Not the first people to be betrayed by President Trump, won't be the last people to be betrayed.
1
Tragically, this proves the adage from World War II, "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. "
Worse, these votes for Trump helped him carry Michigan, without which he could not have won the Electoral College and thrust his destructive insanity on the US and the world.
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. "
Worse, these votes for Trump helped him carry Michigan, without which he could not have won the Electoral College and thrust his destructive insanity on the US and the world.
47
What a surprise the con man who ran a fake University and has a reputation for not paying his bills isn't keeping his word. These people are brown and why they thought an all white Southern party that is hostile to people of color would protect them is beyond me. I'm sure the Southern Baptist Evangelicals that rule the GOP hardly consider these people Christians much like they do with Catholics. Instead of trusting Trump, these folks should have spent their money at Trump resorts and hotels. Lining the pockets of the dear leader and his greedy vulgar tacky children is probably the only way to escape the reach of ICE. Trump needs a steady stream of brown people to deport in order to main the support of the bloated, largely Southern, racists that make up his base cult like supporters.
33
The silver lining is the chance to review the precepts of Christianity: "“... Lord forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us ...”
3
They voted for Trump thinking that he would deport all the brown skinned illegal immigrants. So now they are finding out an illegal immigrant is an illegal immigrant, regardless of skin color.
15
Oh, I'm sorry, you were duped by Donald Trump? What a surprise! Thank you for tipping Michigan in his favor. Good luck back in Iraq.
36
When Trump spoke at Lincoln center he talked a lot about preserving religious freedom for Christians--the implication being that Christians in America are
suppressed. But who is suppressing them when they comprise the majority religion in this country? Is it the Buddists, the Arabs or those awful Jews again-of which Jesus was one. The latter are all minority religions while most of us ARE in fact Christians, even we liberals. What a ruse! Suppression in America is societal and depends on skin color not faith. Trump, a notably irreligious man himself merely uses God's name to manipulate the voters. Don't buy it. We Christians are safe.
suppressed. But who is suppressing them when they comprise the majority religion in this country? Is it the Buddists, the Arabs or those awful Jews again-of which Jesus was one. The latter are all minority religions while most of us ARE in fact Christians, even we liberals. What a ruse! Suppression in America is societal and depends on skin color not faith. Trump, a notably irreligious man himself merely uses God's name to manipulate the voters. Don't buy it. We Christians are safe.
9
Sad to see that NYTimes has moved away from objective reporting to biased opinion pieces cloaked as news. Who wants to live next doors to rapists and murders? This is the fact of this article: "Though most of them came here legally, as refugees or through relatives who were American citizens, their green cards were revoked after criminal convictions on charges including theft, drug possession, rape and murder."
Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world that come here as refugees or through other legal means, are given a safe environment to live and thrive. So if some of those decide that they don't care about laws of this land then why in the world do we need to care about these criminals!
Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world that come here as refugees or through other legal means, are given a safe environment to live and thrive. So if some of those decide that they don't care about laws of this land then why in the world do we need to care about these criminals!
7
No one promised Chaldeans they could rob, traffic drugs, rape and murder with impunity. Green card holders know their residency status can be revoked for lesser offenses than these. For example, green card cards can also be revoked if their holders vote in federal elections, falsely claim to be a citizen to get federal or state benefits, help others violate immigration laws, drive under the influence, or fail to pay spousal or child support.
10
CHALDEAN CHRISTIANS From Iraq took Trump at his world that they would be welcome in the US. But now he's sending them back to face certain death. They are most decidedly NOT enemies of the US. They are upstanding citizens here just as they were in their native country. Trump's actions are slaughtering the values and ethos of what made the United States the great nation that it is. Now on top of failed businesses, Trump will have blood on his hands for sending outstanding citizens back to be slaughtered.
3
Trump stuffed his private contractors and students at Trump U when he was a business man. As President he threw people on his staff under the bus and for all his populist rhetoric he put Wall Street billionaires in his administration. He can not be trusted to be anything other than a self serving bulling man baby.
10
I shouldn't be shocked by the woman's declaration that a reversal of the immigration order would mean she would vote for Trump again, but I am. Trump managed to brainwash so many. It seems to me that being an American means more than looking out for your own kind. Has she no sympathy for others in this country who are suffering the same misfortune and sense of betrayal she is feeling, whether it be deportation or the potential loss of health care? Too few voters paid enough attention to Trump's past corrupt actions to recognize the true nature of the man's character. He lied to you to inflame your resentments and to get your vote. As President, he is only interested in amassing power and money for himself, his family and his business cronies.
23
Christians in the Middle East are under siege like never before in the last 100 years, and sadly, very sadly, the US is aiding and abetting this trend. They are all at peril. Those in Turkey are in major danger, as are those in Syria and Iraq, if the US gets its way and installs another regime full of religious nutcases. The US continues to back hard core religious types to further its goals...but what are those goals? To keep Saudi Arabia close to heart? Why? They are among the most hard core, fundamentalist regimes in the world, yet get tons of US support, even as they support known terrorists. It's very hard to comprehend, as there are plenty of other, more reasonable, democratic and friendly regimes on the planet.
1
If Trump doesn't make an exception for them, he looks bad to many Christians who sympathize with these folks. If he makes an exception, he proves that he was really after a Muslim ban all along, and that weakens his already weak stance with the courts. He's stuck between Iraq and a hard place.
If he hadn't used people's hatred of Muslims to rally supporters and votes, he wouldn't have said the things that he now has such difficulty taking back, and he wouldn't be in the difficult situation of sending them back to torture and death, or losing ground in court.
If he hadn't used people's hatred of Muslims to rally supporters and votes, he wouldn't have said the things that he now has such difficulty taking back, and he wouldn't be in the difficult situation of sending them back to torture and death, or losing ground in court.
16
When you only care that a law doesn't impact your community or your faith and vote for a liar, you learn the hard way that you're the chosen people for very different reasons. Choosing religion and/or ethnicity over what benefits the all verses the few is never a wise choice. What a stupid way to learn such a lesson.
22
Where is the deportation of Aryan Nation, KKK, and NeoNazi terrorists? Where would you send them? To jail, why not out of the country where they are supposedly all white like Russia.
1
Reminds me of that verse from Proverbs (26:27) "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it." Funny how it is always the "other" guy who will be harmed.
15
I'm praying for your family. Trump is a liar. He's hateful and rude. God will make him pay.For vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Don't forget that God has everything under control and in his hands. My family is praying for you and all of the 100 men that have been captured. My husband is Samoan so he has brown skin. I'm just scared.yo death that they're going to take him but he does have his permanent resident card.
1
Why should Iraqi Christians be exempted from being stabbed in the back by Uncle Sam? No one who has ever helped or served the US have gotten anything beneficial in return. We are the world's biggest parasites.
