstitions. They conveniently forget the stories that actually have a moral lesson to tell.
Over a thousand years ago some wise people knew this. They wrote the Biblical story "The Judgment of Solomon" as a tale of caution. Unfortunately we have not learned very much.
Many so-called religious people always manage to find statements in the Bible that justify their hatreds and superstitions. They conveniently forget the stories that actually have a moral lesson to tell.
It is truly irresponsible to equate legal and illegal immigrants. The former should be welcomed; the latter deported immediately. The latter are 100% criminals by virtue of their illegal presence here. As far as refugees fleeing unsafe home countries, too bad - not our problem.
Sessions is doing exactly what he was elected to. And, yes kids, Trump won according to the prespecified rules of the election. Get over it. What was it..."elections have consequences"?
Sessions is doing exactly what he was elected to. And, yes kids, Trump won according to the prespecified rules of the election. Get over it. What was it..."elections have consequences"?
5
I am ashamed of the US and the current administration. As a citizen living abroad, I have to answer the question "What are you guys doing over there?" and I have no reply. I have to reassure friends of the US that the American people are not this administration. I am ashamed.
128
Same for me here in Denmark and Germany. This is not what America is. Whatever happened to an amnesty programme?...Didn't we have one for people just like Maribel?...Or am I hallucinating that?
Oh please. Like Europe is some patron saint of humanism. See Geert Wilders, Norbert Hofer (you live in Austria, after all), Marine Le-Pen, Nigel Farage, Hungary's Jobbik, ..shall I go on???
While the illegal immigration rate has been falling, it needs to be zero. Further, the undocumented already here need to go back. "Fair treatment under the law" means deportation regardless of any criminal activity in addition to the criminal act of being here illegally.
42
And it will be zero as soon as the pushers, those criminal who keep luring undocumented workers by hiring them, are jailed like the lowlife criminal also they are.
But if we keep turning a blind eye to the employer's criminality yours is just sad little racist pipe dream.
But if we keep turning a blind eye to the employer's criminality yours is just sad little racist pipe dream.
It will never be zero. Too many big employers want to hire people even the undocumented. The immigration service will never have enough staff to chase after the many people, especially Europeans who come with legal visas and then stay beyond them.
I wonder what Session will do with all those new enforcement officers, and detention centers when folks stop coming to the U.S. from the southern border? They will not sit idle - Sessions take a very hard ideological stance on many issues deemed "non-issues" by the population of the 21st Century. Let's see where the Trump folks stop when detaining the population. I suppose if you are one of the 1 percent you need not worry - everyone else better know that Session's has a very narrow view of what the U.S. should look like.
The state of Alabama introduced a state effort to deport immigrants a few years back and it started an agricultural crisis as there was no one to harvest crops and food rotted on the ground
196
Exactly, and you know what happened next? The same legislature reversed itself to allow illegal labor.
There's lots of whining and shouting about illegal immigration and no one is willing to end illegal labor because it costs too much to hire citizens. Wage rates will have to increase to get Americans to do that work.
There's lots of whining and shouting about illegal immigration and no one is willing to end illegal labor because it costs too much to hire citizens. Wage rates will have to increase to get Americans to do that work.
1
they are not immigrants.
“Be forewarned,” Mr. Sessions said in Arizona. “This is a new era. This is the Trump era.” This is an authoritarian regime! Every single Republican senator and the DINO Manchin voted to confirm Sessions. Not a decent American patriot among them. I hope Americans come to their senses soon and denounce these dangerous and radical idealogues before it's too late!
38
Why would we, we voted for this action.
We have control now and we have the backbone to rectify this issue.
Dems will do best to sit back teary eyed.
We have control now and we have the backbone to rectify this issue.
Dems will do best to sit back teary eyed.
4
Why are you siding with the illegals who're breaking our laws and sucking our social services dry, running drugs, over crowding our schools and ERs? We want our laws enforced.
Compliance to the rule of law in not an authoritarian, So how many illegals are you housing and feeding?
At his confirmation hearing, Jeff Sessions said: "You know who I am. You know what I believe in."
well, SURPRISE!
well, SURPRISE!
10
Like all in the Trump administration they follow their leader blindly, without any checking. Full of lies and zero respect for all who disagrees with their hypothetical Christian ideology.
It is called fascism loud and clear.
It is called fascism loud and clear.
If Sessions lied under oath about his contact with the Russians why is no action being taken against him?
47
"..If Sessions lied under oath about his contact with the Russians why is no action being taken against him?"...if he lied then there would've been action. He didn't so there wasn't pretty simple math really.
2
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
New Colossus sonnet written by Emma Lazarus
The Trump administration is destroying the meaning of the word "freedom."
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
New Colossus sonnet written by Emma Lazarus
The Trump administration is destroying the meaning of the word "freedom."
19
Emma Lazarus' sentimental poem was written for a different America, in a different time and with different needs; it was a time of an exploding economy, when new factories were going up in even small towns and the immigrants were needed to crew them.
Today, American manufacturing has all but vanished as jobs are exported and automated out of existence. We are no longer the world's maker, just its customer. The poem you quote is as obsolete as are the button shoes popular in Emma's day.
Today, American manufacturing has all but vanished as jobs are exported and automated out of existence. We are no longer the world's maker, just its customer. The poem you quote is as obsolete as are the button shoes popular in Emma's day.
Jess Sessions has turned America's shinning light of justice and tolerance into a burning cross of oppression and intolerance.
23
Sessions wants our laws obeyed and enforced....how many laws do you break everyday? get the laws changed if you don't like them................
1
@tennant
It's more than just the "laws" Sessions is going after -- this is just the first step.
Read his CV.
It's more than just the "laws" Sessions is going after -- this is just the first step.
Read his CV.
But- nary a mention of charging Employers with Felony aiding and abetting undocumented immigrants. But out here in the West- it would end the $23 Billion (and more) annual Ag Business empire; and I can almost guarantee, there will be few raids out in the Strawberry and Onion fields
17
This might be the only bright spot on the horizon - when big agriculture starts to bleed out - Trump, and Sessions might wake up to how this has been working for a hundred years. More likely they will use forced labor from their new detention centers to do the work. I would rule nothing out with these megalomaniacs.
Many illegal "immigrants" work on the books an were hired completely legally. All an employer is obligated to do is look at a Social Security card and get a completed I-9 form. Illegal "immigrants" supply a Social Security card as good as yours and perjure themselves to complete an I-9. Employers are not obligated to do any more and are, in fact, told by HR consultants and lawyers not to do any more lest they be sued for discrimination.
2
I want to apologize to Lindsey Graham. I used to confuse him with Jeff Sessions. Unforgivable.
13
the folks that come here from south of our border are economic refuges their economic plight caused at least in part by our behavior , the desire for cheap labour, the desire for inexpensive fresh produce out of season etc. and by the corruption of their governments . these folks come here in the hope of ,and are the main proponents of the "american dream" they work hard at menial jobs mowing our lawns and washing our dishes their children grow up and become doctors lawyers and entrepeneurs the fact that we stole much of our south west from mexico a while back only adds to the confusion of the situation
this administration and the republican party are in ascendence now for many reasons not the least of which is the introduction of massive amounts of cash into the electoral process and that money is being used to promulgate xenophobic ideology all of the folks who are in the crosshairs of session's and trump's anti-immigration weaponry are of a darker complexion
my european ancestors came here in the late 1800's i am a child of the 50's i am as white bread as can be both my children are fluent in spanish they can see the future and want to welcome these new americans for that's what these folks are
this administration and the republican party are in ascendence now for many reasons not the least of which is the introduction of massive amounts of cash into the electoral process and that money is being used to promulgate xenophobic ideology all of the folks who are in the crosshairs of session's and trump's anti-immigration weaponry are of a darker complexion
my european ancestors came here in the late 1800's i am a child of the 50's i am as white bread as can be both my children are fluent in spanish they can see the future and want to welcome these new americans for that's what these folks are
14
I'm writing from San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. I am one of thousands of Americans that either travel here every year or have moved here permentely.
One reason Americans choose to live here is that they can live on their social security. Others include healthier food, better climate, and trully friendly and helpful people.
One elderly American with an aged car stated that as she traveled back and forth from Mexico to California she would rather break down in Mexico where the people would stop and help her than the United States where even the cops would not stop.
And then there was the taxi cab driver who had spent time in the United States. He said he liked the money he made but when he had to rase a family he found Mexico to be a far better place. His words were "I really do not like your country".
From it's religious festivals to it's impressive landscapes and rich history Mexico could teach the United States a lot if only Mr. Trump could ever give up his policy of being a total bully.
ps Mexico has free health care for it's people.
One reason Americans choose to live here is that they can live on their social security. Others include healthier food, better climate, and trully friendly and helpful people.
One elderly American with an aged car stated that as she traveled back and forth from Mexico to California she would rather break down in Mexico where the people would stop and help her than the United States where even the cops would not stop.
And then there was the taxi cab driver who had spent time in the United States. He said he liked the money he made but when he had to rase a family he found Mexico to be a far better place. His words were "I really do not like your country".
From it's religious festivals to it's impressive landscapes and rich history Mexico could teach the United States a lot if only Mr. Trump could ever give up his policy of being a total bully.
ps Mexico has free health care for it's people.
20
Feel free to stay......
Sessions and Kell are now in the same club as Bannon. The new Trump will realize that he gave power to these ideologues in a time when he is trying to become an instant world leader and will replace them.
The scary thing is who will get to the president next? It seems that we will be seeing a new Trump each couple of months. Whoever gets to the President first, owns his brain until the next person comes.
So far, the shifts from isolationism, torture, Eximbank, NATO and China have been positive. Let us wait what will happen with health care, infrastructure programs, education, taxes... There are no guarantees: remember what he is doing in the environment and internet privacy departments.
The scary thing is who will get to the president next? It seems that we will be seeing a new Trump each couple of months. Whoever gets to the President first, owns his brain until the next person comes.
So far, the shifts from isolationism, torture, Eximbank, NATO and China have been positive. Let us wait what will happen with health care, infrastructure programs, education, taxes... There are no guarantees: remember what he is doing in the environment and internet privacy departments.
5
Notwithstanding Sessions rants, the U.S. must be humane.
But until our Congress makes the necessary changes to immigration law, is it good policy to simply ignore a real crime? Illegal entry and visa over-stays, are all against the law, our law.
Our Congress must clarify and adapt these particular laws- with the obviously needed changes.
But are border jumpers and visa violators "unauthorized immigrants" or just plain old illegal aliens?
We need to think about the probable future, wherein we will see the following:
- increased world population, especially of the poor and unwanted-
- heightened pressure on world resources like food, water, shelter
- a continued pointless war on drugs and how it effects the border-
- prison capacity and the cost of incarceration and handling-
- the costs of medical care for everybody, illegal or not-
-the cost of law enforcement, and non-violent crime-
- illegal aliens produce unauthorized citizens, with full rights-
- our already profound societal inequality and it's costs and influence-
It is not a simple, feel-good , easily solved problem and even with Sessions cruel, hyperbolic responses, it is not just going away.
But until our Congress makes the necessary changes to immigration law, is it good policy to simply ignore a real crime? Illegal entry and visa over-stays, are all against the law, our law.
Our Congress must clarify and adapt these particular laws- with the obviously needed changes.
But are border jumpers and visa violators "unauthorized immigrants" or just plain old illegal aliens?
We need to think about the probable future, wherein we will see the following:
- increased world population, especially of the poor and unwanted-
- heightened pressure on world resources like food, water, shelter
- a continued pointless war on drugs and how it effects the border-
- prison capacity and the cost of incarceration and handling-
- the costs of medical care for everybody, illegal or not-
-the cost of law enforcement, and non-violent crime-
- illegal aliens produce unauthorized citizens, with full rights-
- our already profound societal inequality and it's costs and influence-
It is not a simple, feel-good , easily solved problem and even with Sessions cruel, hyperbolic responses, it is not just going away.
6
Choosing Sessions speaks volumes about Trump and the twisted gang that continue to support him. This is not the america i love.
23
If Trump wants to get rid of illegal immigrants the most effective move would be to jail all employers, including himself, who employ them. Without any prospects of income the immigrants would not come.
17
"The tide of evil" What a great metaphor for the people who pick our crops, work in slaughterhouses to deliver our meat and poultry, build and repair our homes and clean our elderly with respect and compassion so they can send a few bucks a month to their families.
Jeff you're also part of an administration that is going to stop treating people for opioid addiction much of it the result of the legal distribution of pain killers by US pharmaceutical companies, doctors and hospitals.
Jeff you're also part of an administration that is going to stop treating people for opioid addiction much of it the result of the legal distribution of pain killers by US pharmaceutical companies, doctors and hospitals.
23
Most of the U.S. immigration problems would end the second Congress created and enforced tough laws punishing anyone employing illegal or improperly documented workers. A five-year, mandatory prison sentence would be a nice deterrent. Instead of building a stupid wall or wasting valuable resources patrolling the boarders, just send a message to the demand-side of the equation.
