Obviously there are many systems in the United States that are broken and need attention. We have ignored immigration for many years, and now ICE cracks down in major cities. Is this the right way to go about this? It seems like all we are doing is trying to instill fear. There must be a better way to protect families looking for a better life.
16
If a thief enters my house without permission, do I have the right to remove him immediately or must I ensure he gets his day in court before he can be removed?
31
How long does DHS plan to house everyone in hotels while they sort out who's a citizen and who can claim US children and babies? Who will attend their needs? How will they get to work or school or day care? What if other relatives won't claim them out of fear that their 80 year-old undocumented granny will be deported? What happens to their homes, businesses and possessions while they're in limbo? Another cruel outrage!!!
15
Something strange is going on. It doesn’t make sense yet, but perhaps in time it will, perhaps, a year, a few years? Maybe, maybe not. But the connections seems strange. Maybe they’re just coincidences.
I believe I just read in this paper that Epstein was also a client of Deutsch Bank? That’s the same bank which was giving money to Trump. It’s the same bank with shady connections. No, Epstein gets taken in suddenly.
It’s strange how he seems to have the same bank with Trump, they were friends, supposedly a case went cold just before the elections.
What is going on?! It seems like a massive conspiracy and coverup is under way!
7
Sophie is completely right.
2
Can we take the word "illegals" out of the lexicon? These dehumanizers need to learn that "illegals" is not a noun.
9
Really getting tired of the endless histrionics, ad nauseam, over the issue of illegal foreign migrants and their children. We have over 20 MILLION illegal aliens residing in this country, with tens of thousands more trespassing across our southern border every month...enticed by the promise of free health insurance, birthright citizenship, and sanctuary from immigration law enforcement.
What....we don’t have enough cultural and ideological divisiveness, poverty, homelessness, and violence in this country that we have to import more chaos? Our hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and environmental resources aren’t sufficiently burdened?
Unless you dream of living in an impoverished, overpopulated, environmentally degraded third world country without ever leaving home, you will immediately come to your senses and demand an end to the brazen exploitation of our country’s sovereignty and citizenry by foreign nationals who are NOT entitled to be here.
58
The court said he can't scare hard working and tax paying immigrants away; so, he would now put them away.
This guy is disgusting.
8
@Daniel Solomon
Sounds like you still can’t comprehend the difference between a ‘legal immigrant’ and an ‘illegal alien’.
Try harder.
28
@Susanna: One is presumed to have a legitimate claim to refugee status until proven otherwise.
5
@Steve Bolger
On the contrary. Asylum-seekers must ‘prove’ persecution based upon specific grounds, such as race, religion, nationality, political affiliation. Poverty and gang violence are NOT grounds for asylum,
26
Has anyone stopped to think, that perhaps one of these emigrant children coming to this country, will be the discoverer of the cure for cancer or a thousand other debilitating and horrendous diseases?
No. Apparently, the majority can only think about themselves and how they think themselves so threatened by someone they don't consider their own, or someone not like them, or someone not the same color as themselves.
11
@Doremus Jessup: People who have not been stimulated through the various stages of brain development are disadvantaged in school, and less likely to become cutting edge scientists. Stunting is a severe problem in Central America, particularly among indigenous people. This whole region needs an intervention.
12
Come on... Do you actually know anyone from Latin America? I’ll bet on the average they are smarter than you are! I know lots and lots of them and I am impressed with their family values, smarts, ethics and character. I’ve taught school, worked in medical care with them, and seen them up close as neighbors. They are just regular people, desperate for a chance at a better life. By the way, are you a Native American? No... where did your people come from? I’ll bet you they didn’t walk across the land bridge 10,000 years ago! Why don’t you go back where they came from?
11
@Steve Bolger
Actually, it really sounds like you're describing the voter base that supports Donald Trump.
It's so sad that there is so much prejudice in the world.
5
America's Kristallnacht. Shameful.
17
@Haynannu
You equate our nation’s rightful immigration law enforcement with the murder of 6 million innocent Jews?
30
Needlessly destroying lives - that's what the GOP does best.
"From The Party That Brought You The Iraq War!"
16
@Chicago Guy These people did break our laws did they not? When American citizens break laws, there are also consequences.
25
The Iraq was was aided and abetted by Democrats, lest we forget.
6
@John
"When American citizens break laws, there are also consequences." - not when they are Republicans - just ask Donald Trump. Why is it that, for people like him, laws are always "for other people" - but, never themselves?
And the fact that they are not American citizens does nothing to alter the fact that their lives, and their children's will be destroyed for no good reason.
Of all the lawbreakers in this country right now, why is this the Trump Administration's one and only priority? Isn't not because he's concerned with people breaking the law, that's for sure. It's merely an exercise in misery for political gain - period.
3
Anyone who is born here is a citizen. Not changing the constitution again. Anyone accepted into any of our Armed Services gains citizenship. Dreamers get to stay.Trump started out demonizing them from day 1, talking about millions of people being rapists and drug dealers. Fake narrative, otherwise known as lying. Going to build a wall, going to end asylum laws of longstanding, suddenly they're loopholes. Another lie. Amazes me how easily people will believe Trump's fake news but then, I don't watch Fox news dumping lies as facts every day. Whatever you do not have, is because of brown people. Not because Trump stole all your money for a trillion dollar tax cut to the wealthy and corporations, no it's because people less well off then you are are working hard making decent lives here. Trump says, don't believe what anyone else tells you, I alone define reality. None of his mobs sense anything fishy? That is human nature for you. It must be rigorously guarded against.
18
It is not a security issue. It is an election issue. The President's support comes from people who think immigrants stole their union jobs with high pay and good benefits. Deporting immigrants and tariffing China will reopen the steel mills and coal mines. I'm afraid not.
21
Obama deported more people who crossed the southern border than any of his Republican predecessors. However, the Obama administration directed enforcement to prioritize the removal of criminals and members of organized crime, and placed a much lower priority on targeting those who were law abiding, with established roots in U.S. communities. Obama attempted to bring those people out of the shadows, give them a path to citizenship, and enable them in the long run to become productive, tax paying citizens. He admittedly walked a tightrope with this approach, but it was the right idea.
Instead of building on Obama's strategy, trump has dispersed resources to go after anyone and everyone. It's easier to round up and deport harmless immigrants in large numbers, as opposed to violent criminals. Trump's unfocused approach raises deportation numbers, which he can then point to when boasting of his accomplishments.
Yet trump's policies of deterrence, where there are no priorities for who gets targeted, are an ineffective mess. His administration is stuck on processing children and families while drawing resources away from stopping and deporting those who actually threaten national security. Under trump, decent, hard working people get deported, while no priority is given to targeting criminal organizations, drug cartels, human traffickers, etc. - the "bad hombres" who are still here, and who serve a purpose for trump's fearmongering agenda.
13
@Roberta
Same thing with the "opoid crisis", now involving a police force (DEA)in our crumbling medical system, as if there aren't already enough oars in those waters already.
Welcome to the republican's police state. Nobody is safe
5
Obama deported more people who crossed the southern border than any of his Republican predecessors. However, the Obama administration directed enforcement to prioritize the removal of criminals and members of organized crime, and placed a much lower priority on targeting those who were law abiding and with established roots in U.S. communities. Obama attempted to bring those people out of the shadows, give them a path to citizenship, and enable them in the long run to become productive, tax paying citizens. He admittedly walked a tightrope with this approach, but it was the right idea.
Instead of building on Obama's strategy, trump has dispersed resources to go after anyone and everyone. It's easier to round up and deport harmless immigrants in large numbers, as opposed to violent criminals. Trump's unfocused approach raises deportation numbers, which he can then point to when boasting of his accomplishments.
Yet trump's policies of deterrence, where there are no priorities for who gets stopped or deported, are an ineffective mess. His administration is stuck on processing children and families while drawing resources away from stopping and deporting those who actually threaten national security. Under trump, decent, hard working people get deported, while no priority is given to the removal of criminal organizations, drug cartels, human traffickers, etc. - the "bad hombres" who are still here and who serve a purpose for trump.
8
Reagan passed his mistaken amnesty in 1986. 1986! Over 30 years ago!
Want to know why it takes such draconian action to restore a functioning immigration system? Because we let this whole mess get so out of hand. And now, according to many, we can't even deport those with final deportation orders without setting off a hue and cry? Is there a reason to have a legal system at all, if after having a person go all the way through a very expensive legal system, we can't even enforce a verdict?!
31
Of course people who do not win have to be deported. Otherwise, why would we waste all that tax money on court appointed lawyers and judges if the result of the case is meaningless?
20
With his immigration raid threat splashing the headlines, and terrorizing neighborhoods, Trump have already succeeded in obviating the need for the forbidden question.
People thought scaring hard working and tax-paying immigrants away from the census was tasteless; now, he is actually going to physically put them away.
This guy's insensitive egomania is matched only by his sickening luck of decency and cruelty.
5
@declining society
Obviously you wish your country to become isolated with someone who lies constantly and consistently. America and its traditions are formed by immigrants. Trump’s lack of moral leadership with his optics are this bringing this country down. The DNC is trying to restore decency and democracy. McConnell and his wife represent the swamp creatures they are as they enable Trump to be the champion of hate and treatment of people like cattle. Trump will be voted out of office. But Wait. Maybe the Russians are playing behind the scenes again pulling strings that Trump becomes the creature of the lagoon he truly is.
3
Our broken and dysfunctional immigration system is now replaced by Gestapo. Back when Jews were persecuted, no country, including the US, allowed Jews to emigrate. Once again, history repeats itself. To avoid deportation back to the country where they rosk being murdered, they must hide.
26
@Sadie
You dare to equate economic migrants escaping poverty and gang violence with Jews escaping systematic, state-sponsored gas chambers?
18
We are raiding homes and taking people away. Let that sink in for a minute. Where have we seen this before, and where does it end up. I already know. And now I understand Germany in the 1930s.
40
From my understanding they are going after people who have already served notice of deportation. This is not a random intrusion. I'm against thuggish behavior in general, but I'm sick of the alarmist attitudes that ignore context.
34
Trump is probably already lining up cattle cars. With MAGA painted on the side for those campaign ads.
8
@Todd
The officials said ICE agents were targeting at least 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported — some as a result of their failure to appear in court — but who remain in the country illegally.
My wife's family endured the Holocaust. To imply there is an equivalence is deeply insulting to their lived (and died) experience, to use the language of the day.
35
Most comments on Youtube about American Citizens wishing to Visit Foreign countries and cities Like London, Paris etc. "I would love to visit these place one day". American Wage Slavery leaves Americans with very little Money to visit abroad. Debt Slaves, See BBC documentary How being Poor [Materialistically] is cause of suicides among American Men. Hollywood is the culprit, they show Shining Glamorous America to the World.
My inference is "Time" to get good results, One must develop or Mature over an extended period of time. Modernity does not allow that.
5
We have allowed our immigration laws to be almost totally ignored for many years--that is why we are in the mess that we are in and why more illegal immigrants keep coming here and/or keep overstaying their Visas. There is no other country in the world that I am aware of that is so lax with illegal immigration. We need to start deporting illegal immigrants in high numbers so that others won't be encouraged to come illegally. We also need to start cracking down on businesses who hire illegal immigrants. And yes, we need to change our laws so that when illegal immigrants have children in the United States, those children do not automatically become U. S. citizens at birth. If that law is not changed, there will always be the issue of children possibly being separated from their parents when the parents are deported. I am not at all against legal immigration. Our country benefits from skilled legal immigrants of any nationality or race who contribute to rather than drain our resources.
871
@Sophie the premise that deportation works as a deterrent is wrong. Crossing dangerous deserts, rivers, and sometimes oceans is not a deterrent. The risk of death is not a deterrent. We need to address the reasons why people feel the need to flee or pursue opportunity elsewhere—and those problems are far more complex and will not go away no matter how well we enforce immigration laws here.
395
@Sophie it is deeper than repealing a law - the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would have to be repealed - a much higher bar, to be clear.
140
@Sophie "There is no other country in the world that I am aware of that is so lax with illegal immigration."
And you know this how?
"We need to start deporting illegal immigrants in high numbers so that others won't be encouraged to come illegally."
We've been deporting immigrants by the millions. Obama was called the Deporter-in-Chief. Hasn't stopped them. And almost all in the humanitarian crisis at the border are asylum seekers. so they aren't here illegally. They have a right to ask; our problem is we begrudge the resources to process them promptly, but that's no excuse for treating them like garbage.
"We also need to start cracking down on businesses who hire illegal immigrants."
Well yeah, but the business lobbies in Washington have stopped that from happening, because they're the ones taking the biggest advantage of workers who take whatever pay and poor working conditions they get because they're undocumented.
"And yes, we need to change our laws so that when illegal immigrants have children in the United States, those children do not automatically become U. S. citizens at birth."