3
These stories are heartbreaking, but we warned you. All we can do now is pray for your families, because what you see going on now is the law of the jungle. Ice agents have been unchained. The predator does not go after the strong (criminals who hide in the shadows) they go after the weak and vulnerable (the hard working and law abiding immigrant just working and contributing to the community who just happens to be out in the open). You really think these people care about breaking up your families? Do you really think they care about sending you back to what very well could be a death sentence? Think again. In their minds they are doing their jobs and collecting their paychecks and bonuses. Your success means nothing to them. Nothing at all.
7
In the cases involving Trump's executive order suspending travel and immigration from seven predominantly countries, federal district courts ruled that the Trump administration could not give preference to religious minorities since that would favor Christians over Muslims.
1
I can't help but wonder whether the fact that virtually all of these Christians are Catholic is not helping them. After all, this stuff is happening to please the Trump base, and the fundamentalist core of that base has extremely strong Nativist roots. Still, had these Catholics and other listened to Pope Francis rather than Saint Donald, we all might be better off.
10
As a native of Detroit and whose college roommate was Chaldean, I can say that even with Detroit revitalizing the population was and is a needed asset to the community. It saddens me that so many of these people quoted were so pro-Trump. A little reminder in life that morality is right and wrong, not what is good for me and bad for me.
15
As an American with Assyrian Christian ancestry on my father's side, I'd like to weigh in. Assyrian Christians are essentially the same peoples (same religion and language) as the Chaldeans, but belong to churches apart from the Chaldeans, who follow the Catholic rite.
My father's family came to the U.S. from Urmia, Iran, after having survived the Armenian Genocide (that saw the ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of Assyrians, in addition to the two million Armenians). My father's people were sponsored by U.S. churches, at a time when practicing Christianity still meant something, and was not the battering stick it is now.
That said, my father and one of my uncles, both born shortly after his parents arrived in this country, enlisted in, and were proud to serve in the U.S. army in World War II. My brother is also a veteran. None of my Assyrian family has ever committed any crimes, or committed any infractions beyond parking tickets. As brown skinned people who "looked foreign" to most Americans, they knew their very survival depended on their efforts to be model citizens. They knew they didn't have the luxury of the second or third chances their white neighbors were routinely given.
Many of these deportees have committed serious crimes. They thought they'd be given a pass like their white co-religionists. This mistaken belief may be their fatal error -- they thought that the white Christian base of the Republican party included them. It never did, and it never will.
My father's family came to the U.S. from Urmia, Iran, after having survived the Armenian Genocide (that saw the ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of Assyrians, in addition to the two million Armenians). My father's people were sponsored by U.S. churches, at a time when practicing Christianity still meant something, and was not the battering stick it is now.
That said, my father and one of my uncles, both born shortly after his parents arrived in this country, enlisted in, and were proud to serve in the U.S. army in World War II. My brother is also a veteran. None of my Assyrian family has ever committed any crimes, or committed any infractions beyond parking tickets. As brown skinned people who "looked foreign" to most Americans, they knew their very survival depended on their efforts to be model citizens. They knew they didn't have the luxury of the second or third chances their white neighbors were routinely given.
Many of these deportees have committed serious crimes. They thought they'd be given a pass like their white co-religionists. This mistaken belief may be their fatal error -- they thought that the white Christian base of the Republican party included them. It never did, and it never will.
26
What I don't quite get here is how the US was able to negotiate with Iraq to accept deportees in order to be removed from the list of seven banned countries - an executive order whose constitutionality was in question from the beginning. We're not hearing the entire story here.
5
Why do I vote Democratic even though it's against my (economic) self-interest? Because it's better for the country. That is my challenge to Trump's supporters.
11
This is why one should not focus solely on what appears to be self interests. Not just because it's not altruistic (and certainly not Christian, as regards this particular group of immigrants), but because, even if one is to remain self-serving, any type of discrimination or narrow-minded behavior eventually extends to other groups, as a pastor in Germany learned during the Holocaust.
7
This is the folly of supporting unjust or draconian policies on the theory that they will never apply to you.
This is not the only example of this phenomenon. The GOP screams to the high heaven about "voter fraud" until they must face the suggestion that such fraud may be in their own states and in their favor. Conservative voters chanted alongside their leaders to snatch healthcare away from the "takers" until it became apparent that THEY fall under that label as well. The inherent inequity (not to mention economic folly) of right-wing tax policies did not become apparent to many people in Kansas until they realized that they too depended on government "handouts" (schools, roads, libraries, etc.). More than one conservative politician has only seen the need for equal treatment of the LGBT community once they discovered they had an LGBT relative (as opposed to politicians on both sides of the aisle who managed to recognize unfairness without needing to fear personal negative consequences for their own family).
The point is this... we would ALL do well to only support those laws, policies, penalties, etc. that we would consider fair if strictly applied to us and our families. Whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist or "other," we should not be in the business of deporting people to war zones for felonies committed decades ago. Protecting the rights of others is inherently protecting the rights our respective tribes. Anything less is building our own gallows.
This is not the only example of this phenomenon. The GOP screams to the high heaven about "voter fraud" until they must face the suggestion that such fraud may be in their own states and in their favor. Conservative voters chanted alongside their leaders to snatch healthcare away from the "takers" until it became apparent that THEY fall under that label as well. The inherent inequity (not to mention economic folly) of right-wing tax policies did not become apparent to many people in Kansas until they realized that they too depended on government "handouts" (schools, roads, libraries, etc.). More than one conservative politician has only seen the need for equal treatment of the LGBT community once they discovered they had an LGBT relative (as opposed to politicians on both sides of the aisle who managed to recognize unfairness without needing to fear personal negative consequences for their own family).
The point is this... we would ALL do well to only support those laws, policies, penalties, etc. that we would consider fair if strictly applied to us and our families. Whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist or "other," we should not be in the business of deporting people to war zones for felonies committed decades ago. Protecting the rights of others is inherently protecting the rights our respective tribes. Anything less is building our own gallows.
6
Is the claim that Trump discriminates against Christian or Muslims (leaving aside his "ban" temporarily affects a tiny percentage of Muslims in the world)?
Though I am not a Trump supporter myself and he was among my least favorites of all 20 some odd candidates, and I am all for our country being a refuge, to the degree it can, for people fleeing oppression - the hypocrisy of the Trump "resistance" knows no bounds. They would attack relentlessly over everything and lose all credibility.
And though it would be nice in a utopia, the answer can't always be, the children will be sad. There is great sadness of many millions of children around the world. They can't all come here with all their families and stay. Individual stories may break our hearts - It is hard to read the stories here. This article doesn't claim the govt's actions are unlawful. Sometimes the question is do we have rule of law or not? If we, out of sympathy for this group, do not apply the law, are we not discriminating against other groups?