155
But Congress won't do that. They prefer to allow employers to hire whomever they want even if the employee is an illegal immigrant. This keeps employers happy and gives them a weapon to use on American employees: if you aren't happy I can go and hire someone who costs a lot less. It also lets employers not follow safety rules: if one is a temp or illegal complaints are highly unlikely. It's time employers were held responsible for their part in employee injuries on the job and making it possible for illegal immigrants to find work here.
7
Add hard labor to the prison sentence. That would help solve another problem.
The new Trump era is a shameful blot on our nation. If we really care about stopping illegal immigration, why don't we enact harsh felony criminal penalties for individuals, managers and companies who employ undocumented workers? Punish the source of the alleged problem, not the people who come to our country for a better life, work hard, and pay their taxes, like the woman deported from Fairfield, OH. I am ashamed to be an American at this point.
20
No one has the RIGHT to come here...............every country in the world controls it's borders...you must not travel much...............you cannot simply enter any nation you wish to.............our laws must be obeyed, we need to protect OUR citizens......
2
The penalties for employing illegal aliens are stiffer than for being an illegal alien. They range from a minimum of $375 per unauthorized worker for a first offense up to a maximum of $1,600 per worker for a third or subsequent offense. If you are found to have engaged in a “pattern and practice” of hiring undocumented workers, then you can be fined up to $3,000 per employee and/or imprisoned for up to six months.
1
I'm so happy that Sessions is finally enforcing our laws. Otherwise why have the laws? An offense is a law that was broken. And there are consequences for committing an offense. Already the number of illegal aliens crossing over into the USofA has dropped dramatically. Thank you President Trump!
51
What about jailing the employers, who are also breaking the law?
4
No, thank you, President Obama. You've forgotten President Obama.
1
There is a difference between enforcing the law and enforcing the law with extreme prejudice drumming up hysteria based on a warped and unrealistic viewpoint. There is a difference between a soldier and a gleeful executioner.
1
I have traveled across the border dozens of times over the last few years by car. Initially I was tentative and, frankly, afraid of travel near the border. The media and demagogues like Trump and Sessions have done a good job of fanning fear.
My experience has shown that the fear mongering grossly distorts reality. Immigration and military personnel on both sides of the border are professional and generally polite.
The average traveler does not see or experience any aspect of the drug war. If one walks around a border town, on either side of the border, one sees families, with children, engaging in normal, mundane activities.
Only through purposeful ignorance and lack of personal experience can people have and/or espouse the Trump/Sessions worldview. It is shameful and fact free.
We are, and always have been a country built through immigration, legal or otherwise. Immigrants have always brought with them new culture, a drive to better their families and, ultimately, a great pride and loyalty in a country that ultimately welcomed and incorporated them; Irish, Asian, Russian, etc. Unfortunately, we have also always had people angry and resentful of the newcomers and political hacks who made their careers feeding off and feeding the xenophobes.
Trump and Sessions will be seen through the rear view mirror of history as small and ignorant men.
My experience has shown that the fear mongering grossly distorts reality. Immigration and military personnel on both sides of the border are professional and generally polite.
The average traveler does not see or experience any aspect of the drug war. If one walks around a border town, on either side of the border, one sees families, with children, engaging in normal, mundane activities.
Only through purposeful ignorance and lack of personal experience can people have and/or espouse the Trump/Sessions worldview. It is shameful and fact free.
We are, and always have been a country built through immigration, legal or otherwise. Immigrants have always brought with them new culture, a drive to better their families and, ultimately, a great pride and loyalty in a country that ultimately welcomed and incorporated them; Irish, Asian, Russian, etc. Unfortunately, we have also always had people angry and resentful of the newcomers and political hacks who made their careers feeding off and feeding the xenophobes.
Trump and Sessions will be seen through the rear view mirror of history as small and ignorant men.
106
I'm a retired cop, 32 years in law enforcement. Jeff Sessions is the top law enforcement officer in the land and I would proudly be insubordinate to his orders. If money can travel the globe in search of cheap labor, then workers can do the same in search of work.
34
Perhaps you retired your mind, as well as your heart. Money can move around the globe in an instant with little or no cost. Men, women and children? Not so much. The US looked the other way for years as the undocumented came and filled jobs. When we need your labor, it's fine to come in. When we're looking for a scapegoat, step right up. As long as I live, I will never understand the vilification of the less fortunate by those who have been given so much. Happy Easter to you.
1
Wow. Good point.
Deportation in the Trump era is merely a euphemism for the "cleansing" of America.
Can't imagine living with such an irrational fear of immigrants. Before
cheering Sessions and his cabal, the fearful ones should listen to
Woody Guthrie's song, "Pastures of Plenty", a brilliant reminder of how much
migrant workers give to this land and our economy and how much we depend
on them. As my mother, the daughter of immigrants, used to say, "We
are all God's children". What a waste of federal money to round up people
with no serious criminal history. And then there's that wall which will
waste even more.
Can't imagine living with such an irrational fear of immigrants. Before
cheering Sessions and his cabal, the fearful ones should listen to
Woody Guthrie's song, "Pastures of Plenty", a brilliant reminder of how much
migrant workers give to this land and our economy and how much we depend
on them. As my mother, the daughter of immigrants, used to say, "We
are all God's children". What a waste of federal money to round up people
with no serious criminal history. And then there's that wall which will
waste even more.
24
Good grief, these are not immigrants.....immigrants come here the legal way
These are sneak thieves, who come here illegally, they are criminals, they are illegal aliens with NO RIGHT to be here
We too are kids of immigrants, who here legally and obey the law
These are sneak thieves, who come here illegally, they are criminals, they are illegal aliens with NO RIGHT to be here
We too are kids of immigrants, who here legally and obey the law
Mr Sessions and Mr Trump ignore, and want us to forget, July 4, 1776. They want us to kick Lady Liberty in the teeth and seemingly would rather ship her back to France because to them she represents the opposite of their vision. They treat with derision her American ideal: "Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door." If your ancestors were not native Americans, from where did they immigrate? Mine are from France, and their French cousins idealized the American dream with the Statue of Liberty. What kind of moral leadership are we seeing here? What are MRs Trump and Sessions teaching my grand children?
19
Anna Fels said in another column:
Hate converts a sense of helplessness into one of action. It can even be the impetus for the formation of new communities in which people share grievances and plans for retribution, relieving their sense of isolation or powerlessness. As a consequence, though, there’s a loss of empathy, and beliefs become simplified and rigid.
Now the haters have taken over our government and it's easy for leaders to lead through hate. That has been proven time and time throughout history. No one has a greater loss of empathy than Trump and the right wing. Trump flip flops all over the place but it doesn't denote flexibility. His rigidity is about himself. He always has to look great. He always has to be right even when he's wrong. None of this bodes well for our society.
Hate converts a sense of helplessness into one of action. It can even be the impetus for the formation of new communities in which people share grievances and plans for retribution, relieving their sense of isolation or powerlessness. As a consequence, though, there’s a loss of empathy, and beliefs become simplified and rigid.
Now the haters have taken over our government and it's easy for leaders to lead through hate. That has been proven time and time throughout history. No one has a greater loss of empathy than Trump and the right wing. Trump flip flops all over the place but it doesn't denote flexibility. His rigidity is about himself. He always has to look great. He always has to be right even when he's wrong. None of this bodes well for our society.
13
Legal everything needs to be enforced. IImmigration is governed by existing laws which have not been enforced in decades to the absolute detriment of our economy and our safe communities where law enforcement must control illegal immigration.
6
I have first hand knowledge of the effects of immigration on the economy, -- my economy. The seasonal immigrants I haired came from Mexico, Haiti and one from Brazil.
Rather than "absolute detriment", I know the reality to be "positive productiveness". The immigrants I hired took real care of my product, made my company grow, helped me and my local community to prosper.
Whereas, in contrast, the native born, laid off, locals I hired to do the same job, were frequently late to work, a few were disrespectful, a couple were disruptive and lazy, too many had difficulty following explicit instruction and damaged my product to the extent that it became "seconds" that were only half the value.
Talk about safety? Not one immigrant ever threatened me or my family. But one of the local hires did.
I felt very comfortable eating lunch with and enjoying the camaraderie of the immigrants I hired. (and I had very little Spanish speaking ability). In contrast, I was uncomfortable around some of the locals who had bad attitudes and abusive speech.
Never had one immigrant that I had reason to fire. Can't say the same for the locals.
Never had one immigrant that I even suspected of drug use. I had a number of locals who I suspected of drug use and a couple I had to let go after being caught smoking dope in the rest room.
In a nutshell, the immigrants consistently did a good job and therefore took care of me and my business.
Rather than "absolute detriment", I know the reality to be "positive productiveness". The immigrants I hired took real care of my product, made my company grow, helped me and my local community to prosper.
Whereas, in contrast, the native born, laid off, locals I hired to do the same job, were frequently late to work, a few were disrespectful, a couple were disruptive and lazy, too many had difficulty following explicit instruction and damaged my product to the extent that it became "seconds" that were only half the value.
Talk about safety? Not one immigrant ever threatened me or my family. But one of the local hires did.
I felt very comfortable eating lunch with and enjoying the camaraderie of the immigrants I hired. (and I had very little Spanish speaking ability). In contrast, I was uncomfortable around some of the locals who had bad attitudes and abusive speech.
Never had one immigrant that I had reason to fire. Can't say the same for the locals.
Never had one immigrant that I even suspected of drug use. I had a number of locals who I suspected of drug use and a couple I had to let go after being caught smoking dope in the rest room.
In a nutshell, the immigrants consistently did a good job and therefore took care of me and my business.
"It denies the existence of millions of people who are a force for good, economic mainstays and community assets, less prone to crime than the native-born —"
This fact argues against those who can only see " illegal ' as their mantra.
A legal system that failed to produce a proper guest worker system unfairly stigmatizes those who are working here illegally. The law must be changed, not the location of the worker and her family.
This fact argues against those who can only see " illegal ' as their mantra.
A legal system that failed to produce a proper guest worker system unfairly stigmatizes those who are working here illegally. The law must be changed, not the location of the worker and her family.
11
" When many of those arriving from Central America immediately surrender to border agents — having fled to the United States to find safety, not to do it harm"
Unfortunately Wong's "many" has too many exclusions. The impact of that is seen in the crimes committed by illegal immigrants who had previously been in local law enforcement custody but then were released - free to commit crimes in their new illegally adopted country. Those local law enforcement agencies and their local governments share in the guilt of those crimes. It's worthwhile and just to have those situations called out for the public to see.
Unfortunately Wong's "many" has too many exclusions. The impact of that is seen in the crimes committed by illegal immigrants who had previously been in local law enforcement custody but then were released - free to commit crimes in their new illegally adopted country. Those local law enforcement agencies and their local governments share in the guilt of those crimes. It's worthwhile and just to have those situations called out for the public to see.
4
Jeff Sessions is either crazy or on drugs. Have you noticed his crazy smirk? It's always there. Who elected this crazy man?
Get rid of him before his craziness can do more damage.
Get rid of him before his craziness can do more damage.
24
Okay i'm crazy but i have noticed too the "Republican" smirk! Paul Ryan's is everlasting with the exception of ACA non vote. Mitch McConnel smirlks when he hurts people especially Dems but that must take a huge effort because he has a permanent frown and he needs quite a bit of adrenalin to get those cheek muscles up! But you are right there is glee in the Session's smirk when he is bashing minorities! Sad!
1
Jefferson Sessions, Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Steve Bannon, and the rest of the crew are an embarrassment to America. By electing Trump Americans have proved that they are as ignorant as Europeans and others have thought they were. Watching the performances of the GOP and the twitter storms of Trump leaves this American ashamed of our current leaders who seem determined to make their mark on America in terms of ignorance, bigotry, cronyism, and economic elitism. Noblesse oblige is a concept that they have never heard of. So is the concept of governing for all instead of just for their corporate masters.
48
Jeff Sessions is vengeful just like his boss. It was obvious that after being forced to recuse himself from a major investigation ,this combative attorney general was going to show how tough he is and unleash his anger at those who can't fight back.
This kind of despicable behavior is likely to continue because Trump sets the standard for his entire administration.
This kind of despicable behavior is likely to continue because Trump sets the standard for his entire administration.
33
Keep up this policy and there will come a time when farmers, businesses and the rich who employ illegals will start hurting as will consumers paying high prices for produce and other food products. Then, maybe the Congress will consider working on a fair immigration policy.
In the meantime, this vengeful little man will continue his policies.
In the meantime, this vengeful little man will continue his policies.
1
A fair punishment for illegally crossing the border is deportation. Evading accountability for years or decades does not diminish the original act or make the perpetrator deserving of a lesser sentence. Having citizen children, the fruit of having them after entering illegally also is not a mitigating factor. Session's actions are a good start. I would go a step further and call for outright mass deportation of anyone here illegally.