Requires a Constitutional Amendment. I can think of a few Amendments we need at a higher priority than that; revamping, if not eliminating, the Electoral College being one.
"Our country benefits from skilled legal immigrants of any nationality or race who contribute to rather than drain our resources."
If they were documented and paying taxes, they wouldn't be draining resources.
254
This breaks my heart, so many good hard working families will be destroyed.
4
England lost the records of thousands of immigrants from Jamaica, and now their citizenship is in question. I once worked with a Jamaican who spoke the most perfect King's English. I hope these people will not be deported.
4
Consider this a practice exercise when it’s necessary to round up and detain the (fill in the blank).
5
Trump to self: ‘if we deport them, we won’t have to count them in the census...’
2
Fetid. "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--because I was not a socialist. . ."
7
Perfect timing - sweeping immigration raids to commemorate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the infamous Palmer Raids (1/2/1920) - Way to go Donnie!
5
The Democrats would win the next election in a landslide if they would simply stop their ridiculous support of illegals over Americans.
They could instead strengthen our border and correct the loopholes in our laws regarding asylum and anchor babies.
And immediately prove they support Americans by devoting their time, energy and funds to bettering life for working Americans, the working poor and our own homeless.
What are the odds they do that to tangibly support Americans over illegals?
26
@Dr. John
Why should we listen to republicans telling us what to do?
4
@Dr. John
Agreed. Democrats have lost my vote over this issue alone....and I’ve been voting exclusively Democrat for 40 years.
10
Visit a dairy barn in scenic Vermont and you'll find those cows are being looked after by undocumented immigrants. Deport them and destroy an industry.
5
Or, we could stop expecting our products to be made at slave labor prices by overworked and underpaid imports.
21
@Bruce
Or we could give them documentation and save us a fortune on incarcerations and policing.
7
It's time for Nancy Pelosi to do something besides collect her paycheck and throttle dissent in her party.
4
Sunday to collect the undocumented refugees? That seems odd. You would think a good Christian country like ours would plan the human sweep up to occur on Christmas or Easter Day. Wouldn’t that please Jesus! Let’s ask an evangelical Christian just which of the two days would be best.
7
Remember in his last campaign Trump wanted information on members of mosques so he could get rid of the most dangerous?
5
I heard the US Government pays over $700 a day to lock a captured kid up in private facilities. Imagine how much money we'll pay--imagine how much the private jails are making.
7
E-verify is not mandatory. It should be. When ICE arrests undocumented or fraudulently documented immigrants they should also arrest the employer for not using e-verify. As long as e-verify is not required, employers will hire the cheapest labor they can get and the undocumented will continue to come to get those jobs.
13
According to reports, Obama deported more people who crossed the southern border than any of his Republican predecessors. But the Obama administration directed enforcement to prioritize the removal of criminals and members of organized crime, and placed a much lower priority on removing those who were law abiding, with established roots in U.S. communities, and who had were here for a safer, better life for their families. Obama attempted to bring those people out of the shadows, give them a path to citizenship, and enable them to be productive citizens and tax payers in the long run. He admittedly walked a tightrope with this approach, but it was the right idea.
Instead of building on Obama's strategy, trump has dispersed resources to go after anyone & everyone. It's easier to round up & deport harmless immigrants in large numbers, as opposed to the violent criminals. It raises deportation stats, which trump can then point to when boasting about his accomplishments.
Yet trump's policies of deterrence, where there are no priorities in who gets stopped or deported, have been an ineffective mess. The administration is stuck on processing children and families at the cost of drawing resources away from stopping and deporting those who actually threaten national security. Under trump, decent, hard working people get deported, while the drug cartels, crime lords, terrorists, etc - the "bad hombres" who serve a purpose for trump's agenda - are still here.
3
@Roberta
Obama did almost no true deportations. He mostly did "turn arounds" at the border and called them deportations. The LA Times reported on how misleading the Obama era "deportation" stats were.
https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-obama-deportations-20140402-story.html
10
Normalizing this behavior is unacceptable. The lives of children should not be meat to throw to a political "base" and any base that requires this kind of mind meld with evil is a sad and dangerous group. Immigration needs clear and reasonable reformation made in a bipartisan congress. Other countries have immigration policies and enforce them without threat, cruelty or humiliation.
Vote this administration OUT.
11
This article refers to "immigrants," not illegal immigrants, and there is a huge difference that these journalists fail to acknowledge in their slanted reporting. This says more about how the debate on this issue has become cheapened more than anything else. The vast majority of people in this country think legal immigration is fine. Don't confuse this with people (many of whom are legal immigrants) who think that the immigration laws should be enforced. All presidents have enforced it, including Obama and Trump. The people who will be deported have all had their rights respected and had opportunities be tried legally in immigration courts. Maybe the terrible ordeals of the people who will be arrested this weekend will make Congress and the president do something about our terrible immigration laws, but I'm not holding my breath.
15
I honestly believe NYT’s word choice is intentional in order to fuel and ignite strong sentiment regardless of facts or rule of law. In the article they talk about the raid being targeted at some from the recent waves of illegal crossers. Later on one of they continue with the argument that such raid will cause family separations for us citizens.
I wonder how quickly did they have kids who are already qualified to be US citizens ?!
8
No one should ever give credence to anything Maggie Haberman writes, about Trump or anyone or anything else.
7
At the end of the day, the country is going to need to heal from this abuse, these wounds of hate.
Trump will go. And he will leave a very torn country, if Americans allow him to.
Some of the things he’s doing are very hateful things, the kind of things that take a long time to heal.
For those of us commenting here, we’re likely past our twenties or thirties or likely fourties. The question is what country will be left for younger people.
Older people left a country torn by racism, which current generations are still struggling to overcome.
So, it’s probably wise for current generations not to plant even more seeds of hate.
2
@Freak
The younger generation was fine. Last I checked it was the red state old white dudes voting for Trump. The very people who already have theirs and won’t be doing anything legal or undocumented manual labor would do.
But maybe their kids and grand kids can milk cows, slaughter meat and pick vegetables after we deport the bread winners in the families. They will need to up the taxes to afford the million citizen dependents they leave behind.
2
... Or maybe not. It's only Thursday.
1
Are they also arresting the owners of the companies that hired them? No? Hmmm...
4
Why oh why does our country keep wanting to round up innocent people, force them into camps and label them "the bad guys"? When will this policy ever end? When will we learn to treat fellow humans with dignity and respect?
4
They’re not innocent.
8
@Nick
You j-walk or speed? Neither are you then. We should lock you up especially since you probably did it as flagrant abuse for selfish reasons unrelated to raising your family.
4
The equivalent of confronting dozens and dozens of international airline passengers who ran for the emergency exit upon arrival into the US in order to by-pass customs.
I'm supposed to be aggrieved???? Really????
18
Until the day you, or your family, need help in an emergency. Miami is predicted to be the first state to go underwater. Hating innocent young children running from gangs and violence. How heartless.
4
Don’t your hands hurt from the ceaseless wringing?
Should we as a country, and those at issue, ignore court findings on deportations? Like the way this administration and its apparatchiks ignore subpoenas?
4
Is it a problem? Yes. Is Trump the most cruel man on the planet today? Definitely. Is Pence the epitome of a heathen? Without question.
22
Yes Pence represents what a true Christian isn’t. As the Platters would sing, “He is the great pretender..”
4
Worse than Kim Jong-Un? Sheesh, TDS is everywhere now.
2
I think the government ought to concentrate them in camps. Then decide what to do. Humanely, of course. Then call the camps . . . hmm, let's see. People concentrated in camps . . . Well, Trump and Barr can probably find an appropriate name. As W. S. said, "What's in a name?"
9
How documented was First Lady Melania when she arrived in the US?
29
Call your Members of Congress and tell them to STOP this: it takes five minutes to call all three of them. 202-224-3121.
8
@Pat Just called. It was easy. CALL everyone. Keep calling!!
1
My aunt has been waiting for more than 5 years to come to this country legally. Even if she wanted to cross the border illegally, she isn’t able to just sneak across the Pacific Ocean like these illegals cross the border. These are not refugees. They broke the law, and we are a country of laws.
34
@John Are we really a nation of laws? With a president that regularly flouts laws that apply to him and his family.
8
Thousands came for asylum. That process is LEGAL. trump processing almost no one’s application is illegal.
8
False equivalency. Even if the president were breaking laws he is a citizen, these people are not and had there chance in court and either were rejected or didn’t show up. They need to go home.
8
Brilliant, hard working, loving people will be thrown out of a country they call home where they have lived for decades and given birth to children who are American citizens. "There but for fortune go you or I." Cruel, inhumane, and evil!
9
So Pelosi completely caved to Trump on funding more concentration camps with zero human rights stipulations on the promise that this exact raid on immigrants would not happen.
Either Pelosi & centrist Democrats are fully complicit on Trump's racism, or they are the world's most incompetent negotiators.
Is this why Pelosi was recently so adamant about stopping any criticism? Because one of her biggest failures is about to blow up in her face?
5
ICE should not overlook illegal Chinese, Indians, Irish, Koreans, etc. in their raids. We all know where they live, work, etc. if not check Chinese restaurants, Indian convenience stores, Irish bars and pubs and Korean convenience stores.
14
@Jack
And while they’re at it check Europeans who overstay their Visas.
9
Our founding mothers and fathers are rolling in their graves.
11
The slave-owning one percent from the 18th century that I keep hearing about? I seriously doubt it.
3
Carefully read the Supreme Court decisions. Children of parents who are legally here have birthright citizenship.
8
We ought to be terribly frightened about all of this, but it seems like not many of us can connect with what happened in the 1930s in Europe; rampant racism, rounding up families and putting them in “camps”, dis-information campaigns and lies from the leadership and more. Yes, we need to do something about illegal immigration but our government caused this problem and our Congress continued to kick the can down the road year after year. Now we have a group of people who contribute to our economy, but who are now being overtly persecuted so they can be a part of Trump’s political theatre. All of this will end only when we vote this collection of evil out of office in 2020.
13
As the authorities swoop in to scour Trump's tax records and other documents and learn of his misdeeds, this president is desperate to change the subject. His move to bypass the Supreme Court and add the citizenship question is one, and the immigration sweep is another. The latter, unfortunately, is something he can probably get away with; the former is not.
The issue has nothing to do with lax immigration laws but extreme cruelty; what would the MAGA crowd do if their children were picked up and mistreated so shamefully? But their absence of empathy or compassion answers the question of why they would vote in the first place for such a corrupt individual who hates anyone with a certain color of skin.
The United States is no longer the powerful nation it once was, and that's on Trump. The world is laughing at us.
13
@Peter Erikson, one wonders if the MAGA crowd has ever seen ”The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” It is sad to think that even if they did and some day soon the Trump Administration sent its version of striped pajamas to some of the MAGA’s own kids, that they would probably think he was so thoughtful and they would gush with thank yous.
4
The timing suggests the occupant of the Oval Office is looking for a tempest to distract from Robert Mueller's testimony to the House next week.
18
This is a crisis at several levels. Failed states and economic models in Central America with no help in nation building from the developed world. Desperate population fighting for survival. Outdated asylum laws and broken immigration system. US failure in creating an effective temporary employment program for low skilled workers. A political ideology which is all about admiring and keeping the issues burning without working on solutions.
I cannot imagine being one of the families where ICE is going to strike. Where will a family go without a means to survive? On the other hand, you cannot legitimize such lawbreaking, then we will cease to be a nation of law.
Now, when you say Asylum is legal then so is deportation. Any lawmaker asking not to enforce the laws should either resign or stay locked up in a room to fix the law. You cannot have it both ways.
I do not know why Trump is blamed for this? He is merely enforcing the law. The liberal narrative - enforcement of these laws is racism - is the most disgusting argument. The lack of laws will make us the next Venezuela.
If 2000 illegal migrants get deported to make a point that laws exist and are enforced, we should do that. But it has to be taken up as a comprehensive issue and not a Twitter fight.
18
This Administration is threatening decent people. I live in Texas and have opportunity to interact with many people from beyond our southern border. I have no problem with them nor does anyone else I know have a problem with them. Sure, there are some bad ones just like anybody else. The immigrants I know are just quietly working very hard to support their families.
Now, Trump is going to arrest them! They are here because of failures in their country to offer protection and work and because our country offered them jobs. By risking their lives at the border they were able to enter this country. Where is the sensible way to immigrate? It's our fault as much as their homelands that we all have this problem.
I'm ashamed of my country for their part in this Immigration issue!
12
@ Barbara... We have laws whether you like them or not. The targets of these deportation round ups are people who broke the law by ignoring court orders to leave after their asylum claims were denied. If you want open borders then press your Congress person to push such legislation and let's take the issue to the ballot box. In the meantime, the law should be enforced.
15
Since they have been notified ahead of the raids I'm assuming no one will be there when ICE raids?
6
@WJW
It’s about fear and terror.