Perhaps Trump could have done something with those people who seem to be completely rehabilitated - but every action he takes is challenged. And no doubt in my mind, if he did intercede, there would be an article here the next day claiming his empathy for Christians proves he's really prejudiced against Muslims.
Though I am not a Trump supporter myself and he was among my least favorites of all 20 some odd candidates, and I am all for our country being a refuge, to the degree it can, for people fleeing oppression - the hypocrisy of the Trump "resistance" knows no bounds. They would attack relentlessly over everything and lose all credibility.
And though it would be nice in a utopia, the answer can't always be, the children will be sad. There is great sadness of many millions of children around the world. They can't all come here with all their families and stay. Individual stories may break our hearts - It is hard to read the stories here. This article doesn't claim the govt's actions are unlawful. Sometimes the question is do we have rule of law or not? If we, out of sympathy for this group, do not apply the law, are we not discriminating against other groups?
Perhaps Trump could have done something with those people who seem to be completely rehabilitated - but every action he takes is challenged. And no doubt in my mind, if he did intercede, there would be an article here the next day claiming his empathy for Christians proves he's really prejudiced against Muslims.
Fortunately for us, most Presidents have not made policy decisions based upon what would make them look bad, or what the press (let alone the comments section) might say about them.
Trump is not among them.
I have a hard time doing it, but I'll take you at your word that you disliked Trump most out of every candidate.
If that's so, and your heartfelt lament that the poor man is facing stringent opposition for what everyone admits are frequently horrendous policy choices, I wonder where you were when President Obama was being assaulted daily (and in the most violent terms) for every breath he drew.
And there is no "perhaps" about it, Trump was presented with every conceivable permutation of policy choice, and still he decided purposely to go after every available immigrant in every conceivable way, and confirms that choice in the face of endless legitimate appeals every day.
These sad, pro-Trump "Christians" can't hold a candle to some of the worse abuses Trump has dished out of late.
I wish no one was suffering this anti-American perversion of justice. But these people here, who say they would reelect Trump in a heartbeat if he'd just fix this one little thing, they get none of my pity.
Trump is not among them.
I have a hard time doing it, but I'll take you at your word that you disliked Trump most out of every candidate.
If that's so, and your heartfelt lament that the poor man is facing stringent opposition for what everyone admits are frequently horrendous policy choices, I wonder where you were when President Obama was being assaulted daily (and in the most violent terms) for every breath he drew.
And there is no "perhaps" about it, Trump was presented with every conceivable permutation of policy choice, and still he decided purposely to go after every available immigrant in every conceivable way, and confirms that choice in the face of endless legitimate appeals every day.
These sad, pro-Trump "Christians" can't hold a candle to some of the worse abuses Trump has dished out of late.
I wish no one was suffering this anti-American perversion of justice. But these people here, who say they would reelect Trump in a heartbeat if he'd just fix this one little thing, they get none of my pity.
6
This is called natural consequences. Couldn't happen to nicer people. But I sure hope that their concerns about Hillary Clinton's emails have been answered.
11
Why would Iraqi Christians vote for Trump? Did they not hear his anti-immigration rhetoric? It was loud and clear.
5
"If the administration reverses course, however, “then I would consider voting for him again,” she added."
Your situation may be unjust, irrational, even tragic.
But Nahrain, you wanted Trump and you got Trump.
And despite all that we are supposed to pity you for, you would have him again.
There is no helping those who will not be helped.
Your situation may be unjust, irrational, even tragic.
But Nahrain, you wanted Trump and you got Trump.
And despite all that we are supposed to pity you for, you would have him again.
There is no helping those who will not be helped.
10
I'm sorry, but these are the latest of those who have been "Trumped". Appeal to people, say what they want to hear, use them, dump them (What's that verse about "with itching ears they are led astray"?). Just what he's always done, now he gets to do it on a huge scale as POTUS.
5
“Though most of them came here legally, as refugees or through relatives who were American citizens, their green cards were revoked after criminal convictions on charges including theft, drug possession, rape and murder.”
The above sounds like more than reason enough to deport them. Add to that the fact that they have a very long and horrible reputation of abusive behaviors towards Detroit’s Blacks, and many are saying good riddance.
The above sounds like more than reason enough to deport them. Add to that the fact that they have a very long and horrible reputation of abusive behaviors towards Detroit’s Blacks, and many are saying good riddance.
7
When you lay down with dogs, you wake up with fleas.
11
It is exactly this "I've got mine," attitude that is splintering the U.S. In the end, if you let them come for the others, they will one day come for you. The Chaldean voting for Donald Trump, who will persecute other immigrants and not them, does not garner my respect. Justice is justice, as Ms. Sabatine says. Their self-serving votes, and the subsequent election of Trump, has put in danger millions of families who, like them, are harmless, productive, and an asset to their communities.
6
Welcome to Trump World, Chaldean Christians. If you're anything other than White Anglo you're the enemy. You are saps for ever thinking anything else.
9
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
***************
First, they came for the Spanish speakers and deported them, tearing them away from their families.
Then they came for those who believed themselves exceptions to the rule.
In this political climate of fear and loathing, there are no exceptions that can be taken as a guarantee.
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
***************
First, they came for the Spanish speakers and deported them, tearing them away from their families.
Then they came for those who believed themselves exceptions to the rule.
In this political climate of fear and loathing, there are no exceptions that can be taken as a guarantee.
3
"If the administration reverses course, however, “then I would consider voting for him again,” she added."
So even after having glimpsed the pain, it's OK if he tears apart a family of Central American Christians as long as he leaves your family intact?
So even after having glimpsed the pain, it's OK if he tears apart a family of Central American Christians as long as he leaves your family intact?
25
Republican DNA lacks empathy. Unless it happens to THEM, it doesn't matter.
10
The lead-in picture becomes nothing less than ironic.
2
So if trump wants to keep Muslims out, he's a bad guy. So it's not a Muslim ban. This means you need to check everybody. Check everybody and I guess he's still a bad guy. Truth of the matter is, our borders and immigration policies ( and I use the word loosely) have been a joke and abused for decades. The average American has had to pay for this and deal with the aftermath of basically open borders. We're REALLY sick of it. We cannot take every unhappy person on earth in like we have been trying to thru these polices. Most of us don't like trump on most issues. On immigration he is right and we support him.
11
Except that he has no appetite for lasting immigration reform and hashes out an ill-conceived and ill-executed travel ban (He calls it a muslim-ban). There is nothing to stop wealthy but nefarious Saudis from entering our country. Yet, an Afghani all-girl school team is denied visa for participating in a STEM competition. An elderly grandparent can't visit but adult step-kids can. There is no strategy to any of this.
1
If immigration policy was like that from jump there'd be no one here. Typically immigration comes from unhappy folks looking around and jumping ship here. Greeks did it, Irish did it, Italians did it, Polish, Swedish, German, Persian, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Pakistani... you name it. At any given point in time many of these groups came in with shoddy documentation and decades later their descendants get to spout off about doing it "the right way" never mind that their lives here are at the blessings of well-placed bribes or close-knit communities that hid them.