17
As another reader pointed out, the people you want deported are the millions of people who are "responsible for our landscaped lawns, clean office buildings, processed poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables, child care, elder care, new house additions, and restaurant meals." Who do you think will perform all those jobs if those millions are kicked out of the U.S.?
When was the last time so much governmental force was targeted against individuals in our society?
Here we have the power of the President reinforced by hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars deployed against people responsible for our landscaped lawns, clean office buildings, processed poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables, child care, elder care, new house additions, and restaurant meals.
We will never be able to deport all 11 million people who are in this country without official papers - a civil offense. So we mobilize our power to arrest a small percentage of them, just to make an example of them, while money that could be spent on the welfare of our communities goes to detention facilities run by the Prison Corporation of America.
Does anyone else see the similarity between this policy and our dropping the biggest bomb in our arsenal in Afghanistan?
This is crazy.
Here we have the power of the President reinforced by hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars deployed against people responsible for our landscaped lawns, clean office buildings, processed poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables, child care, elder care, new house additions, and restaurant meals.
We will never be able to deport all 11 million people who are in this country without official papers - a civil offense. So we mobilize our power to arrest a small percentage of them, just to make an example of them, while money that could be spent on the welfare of our communities goes to detention facilities run by the Prison Corporation of America.
Does anyone else see the similarity between this policy and our dropping the biggest bomb in our arsenal in Afghanistan?
This is crazy.
43
No, there is no similarity. Enforcing the law--the way the law is written, not the way advocates would like it to be--and making war are two separate activities. Facile comparisons do not an argument make.
Your crazy!
Illegal immigrates are illegal
Why have laws?
Is it not the job of the AG and President to represent the law and protect the people?
About the bomb are we playing a game or trying to kill the enemy?
Finally we have a commander in chief who wants to kill the enemy not "contain" them!
Maybe you forget about the twin towers and the dead people?
Or you just lost or never any courage
Illegal immigrates are illegal
Why have laws?
Is it not the job of the AG and President to represent the law and protect the people?
About the bomb are we playing a game or trying to kill the enemy?
Finally we have a commander in chief who wants to kill the enemy not "contain" them!
Maybe you forget about the twin towers and the dead people?
Or you just lost or never any courage
So much about this administration comes down to their willingness, even eagerness, to pursue an agenda with no actual, credible evidence to justify it. But it's devastating when the Attorney General of the United States, in particular--the one who is supposed to be an expert on and defender of evidence--leads out.
15
Oh yes, everything is find at the boarder, these are not the drug lords you are looking for. If Trump paints too harsh a picture of illegal immigration then this piece goes too far the other way. And reality is not in the middle but closer to Trumps position. Everyone that crosses the borders either suffers to come into this country or is intent on making people suffering when they get in. Regardless, the status quo is inhumane and unacceptable. Illegal immigration is down 70% since Trump became president because these immigrants no long feel that the US is the land of hope for them, but in reality it never was. Obama deported more illegal immigrants that all other presidents in the 20th century combine. The only reason that liberals today take exception to this policy is because they want to use this issue to attack Trump. I haven't heard one good idea from the Democrats about how to solve this problem and I doubt they have the true compassion, imagination and resolve to do so.
7
Anyone not familiar with southeastern Arizona should take a look at Google Earth or some other aerial image of the area. This is NOT a hospitable land. The border-crossers who decide to make the 70-mile trek from Mexico to Tucson either are desperate, duped by coyotes, or drug-runners. The honest immigrants who complete the 70-mile journey are truly exceptional -- mentally tough, with physical stamina.
I view any surge in law enforcement on the border as pure politics with perhaps a shade of economic payback to the state of Arizona for its support of Republican Party members in Washington. Practically, the surge is inconsequential. 95% of the time agents will be twiddling their thumbs and SUVs will be sitting in parking lots. That's simply the reality of the lonely land out there.
Ironically, the AG has issued verbiage that could well lead to greater, not less, violence: (a) agents assuming they have greater leeway to punish border violators; (b) a real possibility that servants of the drug cartels may view the surge as a threat. I wince to think about how (b) might play out.
I view any surge in law enforcement on the border as pure politics with perhaps a shade of economic payback to the state of Arizona for its support of Republican Party members in Washington. Practically, the surge is inconsequential. 95% of the time agents will be twiddling their thumbs and SUVs will be sitting in parking lots. That's simply the reality of the lonely land out there.
Ironically, the AG has issued verbiage that could well lead to greater, not less, violence: (a) agents assuming they have greater leeway to punish border violators; (b) a real possibility that servants of the drug cartels may view the surge as a threat. I wince to think about how (b) might play out.
16
1. How many unauthorized immigrants are in the U.S.?
The Census Bureau tries to count the numbers of citizens, legal residents, and unauthorized residents who are living here. A paper on its web site by Eric B. Jensen, Renuka Bhaskar, and Melissa Scopilliti, gives several reasons why unauthorized residents might not answer Census Bureau questionnaires, and concludes that foreign-born Hispanic males are likely the most undercounted group.
Even though the Census Bureau strongly suspects it is undercounting the largest component of the unauthorized population, PEW gets it number of 11.1 unauthorized immigrants from the census. The reality is that the number could be considerably higher.
2. If the unauthorized are given legal status, then each one of them will be able to petition the government to legally bring in a spouse, any children under age 21, and any older unmarried children. If they become citizens, then they may also petition to bring in their parents, older married children, and siblings.
All of these legal residents will also be able to petition to have their own relatives come here. We could end up with a preponderance of legal residents and citizens from one country. Largely as a result of the last amnesty, we give 30% of our green cards to Mexicans every year. If we again give legal status to the undocumented, this percentage will rise.
3. If we legalize the current crop of unauthorized migrants, we will get another crop of unauthorized migrants.
The Census Bureau tries to count the numbers of citizens, legal residents, and unauthorized residents who are living here. A paper on its web site by Eric B. Jensen, Renuka Bhaskar, and Melissa Scopilliti, gives several reasons why unauthorized residents might not answer Census Bureau questionnaires, and concludes that foreign-born Hispanic males are likely the most undercounted group.
Even though the Census Bureau strongly suspects it is undercounting the largest component of the unauthorized population, PEW gets it number of 11.1 unauthorized immigrants from the census. The reality is that the number could be considerably higher.
2. If the unauthorized are given legal status, then each one of them will be able to petition the government to legally bring in a spouse, any children under age 21, and any older unmarried children. If they become citizens, then they may also petition to bring in their parents, older married children, and siblings.
All of these legal residents will also be able to petition to have their own relatives come here. We could end up with a preponderance of legal residents and citizens from one country. Largely as a result of the last amnesty, we give 30% of our green cards to Mexicans every year. If we again give legal status to the undocumented, this percentage will rise.
3. If we legalize the current crop of unauthorized migrants, we will get another crop of unauthorized migrants.
13
The real nightmare is the very heavy burden on state and local resources to support Mexican and other Latin American immigrants and their families.
Case in point. Public K-12 education in California.
Hispanic children lag far behind white and Asian-American children in California.
Yet that cannot be blamed on the usual bogeyman -- unequal "resources".
Why not?
For more than 40 years, since the mid-1970s, California has funded public K-12 education on an equalized basis statewide by funding it almost completely via a statewide income tax -- a state income tax, by the way, with rates far higher than most states. This contrasts with most states, which rely on local property taxes.
But despite the equalized statewide funding, Hispanic children lagged.
So, in 2012, the state imposed an income tax surcharge to provide extra money -- over and above the already equalized statewide funding -- for school districts with large concentrations of English-language learners -- i.e with large concentrations of students from households speaking Spanish -- with the Los Angles Unified School District being the poster child.
And yet, since then, the performance of Hispanic children has continued to lag even more.
Case in point. Public K-12 education in California.
Hispanic children lag far behind white and Asian-American children in California.
Yet that cannot be blamed on the usual bogeyman -- unequal "resources".
Why not?
For more than 40 years, since the mid-1970s, California has funded public K-12 education on an equalized basis statewide by funding it almost completely via a statewide income tax -- a state income tax, by the way, with rates far higher than most states. This contrasts with most states, which rely on local property taxes.
But despite the equalized statewide funding, Hispanic children lagged.
So, in 2012, the state imposed an income tax surcharge to provide extra money -- over and above the already equalized statewide funding -- for school districts with large concentrations of English-language learners -- i.e with large concentrations of students from households speaking Spanish -- with the Los Angles Unified School District being the poster child.
And yet, since then, the performance of Hispanic children has continued to lag even more.
13
In California, aggregate average Asian student achievement is way ahead of white student achievement. Are you prepared to here Asian-California tax payers complaining about having to pay for the public education of the lagging white students?
What's more is that in California, there is diversity within the group of HIspanic people -- Argentinians are not the same as Puerto Ricans, for example. And, studies show that Argentinians have a higher rate of learning achievement than native-born California whites.
What's more is that in California, there is diversity within the group of HIspanic people -- Argentinians are not the same as Puerto Ricans, for example. And, studies show that Argentinians have a higher rate of learning achievement than native-born California whites.
I don't know where to begin. Where would this country be without immigrants, including my own parents? Who dug canals, built railroads and signed on for the worst jobs? Immigrants! The Trump administration does not have demographics on its side. We are an aging population in need of young workers to support the rest of us in our old age. Beyond lacking basic human kindness, Trump and Sessions simply have not done the math. We need farm workers, military enlistees, doctors, and teachers. And, as my husband likes to point out, the meth heads will not seek out jobs at the chicken plant.
13
The question is not whether this country has the right to deport every illegal immigrant, but rather whether it is in the best interest of this country to exercise that right. Clearly, illegal immigrants who commit crimes should be deported posthaste. A more difficult judgment should arise when deciding the fate of illegal immigrants who have been taxpayers and vital parts of their community for many years. Such people lack the necessary documents despite the fact that they have been the best of citizens. There are many citizens with the proper papers who have done their community and nation great harm. Shouldn't we temper justice with mercy when it is in the best interest of the community and the individual? Lincoln said it best at the end of the Civil War. "With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds."
10
The best of citizens? Really? Such a romantic view of foreign lawbreakers is truly laughable.
1
I have suspected that cases such as that of Maribel Trujillo-Diaz are a combination of the ghastly policies of Messrs. Sessions and Trump, and the exploitation of the federal bureaucracy.
I am quite sure that the ICE people are given quotas, days, weeks of whatever, and if they don't meet them, they go through the list of "low-hanging fruit"-i.e., compliant individuals whose cases may or not be slightly criminal, and grab them, because they have a quota to meet and those people are the easiest. Not unlike the old parking violations quotas city drivers are familiar with, with about the same level of thought. The results for their families are tragic.
What several correspondents fail to realize is that until very recently, the U.S. rarely deported parents of American citizens. Remember "anchor babies?" The anti-immigrant rhetoric, tinged with racism, of the Republican Party, infuriates me and most of my fellow citizens, who regard immigration as a good thing. I despair at what damage the sheer meanness of a few individuals in power can do.
Mr. Sessions was a Republican back-bencher for many years in the Senate. There was a reason even Mitch McConnell (the destroyer of the Senate) wouldn't name him to a committee chair. Unfortunately, he country is finding out why.
Coretta Scott King was absolutely correct about him.
I am quite sure that the ICE people are given quotas, days, weeks of whatever, and if they don't meet them, they go through the list of "low-hanging fruit"-i.e., compliant individuals whose cases may or not be slightly criminal, and grab them, because they have a quota to meet and those people are the easiest. Not unlike the old parking violations quotas city drivers are familiar with, with about the same level of thought. The results for their families are tragic.
What several correspondents fail to realize is that until very recently, the U.S. rarely deported parents of American citizens. Remember "anchor babies?" The anti-immigrant rhetoric, tinged with racism, of the Republican Party, infuriates me and most of my fellow citizens, who regard immigration as a good thing. I despair at what damage the sheer meanness of a few individuals in power can do.
Mr. Sessions was a Republican back-bencher for many years in the Senate. There was a reason even Mitch McConnell (the destroyer of the Senate) wouldn't name him to a committee chair. Unfortunately, he country is finding out why.
Coretta Scott King was absolutely correct about him.
16
Some here have referred to Sessions' actions and inflammatory speech against immigrants as "stirring discontent." But can we reduce it to just that? It seems to me that Trump and the people he hand chose to the most important governmental agencies have a very real agenda. This agenda seems to be a concerted plan to create an autocratic state whose racist agenda is just part of a greater, overarching agenda to keep the money safe in the hands of people like Trump and far away from the so called "entitled" masses? What else if not this are the repeal of Obamacare and all the cuts in federal programs aimed at serving the needs of the working poor and the middle class about? As someone -now famously-put it (in reference to Trump's ties to Russie), "Just follow the money." However, I think it's more urgent than ever to heed this call with reference to how Trump and his administration are using immigrants and refugees to divide us, incite us, and obfuscate the real agenda of this administration. All abetted, needless to say, by a Republican Party whose own interests were and continue to be to uphold the same economic agenda albeit in a more covert and muddled way until Obama came along. Everything else is just noise.