3
Apparently these raids are being conducted for people who have been notified they're under order of deportation. On top of that there is advance notice. This isn't some random thuggish behavior. I detest Trump and his GOP enablers, but I also detest PC outrage that ignores context and nuance. Our immigration policy is broken. To make matters worse we have two sides holding onto idealistic views divorced from reality and pragmatism. We need real immigration reform that acknowledges our nation's need for increased immigrant labor and provides a system to adequately facilitate entry and tracking. At the want time in need to acknowledge and work with those here and provide a path to citizenship for those who came here as children. It's a double pronged approach. We also need to continue to accept refugees and increase the ability to process them. Unfortunately the right blocks comprehensive reforms. The left needs to accept that all sovereign nations need adequate borders and the ability to maintain them. I can't simply go to Canada, become a resident and receive healthcare and other services. Social programs are expensive, and there needs to be a level of proven self sufficiency to new residents who aren't given refugee status. That was common for those arriving from Europe in the 20th century. As for refugees, we can't take everyone. That's unfortunate, but it's also reality. Those who advocate for a free flow of humanity will begin to change their minds as did Europeans.
22
Giving individuals that you plan to arrest advance notice of when you are coming for them doesn't sound like the brightest of ideas. Actually, what is happening is that Trump is giving notice to his base that he is some kind of tough guy on immigration. Personally, I consider the illegals to be less of a threat to the country than is Trump.
12
@Clark Landrum
You just don’t see him and Stephen Miller as racists. This is about causing fear in the entire Latino community.
It’s not about following the laws or due process. This is a bold faced racist call out that he is attacking Hispanics. He is saying to citizens as well they are not welcome here.
2
I am looking forward toward this mass round up so we will know exactly how much these folks from all over the world contribute to the well being of the USA. Be carefully what you wish for.......trumpers
9
As it is many agricultural crops are going unharvested
6
am easily replaced by able Americans....but greedy employers don't like fair wages for lower income Americans.
4
@David H easily replaceable by able Americans? dream on.....agree with the low wage bit though.
Those being targeted have already had their court dates, have had their chance to leave and now are going to be removed as well they should be. Oh yes there will also be collateral deportations as well. This is just the start and sanctuary cities like NYC are ground zero as well they should be. Openly flaunting sanctuary for illegal aliens and refusal to work with the Feds is just an open invitation to be put at the head of the line for ICE sweeps. We need massive sweeps of areas where illegals are known to frequent, work places where they are being illegally hired, and communities where they think they are safe from sweeps. Say labor sites are also a prime hit zone too. To those who are here illegally.... the free ride is over and you have no place to hide anymore
27
@Bill Cunnane It doesn't work. My ancestors tried it after they welcomed the Europeans when they first landed; and, rather than leaving, the Europeans took over and imprisoned the natives in reservations.
6
I was a police officer in the 70s. About once a year INS (Border patrol) would come to our small, eastern Sierra California town in the dead of night and hide their green vehicles in the local firehouse to prevent detection and alarm the illegals. At 6 in the morning we police would assist the INS raid ‘the usual suspects;’ restaurants, cleaners, and arrest the illegals; then go to their homes and arrest the wife and kids. We police were told not to shoot the illegals as they ran for their jackets because that’s where they had their Return Money sewed into the jacket. INS would photograph them and haul them in a bus to the Mexican border and dump them out. In less than a week the illegals were back to work, awaiting next years raid. We police knew many of them, they were our neighbors. It’s simply a game. Republican corporation want this large labor pool of illegals. They can underpay them, cheat them and fire them they day before payday.
18
@Jerry Sturdivant
"Republican corporation want this large labor pool of illegals. "
Make that Republican and Democratic corporations. Let's not pretend for a moment that Democrats aren't as beholden to massive global corporations as Republicans. Where do you think Dems get their election funds, bake sales?
9
@Jerry Sturdivant
And that is why we never pass reform that allows proper documentation.
6
@Livonian
Agreed but democrats have tried to bring them out of the shadows. Why haven’t republicans? Who represents the most farmers?
2
This is just Kabuki.
To take the headlines off Epstein who is co-accused with Trump of raping a 13-year old girl. The arrest yielded hundreds of discs labeled “Young [redacted] [redacted]” which could very well be “Young Katie Donald.”
Katie withdraw the charge due to death threats (Stormy Daniels, anyone?)
This is just Kabuki.
Trump is pro open border.
For how else will he and his billionaire friends make fortunes and profits?
There is also the hunt for Trump’s fourth wife as the current First Lady/Third Wife is already getting old by Trump’s standard. Remember, Trump admitted that Epstein is a terrific guy and that he shares the same taste with him of raping underage girls.
15
In my youth, we called our nation; "THE LAND OF FREEDOM".
Now our Government calls this nation; "The Land of LAWS".
I vote no confidence in both parties.
What cop shows are you watching tonight?
3
Even if someone supports 45 in his wonderful operation, trusting his ability in navigating every corner without creating new challenges, due to the lack of understanding the matter at hand, is very challenging.
Once the illegal aliens are rounded up, then what.
I should put my money into building cages, since it would take a period of time to process the
1
Never Again is Now -
"I would stress that I am guilty of having been obedient,having subordinated myself to my official duties and the obligations of war service and my oath of allegiance and my oath of office, and in addition, once the war started, there was also martial law.
This obedience was not easy. And again, anyone who has to give orders and has to obey orders knows what one can demand of people. I did not persecute Jews with avidity and passion. That is what the government did. Nor could the persecution be carried out other than by a government. But I never… I accuse the leaders of abusing my obedience. At that time obedience was demanded, just as in the future it will also be demanded of the subordinate."
-Adolf Eichmann-1962
10
How about rounding up the big business that hires them and profits from illegal immigration?
17
This is hate-mongering at its worst.
11
These ICE raids might prove a valuable opportunity for many liberals to put their money where their mouth is: Next week if your gardener or house cleaner doesn’t show up, hire an immigration lawyer out of your own pocket and get them set right. They’ll be forever grateful. My wife and I did that years ago and it’s like we got a new member of the family.
9
Another hapless and feckless move in a long series of hapless and feckless moves.
11
Let the government round up all the undocumented immigrants and deport them and we see the service industry come to a crawl. And then we will find out how the rich can make a phone call and shut the whole thing down.
9
Who's going to make beds and pick strawberries?
I'm not gonna do it!
8
@ MikeB
Can you imagine the hit restaurants will take when this happens? Let’s see Americans get on bicycles and deliver groceries, or wash dishes, or become day laborers, etc. It won’t happen
9
@Oliver
I can't speak for New York City but in Michigan many of those jobs are still performed by American citizens.
7
These are court ordered deportations of people who did not follow the rules. Cry me a river but we are a country of laws.
We either have laws and borders or we have no country.
You can get deported or banned from any western country even if you are a US Citizen. So please stop spinning this like its a cruel hearted response to a problem created by Politicians who do nothing to fix this mess.
20
There is a cause and effect here.
Much of the surge of immigrants who walk thousands of miles to seek asylum at our border, is due to the Trump administration's very drastic cut in aid to Central American countries, thus creating a loss of jobs, high crime, an increase in gang violence, major corruption at all levels, loss of affordable housing and some are having to beg for food for their children. These asylum seekers have been horribly demonized by the Trump adminstration and it is a very sad day that it's so blatantly racist with all asylum seekers being painted with the same brush i.e. "drug dealer, rapist, murderers and gang violence" - Trump has said he prefers people from Norway.
9
Unprincipled, inhumane, and horrific.
13
In modern times America has only probed her current depths of national depravity at the height of the Vietnam war, when LBJ's pride necessitated a whole people go on being judged wicked because of the colour of their skin and the shape of their eyes. The first time as tragedy, the second time as tragedy squared.
7
In my state you can opt out of e-verify if you have fewer than 15 employees.
Why is that?
Go to any big box home improvement store in my state and you will see so many contractors hiring in the lots.
Hold employers accountable.
NYT, please keep digging to bring down this regime.
12
If you are a good Democrat you stand strong with the Party line. You must support open borders, free housing, generous welfare benefits, and free healthcare for persons who are not citizens. Of course, these should be paid for by local and state taxes. But if you don’t support all of those things, you may as well be a Republican.
15
@John
You love speaking for democrats don’t you.
Warren’s Immigration Plan Includes Pledge to Investigate Abuses Under Trump
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/us/politics/elizabeth-warren-immigration.html
Let’s move forward shall we.
8
The U.S. owes a debt to Humanity. It committed genocide against Native Americans and stole their land.
It took 2/3 of Mexico by force of arms in the Mexican-American
War of 1848.
When it illegally invaded Iraq it created 4 million Iraqi refugees.
And since Invasion of Iraq destabilized much of the Middle East it
bears some responsibility for the millions of Syrian refugees.
America and Americans have heavy dues to pay to Humanity.
We should be welcoming people at our southern border with warm hearts and open arms.
But it won’t because most Americans buy the false American narrative of American Exceptionalism. And love to see themselves as privileged and aggrieved parties.
The Ugly American is still rotten and exceedingly ugly.
Mike
9
The purpose of this is to suppress the participation in the census of Hispanics. The visuals will be super scary...scary enough to keep millions from participating.
4
American has been more benevolent, kind and charitable to immigrants than any nation on Earth--especially Christian Conservatives who provide the majority of NGO foreign aid that comes from the USA. In other words, those who talk the most about immigration (i.e., liberals) tend to do the least about it. If we never accepted another immigrant, Americans have already done enough. But we are a nation of laws. Laws are not only enacted for our citizens but also those who wish to come to our country. Without laws, we are lawless like the countries many of these people are attempting to escape. But any of you liberals who want open borders can also follow the law by reaching out, sponsoring a family, becoming a foster parent or opening your refrigerator and your home to the cause? What is holding you back from being a true liberal? Lead by example.
16
@Joshua Folds
I don’t have to. They earn a living and take care of their families through hard work. The problem is employers who want to keep them undocumented for their gain and the racists who fear being replaced.
7
@Joshua Folds, okay enough about “liberals” - seriously, for those who keep blaming “liberals” for everything, please first read the history of your country and then use proper terminology.
Our country was founded on “liberal” principles - which literally means the rights of the individual with those rights protected by a representative government elected by those individuals. The term “liberal” means free
You are more than welcome to brandish “Liberal” with a capital “L” to identify a particular political viewpoint.
But the USA was and is a “liberal democracy.” Your ability to voice your own beliefs publicly are proof of that.
9
Are there laws that I can start ignoring with impunity?
21
@Steve
J-walking, speeding.
All similar to the crime if crossing the border to get a job and care for ones family. In fact the people caring for their families are justified and the speeder kills people.
6
@Steve
Depends. How much money do you have?
3
- End birthright citizenship. This is the single most important action.
- Limit chain migration for legal immigrants to immediate family i.e. spouse/children.
- Monitor visa overstays & boot out those who overstay (surely not that hard)
- Boost number of lawyers at the southern border so asylum seeker claims can be dealt with in 2 weeks (only 10-20% asylum claims actually pass muster but by the time the case winds its way thru the process most of the "asylum" seekers are nowhere to be found)
- Require E-verify.
- Along with aforementioned immigration reforms, insure enough seasonal workers can come and go on short term visas to meet our country's needs. Rethink legal immigration quotas and req'ts.
25
@Catherine asylum claims should be made at the American Embassy in their home country
5
Trump is very transparent. He knows Mueller’s testimony next week is going to be very bad for him and the Republican enablers. So what will he do? Anything to steal the television time. Immigration raids, scare and imprisonments children, threaten more tariffs, tweet childish insults, and maybe even start a war. Whenever does he make time to golf?
7
This administration's reign of terror. I'm weeping for who we might have been.
7
It's ironic that the raids would commence on the "Lord's Day".
6
While we need a viable immigration policy and adherence to laws, the disturbing part of this endeavor is the fear mongering this President relishes. His weakness is evident in his name calling, respect for dictators, petulant behavior and Mussolini like posturing.
I can't believe a person so weak in character is the President of the United States.
10
Long past due. Send ‘em home. If they want in, they can file their papers and get in line.
12
@Blue Dog That is exactly what Native Tribes, long imprisoned in a fraction of their land, should have demanded instead of being friendly and welcoming.
5
This outrage from Democrats when we decide to enforce our own written laws is astounding. Imagine someone from Canada walking across the border, moving into a house and living life as if he is suddenly American. No, he's not, he's still a Canadian, and doing that is illegal.
22
@Chuck Testa
Wow. Sounds like a real criminal. Here is 4.5 billion to spend this month on fixing that.
9
It's not so much that we should worry about immigrants, but that as our nation descends into a state of "Hatees", we should leave.
5
Us, either. Majority of us are against this president.
4
This is absolutely cruel and unnecessary.
14
So, we will take them from productive jobs feeding, cleaning, looking after and landscaping America and put them up in hotel rooms, until we can fly them somewhere without work where their lives may be in danger, at taxpayer expense. Because... Trump.