4
Folks, I hate to mess with your calendars, but it's now 2017. The 21st century. We have 325 million plus. We're full up by any measure, certainly well past any kind of sustainable population. The continent and the world are hopelessly over populated. Im sympathetic to everyone (now certainly billions) who want to come here. I'm all for helping people in their home countries, yes with my tax dollars etc, but we simply can't take everybody in who wants to come here. Not socially, not environmentally, not economically. we have all the problems of an over populated country now. Shouldn't we fix these issues first, before throwing the doors open to even more people?
1
President Trump's decision making is based on two factors: will this make me money or increase my power.
If it doesn't fall into these two buckets, it's irrelevant to him. Looking to what's moral and right doesn't increase his bottom line.
If it doesn't fall into these two buckets, it's irrelevant to him. Looking to what's moral and right doesn't increase his bottom line.
11
For the record, I am an immigrant. Je suis né en France pendant la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale. I was also a U.S. Navy commissioned officer for five years, and have been an American citizen for sixty-five years. I feel sorry for these people, who like so many others have been betrayed by Trump. But, hey, how many times does Lucy have to pull away the football before Charlie Brown gets it? As someone else here said, you can't fix stupid.
17
I have a simple question: if these people are undocumented aliens, how did they vote for Trump or anyone else?
9
These people aren't undocumented aliens, at least not the family members interviewed in the article. They apparently voted for Trump, but their relatives whose legal status has lapsed obviously could not vote nor does anything in the article suggest that they did. This is what deportation generally does: split up families; those who are legal and those who are not...
2
These men are criminals. It doesn't matter that they are Christians Some of them should be in jail, and I don't understand why they are not. I thought the Times was defending INNOCENT immigrants. You go too far.
7
They aren't defending anyone. They are reporting on the situation. Reporting is not advocacy.
Our democracy depends on understanding the difference.
Our democracy depends on understanding the difference.
8
I don't think they are defending them. I think the Times is pointing out their hypocrisy, hubris and stupidity. They should be deported like the other convicted immigrants who they think are less American than they are (just because they have a job and make money here does not make them Americans).
1
Some Christians, these. As Gandhi said a long time ago - I like your Christ, your Christians, not so much.
You had no problems when Trump threatened and savaged Mexicans (all of whom typically belong to Christian faith), and probably went to vote for him thinking he is a good Christian and will spare you. That's a pretty sad state of affairs.
You had no problems when Trump threatened and savaged Mexicans (all of whom typically belong to Christian faith), and probably went to vote for him thinking he is a good Christian and will spare you. That's a pretty sad state of affairs.
25
Their hate and ignorance got them there.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller
4
Sold cocaine? Flashed a gun during road rage? Broke into a car? Those aren't minor crimes. Trump is being true to his word to deport illegals with a criminal past. If you really valued living in the USA, then you would respect the law and have respect for the people who live here instead of trying to hurt or steal from them.
13
Twenty-two years in prison for selling cocaine. Why does anyone who does that expect the right to stay here?
10
There is no hope for Chaldeans, or any of us, as long as Trump rules. To get him out, we need to get his supporters off the voting rolls. The best way to do that is to criminalize possession or use of non-prescription opiods. Make it a felony, then arrest, prosecute, and sentence all those druggie Trumpkins. In a year, we could easily strip a million of them from the voting rolls, and win back Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania...maybe even Worst Virginia.
9
genius! come and get me.
Thank you Stan. Brilliant! Sadly, I fear the irony-sensors of many readers are still in sleep-mode. But, hey, you woke me up.
3
Trump's lies matter. It seems easy to pass off his statements as simply a speaking style. but most of us knew full well that his words spoke of a man for whom the truth, and those whose lives depended on that truth, do not matter. Some American lives will be more impacted than others, but truly we are all in this together. And the sooner we all come to realize this, the sooner we can shift away from the path we are now on, and begin freeing ourselves of the many of the probable consequences. Clearly it is too late for some, and for that I am sorry. For the rest of us, our resolve must become ever more steadfast: Trump and his entire entourage must be removed. The sooner and more "constitutional-appearing" the solution applied, the better.
12
Is there something wrong with me that I am more bothered by the fact that they supported and funded Trump than I am by the crimes they committed? Did they think Hillary was going to deport them? No, that's not it. They were happy to let Trump deport others and thought they were special, so they supported him.
52
Just like all of T's supporters - they think they are special, and that T will go after only the "others."
3
For some reason immigrants who come to this country, dazzled by all the political hype, never learn that we have laws that those who live here are expected to obey. If you don't obey them, there is a price. Simple but, apparently unlearned, lesson. Is our legal system ever made clear to new immigrants who perhaps think that because our society seems more "free" than their country of origin, there are no penalties for breaking the law.
13
To be fair, they were allowed to stay her for decades, even after they broke the law. It's hard to blame them for being surprised when the law is suddenly enforced, and after they been living clean lives for years and years.
1
In general, our Constitution forbids us to discriminate on the basis of religion, for or against. I agree with that. However, Christians in Mosul and other areas occupied by ISIS were attached precisely for being Christian. Having a policy that favors them as a minority that is under threat of violence is surely permissible, as long as it in not about their religion per se. Mind you, it would help if this enlightened policy was also applied to Yazidis and others in the region.
5
But then wouldn't you also need to favor Shiite Muslims who are targeted in areas where they are a targeted minority group? Otherwise, you are favoring one group over another based on religion.
2
Bannon and Miller could have prioritized bringing persecuted Christian refugees into this country. They could have prioritized giving asylum to Christians already here who are in danger of persecution. Instead they banned all people who Muslim majority countries and tried to make an exception for Christians. In other words, because of their religion, not because of their persecution. Now as a result, the President couldn't help them if he wanted to. He blames the courts, the press, the protesters, Sean Spicer. Everybody but Bannon and Miller.
Hot news for Chaldeans: you're not white, so the GOP doesn't care. Haven't you noticed the way they treat African American Christians? Same thing. You say Donald Trump made you some big promises? Ask Ivana, Marla and countless employees and contractors how that worked out.
30
These people aren't white? Yes, they are.
They made the mistake of trusting Trump, who is the last person on earth anyone should Trust. They also thought they'd get a free pass. No one does.
They made the mistake of trusting Trump, who is the last person on earth anyone should Trust. They also thought they'd get a free pass. No one does.
1
I'm afraid I have to say the article's headline and theme are quite misleading. Iraqi Christians, citizens or green card holders, are not at risk of being deported en masse. The only ones in question of deportation are 114 Detroit-area felons who lost their green cards because of their crimes. But one has to scroll through 11 paragraphs to learn that was the reason ICE detained them. I love the Times but articles like this only feed the far-right in that they are so obviously biased.