10
President Obama reduced the flow of illegal immigrants, but never saw the need to debase people in the process. ilaws need to be upheld, but people like Sessions and Trump go far beyond this into abuse and dehumanization to make political points.
The rest of our legal system and especially the police see this talk and behavior and soon follow suit treating everyone they encounter with suspicion and the same abuse. It is not only these refugees who suffer, but our whole society which soon sees our society as a place of law and order, but only of viciousness that no longer respects the rights of anyone.
The rest of our legal system and especially the police see this talk and behavior and soon follow suit treating everyone they encounter with suspicion and the same abuse. It is not only these refugees who suffer, but our whole society which soon sees our society as a place of law and order, but only of viciousness that no longer respects the rights of anyone.
8
"Be forewarned," Mr. Sessions said in Arizona. "This is a new era. This is the Trump era."
Indeed it is, Mr. Sessions. Indeed it is. It is an era where truth and objective reality are no longer essential tools in formulating policy, allocating resources or engaging with our fellow humans from other nations. It is an era where asinine behavior is worn by Republicans as a badge of honor.
Hopefully, the Trump era will be as brief as possible, with history and reasonable people regarding it with utter revulsion, along with the name of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions.
Indeed it is, Mr. Sessions. Indeed it is. It is an era where truth and objective reality are no longer essential tools in formulating policy, allocating resources or engaging with our fellow humans from other nations. It is an era where asinine behavior is worn by Republicans as a badge of honor.
Hopefully, the Trump era will be as brief as possible, with history and reasonable people regarding it with utter revulsion, along with the name of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions.
13
In San Antonio Texas there are people of both German and Mexican backgrounds. The blending of those cultures resulted in a unique cuisine and musical genre. I have only been there one time but was struck by the success of the mix. What I didn't see to any large degree was the kind of tribalism that prevents such sharing of customs and traditions. I wonder what their secret is.
6
First they came for the illegal immigrants, but I was not an illegal immigrant so I did not speak out. Then they came for the voting rights of blacks and Hispanics, but I was neither so I did not speak out. Then they came to revoke the Medicare and Social Security benefits of Millennials but I was not one so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.
15
@Wally. We are speaking out. We spoke and we were listened to.MAGA!
I guess I'm a lousy liberal when it comes to illegal immigration, because it is just that -- illegal. On the one hand, national borders, indeed nations, are manmade creations of dubious value. On the other hand, by the time you've got a nation and a government and a system of laws, it helps nobody to ignore the latter. So while I agree that Trump and Sessions are grandstanding and are beginning to enforce policies that are too heavy-handed, I think there must be some kind of middle ground here. Perhaps there should be amnesty for people with citizen children or other exceptions, and those who are arrested should be treated with dignity, but if we liberals continue arguing against enforcing the law, we're digging our own political grave.
107
I used to think the same as you but then I moved to California. I was ignorant. The issue is much more complicated. Many of these illegal immigrants were brought over when they were children. And many are children right now. We have already paid to have these folks educated and are now integrated into our society. Naturalization is a more humane and logical way to solve the problem. Naturalize those who are here and integrated and severely punish employers who would hire illegal immigrants.
Look, if this were really about ending illegal immigration, and not about racism, this administration would be going after the employers. ALL the employers. Most folks in my neighborhood have a gardener and a nanny. And I am not in a fancy neighborhood. It's just so cheap because the gardeners are illegal immigrants. Start heavily fining people for hiring these immigrants, and many people would leave. But this administration won't do that because it's about something else.
Look, if this were really about ending illegal immigration, and not about racism, this administration would be going after the employers. ALL the employers. Most folks in my neighborhood have a gardener and a nanny. And I am not in a fancy neighborhood. It's just so cheap because the gardeners are illegal immigrants. Start heavily fining people for hiring these immigrants, and many people would leave. But this administration won't do that because it's about something else.
3
Well, since we drag doctors off planes to the point of physically hurting them, treating aliens as non-humans seems like the new American way. I'm a liberal too, and we are a country of immigrants. Don't forget history, or we will pay the price.
1
Definitely old and tired Mr. Liberal. I am also old and liberal but not tired and against the Trump and Session routine of labelling everyone who comes across the border as rapists, murderers and criminals to watch up the fear and hatred.
Jeff Sessions is just another shining example of this horrific Trump administration that hovers over all of us, and the rest of the world, like a dark, menacing cloud about to explode.
Never in my entire life, spanning over sixty years, have I had such an overriding sense of doom, gloom, and despair with the leadership of this country.
Clearly, Trump and his administration are ill-equipped to deal with the serious challenges facing us and the world. His lack of knowledge of important current events and history in general is shocking, demonstrating a lack of curiosity that most, if not al,l leaders commonly share. He has admitted that he doesn't "read books". He relies on his "instincts" which are often totally wrong.
His thought process is self-centered. Protecting his ego, and his "image", are more important to him than gaining a more complete understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.
Why on God's green earth did this man decide to run for President? I think it was only to satisfy his insatiable ego. He's simply too selfish to see beyond his own nose and lacks a natural inquisitiveness to seek and to find real solutions to the serious problems facing us and the world.
He's an accident waiting to happen. Hopefully, we, the people, won't be the victims.
Never in my entire life, spanning over sixty years, have I had such an overriding sense of doom, gloom, and despair with the leadership of this country.
Clearly, Trump and his administration are ill-equipped to deal with the serious challenges facing us and the world. His lack of knowledge of important current events and history in general is shocking, demonstrating a lack of curiosity that most, if not al,l leaders commonly share. He has admitted that he doesn't "read books". He relies on his "instincts" which are often totally wrong.
His thought process is self-centered. Protecting his ego, and his "image", are more important to him than gaining a more complete understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.
Why on God's green earth did this man decide to run for President? I think it was only to satisfy his insatiable ego. He's simply too selfish to see beyond his own nose and lacks a natural inquisitiveness to seek and to find real solutions to the serious problems facing us and the world.
He's an accident waiting to happen. Hopefully, we, the people, won't be the victims.
15
Every day I am more and more thankful that Mr. Trump is our president and appointments like Mr. Sessions and Mr. Gorsuch only reinforce my belief that we are finally back on track in this country.
10
@JP Portland: So trump, sessions and Gorsuch have put us "finally back on track". We're on track alright - headed full steam ahead in the wrong direction.
12
America was never on this "track".
1
Sometimes those tracks head into a tunnel and the light at the end of that tunnel is a train.
1
The USA's immigration laws are illegitimate and deny people their human rights of escaping violence and reuniting with families. The Sanctuary Movement recognized this in the 1980s supporting refugees from Reagan's wars in Central America and the same is true in this new era of Sessions - Kelly - Trump. It is our moral duty to provide Sanctuary to immigrants who have just come but also who have been in our neighborhoods living as productive law abiding citizens. Talk about law and order is just a cover for your prejudices. So worried about illegality the solution is LEGALIZATION through meaningful immigration reform. And I did not see any comments properly address the deep issues that immigrants are productive necessary members of our work force doing jobs that others to not want, and less likely to commit crimes than the rest of the citizenry. Diversity through immigration and the education of their children is the basis for USA's competitive future. This has been proven by real social science research and so you anecdotes are nice but please base your arguments on real evidence. The current system is broken and must be fixed, what is being done will only make this worse.
9
The very things you are criticizing Mr. Sessions for are exactly the positions Mr. Trump campaigned on, and which his supporters voted for. All you are doing is highlighting that elections have consequences. If Progressives (and I count myself as one) want to see our values protected and/or turned into law, we have to win both the presidency and Congressional majorities. The blame is not for Mr. Trump or Mr. Sessions, it is for us.
10
No the blame it is on a crooked Democrat party!
Really Pete you like pelosi and shimmer?
Pelosi's husband got deal to sell post office properties valued at 6 billion!
Yeah he gets 6%
Why not put up for bid?
I would do for 1%
Is that good for you?
Or your country?
Did you know that over 50% or people convicted of federal sex crimes (in jail now) were illegally in USA? Look it up federal jails incarceration
Read the Constitution Pete
Ask your political reps to respect it and enforce the laws!
Really Pete you like pelosi and shimmer?
Pelosi's husband got deal to sell post office properties valued at 6 billion!
Yeah he gets 6%
Why not put up for bid?
I would do for 1%
Is that good for you?
Or your country?
Did you know that over 50% or people convicted of federal sex crimes (in jail now) were illegally in USA? Look it up federal jails incarceration
Read the Constitution Pete
Ask your political reps to respect it and enforce the laws!
This is where data is important.
Illegal immigration across the southern border has been dropping for years now.
A large percentage of illegal immigration is due to persons who overstay their visas but arrive through legal means.
A $20 billion wall will do nothing to curb illegal immigration in this country. Nothing!
And we still do not know where the money will come from for anything that this administration proposes. The purse belongs to congress and even that the GOP is in the majority few if any agree on this topic.
If the GOP could not pass repeal & replace legislation, image the issues with this.
Illegal immigration across the southern border has been dropping for years now.
A large percentage of illegal immigration is due to persons who overstay their visas but arrive through legal means.
A $20 billion wall will do nothing to curb illegal immigration in this country. Nothing!
And we still do not know where the money will come from for anything that this administration proposes. The purse belongs to congress and even that the GOP is in the majority few if any agree on this topic.
If the GOP could not pass repeal & replace legislation, image the issues with this.
6
"Data" without reference to any reliable source is suspect
Brick by brick by brick, Trump and his cronies are building the foundation for a latter-day Nazi state.
43
i think he is taking over the one that republicans have been building for several decades. their increasingly un popular ideas have made them speed up the process in recent years.
So enforcing laws on the books before he came to office makes Trump a Nazi? You're as bad as Republicans who think FEMA is going to enslave Americans. All conspiracy theories are dangerous
Paranoia, a condition of uncontrolled fear and anxiety, has to find enemies to explain the fear. When one is found and eliminated, and the fear that led to the paranoia does not go away, another enemy is found and this keeps going on until all and everything is an enemy.
The police state is a paranoid state - seeking and finding "enemies" to eliminate.
Mr. Sessions and his boss personify paranoid thinking.
The police state is a paranoid state - seeking and finding "enemies" to eliminate.
Mr. Sessions and his boss personify paranoid thinking.
48
This is giving us an opportunity to really think about how we view immigrants. During the Obama presidency we were so focused on surviving and recovering from the 2008 crash that we didn't really discuss immigration.
President Obama deported more illegal immigrants than the last several presidents combined and no body blinked because he did it quietly and without fuss. He largely spared dreamers and focused on those who had committed crimes.
Our immigration policies need an overhaul. The h1b visa has hurt Americans by giving jobs to legal immigrants at natural born citizens expense because companies can pay them less and get away with it. Our farmers and construction companies have been taking advantage of illegal immigrants for the same reason. Lower labor costs and a labor force who has no recourse against abuse.
The beauty of America has been our history of immigration and our ability to absorb those who come here and their ability to do great things that has long made us an unstoppable force. Those who come here are more likely to start a business that creates jobs and new technology than the native born. They recognize the opportunity that we take for granted.
Sadly Sessions and Trump are racist. They are not focused on implementing reform they are going to focus on getting rid of any person of color that they can legally do so. There are plenty of white or Asian immigrants here illegally but you don't hear about them.
President Obama deported more illegal immigrants than the last several presidents combined and no body blinked because he did it quietly and without fuss. He largely spared dreamers and focused on those who had committed crimes.
Our immigration policies need an overhaul. The h1b visa has hurt Americans by giving jobs to legal immigrants at natural born citizens expense because companies can pay them less and get away with it. Our farmers and construction companies have been taking advantage of illegal immigrants for the same reason. Lower labor costs and a labor force who has no recourse against abuse.
The beauty of America has been our history of immigration and our ability to absorb those who come here and their ability to do great things that has long made us an unstoppable force. Those who come here are more likely to start a business that creates jobs and new technology than the native born. They recognize the opportunity that we take for granted.
Sadly Sessions and Trump are racist. They are not focused on implementing reform they are going to focus on getting rid of any person of color that they can legally do so. There are plenty of white or Asian immigrants here illegally but you don't hear about them.
36
"President Obama deported more illegal immigrants than the last several presidents combined.."
Not exactly. President Obama changed how deportation numbers were compiled, to now include those caught AT the border and quickly thrown out. Political slight of hand, that's all.
Not exactly. President Obama changed how deportation numbers were compiled, to now include those caught AT the border and quickly thrown out. Political slight of hand, that's all.