7
Just a few short years ago it was widely thought that the American public would reject a massive rounding up and deporting of undocumented immigrants. It would split families comprised of citizens and non-citizens, it would undermine communities, where people had worked, put down roots, raised families and develop interpersonal networks.
It was widely assumed that any politician who attempted it would incur the wrath of a large majority of Americans.
Now after massive separation of children from their parents, and the indefinite detention of children in inhumane conditions (including cages), the massive roundup and deportation is afoot. Without the massive blowback from the American public that was predicted.
Clearly we are not the country we thought we were as recently as a few years ago.
6
This is very sad. There must be a better use of our national resources than violating the Fourteenth Amendment and terrorizing families simply because they’re poor, brown, and wish for a better life. Sadly, these kinds policies are reminiscent of some of the darker historical times in our world. I’m not sure how this came to be, but today the U.S. is willing to ignore its founding principles of government- that all people are created equal, that all people have basic rights that cannot be taken away, and that the government gets its power from the people - in order to satisfy a few extremists in government and a re-election bid next year (See? We did something!). I’m glad many here see and can understand that. America, take a good look at yourself. Please stay strong against radicals in the White House, and work to stay true to your core founding values.
8
The Democratic candidates need to take notice that this is a winning issue for Trump. When they all raised their hands to support free medical care for illegal immigrants, they turned a whole lot of voters against all of them.
Trump ads are going to be showing that over and over again until next November. When you are struggling to afford medical care and a candidate says they will support free care for illegal immigrants, what do you expect?
Our country is no longer the country of 40 years ago, when everyone was welcome because there were middle class jobs in reach of just about everyone. Those days are gone, because of GOP malevolence and Democrat cluelessness.
The climate is rapidly changing and massive migration will dwarf what is happening now. Every wealthy country on earth, not just the US, is struggling with an influx of migrants that will increase exponentially as famines and drought force people north. We need a whole new approach to immigration that takes that into account.
Congress needs to act. A better and more rational approach than Trump is offering would be a winning issue.
10
Illegal immigrants would not stay in our country if there were no jobs for them. Why isn’t the law enforced against the companies that employ undocumented workers?
18
@Kathy most of the time they have fake documents
3
Countless lives of Americans and other legal residents have been ruined by the unscrupulous employers who hire illegal aliens at below market wages with few legal safety protections so that they can increase their profits.
Since the Reagan administration, there was is the e-Verify system that would rectify the issue *if enforced as intended.*. Unfortunately, there are no federal laws requiring the enforcement of the laws, and thus many legal residents suffer as a result.
Dunkin Donuts has written into its franchise contract that the law must be followed and e-Verify must be used. A number of franchisees have recently lost their franchise because they wanted to save money instead of follow the law (and their contract).
The comments and others have alluded to jobs where half or more of the workers are illegal.
While some employers complain that they can't find help, that is only because they are not offering sufficient wages.
The enforcement of e-Verify use should become law with very high fines or even short jail sentences for those who violate it.
Using e-Verify solves our illegal alien problem while simultaneously benefiting those less fortunate Americans and others living there legal.
This is called "win-win" and it baffles me why the Democrats in particular no longer care for workers whose jobs have been displaced by illegal aliens.
In lieu of enforcing e-Verify, it leave little choice but to send these people back home.
10
I wonder why Republicans when they were in charge of both houses of Congress and the Presidency did not take up let alone pass an e-verify enforcement law. How come? Too busy trying to get rid of Obamacare, I guess.
6
We'll know that Washington is serious about enforcing immigration laws when they begin raiding the businesses which employ illegal immigrants, rather than the immigrants themselves. And fund E-Verify.
But that won't happen because it will lead illegal immigrants to "self deport," to use Romney's words. And neither the Democratic or Republican Party wants that.
An endless inflow of desperate illegal labor is what the oligarchy the two parties serve want. And they want the masses to fight with each other rather than pay attention to their manipulation.
9
My college roommate, from Wilmington, Delaware, went to Europe after graduation and never came home. She worked illegally in England for a number of years before marrying an Englishman and becoming legal. So Americans do break the laws of other countries. And then there are those who didn't have enough family money, like Trump did, to avoid the Viet Nam draft with a fake doctors report, so fled to Canada.
7
Doesn't Trump realise that countries are run partly on immigrant labour? Where I live, we'd have no fruit in the store right now were it not for immigrant labour.
6
These kinds of intimidating tactics would be a lot harder to carry out if the news media were present filming and/or photographing the actions of these agents. Let America and the world SEE what is being done and let’s see how long this brutality continues. If we spent as much time, energy and money helping and building inside the countries these people are fleeing then maybe they would not be so eager to leave their homes. People only make these desperate journeys because they are unable to survive in their native countries. No one wants to leave a place that’s safe, secure and livable to go to a country that offers nothing but a higher level of poverty and threatens to break up their family. It makes no sense.
5
@pugsley The US has also been complicit in the desperation created in many of these countries. It has supported governments that were good for US business, but bad for the local economy or people. We have often ignored the humane side of international relations by supporting only the economic gains to the USA.
3
We need a sea between the US and Latin America (like the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa. If anyone thinks the US policy is inhumane, they should look at European countries (hiring Libyan militias to keep refugees in Africa, denying entry to rescue boats, etc.) or Australia (isolating refugees on island concentration camps) or Japan (don't even try to get there.)
Perhaps someone out there can point out a country consistently welcoming of large numbers of refugees/asylum seekers.
12
A group of migrants were just turned away by Italy and thus blown up by Libya who housed them meters from a munitions storage facility. Some migrants claimed that they were beaten if they did not participate in the disposition of weapons; weapons traced back to America.
What kind of world have we become? Whose job is really being threatened by migrants in America? Our food and wine and chickens are produced by migrants. The USA is the number one user of illegal drugs being transported here from South America and Afghanistan. Maybe even Turkey. The climate is ruining farmers in Central America.
There IS a solution, but it is not genocide, which is close to happening at the border caused by Republicans who fuel a crisis to win votes via media attention and, yes, fake news.
The American people need to start paying attention or we will soon lose our country completely.
4
@H.A. Hyde We use the drugs because our entire southern boundary must deal with all the failed states south of us...
1
My Catholic parish serves about one thousand Spanish-speaking families. We're fortunate to have a Spanish-speaking priest, but people go to the Mass that suits their schedule. It's common to hear the person standing next to me begin with "Nuestro Padre" instead of "Our Father." These people are critical to our agricultural economy, whatever their legal status, and they're increasingly terrified when they leave home. I fail to see where anyone benefits from ICE raids, other than, perhaps, legal purists. Jackboots at the door at 4 AM is not a solution.
6
@OldPadre
The problem is how do we reach a decent amount of the other half of the country.
1
Seems that this is the distraction needed in order to pull out of asking citizenship question on the Census.
3
Educated, clear thinking Republicans, and there are still many, would freely say that market forces are driving the exodus from Central and South America. Our smoking economy, for which Trump undeservedly takes full credit, has a dire shortage of unskilled and less-skilled workers. And so the refugees come to America, the land of dreams.
The illegals are not a problem, they're an opportunity to close a very real gap in the workforce. Let them stay. For once, business-minded Republicans have to lead, rather than surrendering economic policy to Trump and his 'know nothing' base.
6
"If undocumented parents are found to have children who are United States citizens, for example, ICE agents will need to wait with the children in a hotel room until a relative in the United States can claim them."
What if there is no relative?
3
Finally !!
Our immigration laws have been disregarded for far too long. If someone enters our country illegally they should deported accordingly.
44
The big question is...what is the implementation process that is both legal and humane? They don't have one.
4
@EWC
Feel better?
DACA recipients who dream of military service are stuck in limbo | PBS NewsHour
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/daca-recipients-who-dream-of-military-service-are-stuck-in-limbo
Trump Wants To Withdraw Deportation Protections For Families Of Active Troops
https://www.npr.org/2019/06/27/736362986/trump-wants-to-withdraw-deportation-protections-for-families-of-active-troops
'No One Is Safe.' How Trump’s Immigration Policy Is Splitting Families Apart
https://time.com/longform/donald-trump-immigration-policy-splitting-families/
But the new policy doesn’t affect only those who are in the country illegally. It upends a broad swath of American society, including the communities and families of undocumented people, many of whom are U.S. citizens. More than 4 million American kids under the age of 18 have at least one undocumented parent, and nearly 6 million live in so-called mixed-status households, sharing bedrooms with family members, like brothers and sisters, who are now targets for arrest. Every year, tens of thousands of American kids see at least one parent deported, according to the Urban Institute. It’s an experience that, studies show, pushes families into poverty and leads to higher rates of PTSD and struggles at school.
3
As you were not born here, I assume your ancestors were treated in a civil fashion when they arrived in this country.
Why do you want to deny the current population of immigrants arriving in our country in a different fashion then your ancestors?
6
We need an immediate realistic immigration policy that is fervently enforced. It must include a path to citizenship for those who demonstrate their worthiness. Immigrants who are admitted should be accepted after a background check (including social media) and proof of waiting employment. Preference should go to those with skills/fields that are deemed in short supply as determined by upward wage pressures. The period after admittance while accruing the time necessary to be considered for citizenship should be ineligible for health insurance, SS or Medicare withholding, workers comp, overtime, minimum wage or property ownership. Persons admitted need to be eligible for driver licenses and bank accounts but should be restricted from changing employment or relocation beyond the area where they are initially hired.
9
@From Where I Sit
Pervasive Myths About Immigrants
Laura Collins, Deputy Director of the Economic Growth - George W. Bush Institute
http://www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/immigration/collins-immigration-myths.html
Consider entitlement programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, which are the biggest items in the federal budget. Immigrants cannot unduly burden these programs because they are limited in their access to them.
Legal immigrants, for example, do not qualify for federal entitlement benefits for five years after their arrival in the U.S. Once they do qualify, they only use them at lower rates than native-born Americans. And undocumented immigrants cannot receive any federal entitlement benefits, although their U.S.-citizen children do qualify.
2
I cannot believe this is happening. I cannot believe that such a great nation follows a deceiver.
23
Says someone from a country about to elect Boris Johnson. Please! Oh, and I bet the U.K. enforces immigration law in its interior.
7
There is a lot of election posturing in these pronouncements from the Trump camp. The Times should be prepared for what comes next: "Trump confiscates diapers from asylum seeking babies"?
7
Immigrants and “illegal” or “undocumented” immigrants are two classes of people in the eyes of the law. This should be the first distinction any serious journalist makes in portraying this story. Like how about in the headline? It is also a common tendency amongst liberals, to elide this crucial distinction. Always with the word games! It’s exhausting and not helping us address serious issues like illegal immigration.
33
Trump, his administration, ICE, and hose who support the crackdown of undocumented immigrants and /or he inhumane treatment of the refugees seeking asylum, should watch President Ronald Reagan's last speech from the White house about immigration.
https://nowthisnews.com/videos/politics/ronald-reagans-final-presidential-speech-was-for-immigrants
I did not vote or support President Reagan. Despite that, I fully agree with him that America's greatness until Trump was its compassion and humane treatment of those seeking help. What Trump and the members of his administration are doing is tarnishing America's image and gradually eroding that solid 'beacon of hope' known to the world. It is despicable.
19
@azarn
"those who...." "or the inhumane" . Typo.
Why has no president ever thought to this before? Trump must be a genius... Or maybe it’s the cost and effectiveness. Some of these people will have significant others who are citizens, as well as children and/or grandchildren. After we use our tax dollars on man power and putting everyone up at the Best Western, these folks will be desperate to sneak back in the US to their families. It’s like throwing money down a toilet. And causing a lot of pain and suffering in the process. This is why previous presidents focused resources on mostly deporting criminals.
How about giving E-verify some teeth? And immigration reform?
17
Do you dream of living in an overpopulated, culturally divisive, environmentally burdened, increasingly violent and impoverished third world country without having to leave home?
The faction formerly known as the Democratic Party will be more than happy to grant your wish in exchange for your vote.
25
@Susanna It is the Republicans who refuse comprehensive immigration reform. Read the 2013 Senate bill S744. It passed the Democratically held Senate with bipartisan support. Speaker Boehner refused to bring it to a vote because it would have passed. Your barking up the wrong tree. Read S744!
8
@Susanna
You mean vote Republican, I believe, not democratic.
2
@Susanna
Do you dream of living in a country filled with vicious racists who do not realize that all human beings in the world deserve compassionate treatment?
The faction formerly known as the "GOP" will be more than happy to accomodate your wish, provided you have the same cruel views and will participate in ruthless acts against other human beings.
Shame on donald and his administration for committing atrocities against desperate refugees on a daily basis.