I grew up in Detroit & know the Chaldean community well. They are the quintessential immigrant American community--small business owners whose children and grandchildren go to college and become doctors, lawyers, and executives.
So, I'm enormously sympathetic to the plight of the 114 families in question. But, again, we are talking about a sliver of the possibly 100,000 Chaldeans who live around Detroit. And this article grossly distorts that reality.
That said, I think it raises the issue of discretion and priorities in the enforcement of immigration laws. None of the men in this article seem likely to commit another crime and have indeed paid the price for having done so. If these men have paid their debt to society and then contributed so significantly to their city, why should they be treated differently from citizens? Why take their green cards away in the first place? And now, when they face almost certain persecution, send them back to a war-torn country?
I grew up in Detroit & know the Chaldean community well. They are the quintessential immigrant American community--small business owners whose children and grandchildren go to college and become doctors, lawyers, and executives.
So, I'm enormously sympathetic to the plight of the 114 families in question. But, again, we are talking about a sliver of the possibly 100,000 Chaldeans who live around Detroit. And this article grossly distorts that reality.
That said, I think it raises the issue of discretion and priorities in the enforcement of immigration laws. None of the men in this article seem likely to commit another crime and have indeed paid the price for having done so. If these men have paid their debt to society and then contributed so significantly to their city, why should they be treated differently from citizens? Why take their green cards away in the first place? And now, when they face almost certain persecution, send them back to a war-torn country?
13
James 2:13: "For the one who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Proverbs 21:13: "He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered."
How is it that "Christians" now depend on the words of Fox News and a known liar, and not by the words of the book that they call upon so frequently to justify their hatefulness? Some of us may no longer attend church, but we can still remember our Sunday school lessons.
Proverbs 21:13: "He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered."
How is it that "Christians" now depend on the words of Fox News and a known liar, and not by the words of the book that they call upon so frequently to justify their hatefulness? Some of us may no longer attend church, but we can still remember our Sunday school lessons.
16
Sorry, but they get absolutely no sympathy from me. They brought this on themselves. You can't fix stupid.
32
Dont assume Christian negates being a Foreigner in GOP right wing heirachy
20
A brown foreigner. Color matters to that bunch. Color and foreign status trump religion to the GOP.
1
You voted for Donald Trump? Believed everything he said? Thought he was on your side? That he'd do what he promised?
Don't expect much sympathy from the rest of us.
Don't expect much sympathy from the rest of us.
55
Speak for yourself, manta666. Trump won the presidential election legally.
The Christians should organize themselves speak up for themselves, hopefully with Democratic support. That will be the 'death-nail' to the so-called Religious Right, which is actively another plank for 'tax relief to billionaires'.
9
As usual there is a lot of ignorance about other nations. Most Americans seem to think that the U.K. is governed by Queen Elizabeth II, who is a despot like the first Elizabeth! The U.K. like other European countries with a Royal Family, is in fact a constitutional monarchy with an elected Parliament,that makes the laws.
Of course, they cannot imagine that Middle East countries have Christian churches: Orthodox, Coptic, Anglican etc. They forget, or never knew, that Christianity started in the Middle East!
Of course, they cannot imagine that Middle East countries have Christian churches: Orthodox, Coptic, Anglican etc. They forget, or never knew, that Christianity started in the Middle East!
7
We owe it to Iraqi Christians to give them refuge. After all, it was our misguided invasion of Iraq in 2003 that set up the conditions for their decimation. In fact, the invasion of Iraq 2003 may be the most damaging thing that's happened to Iraqi (and Middle Eastern) Christians in a millennium and a half.
8
Don't vote for people who advocate cruel deportations for other people. It might happen to you.
67
First they came for the Mexicans, then they came for the Muslims . . . . You know the rest.
Well said.
It might. If you're here illegally.
2
That's what happens to people who trust Trump.
34
When you depend on the word of a liar you a going to be disappointed. In this case you may also end up dead. Hard lessons learned too late.
71
Anyone who supported this hateful man spewing venom at other Republican Presidential candidates (male and female but women in particular) and women generally, and Mexicans and Muslims and the "other" generally, and who still voted for him, deserves whatever befalls them. It won't surprise me if the Trump campaign against all "others" ends with detention camps. We were warned by Ben Franklin, who when asked what kind of government we had created, said "A Republic, if you can keep it." I think we've lost it.
64
It's hard for me to read the article and these comments.
I'm half Assyrian. My family lived in Urmia at the eastern edge of the Assyrian homeland for thousands of years, practicing an esoteric Christianity with origins in the Nestorian schism. (Some broke off and converted to Catholicism a few centuries ago. Those are the Chaldean Assyrians.) They spoke Aramaic, the lingua franca in which Christ evangelized. They maintained a distinct way of life in spite of centuries of maltreatment from Muslim neighbors.
In the aftermath of World War I, Assyrians in present-day Iran and Turkey were utterly annihilated. My great-great-grandparents fled to America. Cousins sought refuge in what was left of the homeland—northern Iraq and northeastern Syria. My family assimilated and secularized. The Assyrians that remained were brutalized.
Most Assyrians in America came here much later. They're stilled steeped in the religion—both good traditions and the archaic, backwards superstitions—wounds fresh (in some cases, literally), with a keener sense of the existential crisis our people are facing.
I'm liberal. My family is liberal. I argued with Assyrians in the run-up to the election. I knew Trump is not to be trusted. But it didn't feel good. Here I am, several generations removed, fully American, given opportunities they never had, lecturing people who've lived through worse than I'll ever know.
It's painful for us to be right. Please, remember that when you think about us.
I'm half Assyrian. My family lived in Urmia at the eastern edge of the Assyrian homeland for thousands of years, practicing an esoteric Christianity with origins in the Nestorian schism. (Some broke off and converted to Catholicism a few centuries ago. Those are the Chaldean Assyrians.) They spoke Aramaic, the lingua franca in which Christ evangelized. They maintained a distinct way of life in spite of centuries of maltreatment from Muslim neighbors.
In the aftermath of World War I, Assyrians in present-day Iran and Turkey were utterly annihilated. My great-great-grandparents fled to America. Cousins sought refuge in what was left of the homeland—northern Iraq and northeastern Syria. My family assimilated and secularized. The Assyrians that remained were brutalized.
Most Assyrians in America came here much later. They're stilled steeped in the religion—both good traditions and the archaic, backwards superstitions—wounds fresh (in some cases, literally), with a keener sense of the existential crisis our people are facing.
I'm liberal. My family is liberal. I argued with Assyrians in the run-up to the election. I knew Trump is not to be trusted. But it didn't feel good. Here I am, several generations removed, fully American, given opportunities they never had, lecturing people who've lived through worse than I'll ever know.
It's painful for us to be right. Please, remember that when you think about us.