5
Today, it's the Justice Department detaining every adult stopped at the border--and the announcement that these people will have reduced civil rights while they are held. Against whom will Mr. Sessions and the Trump administration next turn their growing enforcement army? Those who are not Christian? Those who oppose the administration ("Lock her Up" was a campaign rallying cry for Mr. Trump). Which other liberties and rights will the federal government strip away as they build more detention centers, hire more officers, and put more handcuffs on men and women going about their lives? Once emboldened and allowed, the expansion of large-scale prosecution against specific groups often becomes persecution--of those perceived as enemies of the state. History tells us this will end badly for our democracy, our sense of decency, and all of our lives.
29
You forget one thing. Those being arrested knowingly violated federal immigration law. Comparing this to a roundup of political dissidents is simply incorrect. President Trump is targeting criminals, which all illegal immigrants are
Close to 1 million active deportation orders are being ignored in this country. These are people who have had a hearing; been afforded due process and been given a judgement that they must go back to their home country.
In no other area of society would court orders go so willfully systematically unenforced.
We cannot have a cohesive society that functions for the good of its people if an entire class is exempt from a long list of laws based on political advantage.
It's unsustainable unless we really do intend to become a corrupt oligarchy.
In no other area of society would court orders go so willfully systematically unenforced.
We cannot have a cohesive society that functions for the good of its people if an entire class is exempt from a long list of laws based on political advantage.
It's unsustainable unless we really do intend to become a corrupt oligarchy.
14
You mean like the bankers?
2
The Trump administration seems to think that cruelty is a path to power. Such an attitude was evident throughout his campaign, most notably in his treatment of a handicapped man and a Muslim American war hero. It is evident in his budget proposal and in his threats about health care. Trump is a man who wants only to win even when the win at the expense of the least among us. While most Americans want their president to succeed, there are limits to how success is defined. Trump is someone who needs to be resisted.
285
One of the most shameful episodes in US history may be unfolding. This, more than anything else, shows Trump's moral turpitude. Trump may be trying to fulfill a promise to his most fervent supporters but it is one in the same spirit that lead to the demonization of other groups of immigrants in the past and the rabid racism that the US has struggled for so long to overcome.
76
One has to wonder how the editors got that flag to fall over at the perfect moment. It was an impressive achievement.
You’re whistling past a graveyard when you lambaste Sessions for merely articulating convictions that may have been the one conclusive factor in Trump’s astonishing election, co-opting JUST enough normally-DEMOCRATIC votes in just the right places to put him over the EC top. You’ve lost this argument with Americans, and we’re going to enforce our laws and secure our borders. Period.
What’s more, the Sessions lead that is buried here has little if anything to do with “immigration” – that word that has been so corrupted as to mean an assault on our borders by hordes of unacculturated merely seeking an economic sufficiency that their own societies have failed so dismally to provide them; and not of people who truly WANT to become Americans and are willing to stand in line with everyone else to do so.
The real lead is Sessions’s apparent conviction that states may limit voting rights for any reason they deem appropriate – including complexion. If that flag were possessed of self-awareness, it fell at outrage at THAT conviction, and not that we have the right to insist that people who want access to our society as members obey our laws and stand in line.
You’re whistling past a graveyard when you lambaste Sessions for merely articulating convictions that may have been the one conclusive factor in Trump’s astonishing election, co-opting JUST enough normally-DEMOCRATIC votes in just the right places to put him over the EC top. You’ve lost this argument with Americans, and we’re going to enforce our laws and secure our borders. Period.
What’s more, the Sessions lead that is buried here has little if anything to do with “immigration” – that word that has been so corrupted as to mean an assault on our borders by hordes of unacculturated merely seeking an economic sufficiency that their own societies have failed so dismally to provide them; and not of people who truly WANT to become Americans and are willing to stand in line with everyone else to do so.
The real lead is Sessions’s apparent conviction that states may limit voting rights for any reason they deem appropriate – including complexion. If that flag were possessed of self-awareness, it fell at outrage at THAT conviction, and not that we have the right to insist that people who want access to our society as members obey our laws and stand in line.
26
They are securing borders we forcefully and illegally took from the very people we are trying to exclude. We will push Mexico into the hands of a newly growing socialist movement from their southern borders. We have already lost millions of dollars in trade with Mexico and even here in NH there is now a shortage of workers because of these restrictions and Companies are hurting. This is a lose lose situation.
14
You went off the reservation with "unacculturated," which just reinforces your own sense of ethnocentrism and nativism. Additionally, being so emphatic about "we're going to enforce our own borders. Period.", implies even more sinister, nationalistic undertones.
The false narrative that Mexicans come here to 'steal our jobs' is pathetic and tiresome. Many take on jobs that most Americans wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole, i.e. dishwashing and farm work. Then again, many people of your opinion also perpetuate the myth of the black welfare recipient buying a 60" flat screen TV. Again, false and tiresome.
This is not the 19th century, and immigration laws are bound to evolve. Unfortunately, many feel the need to time warp to the past, instead of changing with the ever shifting realities of the moment.
The false narrative that Mexicans come here to 'steal our jobs' is pathetic and tiresome. Many take on jobs that most Americans wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole, i.e. dishwashing and farm work. Then again, many people of your opinion also perpetuate the myth of the black welfare recipient buying a 60" flat screen TV. Again, false and tiresome.
This is not the 19th century, and immigration laws are bound to evolve. Unfortunately, many feel the need to time warp to the past, instead of changing with the ever shifting realities of the moment.
29
Enforce our laws and secure our borders. Kind of like the Nazis right?
7
Xenophobia and racism cloaked in "concern" for the safety of "real Americans." 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses' - not.
Sessions, Trump, and their supporters make me sick.
Sessions, Trump, and their supporters make me sick.
154
The United States accepts about one million legal immigrants per year, far more than it did in 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was dedicated. More than 13 percent of the U.S. population is foreign born. With 46.6 immigrants, the United States has by far the world’s largest immigrant population. It is home to 19.8 percent of the world’s immigrants. Accusing the United States of xenophobia and racism display total ignorance of immigration trends.
5
There is medication for this -- the ballot box.
1
'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses'
We can all rejoice in the face that Emma Lazarus' vision of a state of Israel has been realized. There are no more Jews fleeing czarist Russia.
We can all rejoice in the face that Emma Lazarus' vision of a state of Israel has been realized. There are no more Jews fleeing czarist Russia.
The Attorney General who lied under oath, and denied his racism, is the true "filth". His assumption that his god (made in his image, to affirm his white superiority) disapproves of stewardship and humanity is deeply flawed.
I'm not a Christian any more, partly because of institutional Christian ignorance of the teachings of Jesus as described in the Gospels. To say the same thing in a different way:
"Many evangelical colleges allow faculty and students to question inerrancy, creationism and the presumption that Jesus would have voted Republican."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/13/opinion/sunday/the-evangelical-roots-...
Wow, that's real arrogance. Wholesale, ignorant, narrow-minded bigoted selfishness.
To me and many who are still Christian, this absolutely fails the test of Jesus's life and teachings.
This is what strikes me every time I see Jeff Sessions. He is persuaded that his conviction of white male privilege was given to him by God, and that he has a right to lie and inflict pain on anyone who threatens him and his ideas of privilege. This is absolutely not Christian.
On my primary issue, climate change, did you know that climate science "offends" Jeff Sessions? It offends him because it threatens his notions about "the creator". His notions of god are not spiritual, they are about protecting his class and rationalizing his willingness to inflict pain on others.
My experience: his victims are waaay more Christian than he is.
I'm not a Christian any more, partly because of institutional Christian ignorance of the teachings of Jesus as described in the Gospels. To say the same thing in a different way:
"Many evangelical colleges allow faculty and students to question inerrancy, creationism and the presumption that Jesus would have voted Republican."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/13/opinion/sunday/the-evangelical-roots-...
Wow, that's real arrogance. Wholesale, ignorant, narrow-minded bigoted selfishness.
To me and many who are still Christian, this absolutely fails the test of Jesus's life and teachings.
This is what strikes me every time I see Jeff Sessions. He is persuaded that his conviction of white male privilege was given to him by God, and that he has a right to lie and inflict pain on anyone who threatens him and his ideas of privilege. This is absolutely not Christian.
On my primary issue, climate change, did you know that climate science "offends" Jeff Sessions? It offends him because it threatens his notions about "the creator". His notions of god are not spiritual, they are about protecting his class and rationalizing his willingness to inflict pain on others.
My experience: his victims are waaay more Christian than he is.
391
I went to a small liberal arts college in the south in the 1980s and had a very rude awakening about what some people do and think in the name of christianity. It changed my whole outlook on the world, and shaped my politics as I matured. I too no longer refer to myself as a christian, I had to retreat to a private sense of morality and spirituality when I saw so much hatred and closed-mindedness going on "in the name of the lord". Of course I know there are many, many good, decent christians in our country, but unfortunately, the political hatemonger-ing of Jeff Sessions, and the political manipulation of Christianity by politicians like Donald Trump, make Christian Conservatives seem like terrible, frightening hypocrites.
12
@ Susan Anderson - Susan excellent comment, especially because you provide the link to the article where we can read this: "Dr. Jeanson is as important an asset for the ministry as its life-size replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, Ky. He believes the earth was created in six days — and he has a Ph.D. in cell and developmental biology from Harvard."
I add that because I read almost daily in Times comments about Muslims who are said to believe that the Holy Koran is the only true guide needed in life and therefore should be seen by all right-thinking Americans as medieval. When I read these, I wonder how many of the commenters actually think as does the Dr. Jeanson quoted in "evangelical roots".
You and I know the kind of education one must have to become a cell biology researcher. If Jeanson had that kind of education then it is impossible for me to understand how he can also believe the earth was created in six days.
Larry L.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
I add that because I read almost daily in Times comments about Muslims who are said to believe that the Holy Koran is the only true guide needed in life and therefore should be seen by all right-thinking Americans as medieval. When I read these, I wonder how many of the commenters actually think as does the Dr. Jeanson quoted in "evangelical roots".
You and I know the kind of education one must have to become a cell biology researcher. If Jeanson had that kind of education then it is impossible for me to understand how he can also believe the earth was created in six days.
Larry L.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
6
Indeed, I feel fortunate to have known 'real' Christians. But, now if asked "are you a Christian?" I reply "No, I am a Southern Baptist".
Sarcasm, but these faux Christian's like Sessions are giving the religion a very bad name. Evangelicals lined up behind Trump like sheep. Dreck!
My Dr, a very good 'real' Christian, went on sabbatical to attend school so he could become an Episcopal priest. I hope he returns to his practice as our discussions were a real treat.
I am not an atheist as that seems particularly arrogant but, at the same time, I always recall Deepak Chopra's comment "God gave us spirituality, the Devil gave us religion". Seems true these days.
Sarcasm, but these faux Christian's like Sessions are giving the religion a very bad name. Evangelicals lined up behind Trump like sheep. Dreck!
My Dr, a very good 'real' Christian, went on sabbatical to attend school so he could become an Episcopal priest. I hope he returns to his practice as our discussions were a real treat.
I am not an atheist as that seems particularly arrogant but, at the same time, I always recall Deepak Chopra's comment "God gave us spirituality, the Devil gave us religion". Seems true these days.
4
Yes, the country needs a comprehensive immigration plan. But its Republican politicians have never been able to sit down in a room and hammer one out, preferring to leave the impression that cruelty is the only approach to "doing something."
This will be a shameful chapter in American history. Mr. Sessions, you are no Christian.
This will be a shameful chapter in American history. Mr. Sessions, you are no Christian.
474
Moderate Republicans and Democrats did, in fact, in 2007, and President Bush was ready to sign it, and it would have passed if all the Democrats had stuck together in the Senate and voted in favor. But around 16 Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, chose to vote against and kill the immigration reform. Was about 95% the same as Obama's failed "Gang of 8" reform bill that came up a few years later. So don't kid yourself that Democrats care any more about immigrants, other than using it as a political wedge issue.
4
Indeed. Someday the USA will follow the lead of more enlightened Canada when it comes to refugees....unfortunately we're talking decades...
I thought we have a "comprehensive immigration plan" that's working just fine.
Forget America as the 'shining city on a hill'.
Jeff Sessions and Trump Nation have reduced America to a burning cross on a hillside.
Sweet home Alabama justice for all non-whites.
"segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever"
"Thank God Almighty, I am white at last"
Jeff Sessions - black vote suppressor, Mexican-and-marijuana-hater, and all-around mean-spirited Christian.
I can't believe this angry elf from Dixie is the United States Attorney General.
Jeff Sessions and Trump Nation have reduced America to a burning cross on a hillside.
Sweet home Alabama justice for all non-whites.
"segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever"
"Thank God Almighty, I am white at last"
Jeff Sessions - black vote suppressor, Mexican-and-marijuana-hater, and all-around mean-spirited Christian.
I can't believe this angry elf from Dixie is the United States Attorney General.
1079
Indeed. Truer and sharper words have rarely been spoken:
"a burning cross on a hillside"
yecchh!
"a burning cross on a hillside"
yecchh!
93
They're trampling on the grapes of truth as their wrath goes marching on.