4
This is meanness on a scale we have seen only once or twice in history, but never for such petty reasons. The failure of our immigration laws has less to do with these brutal acts than the need for the Trump Administration to prove to its base that it can make good on its promises to rid the country of immigrants. It probably also speaks of a nervousness in the polls: Biden + 10. To protest these horrible acts, Americans should take to the streets
13
Instead of locking up immigrant families, the government should lock up trump.
Lock him up, lock him up, lock him up.
24
Give them all citizenship, but make them pay a large entry fee and limit government services for X amount of years. Can't afford it? The government can issue loans and collect interest.
4
"We hire undocumented all the time to do jobs Americans and others here don't want to do or cant do... " This quote from another post which I've seen with slightly different wording many times, raises a question in my mind.
If the undocumented/illegal immigrants weren't here to do the labor, might not the wage paid for those jobs go up to the point where people here legally, whether citizens or immigrants, would then do the job? It seems to me that if the job needs to be done, it will be. But it just might cost more.
15
That’s the point: no one wants to spend $3.50 for a bulb of garlic nor $4.50 for a pound of tomatoes or for that matter $4.50 for a head of romaine lettuce. Heck, we’re not comfortable paying union wages and southern states boast this point when they pay incentives (bribe), multi-national to move assembly to their states.
8
Our current illegal-immigrant problem -- our refugee problem -- is complex and harrowing and difficult to square precisely because it exists in a World of Complexities.
There was a time, not too long ago, when walls did not exist and borders were invisible, and human beings could come and go as they pleased, without a thought of restraint. But that was before immigration laws -- and more crucially, it was before our sheer numbers necessitated these laws.
We're squeezed, folks. We're running out of space.
Frustration over the immigrant flux has little to do today, as it did just 20 years ago, with fears of "aliens taking our jobs," or of the entry of a few in a passing phase.
Today's frustration is rooted firmly in a deep anxiety about how to manage, and how to live comfortably with, 1,000s and 1,000s and 1,000s of migrating people -- with no tapering-off in sight.
Besides suffocating us, Overpopulation is making null and void our once manageable immigration laws -- and our ability to care.
12
@Ken
Is it that simple?
White ‘Power’ and the Fear of Replacement
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/opinion/white-power-and-the-fear-of-replacement.html
‘Overrun,’ ‘Outbred,’ ‘Replaced’: Why Ethnic Majorities Lash Out Over False Fears
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/30/world/asia/sri-lanka-populism-ethnic-tensions.html
2
@Ken: It is a complex problem, but it would help if Republicans (Trump, Bush, etc.) weren't always stopping international family planning as soon as they get in office. They don't believe in birth control even though they don't have problem with children being born with not much hope. Also, they don't believe in climate change, which will only get worse over time. There will be more and more people with nowhere to go.
5
You haven’t driven through America have you? We’ve got plenty of room! And farmers need someone to work on their farms. The issues is complex, Trump’s solution is INHUMANE!
2
Aside from being immoral and cruel, this is shortsighted. their are new home developments under construction all over northern Colorado. you can be sure that delays will occur as the predominantly immigrant (legal or not) laborers flee. There aren't enough skilled white replacements to keep the pace going, never mind at a rate that makes it possible for the white developers to make a profit or the white homebuyers to afford the homes. (Housing crisis anyone?)This is just one minor example of the shortsightedness of this policy.
12
@Gigi
Well they could hire black people. Black people still have double the unemployment rate of whites so Black workers should be easy to find.
But even if they aren't, if your business structure depends on hiring cheap illegal labor and cutting corners on insurance and benefits for your workers, you probably need to find a different line of work.
7
"I say they came in illegally, and we’re bringing them out legally,” the president told reporters.
It would be nice if Trump could find something useful to do with his time. Since he seems unable to do that, I say: Trump came in (to office) illegally, and we need to bring him out legally.
Assuming he is not impeached, I am voting blue, no matter who.
16
These raids are exactly why I voted for Trump and will again in 2020.
32
@KR: I wouldn't admit it if I were you. Trump is a monster, and if you support him, it doesn't speak well of you.
4
What borders did your ancestors cross and when?
2
As long as the USA pumps millions of weapons into Central America and buys the drugs that are smuggled through its violent gangs, the violence and the immigration problem will continue. Without a plan to provide in-country safety for desperate citizens and stop government corruption in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, (not that the current US administration is anything but corrupt and despotic)-- mass emigration from those countries will continue. ICE roundups will continue to cost taxpayers as much as trump's golf junkets, and nothing will change.
12
I was born and raised in New England but have spent a good amount of time over the last 20 years in Honduras. In 2009 the country was doing well, health, education and justice systems were improving, injustice toward the peasants and indigenous was being addressed. Then came the U.S. backed right wing coup that threw out the democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya. Life in Honduras has been going downhill ever since.
Imagine an eleven year old girl having to quit school to go to work in a factory making underwear for $10 a day only to help her family make ends meet. After ten or twelve years she is fired and replaced by another eleven year old. She has lost her youth and her education. So many of the refugees at the border are what I call economic migrants because you can work hard all day for $10, sometimes less, with no hope of getting out of that cycle.
These are all multinational corporation that are keeping the whole country in a form of servitude.
The U.S. funding of corrupt military and political goons, and the demand for illegal drugs together have made Honduras into a basket case that drives people to desperately look for a way to escape. They are good people,looking only for a better future.
16
So what is the purpose of announcing this ahead of time? All administrations have always deported illegal immigrants yet none of them felt the need to publicize it so loudly.
2
Firing up his base. AND Trump I like other presidents is having ICE RAID communities.
This use of "Families" is so far beyond the scope of literate or accurate objective reporting, and you know it is. What's the purpose for totally distorting what rounding up repeat offender felons is actually all about?
7
Crossing the border illegally is not a felony.
@Em
By rejecting the notion of a response that indicates understanding, you do nothing for the ideology you evidently support. If you’d look seriously into where felons who’ve violated our national sovereignty are rampant you’ll see why and where ICE will hopefully prevail this weekend and for weekends to come.
2
Seems like due process has been followed. From the article
The officials said ICE agents were targeting at least 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported — some as a result of their failure to appear in court — but who remain in the country illegally.
14
Good to see this is finally happening.
19
I represented a family who would have been targeted under this policy. Wife (illiterate) and children arrived at the border with their intended address written on a piece of paper. Border Patrol transposed some numbers on the forms they filled out and threw away the paper, then slapped an electronic ankle shackle on the mom. Family proceeded to relatives in the US, who drove mom to her check in appointment with ICE. They pointed out the wrong address and ICE guy said he'd correct it in the system. He neglected to tell the family that he wasn't going to correct anything through the system. Immigration court received paperwork to open removal proceedings with the wrong address. Hearing notice went to the wrong address. Family did not show up and ICE attorney tells the judge, "look, we mailed this to the address they gave at the border." Judge ordered the family removed in absentia.
So, even people under 24/7 electronic monitoring get in absentia orders. This is what law enforcement looks like to immigrants.
30
@Martha R Has she been detained subsequent to the final order for removal? You didn't finish her story - that's an entirely separate legal battle.
Oh and we are importing potential tragic cases like this one times ~100k every month, so in the interests of fairness and equity (to any future migrant who might conceivably be in a similar situation) you should probably consider giving up your full time occupation to participate in the aforementioned efforts full time.
It just doesn't seem fair to me that one migrant should have a legal advantage over another, which your assistance in this matter surely afforded.
2
@nw
I was able to get the in absentia order reopened, while I was working full time to help her and people like her. What are you doing?
Of course it's easy to pit one migrant against another rather than look at systems, where federal officials are incentivized to deport as many people as possible to please their bosses. Maybe your focus on unfair advantages in a deportation pipeline should be directed at ICE.
1
Immigrants are not a threat to America. After all, we are all immigrants. This is a big, largely empty country that could support a much, much larger population. Immigrants have lower rates of crime and quickly become net contributors to society, both as workers and consumers. While a policy of “open borders” does not make sense (and is not a position taken by any of the Democratic candidates), neither does terrorizing people who are already here or tearing immigrant families apart. We need a rational and humane immigration policy that provides reasonable controls on entry while also recognizing the many contributions immigrants make to the betterment of society.
21
@Mark" Immigrants have lower rates of crime and quickly become net contributors to society,"
When I visit another country on a temporary visa I make sure I commit no crimes. I am a guest in the respective country with the expectation that I will not violate any of their laws. Committing crimes at a lower rate is a non-starter.
It should be the same for the US.
Any crime committed by an illegal immigrant is one too many. Had that person not been here, which they shouldn't have been, there would be one less victim. Unfortunately the victims are, in your viewpoint, just so much collateral damage.
3
@Mark
We are already the third most populated country on the planet. Much of that is due to immigration-particularly illegal immigration.
And you want to bring in MORE people?
If I wanted to live in a country where every city looks like Shanghai, Lagos, Mumbai, Karachi or Hanoi I would have moved to those countries.
I like having the (declining) amount of open space we have.
4
"Thousands Are Targeted as ICE Prepares to Raid Undocumented Migrant Families"
I was all set to rise the question of where will they put all of the people since they already have thousands in squalid conditions in camps.
Then I see read this: "When possible, family members who are arrested together will be held in family detention centers in Texas and Pennsylvania. But because of space limitations, some might end up staying in hotel rooms until their travel documents can be prepared. ICE’s goal is to deport the families as quickly as possible."
So the question should be: What is this going to cost us, the taxpayers?
ICE's goal is a "quick deportation" will not hold up with just the paper work that has to be done for "thousands" of detainees. And is there a possibly that these people will have the right to see a Federal Judge before deportation? That would create a huge backlog and require more of our tax dollars.
This is no way to run Our Government nor spend our taxes.
13
They have been through the due process and have lost their case and need to go. Why should they remain in this country illegally?
The humane way would be to take them to the airport, fingerprint, photograph them, get them to take a DNA test and then send them back to their home countries.
23
The goal of these mass deportations is as much to manipulate the media as it is to accomplish a goal. It's no accident that the president delayed these deportations a couple of weeks to begin right before Mueller is to testify before Congress about foreign meddling, willing acceptance of that meddling by Trump's campaign, and obstruction.
The day after Mueller testifies, we should expect his appearance (which is immensely significant) to be a sidenote in the news, competing with photos of immigrants being locked up in poor conditions, families being torn apart, and a logistical nightmare.
12
Arresting undocumented immigrants in major US cities . Finding ways to circumvent the census to ferret out immigrants. It's time for civil disobedience on the scale of the Vietnam war protests. I rarely use the word "evil" with its religious connotations. But I find I'm using it more and more often to describe the execrable Trump and his Republican allies..
10
Due to the current chaos at the southern border and the millions of aliens presently residing illegally in the USA this should be a 24/7 activity until the problems are solved. When the southern border slows down then Border Patrol Agents should be sent to assist with interior enforcement. This insanity has to stop and the only way to do it is enforce the laws as they are written, no more and no less.
23
Is anyone concerned about what is to become of people working in the shadow economy when automation reduces the need for half of the unskilled workers who are already in the US?
19
@It isn't working. We would be blamed--again.
1
Is it time for massive civil disobedience to obstruct ICE from these actions in the cities where ICE initiates "enforcement" operations?
10
When do the arrests of the business owners who hire these persons begin?
30
Apparently, Trump's fans are adamant about arresting people who do not follow the law. Hmm.
There are several cases involving Trump's non-compliance; Trump has defrauded the IRS and cheated them out of taxes; his financial statements are higher though when he applied for loans from a bank (his former campaign mgr is in jail for the same thing); he weaseled his way out of paying fines and addressing allegations of money laundering by filing for bankruptcy after running a Casino into the ground; he cheated subcontractors out of their pay and has yet to honor court orders to pay them; he cheated people who enrolled in his Trump "U" seminars, then bought his way out of 3 lawsuits alleging fraud and racketeering; he took charitable donations and pocketed them, buying frivolous gifts for himself and then bragging about it; he and his then good buddy Epstein were accused of raping a woman when she was 13 years old. She filed her pleading as Jane Doe to retain her anonymity, but once your boy was the GOP nominee she received numerous death threats and had to withdraw her case because of that. He has also been accused by twenty-two women (and still counting); he told Robert Mueller that he "can't remember" over two dozen times to questioning about his ties to Russia and has obstructed justice- the findings are rife with contradictions due to all the perjury that occurred; and that's just the tip of his filth-driven iceberg--so I hope you don't cwy when the law catches up with HIM.
15
I suppose this is how the 10th richest country in the world per capita muscles its way into the top 5.
2
@Sophie,
I wouldn't call people fleeing for their lives "illegal immigrants," but rather "refugees." Their only crime is that they're not from Norway or Finland or Germany or Sweeden or. . .
10
@Fiatlux
There is no evidence these people were fleeing for their lives or that they aren't from Finland, Germany, or Sweden...
7
@Fiatlux: Eastern European immigrants have been deported.
But keep pretending they're not if that prevents a case of cognizant dissonance.
5
Will these raids include all the students who overstayed visas?