67
Poignant sentiment, Mr. Grieves. May I extend it to all who voted for trump - there is no consolation for those of us who tried to talk you out of it.
5
You are absolutely correct in your criticism of unsympathetic commenters. I'm afraid that those of us who are liberals are so enraged over this administration that we find it hard to keep our own humanity. Thank you for your reminder that we are all one.
4
You need to trace your own ancestry . Were they from these countries? What is most often forgotten is that we are all immigrants. My grandfather was Polish/Russian, my grandmother, Polish. What would they have to go through today to become US citizens? They had 12 children, 2 died at childbirth. We are America. Remarkable for today, but most of us had grown up within the same neighborhoods. Raised 25 children ,and so on. The point being those poor, poor children being bombed in the Middle East Trump felt so heartsick over, how does this help that situation, or others to follow? He will use them as excuses to launch attacks instead of opening his arms and bringing them in.And yes, he and his GOP will come after you,me, next. If you are not rich, ultra conservative , republican just watch! We,we,we are next!
50
Ok. Can we please stop saying "we're all immigrants"? We not!! Unless you mean every person on earth who is not currently living in east Africa, and that includes native Americans who came across on the land bridge. We have laws, immigration laws, like every country on earth. We are full up, 325 million plus. We NEED immigration laws and to reform the ones we have now. It's the 21st century. Time for our policies to reflect the reality of our over crowded existence.
6
Hey Al, just how crowded is it in Idaho? We may not all be immigrants, but the large majority of US citizens are descendants of immigrants. And the facts and statistics say that immigrants do more for our country, per person, than the 2nd and more generation native-born Americans.
5
So, you're what Cherokee,Narragansett, and what reservation were your people moved to? You must be a real Christian, one who believes God chose him, not like those other Christians who believe all people are Gods creation. You have really got this administrations sentiments down to a T..... I'm sure you are quite proud of the soldiers who herded the American Indians off "their lands" and massacred many. My,my,my all for me, and none for you. Being a Proud American makes you very righteous,selfish, and greedy.
3
Wake up, America! Many of you think that the deportation of Iraqi Christians has nothing to do with you. But the people being deported thought that Mr. Trump's words were good as gold. What's it going to take for the President's supporters to realize that the only promises that he's going to be keeping are the ones that serve his own ends? A lot of folks voted for Mr. Trump because they figured they had nothing to lose. I wonder if they'll still feel that way after they lose their health insurance.
42
It is a clever trap for Trump. If he exempts Christians then liberals, newspapers and left leaning judges will pounce on him for religious discrimination and stop the entire deportation process (like it was done for entry regulation).
It is better for Trump to sit this quietly as the left leaning judges will reverse the department decision and let the Christians stay. Trump will not challenge the decision. This way Trump gets the Christians to stay without upsetting the entire deportation exercise.
It is better for Trump to sit this quietly as the left leaning judges will reverse the department decision and let the Christians stay. Trump will not challenge the decision. This way Trump gets the Christians to stay without upsetting the entire deportation exercise.
5
This is one of many corners that Trump painted himself into. What are the odds he will keep quiet on this?
3
They should be treated the same as illegal Mexicans or Haitians. Nobody cares about these policies until it affects them. Good luck with your support for Trump. Maybe he will reconsider between his tweets attacking the media who dare to question his leadership and sanity.
36
Everybody who counts on Trump eventually regrets it.
EVERYBODY.
EVERYBODY.
117
Ah, but 10 months ago HRC email server was more dangerous than this. The irony signal meter is max out.
73
Whoa! Wasn't a major criticism of the Trump Immigration Ban Part Deux, that giving preference to Iraqi and Syrians was discriminatory? Poor Trump. No matter what he does.
2
Oh, but he PROMISED TO PROTECT THE CHRISTIANS - then turns around and wants to deport them. He can't have it both ways, although he wants to.
5
It all comes down to the question of discretion and priorities in the enforcement of immigration laws. None of the men in this article seem likely to commit another crime and have indeed paid the price for having done so. They certainly would be subject to persecution if returned to Iraq. Having said that, they seem to acknowledge that some deportations of Chaldean Christians would be justified, that is the bad ones. A bit inconsistent but doesn't it go the heartless nature of the Trump process?
Three cheers for the judge who has put the brakes on the train and is requiring us to think this through. Hopefully a more humane approach can be taken regarding all the sad separations of families taking place across the country.
Three cheers for the judge who has put the brakes on the train and is requiring us to think this through. Hopefully a more humane approach can be taken regarding all the sad separations of families taking place across the country.
24
If the administration reverses course, however, “then I would consider voting for him again.”
The deep concern of this "conservative Christian" for others in similar straits is touching.
The deep concern of this "conservative Christian" for others in similar straits is touching.
110
Martin Neimoller said it best:
“
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
”
“
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
”
77
Elections have consequences, true. But more to the point here; criminal behavior has consequences as well. If these folk were serious about wanting to stay here, they should not have broken into cars and sold cocaine.
27
Or voted for Trump. They apparently lived reformed lives except for that egregious oversight.
11
So in your opinion the answer is to send them back to a country that they will likely be killed in?
1
Clearly, you have never made a mistake. I guess you are saying that you should have been deported for yours?
2
You back Trump, you get what you paid for...sorry Charlie.
74
To "Dina": That is a pretty pathetic reference to Charlie...I'm sure his parents don't share the same view of Trump as you do...
3
It's a real pity that so many Americans can't be bothered to consider the long-term consequences of any of their actions. They want easy, they want someone to tell them what to do, they want hard choices magically made simple. What we're getting now is what happens when you pretend complicated situations are simple. Magical thinking can't change reality, only blind its victims from seeing reality. That one of the deportees and his family still don't blame Trump tells you everything you need to know - Trump is magic, and therefore can't be blamed for anything that goes wrong. He can only be credited with what he does right. Good luck changing any of these people's minds.
85
I am confused. How does an immigrant whose status is murky enough to be on a deportation list even get to vote in a presidential election? People with green cards cannot vote, can they? Sorry for not knowing the law better. Can anybody out there explain to me the logistics here?
28
The article referred to family members voting, as well as the Chaldean community in general, which has many, many naturalized citizens.
10
Good point. I am confused as well. The article conveniently omits to mention how someone who's green card has been revoked gets to vote. I suspect it's their wives who voted and not them. I wish the article had made that clear.
On a side note: Sorry, but if you break the law, you face the consequences.
On a side note: Sorry, but if you break the law, you face the consequences.
4
Hi there. I think we all ready this as "voted" but the article actually says these populations "backed" Trump. There is a way to back a campaign other than voting - giving money, volunteering, lobbying your spouse to vote for your candidate, etc. The one mention of someone voting in this article seems to be the wife of one of those detained....I'm betting she's a US citizen.