3
Neither can I. I grew up in Alabama and have followed Sessions through most of his career. The man is far from the sharpest tool in the shed and he is an unapologetic racist. An old-fashioned southerner whose mind is stuck in the Alabama of the 1960s.
5
When Sessions runs out of illegal immigrants to deport, or finds his arrests and deportations blocked, he can always go after marijuana users and doctors who prescribe it.
130
The marijuana users may not be as sedate as Sessions believes if he attempts to visit his version of "justice" on them.
3
Methinks his next target will be women who have abortions.
4
"When Sessions runs out of illegal immigrants to deport..."
It will be his time to retire.
Deporting 13mln illegals will take a while.
It will be his time to retire.
Deporting 13mln illegals will take a while.
I've lived in Arizona for 57 years and I've been to and across the border many times. Apparently, in his zeal to justify his racism and white nationalist agenda, he hallucinated a completely different Arizona. Why can't he encourage us to "take our stand" against racism, poverty, inaccessible healthcare, inaccessible education, corruption, etc.? I guess it's just easier to stir up discontent.
360
You make excellent points. To answer you point-by-point:
1. Taking a stand against racism would undermine the fear and hatred that Trump requires as a populist leader. Without a common enemy within and enemy without, people realize that populist leaders are not actually solving their problems.
2. Poverty is a long, ongoing problem, the main solution to which is a large-scale direct job-creation program by the US government on the scale of the Works Progress Administration. It is possible, and our failing physical (bridges etc.) and social (education, health) infrastructure is ripe for such a solution, but those solutions require money, and would need more taxation, especially of the rich, who generally oppose heavier taxes, and now have a representative in the White House.
3. Wide-spread high-quality education and healthcare are not pipe dreams, but rather require proper funding and care. For example, with a high tax rate, especially on its wealthier citizens, Massachusetts has an education system that, taken on its own, would be in the top 10 in the world, above the rest of the US, and has universal coverage at a reasonable rate for all residents. What we need is sufficient aid invested in programs that create jobs and support people rising out of poverty, so that they can make a stand on these issues.
4. Trump stands solidly in opposition to taking a stand against corruption. A man cannot stand in opposition to himself or his core values.
1. Taking a stand against racism would undermine the fear and hatred that Trump requires as a populist leader. Without a common enemy within and enemy without, people realize that populist leaders are not actually solving their problems.
2. Poverty is a long, ongoing problem, the main solution to which is a large-scale direct job-creation program by the US government on the scale of the Works Progress Administration. It is possible, and our failing physical (bridges etc.) and social (education, health) infrastructure is ripe for such a solution, but those solutions require money, and would need more taxation, especially of the rich, who generally oppose heavier taxes, and now have a representative in the White House.
3. Wide-spread high-quality education and healthcare are not pipe dreams, but rather require proper funding and care. For example, with a high tax rate, especially on its wealthier citizens, Massachusetts has an education system that, taken on its own, would be in the top 10 in the world, above the rest of the US, and has universal coverage at a reasonable rate for all residents. What we need is sufficient aid invested in programs that create jobs and support people rising out of poverty, so that they can make a stand on these issues.
4. Trump stands solidly in opposition to taking a stand against corruption. A man cannot stand in opposition to himself or his core values.
7
I do not know if Mr. Sessions is a racist. But calling illegal immigrants criminals is NOT racist. Illegal immigrants by definition are criminals as they have broken the law by entering or overstaying illegally. Why have borders at all if someone can just walk across without going through proper channels. As I have said before, if we had plane loads of people getting off the plane at New York City and just dashing through customs and making a run for it I suspect people wouldn't be as charitable.
60
That's not how they do it. They just overstay their visas.
46
Some do overstay their visas. But they are apparently a minor problem. If we need an example of Lord Acton's dictum: Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely -- we needn't look further than our current AG, Mr Sessions.
3
" They just overstay their visas."
Thusly breaking our immigration laws.
Thusly breaking our immigration laws.
3
Sessions' enforcing immigration laws seems shocking to some because they assumed that Obama's non-enforcement would last forever.
55
It is, somehow, completely ignored that President Obama had a VERY aggressive deportation policy. How does that work?
1
Obama was actually quite an aggressive deporter of the undocumented.
2
President Obama deported more illegals than any other president...as Trump let slip during one of the debates...Obama was called "The Deporter-in-Chief". What Obama wasn't doing was tearing apart families, eg. removing mothers and leaving a husband and five children...mothers with no criminal records.
3
"...gonzo-apocalypto vision of immigration..."
I guess it is never enough to simply say that you disagree.
After this administration removes all of the illegal aliens from our country, perhaps we will finally have a sober discussion about immigration.
I guess it is never enough to simply say that you disagree.
After this administration removes all of the illegal aliens from our country, perhaps we will finally have a sober discussion about immigration.
25
Why do we have to go back to square one for every issue. Like healthcare, "its complicated". It's all complicated enough that people have been working on some issues for generations. We can read, we can learn from history, we can learn from science, if we choose to do so. Let's not spend our children's education dollars extraditing people who help build and sustain our economy. Let's not destroy our environment for everyone so a few carbon extracting companies can make more money. Must we really eliminate NIH funding to build a wall? (Probably NIH cuts would only pay for a few bricks anyway.). Let's not reinvent the wheel.
13
It would be simpler and probably less economically damaging to deport everyone in Ohio, which has a population roughly equivalent to the number on undocumented immigrants in the US.
5
No, we'll be trying to figure out how to get them back once we realize how vital they were to the economy.
3
So why doesn't the Trump administration heavily fine the employers of these undocumented people? Is it because business actually prefer the undocumented because they can be treated poorly without compaints.
283
Because that would require Trump to fine his own business and that of his friends. If a policy is in violation of Trump's core principles (the accumulation of money and power for himself) then it will not be implemented.
4
The administration is working on making the eVerify system functional, so that it can be used to verify those who are legally entitled to work without employers being at risk of federal prosecution for "profiling" if they fire employees who eVerify indicates are not eligible in error. Perhaps you were napping when the Obama Justice Department sued employers. They improperly transformed the law from holding employers responsible for not employing illegal aliens to requiring employers to hire illegal aliens if they had forged documents to support the employees' fraudulent I-9 forms.
Mark- "So why doesn't the Trump administration heavily fine the employers of these undocumented people? Is it because business actually prefer the undocumented because they can be treated poorly without complaints"
trump, himself, has employed many "guest" workers and treated them poorly. Why would he fine the employers of these workers when he is among them? How many of his administration are guilty of the same behavior? We turn a blind eye to them when their labor is needed as in the housing industry boom of the early 2000's but want to send them home when it's no longer profitable to keep them. This administration is an embarrassment and an utter disgrace. I wake daily to see if we are engaged in World War III and dread reading the morning paper for the newest atrocity. Yet his supporters still rally around him. Maybe that dystopian saying is true: we have to destroy the village to save it. Maybe when the deplorables lose it all will they realize how precious it was. When their health is gone, their quality education is gone, their environmental protections are gone, their children are massacred in yet another Middle Eastern debacle, they lose their jobs, their homes, their retirement, their Medicare and Social Security, maybe then they will realize how easily they were led to their demise, how they fell for the greatest con. Or in their stubborn pride will they refuse to admit how they were so manipulated to vote for the most dangerous president this nation has ever seen?
trump, himself, has employed many "guest" workers and treated them poorly. Why would he fine the employers of these workers when he is among them? How many of his administration are guilty of the same behavior? We turn a blind eye to them when their labor is needed as in the housing industry boom of the early 2000's but want to send them home when it's no longer profitable to keep them. This administration is an embarrassment and an utter disgrace. I wake daily to see if we are engaged in World War III and dread reading the morning paper for the newest atrocity. Yet his supporters still rally around him. Maybe that dystopian saying is true: we have to destroy the village to save it. Maybe when the deplorables lose it all will they realize how precious it was. When their health is gone, their quality education is gone, their environmental protections are gone, their children are massacred in yet another Middle Eastern debacle, they lose their jobs, their homes, their retirement, their Medicare and Social Security, maybe then they will realize how easily they were led to their demise, how they fell for the greatest con. Or in their stubborn pride will they refuse to admit how they were so manipulated to vote for the most dangerous president this nation has ever seen?
The ascent of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions the Third to U.S. Attorney General is a testimony to the power of ethnocentric populism (racism?) within contemporary American "conservatism" and Trumpism.
On this point, it is instructive to read Jonathan Chait's detailed essay:
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/04/trump-is-failing-at-policy-...
I had already read news accounts of about 75-80% of the racially charged incidents or statements referenced in the above essay. Reading about those and the additional 20-25%, all within the context of a single continuous narrative, focused my awareness of this "conservative" trend. Prior to reading this article, I had tended to believe that Trump's own ethnocentric (racist?) statements and actions are tactical, mainly because I believe every one of Trump's statements and actions are tactical, transactional and of temporary significance.
I always believed the ethnocentricism (racism?) of Jefferson Sessions and probably of Steve Bannon is visceral. Now I am not so sure how to categorize Trump's statements and actions. Anyway, the consequences of both tactical and visceral ethnocentricism (racism?) seem to be equally negative for the nation's well-being.
My use of "(racism?)" is an attempt to indicate how charitable I can be when the spirit moves me.
On this point, it is instructive to read Jonathan Chait's detailed essay:
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/04/trump-is-failing-at-policy-...
I had already read news accounts of about 75-80% of the racially charged incidents or statements referenced in the above essay. Reading about those and the additional 20-25%, all within the context of a single continuous narrative, focused my awareness of this "conservative" trend. Prior to reading this article, I had tended to believe that Trump's own ethnocentric (racist?) statements and actions are tactical, mainly because I believe every one of Trump's statements and actions are tactical, transactional and of temporary significance.
I always believed the ethnocentricism (racism?) of Jefferson Sessions and probably of Steve Bannon is visceral. Now I am not so sure how to categorize Trump's statements and actions. Anyway, the consequences of both tactical and visceral ethnocentricism (racism?) seem to be equally negative for the nation's well-being.
My use of "(racism?)" is an attempt to indicate how charitable I can be when the spirit moves me.
32
@ Andrew Bjelland - AB wrong place to be charitable. I have two submissions both dealing with racism in a formal sense. Unfortunately, because of the time difference, I only saw this article this morning in Sweden and I see that all comments showing are either from Verifieds or from people like you who submitted perhaps when this editorial appeared on TimesWire.
My comments state that every one of the forms of racism used by Sessions and others should be noted exactly - racism directed at Muslims because of their religion, racism directed at Middle Easterners because of their nationality etc.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
My comments state that every one of the forms of racism used by Sessions and others should be noted exactly - racism directed at Muslims because of their religion, racism directed at Middle Easterners because of their nationality etc.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Perhaps instead of running the department to suit your personal preferences it will now be run to support the rule of law. Now many people who are here illegally are decent productive people except that they are not legally here.
33
@vulanalex-I believe the farmers and meat producers in Nebraska have a different version as heard in a long and detailed program on BBC World Radio about 3 days ago. They made clear that their entire industry depends on immigrants and I believe they made clear that this group may include a great many who did not enter legally,
Only-neverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Only-neverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Legal? What's legal. Our elections aren't why should anything else be?
1
Law and order. Hurrah. Except the only ones going to jail and deported are the illegal employees. The employers walk away and hire more illegal workers.
Where is the justice in that? Sessions overlooks the real culprits.
Where is the justice in that? Sessions overlooks the real culprits.
1
This reads like the nightmare our nation is becoming. The worst possibilities being realized. I did not vote it in and neither I nor anybody else deserves it. It is our duty to organize in the smartest and most efficient way to vote in people who represent the best in us just as soon as possible.
292
Yes, Sessions and Trump make me want to let everyone in, rules be damned, just to show that we have love and generosity in our hearts rather than narrow minded adherence to "mere" laws.
1
Sadly, the best in us aren't very good at all. That is what I have learned from this 3 month nightmare and his year long campaign of lies.
1
I am behind President Trump and Jeff Sessions 100%....If you break the Law you suffer the consequences...That was the way I was raised and that is the way I've raised my Kids...We are a Nation of Laws and that is what makes the United States of America the Greatest Nation in the World...I do not belong to any Political gang...I am a Constitutional Patriotic American Veteran...I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of these United States of America....
68
If you are wealthy and well connected you do not suffer the consequences of breaking the law (except if someone has to be thrown to the wolves so that the rest can remain safe). Law and order should start with matters like scams to avoid paying taxes. The top management of Wells Fargo should be in jail. Trump himself has a long history of stiffing people who do work for him. He has been involved in thousands of lawsuits. Trump U. was a scam, but he was allowed to settle, and the records (as usual) are sealed.
Constitutional Patriotic American Veterans who do not get bent out of shape by the corruption of the rich are phonies, fools, and patsies. May your bank make a mistake and foreclose on your house and may you find that when you tell them they dont listen. That experience might make a true patriot out of you.