14
If this is about the law, then, how come trump keeps getting away with illegal actions or even conspiracies with foreign powers?
13
Commenter Mary Ann writes "We have devolved into an dysfunctional anarchy because immigration laws have not been enforced."
That is just one of many ludicrous comments. A favorite refrain is that illegal immigrants take more from society than they contribute. Clearly that is false. Individuals' financial remuneration is clearly not reflective of their economic benefit to society (reference Donald Trump), let alone the impossible to quantifiable worth of the individual.
Others are angrily fixated on law-breaking. Clearly it is revenge (of the perpetually grieved it would seem) they seek, not justice. What justice is it to toss out like garbage a fellow community member who is working, raising a family, and contributing to their community?
What to say to that kind of logic? I don't believe that there is any getting through. So I will just say this: I am ashamed of you.
10
This cruel, inhuman, & unwarranted action has the following 13 words stamped on it:
1. 2020 Base, so well named.
2. White, uneducated, fundamentalists' fear.
3. Anti-democracy, Anti-Constitution.
12
The great and good Caesar Chavez comes to mind. George Baker, grandson of the founder of First National City Bank, brought us together. Baker ran a small hedge fund when there were but three. Chavez and I spoke. Today Caesar would ask who will do the farm work - without toxic spraying? I ask who will work the slaughter house kill floor, milk the cows, serve the food, work the restaurant, do the dishes, care for the golf, tennis and swim clubs, who will do the dirty work? This nation needs workers. Trust funds have destroyed will power. There’s no free lunch. Fire the leadership.
Go for common sense: Michael Farrand Bennet and Amy Jean Klobuchar.
3
A few questions, for people who favor this:
1. Do you think America’s great?
2. If not, why not?
3. If yes, then: Do you think you’re lucky to live in America?
4. If not, why not?
5. If yes, then do you feel grateful?
6. If not, what’s stopping you?
7. If yes, then why not be more generous and hospitable? In other words, what accounts for your supporting an administration that’s mean to people, on whom Lady Luck hasn’t smiled, and who are desperate for kindness and a helping hand?
8
Is Mar a Lago on the ICE list? I hear that are plenty of undocmented people there working for Trump, though he like Pontus Pilot washes his hands of any knowledge!
12
Perhaps this might illustrate the CATCH-22 world these poor wretches find themselves in. While I in no way have the wealth those who stay in the luxury resorts so many well heeled Americans stay at every day of every year; by fate a friend of mine has a brother in law who has time shares for such places in Florida and elsewhere. On 3 occasions over the last 20 years I have been an invited guest to share vacations with my friend. I will not use resort names; but they are some of the most expensive in the Orlando area. Every morning I witnessed a small army of men and women cleaning and doing work to make the resorts spotless. It was obvious very few were American citizens. Or if they were; they had not been for long. NOBODY seemed to have a problem with this. The Oligarch class seemed to be quite happy to have their Nirvana getaway being kept immaculate by such an army of unskilled laborers as they enjoyed their luxury surroundings. Perhaps being from a humble working class family myself; it amazed me how hard these people were working; and how they seemed to be almost invisible to the the Oligarch who took it all for granted. One wonders what these castles of wealth would do without these people. Americans seemed to want it both ways. Someone to do their menial chores; and then apply for a citizenship that would mean deportation for many if they do not stay in the shadows. Who is kidding who?!
16
You want to save American lives by cracking down on people who are breaking the law? Start with the exorbitant number of drivers who regularly violate traffic regulations. Last year in the US there were about 40,000 deaths from automobile accidents. Countless thousands others injuries. And billions in costs. Add in deaths and accidents from firearms and almost 100,000 Americans die by the hands of other Americans - EARLY YEAR!
The problem ain’t people from other countries and places.
The problem is us.
18
@Stephen: The kind of regulation and engineering that radically cut highway deaths is anathema to Trump.
1
@Stephen Great point! Let's agree that we need to better enforce the laws we have, since breaking those laws are clearly doing harm to our society.
4
There are always some businesses willing to hire illegal immigrants because illegal immigrants work cheap, receive no benefit and easily exploited. The solution is in plain sight but everyone, from big and small businesses, politicians and the average Americans whose life is made easier by illegal immigrants toiling in menial jobs, are blinded by greed to accept it. The solution is to pay American citizens a living wage so that even the most menial jobs are performed and not shunned by Americans. The primary reason illegal immigrants are here and keep coming is to do the work almost no Americans want to do.
20
@Paul, the problem with that is it's not true. There are jobs in the garment industry, agriculture, meat and poultry processing that most people would never do, no matter how mush they were paid.
These are back breaking, demoralizing jobs that are left to folks who have no choice, in most cases immigrants, both legal and illegal.
7
@Paul
A friend owns a landscaping company and he can't find employees. By the way, a foreman's job pays $85k a year plus benefits and the job still goes unfilled.
He pays above minimum wage and still can't find employees--illegal or legal.
I agree that illegal immigrants come here to do jobs no Americans want and apparently, and in our area they are well paid. I don't think one can pay Americans enough to do manual labor--they just won't do it.
I think your model of immigrants/employment is out of date.
Trump has his round up crew so he will look like he is a real mean hombre for his base. They don’t realize Trump is the poster millionaire representative of corporations and businesses who hire illegal immigrants so they don’t pay their share. Also, they are the ones who don’t hire Trump’s base.
10
@Edgar
Nor day he pay his contracts to small businesses.
1
Mexico and Central America have suffered decades of interference by American politicians in the form of misplaced foreign "aid" (money really just used to solidify anti-Democraic leaders and entrench corruption) and military and intelligence interference. Now the multi-gernational victims of corrosion we caused are fleeing the results...and also fleeing gangs we ALSO fueled the formation of in the form of an insatiable demand for illegal drugs. We caused this crisis. These folks don't just wake up one morning and travel hundreds or thousands of dangerous miles to amuse themselves. The United States cause their pilgrimage.
10
Has President Trump had an in-person meeting with the presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to discuss how to help their citizens stay home? NO!
Has President Trump acknowledged that climate change is real and driving Central/South American farmers off their land? NO!
Has President Trump reached out to other developed nations to create a global program for helping poor nations improve water capture, practice low-water agriculture, and invest in systems to desalinate and move water? NO!
Has President Trump funded PSA announcements to remind Americans that our use of recreational drugs is driving Central and South Americans out of their homes? NO!
Has President Trump cracked down on gun smuggling so U.S. made guns don’t continue to flow into the arms of cartel gun men who use U.S. weapons to chase Central and South Americans out of their homes? NO!
Has President Trump offered a tax credit to corporations that use E-Verify? NO!
Has President Trump created a green jobs “moon shot” program that will create a sustainable economy to employ Americans so they aren’t left unemployed and vulnerable to the rumors that immigrants have taken their jobs? NO!
Has President Trump told ICE to keep migrant families together (reducing costs and misery) while applying for asylum and/or being deported? NO!
Has President Trump told American citizens that ALL nations on Earth have inhabitants that aren't documented and border control is a well-monitored door, not a wall? NO!
22
Trump is cruel beyond all reason and I fear that all these ICE people are becoming the militias we see in other societies. Of course they will be cheered on by Trump's supporters. I suspect that there will be no backlash for all the family lives destroyed.
12
Most of them have lost their case and were ordered deported. They were supposed to be gone long ago.
22
This is ruthless and unnecessary. I fear for the lives of these people. I hope they know they should not open their door if ICE comes knocking, because ICE cannot enter unless they open the door.
This does NOT mean I approve of crossing the border without permission. It means I don't like the way the issue has been politicized and criminalized.
9
So, don't deport and follow the law? What next will the pro-illegals Democrats advocate - free healthcare. Yup, half of the current crop of presidential candidates already did that, too. And not one of them will be getting my vote.
62
It would be better, more humane and less expensive, to provide a path to citizenship.
17
How about we start with going after those who employ all of these undocumented immigrants first. Should more than pay for healthcare.
31
@Maggie, debate question re: undocumented persons is not policy. 600K Europeans have overstayed their visas. Without a healthcare solution for everyone they all will show up at your ER seeking care. Is that what you want?
3
Please impeach Trump.
Dear Democrats:
Please continue to support illegal immigrants more than working Americans.
Please continue to promise all immigrants free healthcare and housing.
Please continue to ignore our homeless vets.
Surely these promises will give you political power over all Americans.
23
"U.S. Prepares to Arrest Thousands of Immigrant Family Members"
Sounds like a good plan.
It should have been done years ago.
A clear message should be sent: Get in line with the people who respect the law and enter the country legally, or, we will catch you and throw you out.
52
These people are no more immigrants than a home invasion gang become your house guests. They either overstayed their visas, failed to report back after a "catch and release" episode or simply walked across our porous border.
A nation without laws and borers and LEGAL immigration policies is not a nation. Anyone who decides to become a US citizen must follow our laws. The same laws apply equally to virtually every person in this world. Being Hispanic or a neighbor to the US should never give them preferential treatment...as it NOW does!
If the purpose of this newspaper's editorial opinions that support "sanctuary" and demand amnesty to all who are here is to overwhelm this nation to the breaking point? It is succeeding. We will collapse if this continues.
I suppose THAT is the point after all. Isn't it?
64
The comments here generally show why Trump won in 2016 an why he may win again 2020. All Americans are Republicans, some, sometimes, pretend they are not. They are called Democrats.
22
Illegal immigrants - or people who are here criminally.
19
This is how fascists operate. Trump’s attempt at authoritarian rule is disgusting. People who voted for him condone his actions because he is a businessman? Everything is imploding with his lying, ignorance and general lack of civility. It amazes me that his base accepts his lack of leadership. They accept the fact that chiselers and liars are “good” people. Americans need to vote out our comb forward blues under qualified President. The rage against the immigrant population of this country is certainly something that does not bode well for democracy. Lady Liberty has tears in her eyes.
13
Are networks set to be sure those deported are safe in other countries? You know Trump!
1
@SHAKINSPEAR: We me may get to see what Trump does when a freshly deplaned load of deportees gets machine-gunned at the airport where they are landed.
3
Trump is enforcing the law.
Don't like the law? Get congress to change it.
Otherwise, a little less whining and lot more shut the heck up.
27
@99percent
No I won’t! You sit down and listen you thug!
DACA recipients who dream of military service are stuck in limbo | PBS NewsHour
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/daca-recipients-who-dream-of-military-service-are-stuck-in-limbo
Trump Wants To Withdraw Deportation Protections For Families Of Active Troops
https://www.npr.org/2019/06/27/736362986/trump-wants-to-withdraw-deportation-protections-for-families-of-active-troops
'No One Is Safe.' How Trump’s Immigration Policy Is Splitting Families Apart
https://time.com/longform/donald-trump-immigration-policy-splitting-families/
But the new policy doesn’t affect only those who are in the country illegally. It upends a broad swath of American society, including the communities and families of undocumented people, many of whom are U.S. citizens. More than 4 million American kids under the age of 18 have at least one undocumented parent, and nearly 6 million live in so-called mixed-status households, sharing bedrooms with family members, like brothers and sisters, who are now targets for arrest. Every year, tens of thousands of American kids see at least one parent deported, according to the Urban Institute. It’s an experience that, studies show, pushes families into poverty and leads to higher rates of PTSD and struggles at school.
4
@Mathias
" Every year, tens of thousands of American kids see at least one parent deported, according to the Urban Institute." - IF those parents are here illegally, then they SHOULD be deported.
It's really quite simple: If you are here legally, you should stay - BUT - if you are here illegally, you should go.
7
The lefties want meaningless immigration laws (open borders) democratic socialism (socialism) and meaningless voting laws (open voting). Yes they really are that crazy and yes the DNC has been hijacked by radicals. If there was ever any question the Democratic debate cleared that up.
22
@DecliningSociety
Why don’t you tell us what republicans want instead of speaking for the people you hate? I don’t see a long term policy or strategy beyond abuse, fear, terror, broken families, expensive enforcement and a police force known for brutality and death.
I don’t want that, period.
1
Maybe ICE should start at the Trump properties first.
17
In another article in today's NYT I learned that low income housing is in short supply in America...
15
@nelsonator
Because they build houses for the rich not the rest of us. Do you want to sell ten $100,000 houses or one 10 million dollar mansion.
1
Hey! We always wanted to pay ten bucks a lettuce and 20 bucks a pound for chicken, right? Are you catching on to the "Hoods Robin" yet?