5
"Iraq agreed to begin accepting deportees in exchange for being dropped from the list of countries affected by Mr. Trump’s revised travel ban."
Trump will allow Iranians in, in exchage for being able to kick Iranians out. Kafka would be impressed by the system the Trump adminstration is putting together.
Trump will allow Iranians in, in exchage for being able to kick Iranians out. Kafka would be impressed by the system the Trump adminstration is putting together.
39
The silence of evangelical Christian leaders on this issue after their loud and continuous and groundless complaints that the Obama administration did nothing to protect Christians is both deafening and not surprising. The mean spirited Franklin Graham and Jerry Falwell, Jr., the most visible of the vicious pack of claimants to be religious moralist in chief of the United States, will do nothing to threaten the appointment of judges who will continue to ensure the breaching of the wall between church and state so can nourish from the public trough their amusement parks and madrassas. That overrides any concern for a few middle eastern Christians.
75
People of Graham, Falwell,-- Southern Baptists, Church of Christ etc. don't necessarily view Catholics as Christian. They tend to view sainthood and iconography of Mary as idolatry and Popism.
18
It is a shame that people took Trump at his word regarding deportations; it reflects a lack of understanding of our laws to believe that deportations would be increased "except for people from communities who voted for Trump." I find it difficult to muster empathy for people who voted for Trump, then are shocked when his policies affect them too, as though a vote for him created a safety bubble for them. In the end, however, I do not like to see families torn apart; It hurts the family financially, emotionally, destabilizes the family, and the community when happening to multiple families, has the potential to create greater reliance on benefits programs (which trump wants to shrink) when a breadwinner is deported, the list goes on.
68
What is being overlooked in this debate is the fact that many of these Iraqis have serious criminal records and have served time in Prison for their crimes. Just because they are from Iraq and don't want to go back is a common sentiment you hear from all deportees. I find it hard to be sympathetic to their plight.
Our laws say that these people should be deported. That is the law and I don't think we should give them a "pass". If you broke the laws, committed felonies, were in prison etc. etc. then according to the law you are "deportable". The fact that Iraq for a long time would not accept their deported citizens does not change their deportation eligibility.
It is the same with TPS. The word temporary has a meaning and when we give a group TPS that does not mean that you never have to return to your home country.
We have neglected enforcement of our immigration laws for decades. Now that we are making serious efforts at enforcement, we should go ahead with our enforcement. What is sad is that we are in this situation is due mostly to Democrats that never really wanted to enforce our immigration laws. One of the reasons I voted for Trump was that he promised to finally enforce out immigration laws..
Our laws say that these people should be deported. That is the law and I don't think we should give them a "pass". If you broke the laws, committed felonies, were in prison etc. etc. then according to the law you are "deportable". The fact that Iraq for a long time would not accept their deported citizens does not change their deportation eligibility.
It is the same with TPS. The word temporary has a meaning and when we give a group TPS that does not mean that you never have to return to your home country.
We have neglected enforcement of our immigration laws for decades. Now that we are making serious efforts at enforcement, we should go ahead with our enforcement. What is sad is that we are in this situation is due mostly to Democrats that never really wanted to enforce our immigration laws. One of the reasons I voted for Trump was that he promised to finally enforce out immigration laws..
26
You're right.
These people who have served time, reformed, and help build their community and local businesses didn't become citizens before they committed the crimes.
This seems like the most important group to target.
Not the street gangs or drug smugglers. At least it's easy to persuade Trump voters with arrests of people that pay their taxes, send you their address, or show up to USCIS office when required.
These people who have served time, reformed, and help build their community and local businesses didn't become citizens before they committed the crimes.
This seems like the most important group to target.
Not the street gangs or drug smugglers. At least it's easy to persuade Trump voters with arrests of people that pay their taxes, send you their address, or show up to USCIS office when required.
5
You make some reasonable points. How some of these men turned their lives around after their run-ins with the law during their misspent youths made me think of the conversion of Saint Paul.
Actually, Judyw, most democrats did support enforcement of the immigration laws; in fact, President Obama's administration deported more immigrants than Bush Jr.
2
All these people, farmers in California now missing their crop workers, Christians from Iraq being deported, elderly on Medicaid getting health care for the first time in years from the ACA... all these people who voted for Trump thinking that his terrible, hateful rhetoric against "others" would certainly not affect them... didn't they realize that when a person speaks ill or torments one group, it's just a matter of time before their group is next? Hatred is hatred, it doesn't matter where you direct it...
126
I've heard it time and time again from everyone and everywhere (Including the NY Times)...Your religion does not supersede our laws.
31
The last person whose job it was to enforce the laws saw room to leave those people alone, so they voted for Trump, who's deporting them.
6
This is true, of course. The underlying issue though is the persecution of an easily-targeted religious minority should they be forcibly repatriated to the Middle East. Will the deportation be a death sentence? That is the question at the heart of the matter.
August 19, 1934
Hitler abolishes the office of President and declares himself Ruler of Germany. In this capacity, Hitler’s decisions are not bound by the laws of the state and there are no legal or constitutional limits to his authority.
Hitler abolishes the office of President and declares himself Ruler of Germany. In this capacity, Hitler’s decisions are not bound by the laws of the state and there are no legal or constitutional limits to his authority.
16
Anyone who claims to be a Christian and supports Donald has not READ the Gospels! The man is against everything that Jesus taught.
We should all share this story on our social media pages so that everyone is aware of what is going! Undocumented immigrants who have committed no crime, should be allowed to apply for legal status! This is only just!
What would Jesus do?
We should all share this story on our social media pages so that everyone is aware of what is going! Undocumented immigrants who have committed no crime, should be allowed to apply for legal status! This is only just!
What would Jesus do?
60
But it seems as if those described in the article have committed crimes.
15
You could ask, "Who would Jesus deport?" -- but the question loses a lot of its bite when they have a ready answer.
2
Sorry, but the bible and Jesus teachings are not-thank god-our constitution and laws. We don't have a Koran to show us our laws either. We have our secular laws and they need to be enforced. Our selective enforcement, especially of immigration laws, has had a corrosive effect on our whole society for decades. Time to end that.
1
The scary part is that they felt protected as Christians, they would not be touched by the deportations---and they didn't seem to be concerned about "others". Forget about other groups being deported until it hits home. The primal selfishness of people is really sad to see.
283
Exactly why I don't feel bad for them.
37
The problem, of course, is that those who oppose Trump's travel ban have made it a centerpiece of their legal argument that no law can privilege Christians over Muslims, even if the Christians are being persecuted by the Muslims.
5
That's not a "problem" - that's the U.S. Constitution.
It's a problem for Trump in that he can't discriminate against Muslims, as he so badly wants to do. Too bad that being fair to all religions isn't an option that will ever occur to him.
It's a problem for Trump in that he can't discriminate against Muslims, as he so badly wants to do. Too bad that being fair to all religions isn't an option that will ever occur to him.