Constitutional Patriotic American Veterans who do not get bent out of shape by the corruption of the rich are phonies, fools, and patsies. May your bank make a mistake and foreclose on your house and may you find that when you tell them they dont listen. That experience might make a true patriot out of you.
384
Shame on you.
31
Laws are deterministic. The human experience is not. If you apply the law without taking account the context you may end up dragging a paying customer out of an airplane for no other reason than not letting common sense get in the way of a good process. Immigration is one of those scenarios where context is everything. You have to understand the human experience around it in order to administer it correctly. Throwing the law like a hammer and seeing everything as a nail is stupid, counterproductive and expensive.
24
The most disturbing aspect to this story is that Sessions' hatreds' are essentially unchecked now: no one in the monocultural legislature will restrain him; the judiciary is happy to adopt a laissez passez attitude to enable him (Roberts disappoints more the longer he serves) and the executive is clueless.
Sessions learned, of course, that it's politically incorrect to express his aversion to blacks, but browns: yeah, that kind of discrimination, that's cool in the Sessions' household.
He's an odious, odious man, and I know for a fact that is toxicity is starting to effect the DOJ tangibly.
Sessions learned, of course, that it's politically incorrect to express his aversion to blacks, but browns: yeah, that kind of discrimination, that's cool in the Sessions' household.
He's an odious, odious man, and I know for a fact that is toxicity is starting to effect the DOJ tangibly.
554
Soon "Justice" will be but a memory. Replaced solely by punishment regardless of the or any offense.
1
"...He's an odious, odious man, and I know for a fact that is toxicity is starting to effect the DOJ tangibly..."
We can hope. Perhaps the fact that the louche, womanizing gambling magnate playboy who stumbled into the Presidency gave so much power to the leader of the Old Segs will be too much for even some Repub voters in places like Penna. and Wisconsin in 2020. Perhaps. Maybe. Please.
We can hope. Perhaps the fact that the louche, womanizing gambling magnate playboy who stumbled into the Presidency gave so much power to the leader of the Old Segs will be too much for even some Repub voters in places like Penna. and Wisconsin in 2020. Perhaps. Maybe. Please.
We moved to Hawai'i more than decade ago, and one of the many reasons for doing so was the simple fact that we are in the minority here, because we are white. So FYI Jeff: there's really nothing to fear from "others" my little friend. Nothing at all.
192
and what does that have to do with enforcing laws, as most other countries in the world do? try sneaking into mexico from the south.
1
And when you moved to Hawai'i, I'll bet you did so legally.
Yes, and? So you had the means to move to a very pleasant state with a very pleasant climate. But those in other states and cities may not appreciate the costs associated with bi-lingual education, preferential admission for "dreamers" to universities, strains on medical facilities. Many Americans have the rather quaint and old-fashioned idea that increasingly scarce public resources should be devoted to citizens and legal residents and not spent on those who jump the line to get in. And they might be indifferent to your virtue signaling for choosing to be a "minority."
Time for AG Sessions to take a stand against those who employ these immigrants, unfairly competing against businesses that don't do so, at the same time cheating by not paying employment taxes. Throw a few of these employers in jail or fine them bigly and the problem will mostly solve itself.
232
The problem being that he will not go after so many of his friends, and definitely will not go after President Trump, so few of those employers will be prosecuted.
1
Ive been saying much the same for years. Train people and give them the authority to go to a business and as for certification that they have vetted all their workers. If they can't levy a fine of$10,000/worker that is non negotiable. Give companies 6 months to get their act together then after that they can be fined. That will end most if not all illegal immigration as there wont be any jobs.
2
Another simplistic solution from the right that ignores all the facts.
1
I usually try not to personalize my comments, but with Jeff Sessions I cannot restrain myself. To me he is that stock character of horror movies, the ever-smiling psychopathic killer.
711
This is a very good description: the ever smiling psychpathic killer, who kills through others.
It is the smile we normally only find in the ever calm smiling attitude of Islamist leaders.
The same beautific smile reported from the Hunters of Protestants in the counter-reformation in Silesia after the Westphalian Peace 1648, and the Hunters of the Huguenots in the Cevennes after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes 1685.
It is the smile we normally only find in the ever calm smiling attitude of Islamist leaders.
The same beautific smile reported from the Hunters of Protestants in the counter-reformation in Silesia after the Westphalian Peace 1648, and the Hunters of the Huguenots in the Cevennes after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes 1685.
1
So people want fair treatment under the law? The same ones that they willfully broke because when it wasn't convenient, but now wish them upheld when it works in their favor?
75
You mean like Hillary?
It's not that simple Scott. Mexicans keep coming, legally and on flights, and over stay their visas because they get hired. They are hard workers and accept less while paying taxes and providing an important part of the US economy. It's time for Americans to wise up and stop making the most vulnerable people their scapegoats.
1
Jeff Sessions has latched on to the one true issue that the Trump administration has an advantage with. I have seen the effects of the heroin and meth trade. I have seen the scream in the eyes of the patients. I've stared back until the terror passed.
And of course, the organs were worthless.
And of course, the organs were worthless.
31
He is going after pot, not herois
Do you really think that the illegal drugs wouldn't simply be brought in by a different route? Of course, you do. I understand you frustration, I do. The only way to stop drug sales, however, is to end the demand...
reply to caveman007: I hope you don't really believe anything Jeff Sessions (and Trump) are doing relative to meth or heroin is because they CARE.
The only people that have to fear anything are people who broke our laws and are here illegally.
We have over 15 MILLION illegals, and they are taking American jobs and/or depressing our wages. It's simple supply and demand. Illegals are an illegal oversupply of labor. They are generally low-skill, and they obviously compete with low-skill American workers, who have already been decimated by NAFTA and other "free" trade agreements.
We need to look after our own, for once.
We have over 15 MILLION illegals, and they are taking American jobs and/or depressing our wages. It's simple supply and demand. Illegals are an illegal oversupply of labor. They are generally low-skill, and they obviously compete with low-skill American workers, who have already been decimated by NAFTA and other "free" trade agreements.
We need to look after our own, for once.
42
It's supply and demand. You are right. There is a demand for these so-called unskilled workers. Let's focus on the demand side of the equation. Put hefty fines and jail time for any business that hires workers without using e-verify and I'm sure the demand will get softer. Let those in agri business advocate for the immigrant workers they need. Moreover introduce short term work visa of 12-18 months. Make it easier for these folk to come here and harvest our lettuce for us.
It's racism and xenophobia coated with patriotic honey if businesses who hire illegal immigrants are not prosecuted with the same eagerness.
It's racism and xenophobia coated with patriotic honey if businesses who hire illegal immigrants are not prosecuted with the same eagerness.
168
I guess you haven't read the articles about how the farmers in CA are very worried. If we deport all the illegals, who is going to pick the crops? Chef & food critic Anthony Bourdain has said that if illegals are deported, every restaurant in NY would close.
Your sons & daughters aren't doing these jobs!
Your sons & daughters aren't doing these jobs!
167
That's funny-- I don't see a bunch of white guys outside Home Depot at 6am looking for day work, only brown guys. Now why is that? White guys don't want to do day labor? White guys think it's beneath them? White guys don't want to seem as desperate as the brown guys?
Hmmmm..... I don't see much competition at all. Where is that competition 'obviously' happening?
What? I can't hear you.......
PS--increasing economic growth depends on job creation AND increasing population. What will happen to the growth percentages when you decrease the population? They will go down. You can't have your cake and eat it too.....
Hmmmm..... I don't see much competition at all. Where is that competition 'obviously' happening?
What? I can't hear you.......
PS--increasing economic growth depends on job creation AND increasing population. What will happen to the growth percentages when you decrease the population? They will go down. You can't have your cake and eat it too.....
15
I wish Americans could see themselves as others, outside their border, do. How bad will it have to get before the shame becomes too much to bear?
81
If the US had simply adopted an immigration system similar to the one in place in Canada, as African-American Democrat Barbara Jordan essentially pushed for 20+ years ago, low-income, working class, and middle class US citizens may have fared better and more similarly to our neighbors in Canada, instead of being battered by NAFTA, globalization and illegal alien labor competition. Unfortunately, President Clinton capitulated to the corporatists and his desire for illegal campaign cash from the Chinese, and thus betrayed the Barbara Jordan Democrats, ending the best chance the US ever had to implement Canadian style immigration system.
BTW, Americans cannot just waltz into Toronto and demand Canadian health care and other benefits because the Canadians actually enforce their immigration law, to the benefit of the Canadian interest. I have even read recently about Canadian authorities denying asylum to illegal immigrants who first illegally came to the US and now have been fleeing to Canada.
BTW, Americans cannot just waltz into Toronto and demand Canadian health care and other benefits because the Canadians actually enforce their immigration law, to the benefit of the Canadian interest. I have even read recently about Canadian authorities denying asylum to illegal immigrants who first illegally came to the US and now have been fleeing to Canada.
6
Ron the shame is too much to bear. I wish I could move to Canada or Mexico or Ireland.... anywhere but here. I look around at family and friends and know some voted trump.
I want to not be American. I thought Obama was a wonderful thoughtful president and human. Yet I had to listen to the right's relentless ugly bigotry and disrespect for 8 years. Now Trump. Putin's president and no Repubs care because they 'won'. I am 70 and I fear I will be gone before this horror ends. I will die ashamed of what my country has become.
I want to not be American. I thought Obama was a wonderful thoughtful president and human. Yet I had to listen to the right's relentless ugly bigotry and disrespect for 8 years. Now Trump. Putin's president and no Repubs care because they 'won'. I am 70 and I fear I will be gone before this horror ends. I will die ashamed of what my country has become.
3
Please do tell us about all those other countries that allow you to walk across their borders uninvited and start working.
2
Why is Sessions still in the cabinet? Oh, yes, he was loyal to our illegitimate president early on. Perhaps one malcontent rewards another? He is proving to be the man of little stature and even smaller integrity who is still a racist and bigot and Alabama's biggest hero. That state has just rid itself of a governor who was a devout Christian who, as a dentist, "witnessed" before his patients, a contrived act to show religious zeal. The entire state is nothing but corruption. Even it's nationally ranked football team bears investigation. Funny. The number of black players on that team is perfectly acceptable---but don't let them into your restaurants or marry your daughters.
55
Beware of Trump creating jobs for his base by creating jobs for them to be ICE, Immigration Enforcement Agents, and creating jobs for them as administrative types and guards at detention centers, and, as well, creating jobs for them as workers who are employed to work on the construction of new detention centers.
38
Only in the Trump Era could a racist senator from Alabama, who was denied a place on the federal bench because of his racist past and who is known for racist remarks, become Attorney General of the United States.
Only in the Trump Era could an Attorney General be forced to recuse himself from an investigation into the potential influencing of an American election by a foreign entity because he blatantly/publicly lied to a Senate committee per meeting with the ambassador of that foreign identity during the aforementioned campaign. One wonders how he remained in office after admitting he lied to a Senate confirmation committee. Oh, wait, Republicans.
I never had any doubt but that Eric Holder was an honorable man who was sincerely interested in being just and trying to insure that justice was done---no matter the color of one's skin nor one's ethnic origin, etc.
I felt the same way about Loretta Lynch. An honorable, just woman dedicated to justice equally applied.
Jeff Sessions is a puny, pathetic politician given power he doesn't deserve and with which he cannot be trusted. He is a little man in every sense of the word and is possessed of a mean streak that should keep us all wary of anything in which he involves himself.
Only in the Trump Era could an Attorney General be forced to recuse himself from an investigation into the potential influencing of an American election by a foreign entity because he blatantly/publicly lied to a Senate committee per meeting with the ambassador of that foreign identity during the aforementioned campaign. One wonders how he remained in office after admitting he lied to a Senate confirmation committee. Oh, wait, Republicans.
I never had any doubt but that Eric Holder was an honorable man who was sincerely interested in being just and trying to insure that justice was done---no matter the color of one's skin nor one's ethnic origin, etc.
I felt the same way about Loretta Lynch. An honorable, just woman dedicated to justice equally applied.
Jeff Sessions is a puny, pathetic politician given power he doesn't deserve and with which he cannot be trusted. He is a little man in every sense of the word and is possessed of a mean streak that should keep us all wary of anything in which he involves himself.
258
From the dept. of justice website: The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the Office of the Attorney General which evolved over the years into the head of the Department of Justice and chief law enforcement officer of the Federal Government. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters generally and gives advice and opinions to the President and to the heads of the executive departments of the Government when so requested.
How does someone who lied to congress rise to this level of authority? So it is not just his racist pursuit of all things black or Hispanic but the lack of integrity that his lies confirm that make him unqualified for this office. Shame on congress for rubber stamping him.
How does someone who lied to congress rise to this level of authority? So it is not just his racist pursuit of all things black or Hispanic but the lack of integrity that his lies confirm that make him unqualified for this office. Shame on congress for rubber stamping him.