6
@SHAKINSPEAR high cost labor leads to capital investment
1
I'd like to see a few things happen. First, anyone waiting for an appeal must reside in either NY or CA while waiting. Let them put their money where their mouth is frankly. Second, I'd like the democrats to stop breaking the laws of the land. If you are adjudicated illegal and asked to leave; send any dem speaking on your behalf back with them. I can't believe Pelosi would ask any party for help in stopping these raids. They can't possibly say they are for law and order. The democrats have largely been responsible for immigrants pouring into this country illegally. We have already spent about what it would have taken to build that wall. Walls don't work? ask Israel or anyone else is walls work. How about the great wall of china as one example. In fact they must hate our country. I used to snap at democrats saying this country will be socialist and then a quasi communist country thanks to them... and they would say I'm nuts. Well well well... look at the party now. We must be the only country that treats the 3 percent better than the population; whether it's the upper three percent or the lower three percent. Now we have six year olds declaring they are another sex. Oh and schooling. Well I can assure you; below the doctorate level; we shouldn't even be on the top ranking worldwide.
14
@Larry No! As Epstein favoritism and wealthy tax cut, et al, reveals, US treats the 1% "better than [majority] population."
4
@Larry
Might want to include some red states like Texas.
I’m with you if we get to give them documentation and let them go back to raising their families. If they are hard criminals we can deport or put in prison based on what is best for society.
We should also enforce our laws on ICE for entering with out warrants and throwing them in prison, demotion or whatever is needed. We can’t have a brutal police force entering citizens homes and terrorizing them without proper legal authority.
@Larry
Republicans only now how to point fingers.
They take no responsibility for any of their actions even though they have had a majority of the power for the last 40 years.
Their self righteous rants are ridiculous and laughable.
Just in time for Mueller's televised testimony. Let the side show begin. Or, more accurately, let the Hunger Games begin. May the odds be NEVER in favor of this heinous, cruel, heartless and pathetic administration.
7
The timing seems obvious: take the focus off Secretary Acosta.
13
No one is going after immigrants, but we all already know that. I'm one of them. We ARE going after illegals that have deportation orders or otherwise have committed crimes against us.
And stop already with the 'old folks' and 'children' mantra. It's been way overused.
21
It’s been about 8 hours since this headline. I haven’t heard or seen Pelosi. I haven’t heard of seen Biden. Haven’t seen Harris, haven’t seen any of them!
Are they still trying to be president, or is Pelosi still a leader of the Democratic Party?
Are they really going to put their heads in the sand on this one?
6
I know this has been said many times before, but what does all of this say about a person (loosely defined) who has been married to two immigrants and has a mother who was an immigrant? Ah, cognitive dissonance coupled with inane awfulness.
8
@EAS
You fail to distinguish between LEGAL immigrants and ILLEGAL immigrants - there is a difference, you know, a very big difference! The 2020 election will clarify that difference!
9
@99percent You make a fair point though we should probably add the word “political” in front of immigration. The lack of cohesive immigration policies in favor of politically useful behaviors fails to lead to a viable solution/outcome which is what is really needed.
If America really wants to uphold the rule of law, how about we start with the coward who conspired with the Russians during the election? How about we start with the coward who defends a cabinet member who helped a sex offender go free? How about we start with the coward who himself has been accused of sexual assault?
16
Anyone who says that deportation is off the table is essentially saying that we should have an open border, that once you set foot in the U.S. you can stay as long as you like and there's nothing the government can do about it.
I want the Dems to win 2020, but they are getting this issue wrong, and it's endangering their chance to win. Americans don't want an open border. And yet, when asked if a person should be subject to deportation if he or she hasn't committed a crime, the candidates largely said "no" at the last debate. Most Americans, including those who vote for Democrats, say "yes."
22
No body on dems side has ever said they want an open border, this is where you got wrong. I am all for deportation as well, when it is fair and done right. Why go after people who has lived here for decades, speak the language with their kids going to college, they contributed to this society and tax dollars as much as you and I do. Why do this now when they had years and years to do it if it weren’t for political optics, if it weren’t for stoking fear and reactions from the already divided public. People say they have broken the law, well perhaps the laws should change to reflect a more human and compassionate society that we are, like allowing undocumented families who has been here for more than 20 years with no criminal records and been paying taxes to obtain a legal pathway to citizen ship. Because why not, its a win-win solution. Let’s end all those useless rhetorics and work together, dems and gop.
4
”...The families being targeted crossed the border recently: The Trump administration expedited their immigration proceedings last fall. In February, many of those immigrants were given notice to report to an ICE office and leave the United States, the homeland security officials said...”
1
@Kim
Is this an open border you keep harping on with the right wing extremists? You must be a closed border xenophobic. Don’t like it when I speak for you? Don’t speak for us then.
A Fair and Welcoming Immigration System
https://medium.com/@teamwarren/a-fair-and-welcoming-immigration-system-8fff69cd674e
Raise the refugee cap. At a time when 70 million are displaced around the world, President Trump has abused his authority to lower the refugee cap for the United States, admitting just over 22,000 refugees in total last year. I’ll welcome 125,000 refugees in my first year, and ramping up to at least 175,000 refugees per year by the end of my first term.
As long as the economy is doing well and there's work opportunities, no amount of intimidation will deter people from coming here, or force them to leave. One would think that cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers at low wages would be a more effective deterrent than deportation. If employers were mandated to use E-Verify to hire only those who can work in the US legally, the incentive to enter illegally or overstay visas disappears.
Why isn't it mandatory? Politics. Politicians whose constituents and donors rely on cheap labor don't want it.
Businesses have become so reliant on cheap labor that many would be hard hit if they lost their undocumented laborers. Just ask Trump lackey, Devin Nunes, whose family business relies heavily on undocumented workers for its farm in Iowa.
The humane thing would be for the government to direct its resources so that these undocumented laborers, who do the jobs most American citizens won't do, and who are often exploited by their employers, are given a path to citizenship - while focusing its deportation efforts on the drug cartels, crime lords, those with ties to terrorism, etc. ... the people who trump actually alludes to in his attempts at fear mongering. Deporting the many harmless and innocent immigrants who've come here seeking a safer and better way of life for their families is not only inhumane, it's wasteful, inefficient and ineffective.
7
@Roberta
"no amount of intimidation will deter people from coming here" - which is exactly why we have walls and fences
8
@99percent
We can’t afford that. If we can’t afford education, fair wages, climate response, medical, social security etc.
Stop wasting our money.
1
Will the Federal Government tally how much these deportees have paid in federal state and local taxes during their stay and refund them? It's the least they could do...
9
@JFMACC
Without valid social security numbers to use, they clearly committed fraud and identity theft if they did indeed pay income taxes, so no. They are not entitled to any refund.
15
Yours is a good point that I’ve considered before. But you could also say that the various taxes they’ve paid while being in the country go toward the roads, services, infrastructure, and military security that they enjoyed during the time they were here. Just because someone pays a tax as a foreign national doesn’t mean they should be allowed to legally stay here forever. Nor does it mean they should be refunded when they leave. Money given for goods received.
4
While residing in the United States, they enjoyed the benefits that our taxes paid for. No refund is due.
3
Will any of the Fake President’s golfing facilities, country clubs, hotels, condos, and even personal residences be also targeted by I.C.E.? After all, Trump for years, as widely reported, has employed many undocumented immigrants at his numerous properties in locations around America. This, of course, is a preposterous question to formulate, as the laws of this country will not be applied by obsequious authorities to their Boss. Perhaps this avoidance can at least serve as a legal defense by those migrants who have been seized by Trump’s agents, i.e. selective prosecution.
7
Ok these are not “raids”. These individuals have been through a very liberal, fair and time consuming court process. Their pleas heard and reviewed. And a judge ordered their removal.
That’s not a raid. That is simply enforcing the law.
Democrats are fond of saying no one is above the law. The question is do they really believe that?
20
@William Rodham
Have they? Hope you don’t mind if I don’t take your word for it. You stand by Trump who lies why should I believe a word you say?
I would suggest that our NGOs, immigration lawyers, pro immigration activists and politicians organize and finance a massive march on the border with not 150,000 but perhaps 1 million migrants. They could be assembled in Honduras or Guatemala and brought from Africa and Asia as well. The cost per person would be less than the fees collected by the immigration attorneys so it would be paid for. Then simply march on the border with a million migrants. ICE and the border patrol would be powerless. No president, including Trump, would dare use lethal force. They can simply walk into the US and reach their goal. Those that are pregnant will have no problem. Those that want to work will be able to. The problem is that the migrants need organization and financing for a massive assault on the border. They don't realize how powerless the US would be in the face of a million or two million poor people crossing the border at once.
2
@as Do you really hate your country and fellow citizens so much that you would be willing to see all social services, schools, medical services, low income housing, etc... exhausted so that your own fellow citizens would not be able to obtain these services? Have a re-think.
4
After this, how can anyone say a citizenship question on the 2020 census wouldn't depress the count? The Constitution specifically says the count is of Persons. For purposes of the census, citizenship is not relevant.
7
Of all the divisive issues facing our country, this should be the one on which democrats and republicans reach a quick consensus. As a democrat, I absolutely support deporting visitors to our country who are not following the law. The problem with democrats right now is that they fee, rightly so, that trump is such a reprehensible person that doing things his way would stain American permanently. Too bad our chief executive is such a loon that common sense is not at play here.
10
@Arch66: The way it works in China, if you have overstayed a visa, you can't pay for anything with a cell phone.
5
@Arch66
Like they should have for decades but now end up with Trump benefiting the primary party who caused this by not wanting documented labor.
This administration better hurry up if they want match the number the previous deporter in chief has.
6
@Micah West - the previous deporter in chief changed the definition of "deported" to include those nabbed at the border. A slight of hand to look tough (cough) on immigration.
4
How many European immigrants will be included in the deportation action?
12
It is really such a bizarre moment that immigration/deportation raids are a national media event. Tune in next week for when we bust an apartment full of 15 Guatemalan farmhands!
5
For the people who are here illegally, their worst day in the United States is better than their best day back in El Salvador (Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico). If any one of us had made a successful trek from Central America to the U.S., would any of us (for any reason, under any circumstances) want to return to our country of origin? This is a humanitarian crisis, not a law-enforcement crisis. Compassion is called for, not gestapo raids or concentration camps for children, forcibly separated from their parents on the orders of a heartless tyrant.
8
@Todd Kenneth Dwyer: They whole idea of "asylum" relates to fleeing hostile governments, not raw anarchy.
4
I’m a white hispanic of European descent. You know the irony of it all? People like me don’t have a lot of issues getting through/ we have the means and know how and the clout necessary.
.... but most of those people at the border are or indigenous descent.
You know, as in the original inhabitants of these lands.
7
@Gwe actually according to science we are immigrants, the original immigrants were from asian and were warring tribes that fought over natural resources.
3
@Gwe So what exactly are you saying? That anyone of 'indigenous descent' is welcome to come here illegally?
7
@Joe O'Malley
Coming here isn’t illegal.
There’s a resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue who came to the US with a fraudulent visa. Maybe ICE should start there first.
18
Why deport them to their home country? We should send these people to Canada entry points. If Mexico can aid transportation through their country to ours for asylum, why shouldn’t we offer these people transportation up north?
International Asylum Laws require registration at the border of safe haven first reached. If Canada won’t accept these people, why shouldn’t they be sent back to Mexico, the country they crossed to get here? If they are Mexican, they have no right to asylum here. If they overstayed their visas, back to where they came from.
7
My country, 'tis of thee--
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing!
Land where my fathers died;
Land of the Pilgrim's pride;
From every mountain-side
Let Freedom ring!
5
@vermontague O--I'm sorry! I forgot!
That was then.
This is now.
6
The Billionaire Trump Wall st Administration has been ranting "Make America Great Again" for years, so why is everyone surprised the Hispanics are coming here for wealth and a good life?
2
Just wondering if ICE is going to go after the Russian, Polish, Ukrainian and Irish immigrants ALL living in my immediate neighborhood, with a surprising amount of them on over-extended visas? I mean, after all, this is a zero-sum game Trump is using to literally terrorize America -so why shouldn't they be rounded up, too? Hmm, I think I'll sit on my front stoop, wait for ICE to show up and then point them to all the homes with illegal immigrants living in them. Does their skin tone matter? I should think not, right ? RIGHT?!
13
Why are families being targeted and not single men? Just curious.
1
@Liz McDougall
To spread terror.
'No One Is Safe.' How Trump’s Immigration Policy Is Splitting Families Apart
https://time.com/longform/donald-trump-immigration-policy-splitting-families/
Last week fireworks and extravulgar celebration of what the USA used to be B.T. This week mass deportations after waiting in filthy detention centers for unspecified but very long periods of time.
Wonder what the ag industry will do with rotting fields of unpicked crops.
Wonder what the hotels, restaurants, and the "hospitality" industry will do with all those unmade beds, uncooked and unserved food and dirty hotels. No car wash? No immigrant students, teachers and military personnel? No craftsmen, skilled carpenters, gardeners?
Yeah the immigrants take away jobs. From whom? Anybody want to get on a rattly bus at 3:30 a.m. and go pick lettuce in Salinas Valley? Which today will hit 100 plus? No takers? Who would have thought?
How can you take away somebody's job when you are self-employed?