29
Remember America is founded on religious freedom? That means not just your freedom or just mine. That is kind of the point of the article here: we are all at risk when any one group is isolated and purged. The problem, of course, is that there are those who believe Christians are more important than anybody else.
Last I recall, most Mexicans are Christian too... so are we going to discriminate based on skin color or religion? Let's choose for the Great New America.
Last I recall, most Mexicans are Christian too... so are we going to discriminate based on skin color or religion? Let's choose for the Great New America.
44
How many of the Russian immigrants from the 90s have lost their green cards and were deported for being part of the Russian mafia? Zero?
43
Well, I don't know, and you probably don't either, that that is true.
But the consideration for the history of the individual and the seriousness of the crime should be considered for anyone, whether citizen or legal resident, or for that matter even undocumented resident.
So far as rapists and those guilty of other very serious crimes, well, we should be doing something with them beyond just letting them go about their business.
But the consideration for the history of the individual and the seriousness of the crime should be considered for anyone, whether citizen or legal resident, or for that matter even undocumented resident.
So far as rapists and those guilty of other very serious crimes, well, we should be doing something with them beyond just letting them go about their business.
3
To "Westsider": Is your comment a slam on 8 year's of Obama's policies or just of the 5 months of Trump?
1
My heart breaks for them but I can not save them. Our local news just ran a similar story of a pastor who has lived in San Diego for 30 years. He was also arrested for being undocumented. He too is not a criminal. He is also being deported.
Elections have consequences.
Elections have consequences.
67
He is a criminal. He violated our immigration laws. That makes you a criminal.
1
I'm going to save all my sympathy for the millions who will be harmed by Trump's policies that didn't vote for him. Sorry but any fool could have seen these things coming, everybody who voted for Trump gets no sympathy from me for suffering from his idiotic thrashing around. If it helps them realize they were part of the problem, that's great.
187
He won because he wanted to protect Americans from the illegal aliens committing heinous crimes and breaking our laws....why do you take their side against your fellow citizens?
2
Dear Barb Tennant,
Actually, I'm pretty sure Trump won because he appealed to racism and ignorance. And I'm on board with deporting illegal immigrants, but not with banning whole nations from even visiting, nor refusing to accept refugees.
Actually, I'm pretty sure Trump won because he appealed to racism and ignorance. And I'm on board with deporting illegal immigrants, but not with banning whole nations from even visiting, nor refusing to accept refugees.
2
"You knew it was as snake when you picked it up"
162
The article might have noted that Obama's "failure" to admit more Christian refugees was actually due to obstruction by the Republican Congress. This makes a Chaldean vote for a man with a history of muddled ethics even less logical than the article portrays.
192
Thanks for pointing that out.
2
All these poor people and their families suffering. Mexicans, South Americana, Chaldeans, Syrians. Why did anyone think they would be exempt from Trump & Company's nationalistic ideals. They may be "Christians", but they are still the "other" and Trump wants them all gone. As to the comment that the Chaldesn's plight doesn't reach the president's desk, well if he wasn't distracted by Mika or his golfing, maybe he would have time to consider the plight of immigrants.
152
Or maybe, if he could read. Or if he allowed daily briefings.
1
Sorry, but we, like all countries on earth, have laws, especially immigration laws. A border is really the only difference between one country and the one next to them. Many are glad to see the era of open borders ending.
1
Should Trump distinguish/discriminate on the basis of religious affiliation? Self-declared Christians can stay, Muslims must go?
26
Given that most Latin Americans are Christians, even often devout and practicing Catholics just like the Chaldeans, I somehow doubt that Trump would start such a policy.
11
According to Trump himself, yes.
3
It is hard to have compassion toward you and your circumstances when you still support Trump, though I do.
Those who have been effected by his racism have got to recognize that he will lie, he will have you crushed, he will destroy your life just to make himself feel superior. As long as he has any authority in this country, your life is likely to get more and more miserable.
Those who have been effected by his racism have got to recognize that he will lie, he will have you crushed, he will destroy your life just to make himself feel superior. As long as he has any authority in this country, your life is likely to get more and more miserable.
46
How is it racism to deport a drug user or someone who engages in domestic violence? What nation allows people to stay after they commit crimes?
1
what was that famous quote from world war 2 - Niemöller :
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
153
Ken Morrison, et al:
Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for the quotation:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for the quotation:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
10
That famous quote does not quite apply here Ken, read my previous comment - for some of these people you quote would read at the end :
"Then they came for me...but they let me go ....so I go back to my silence ....nay my support for THEM"
Thats what makes this such an unsettling article.
"Then they came for me...but they let me go ....so I go back to my silence ....nay my support for THEM"
Thats what makes this such an unsettling article.
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First, last, and always, they come for black people. Now they're coming for the rest of Americans and people are finally waking up.
6
I regret that these families are being torn apart. However, I do hope that these people will come to see their hypocrisy. They damaged this country in their own self-interest, by voting for Trump, and now they are the brunt of his vindictive and destructive policies. The fact that they can still support Trump is highly disturbing. Their case provides useful, if very disturbing, insight into the strength of his support. It's as baffling as it is maddening.
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Mr. Hamama and the other people mentioned were convicted of serious crimes and should be subject to the same deportation rules as everyone else. Claiming to be Christian had nothing to do with the matter.
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Thank you for your comment. I was wondering when someone would bring up that by committing a crime, they lost any right to keep their green card, no matter how mufch of a model citizen they might have become. The same would happen to me if I were an expat in most other countries.
18
In the case of Mr. Hamama, it was said that threatened another driver with an unloaded gun. Is waving a non-functioning weapon a serious crime? Isn't proportionality a consideration in punishment?
1
Lets see :
"Mr. Trump “broke his promise,” said Nahrain Hamama, 54, whose husband has been detained.
If the administration reverses course, however, “then I would consider voting for him again,” she added."
I read that and I think to myself , after at first feeling sympathy for her and her husband - DEPORT THEM !
If she can be this selfish ( if trump lets my husband go I will support him again - too bad for those other families - latino's , muslims. etc ) then I can be this callous and think - good ! you got what you deserved lady - but did the rest of us?
What a great Christian you are in the mold of Mike Pence I see.
"Mr. Trump “broke his promise,” said Nahrain Hamama, 54, whose husband has been detained.
If the administration reverses course, however, “then I would consider voting for him again,” she added."
I read that and I think to myself , after at first feeling sympathy for her and her husband - DEPORT THEM !
If she can be this selfish ( if trump lets my husband go I will support him again - too bad for those other families - latino's , muslims. etc ) then I can be this callous and think - good ! you got what you deserved lady - but did the rest of us?
What a great Christian you are in the mold of Mike Pence I see.
224
So as long as he was targeting Muslims, it was OK. Now that they are ensnared in the deportation efforts it's not OK? How Christian...
48