65
Let him have his way: just like the state of Alabama suffered billions in agricultural losses when they scared off all the farm workers with crackdown talk. Then, cooler (smarter) heads will prevail, and a more holistic, pragmatic policy can develop, with all the shrill-seekers having to eat crow for a while...it may be the only way forward
38
Seriously, Melquiades: that never happened. It is a liberal urban MYTH. Alabama is a small, poor state -- it couldn't survive "billions of losses" -- and did you see any shortage of fruit in your supermarket? lettuce? peaches? tomatoes? that was because THIS NEVER HAPPENED.
Even if were true...we cannot have an agricultural economy based on foreign slave labor of illegal immigrants. That is a disaster.
The truth is, only 1% of all illegals work in agriculture in any way. The other 99% live in cities, and do jobs like construction -- jobs Americans CAN DO -- DID DO and WILL DO -- when illegals are all deported.
Even if were true...we cannot have an agricultural economy based on foreign slave labor of illegal immigrants. That is a disaster.
The truth is, only 1% of all illegals work in agriculture in any way. The other 99% live in cities, and do jobs like construction -- jobs Americans CAN DO -- DID DO and WILL DO -- when illegals are all deported.
The administration is merely following the laws as they exist on the books and it's about time an administration did so.
34
Hope someone is around in California to pick those veggies. You applying for the job???
2
But is the administration following the laws that say EMPLOYERS should not hire illegal immigrants?
2
This is bad for California. Last year no tomatoes because of the drought and this year because no labors.
37
Plenty of tomatoes in California in the stores today.
At lower prices than in New York.
At lower prices than in New York.
5
Rudolf,
"This is bad for California. Last year no tomatoes because of the drought and this year because no labors."
No tomatoes? This is the big news, cuz Costco has them stacked to the ceiling.
"This is bad for California. Last year no tomatoes because of the drought and this year because no labors."
No tomatoes? This is the big news, cuz Costco has them stacked to the ceiling.
4
This sums it up. The pro-illegal immigration argument has less to do with racism than keeping produce prices artificially low. The real racists are liberals who won't boycott produce harvested by slave labor. That's how you force change, not by whining about the price of tomatos.
The Trump era makes me remember 'Giuliani Time'
We all know how well that worked out for the people involved.
We all know how well that worked out for the people involved.
25
The work that immigrants do is so useful, how will deporting them help Americans? Doesn't it make more sense to figure out a way to document and authorize seasonal workers? These folks cross the border to work not to steal.
89
That's WHY (actually) all this is for Show.
If Trump, Sessions,...or their "Fired Up" supporters wanted to stop Illegal Immigration they'd be arresting the folks that hire them. Unless they're all that uninformed and "Don't Know" where they work?
But not only are they not doing it, they're not even proposing to address to suggest at hinting at doing it:):)
This isn't an Administration; It's a (Lack of) Reality Show.
If Trump, Sessions,...or their "Fired Up" supporters wanted to stop Illegal Immigration they'd be arresting the folks that hire them. Unless they're all that uninformed and "Don't Know" where they work?
But not only are they not doing it, they're not even proposing to address to suggest at hinting at doing it:):)
This isn't an Administration; It's a (Lack of) Reality Show.
4
Why isn't it obvious to the Trump cabal that chasing around grandmothers instead of felons is going to make the country less safe, not more safe? Do they think we have literally unlimited funds for immigration enforcement?
We're already wasting 100's of millions of dollars dropping bombs in Syria and Afghanistan, on people and places that pose little to no threat to us, instead of prioritizing helping our own vulnerable people. It's sickening, but also just so illogical.
We're already wasting 100's of millions of dollars dropping bombs in Syria and Afghanistan, on people and places that pose little to no threat to us, instead of prioritizing helping our own vulnerable people. It's sickening, but also just so illogical.
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"We're already wasting 100's of millions of dollars dropping bombs in Syria and Afghanistan, on people and places that pose little to no threat to us,"
But they do pose a threat to some people, especially in the Trump Administration. They show Americans that that different is not inherently evil, and that foreigners are not all out to murder us. Although, in terms of threats to their narrow-minded dog-eat-dog way of life, Trump might start bombing the Netherlands for being a threat by showing that free healthcare and schooling through college are possible and easily done, or bombing Norway for showing that there is an alternative to mass incarceration, or even bombing Morocco, for showing us that no matter how impoverished a country, they can majorly improve their state by en-mass construction and installation of solar power.
But they do pose a threat to some people, especially in the Trump Administration. They show Americans that that different is not inherently evil, and that foreigners are not all out to murder us. Although, in terms of threats to their narrow-minded dog-eat-dog way of life, Trump might start bombing the Netherlands for being a threat by showing that free healthcare and schooling through college are possible and easily done, or bombing Norway for showing that there is an alternative to mass incarceration, or even bombing Morocco, for showing us that no matter how impoverished a country, they can majorly improve their state by en-mass construction and installation of solar power.
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It would be invaluable to do a report for the newspaper (and the news) about just how hard it is for workers who are essential to the US economy to come in legally.
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Here here. How do we make our immigrant workforce legal? This is question Presedent Obama asked many times. Congress has been sitting on their hands now for 20 years. Executive orders regarding deportation of Immigrant workers only costs taxpayers money. It does not help create a legal working immigrant.
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"When a large portion of the unauthorized population has lived here for years, if not decades .."
So ... if we stopped paying our taxes for years, if not decades, then that should turn into the new normal ? Yeah, I could get used to that idea.
So ... if we stopped paying our taxes for years, if not decades, then that should turn into the new normal ? Yeah, I could get used to that idea.
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Or, alternatively, we should eject those who have not paid their taxes for years. Not necessarily deport them, but just acknowledge that they have clearly signaled that they do not want to be part of our society, or make use of things like public power, water, streets, healthcare, governmental protection of the law, or the ability to participate in government or hold public office. Though I wonder who would end up president then…
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The irony of your comment is that the vast majority of undocumented workers are working for a paycheck from which all applicable state, federal, and local payroll taxes are deducted.
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Of course the undocumented population pays taxes. Sales tax, gas tax, property tax (if not directly then in the form of rent), withholding tax; you are not special. Trump apparently hasn't paid a dime of taxes in years and is now sucking on the public teat to maintain his lifestyle. That's your new normal. Get used to it? I'd much rather legalize a few million people and welcome them into our shared community, and then together vote soul sucking leeches like Mr Trump out of public office.
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It seems like it will be a long time coming but America will eventually wake up from the nightmare known as the Trump Administration. Trump has America on the wrong track and the Republican controlled Congress has failed in their constitutional duty to be a check and balance on the executive.
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You woke up from the nightmare of the W Bush administration, and then after just eight years of wakefulness you went right back to bed.
I truly hope that we get four years of this show. It will prevent even worse (Pence/Ryan) from stepping up. And it will plant so deep an understanding of the total failure of the Republican Party that we will reverse this and get back to the country I think we are. For a long time.
When John Kelly was appointed homeland security secretary, he was viewed as a potentially moderating voice in an otherwise crazy administration. But it seems he has done absolutely nothing to push back against the seething worldview of Jeff Sessions.
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As a Marine who has a deep regard for General Kelly and all that he has given, and lost for this country, I have to say, so far, he has proven to be a disappointment to me. His apparent obsequious genuflections to the darker impulses running amuck in this nation at the moment is distressing to this Marine.
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In an uncharacteristic show of restraint, Sessions actually left out the part of the speech that referred to immigrants as "filth."
This is policy based on nothing but xenophobia, arrogance and blatant racism, and it's no surprise that Sessions is sharpening his knives. He's nothing but a retrograde old Confederate who's noxious views on race -- particularly black Americans -- haven't evolved since 1963, and his nomination to the position of Attorney General by Trump (who lost the popular vote) is an affront to every American and a deep disgrace to the country.
This is policy based on nothing but xenophobia, arrogance and blatant racism, and it's no surprise that Sessions is sharpening his knives. He's nothing but a retrograde old Confederate who's noxious views on race -- particularly black Americans -- haven't evolved since 1963, and his nomination to the position of Attorney General by Trump (who lost the popular vote) is an affront to every American and a deep disgrace to the country.
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Trump also lost the non-manipulated vote, as evidenced by the Exit Polls.
In all the excitement about the Russian interference in the US elections, which has gone as far as messing with voter rolls (or helping Republican messing with the voter rolls by removing 1.15 Million potential Democrats from them), the real elephant in the room had been neglected: the suspicious EXIT polls. Spineless Hillary conceded.
Exit Polls “all over the world” have been shown to be accurate to about 0.3%, except in US Presidential Elections when they show that a Democrat actually won. Really!!!
Exit polls from the 2016 presidential election showed Hillary Clinton winning four crucial swing states that, reflecting the National Result with Clinton 2.85 Million votes ahead. And this despite Republicans removing 1.35 Million Black, Latino, and Asian voters from the voter rolls in key states, making her 4Million votes ahead.
The discrepancy between the exit poll results and the raw vote total count showed http://bit.ly/2kVefFs that the election was “rigged” in favor of Trump, a Mountain of Evidence, http://bit.ly/2l539Be .
This this is a replay of 2004, when Kerry was far ahead in EXIT Polls in Ohio. A group of experts determined 1 year later that Kerry won Ohio with 99.9% probability. http://bit.ly/2hZZdks?
Exit poll totals http://bit.ly/2fvNghr compared to an ongoing tally of raw votes totals http://bit.ly/2gbEXv4 show the discrepancy of what Trump himself calls a “rigged election.”
In all the excitement about the Russian interference in the US elections, which has gone as far as messing with voter rolls (or helping Republican messing with the voter rolls by removing 1.15 Million potential Democrats from them), the real elephant in the room had been neglected: the suspicious EXIT polls. Spineless Hillary conceded.
Exit Polls “all over the world” have been shown to be accurate to about 0.3%, except in US Presidential Elections when they show that a Democrat actually won. Really!!!
Exit polls from the 2016 presidential election showed Hillary Clinton winning four crucial swing states that, reflecting the National Result with Clinton 2.85 Million votes ahead. And this despite Republicans removing 1.35 Million Black, Latino, and Asian voters from the voter rolls in key states, making her 4Million votes ahead.
The discrepancy between the exit poll results and the raw vote total count showed http://bit.ly/2kVefFs that the election was “rigged” in favor of Trump, a Mountain of Evidence, http://bit.ly/2l539Be .
This this is a replay of 2004, when Kerry was far ahead in EXIT Polls in Ohio. A group of experts determined 1 year later that Kerry won Ohio with 99.9% probability. http://bit.ly/2hZZdks?
Exit poll totals http://bit.ly/2fvNghr compared to an ongoing tally of raw votes totals http://bit.ly/2gbEXv4 show the discrepancy of what Trump himself calls a “rigged election.”
His views haven't evolved since 1963? Try 1863.
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The “deportation force” isn't indiscriminate. It targets only those whose presence in the country is unlawful. The “Take Care Clause” of the Constitution tasks presidents to take care that laws are faithfully executed. The law Donald Trump is taking care to enforce is the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1996. This act, which passed with board bipartisan support in both houses, calls for the deportation of foreign nationals unlawfully present in the United States.
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If Trump were to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, he would have to lock himself up.
The time to faithfully execute the laws was when the illegals were lured here by offers of work, so they could be cheap labor and union busters, and the folks against whom they would be executed would be the employers. But parts of the business community liked non-enforcement of the laws (actually, just enough enforcement so the illegals would not resist being dumped on for fear of deportation), and money trumps faithful execution of the laws.
Faithful execution of the laws would have meant Federal occupation of the South until blacks had achieved enough economic and political power to defend themselves, and it would have made the South a far better and more Christian place than it is even today.
The time to faithfully execute the laws was when the illegals were lured here by offers of work, so they could be cheap labor and union busters, and the folks against whom they would be executed would be the employers. But parts of the business community liked non-enforcement of the laws (actually, just enough enforcement so the illegals would not resist being dumped on for fear of deportation), and money trumps faithful execution of the laws.
Faithful execution of the laws would have meant Federal occupation of the South until blacks had achieved enough economic and political power to defend themselves, and it would have made the South a far better and more Christian place than it is even today.
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You are so right to liken this to the post civil war and Jim Crow eras in USA's history. The Civil Rights Movement fought against Jim Crow's illegitimate laws and won after a long struggle. The same is true for the Sanctuary Movement in the 1980s and now New Sanctuary Movement supporting refugees and long time migrants who the broken system has denied a path to citizenship. Also any sensible reading of the Bible recognizes Jesus advocated for refugees - immigrants, as he did for the downtrodden in society. Finally, good point on the employers playing the broken system to deny labor rights for immigrants using them as unfair competition against USA's workers. this is not their fault but the system's.
I don't want to live in a country where other residents are forced to live in fear and terror that even if legal, they will have to be prepared to be stopped at any moment by people (Trump's vaunted thugs), some of whom actually enjoy terrorizing people.
That is wrong. It is not me and it is not most Americans.
That is wrong. It is not me and it is not most Americans.
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