The vast majority of immigrants are NOT a problem except in the microscopic minds of trump and his vile base.
9
The idea that anyone would OPPOSE the deportation of people who not only made the decision to come to this country ILLEGALLY but also chose to either NOT SHOW UP for their court date or to IGNORE their deportation order and stay anyway is emblematic of the extreme Onion headline-esque politcal correctness that has taken hold of the Democratic Party.
Donald Trump will win a second term on this issue. Mark my words
24
Yup. He will win on this issue alone.
7
The vast majority of both parties expect and desire that our nation’s immigration laws be enforced, including deportation. This is not a partisan issue. How that is coherently accomplished is a question being raised by many, including those charged within the Trump Administration itself with carrying that out.
3
@Luciano I agree, this tactic should apply to ALL immigrants, even those living here on extended visas. Heck, ICE should pay a visit to Hallendale, Florida do a sweep across the multitude of high rises STOCKED FULL with Eastern Europeans so much so that English is NOT the primary language. My dad lives there and is surrounded by many inhabitants that all somehow own these condos in the buildings but claim their other real home is somewhere in Russia, Poland, UK, etc., and some who even broadly boast about how over-extended their stays truly are -as if it's funny. Will ICE pay these high rise occupants a visit, too ? I should certainly hope so! What about the employers, most Republicans who have no issue hiring immigrants? Shouldn't the Americans employing them be held accountable ?
Trump can win the next 5 terms and no one needs to mark your words -it's all a charade. Who is anyone kidding here?
1
If we aren't supposed to deport people ordered deported by courts, then you're just saying we shouldn't deport basically anyone. Which means you favor letting anyone in, or at best, saying if you do get in, you get to stay in. So just come out for open borders and let's see if the American people support that.
21
Just where are we going to place these human beings? And in what conditions? And, as pointed out in another comment, who is going to do the work that these people have been doing, in assisted living, in child care, in meat packing, in landscaping, and construction? You don’t see a lot of middle class whites lining up.
Time for Congress to assess the needs our economy has and provide realistically for them with realistic immigration laws. Please stop this administration from committing crimes against humanity in my name.
3
This should be very good news for trump and his republican friends that run and own "FOR PROFIT PRISONS"...They can make money off immigrants and migrant workers. 7 Million jobs are going unfilled because they are trying to stop migrant workers. Republicans who enable trump must also be very happy.
4
I keep reading about how all these immigrants are stealing jobs and draining our social care system. Yet, the math still doesn't add up from the people who are yelling the loudest. Kentucky, West Virginia, Alabama the biggest welfare states in the country yet I don't see jobs being stolen by illegals. What I do see are people looking for scapegoats to blame for their problems.
In a country of almost 400 million people with 607 billionaires, these undocumented people are paying taxes and NOT receiving Social Security or Medicare is a drain on Kentucky?
We have people who crossed thousands of miles, running from predators and armed criminals to come this country in order to save their families. But, Joe Plumber from Kentucky who keeps voting for Mitch McConnell can't move to the next state to get a job? Or the coal miner from West Virginia can't go for job retraining and move to the next state so their family doesn't have to get black lung?
Seriously, we've had illegal, undocumented immigrants come into this country forever. The numbers have gone up and down, the only difference I see is today we have a Republican controlled government who wants to distract their exploited constituents with fears of the great unwashed, all so their billionaire owners the Koch's, Adelson's and Walton's steal more of this countries money ($2 trillion this year and growing).
7
If I commit a crime I will be arrested. Why are these people treated differently?
17
@Jake
You’re arrested for speeding?
@Mathias. And after my crime I will lose custody of my child/children as they may not go to prison.
This is only happening because Trump, his supporters, and the hard right GOP don't want more brown people here. Period.
If there weren't any at all, that would be perfect. Or if America went back to the 1950s, where the only people Trump and the top ten percent would have to deal with would be rich and white. The others can be servants and domestics.
If this country was being overrun by people from Trump's favorite country, Norway, he would let in all the tall blond people who wanted to come. Sweden would probably get a pass, too.
4
@Joe
Don't forget Slovakia. Or wherever she's from.
3
@Joe Tons of Russians in Florida, too! There's a reason why !
The only reason Democrats are mad is because they are losing federal welfare dollars, state's share of congressional seats and Electoral College votes of people who aren't even citizens. In California the number 1 contributor to the tax base is illegal immigrants and immigrants. what really bothers me is when they get public housing and move 9 illegal immigrants in and force them to pay rent. it's also super cool to stand behind them why they get a bunch of food stamps buy everything they can with them and then buy steaks. Seriously we have a problem. The mother of the guy and her grandchild that were found face-down in the Rio grande were not fleeing from violence but poverty.
9
The headline should read " Illegal migrants, who have broken our laws will be detained and deported as they await a hearing.
All expenses to be accessed against said illegal.
9
And where are they going to put thousands of arrested immigrants? You already have the Trump Hotels of Detention for refugee children which charge $770 a day (about the same as for the 5-star Trump Hotel in Washington).
Atrocity on top of atrocity. And where are the Republicans who have souls or hearts? On vacation, or getting ready for their next "Lock her up!" anti-Hillary Trump rally?
The evangelists who support Trump will complacently be sitting in their church pews on Sunday contemplating this president many regard as sent by God. Strange worship. The 1%ers who support Trump will continue worshipping money, much like slaveholders of old.
Deplorable was too mild.
3
Evangelical supporters of Donald Trump who call themselves 'Christians' might want to consult Matthew 5:3-12. Here, the Disciple lists the Beatitudes.
It'll make for eye-opening reading for the MAGA crowd.
Trump's actions vis-a-vis immigrants, the pursued and the poor are the diametric opposite of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Just sayin'
NOT my president
1
Friday, I'll be somewhere else. Maybe setting under an Elm tree deep in the woods with a tent and a can or two of Spam. Trump's goons will not be working too hard and would never carry battering rams into the forest. This is the time to duck and Hide. Whomever, they snag are in for a terrible time designed to humiliate and bankrupt everyone caught.
The vast majority of Americans oppose this. Why do we let Trump get away with it (and all the other atrocities that he commits daily)?
3
Were I in France, Russia, China, Ecuador, Vietnam, Costa Rica, or Malawi without proper documentation, I would be unhappy but not surprised were I arrested. If I claimed asylum under the laws of that nation, and had my asylum petition denied, I would expect to be invited to leave that nation immediately, and also expect to be escorted to the border if I did not depart on my own. What is unreasonable about that?
22
What’s unreasonable about obeying the law when it says slavery is allowed?
@O'Brien Cold hearted Right Wingers do not care about People. These are Families seeking a better life; not Epsteins trying to escape Justice.
2
@O'Brien: If one is rich, one can stay almost wherever one likes indefinitely.
3
We are the United States of America, a shining light on a hill, we lead in so many ways—and this is the most humane and best we can imagine for ourselves and this world?
6
@Sarah These illegals have had their due process and been denied asylum. They have just been here hoping to not get caught. So yes, this is humane to the rest of us.
14
@Sarah: Plenty of false advertising built the US with cheap labor since its inception.
2
The purpose of this operation is, as the government stated, to send a message to people intending on coming to the US under false claims of persecution and then ignoring orders to appear at an ICE office that the US actually does enforce its immigration laws.
And the fact is that the idea of sending a message is often the main reason federal prosecutors give for sending people to prison. And this is because sending a person to prison for many years, ripping apart their family, for what are often victimless crimes such as making false statements on bank loan applications also seems cruel. However if the whole of the population agrees that the law cannot come to be seen as a joke, and so people who committed actions they knew could send them to prison are sent there to send a message.
And the idea that we enforce out laws and send people to prison for years, many times to send a message, is part of who we are and we do not see it as cruel because it is understood the "victim" has only themselves to blame. As such the only people who feel that deliberately not enforcing immigration laws, thus sending a message that immigration laws not exist at all, are those who want to abolish those laws.
And if this is their view they should be open about it and propose an open border policy. Their current "policy" of forcing people to risk their lives and forcing the officers of CBP to act as babysitters while yelling about "concentration camps" is a fraud on the American people.
13
I see. But it’s not your idea of the law when Trump lies about his Russia connections and commits crimes related to that, or his cabinet helps sex offenders and says it’s ok and there’s no accountability for these wrongs?
2
@Michael Stavsen: These refugees are fleeing anarchy, not politically hostile governments.
2
@Michael Stavsen America has one of the highest prison populations in the World. I submit; America is not the shining light of hope anymore. America is a burned out light; cold and lifeless.
2
I would like more information. It says that those targeted have arrived recently. I'd like to know how recently and whether they are part of the wave of recent Central Americans. If the children in these families have barely started school, if the families still have strong roots back where they came from, and if they are not well established here, that would be better. If these are folks who recently crossed the border illegally without applying for asylum, they are distinct from most of the 11 million who have been here for years. These facts are important because they make a difference. The media needs to dig a little more.
6
Did you see the part where they said “collateral?” Anybody else caught in process. I believe that’s where the 11 million fall.
1
@michjas. No, they have already had their due process and refused asylum.
6
Yeah. The spaces too had their due process and slavery was the law.
1
The 10 Million question.
Why does anyone employ an illegal.
The answer, Money in the bank for the rich, and no risk for jail time.
19
I’ll tell you why. Same reason you shop at Walmart. Many people simply don’t have the money. I see them doing the roofs of houses, doing plumbing etc. they’re saving regular Americans a lot of money. Just to call a plumber can be 300 dollars for the plumber just to show up and check your toilet, even before he unblocks it. Then they charge you for the work. 1000 dollars gone! You work minimum wage or even if you don’t. Who has 1000 bucks lying around for plumbing work? Or 1000 bucks for that car repair at the car store! Who can afford to go to the dealership every two or three months? They’re a lifeline for many ordinary Americans getting by.
1
@Helge
Having hired illegals to do menial tasks, I can tell you that I did so because they were there and willing, didn't lie about their skill, didn't ask for an advance to buy some smokes right when they got in the truck, and showed a bit of gratitude for the opportunity. I paid everyone the same wage.
I'm not rich and my bank account was never the consideration. I needed a task done and I did what needed to be done make it happen.
3
@Helge: Nobody likes to confront another person about their citizenship. The government cannot put this burden on the people.
6
Either Harris or Buttweig will most probably be the president elect by 2020, and thern the undocumented ones can relax and expect amnesty soon after. The border police will be reduced in force and instructed to assist refugees seeking shelter in our sanctuary cities, with Medicare coverage like California is now officering their undocumented refugees. ONE America ,similar to the E.U., will become a reality by 2024...
8
There was a bi-partisan immigration bill ready for a vote a couple of years ago, but McConnell killed it. People need to realize that holding up immigrants as the problem is just another diversion - one that McConnell is happy to let Trump play with as he, McConnell, quietly changes the fabric of our democracy, changing the equal power balance and putting more and more of it in the hands of a few. I'm 65 years old, and this is not the democracy I was raised in nor learned about and loved. We are adrift.
13
@Anne: I would hire Mitch McConnell to clean a pit bull kennel, but nothing else.
3
The purpose of this operation, as the government stated, is to send a message to people intending on coming to the US under claims of persecution and then ignoring orders to appear at an ICE office that the US actually does enforce its immigration laws.
And the fact is that the idea of sending a message is often the main reason federal prosecutors give for sending people to prison. And this is because sending a person to prison for many years, ripping apart their family, for what are often victimless crimes such as making false statements on bank loan applications also seems cruel. However the whole of the population agrees that the law cannot come to be seen as a joke, and so people who committed actions they knew could send them to prison are sent there to send a message.
And the idea that we enforce our laws and send people to prison for years, many times to send a message, is part of who we are and we do not see it as cruel because it is understood the "victim" has only themselves to blame. As such the only people who feel that deliberately not enforcing immigration laws, thus sending a message that immigration laws not exist at all, are those who want to abolish those laws.
And if this is their view they should be open about it and propose an open border policy. Their current "policy" of forcing people to risk their lives and forcing the officers of CBP to act as babysitters while yelling about "concentration camps" is a fraud on the American people.
6
This smacks of a gaudy show, with little impact. Two thousand in 10 locations is a minuscule number.
If they have been legally deported, why do they need to be temporarily detained?
By giving warning, anyone in jeopardy will just hide out for a few days.
ICE can then say the operation was a huge success, with no way to verify.
3
Don't open the door. The ICE land shark may be there. Could you imagine the terror if ICE was allowed to break the door down. This is not us.
3
There is nothing unusual or unethical, either within US law or internationally, about rounding up immigration violators and reporting them. This is a humane, normal, lawful situation that is morally correct. People should always expect deportation, particularly after a Final Order from a federal court. This should be at the subject’s own cost.
18
The people to be targeted in this operation are people who have already received deportation orders from the courts. So, in addition to entering the country illegally, they have refused a lawful order to leave. Seems reasonable to me they will be identified, secured, and deported.
14
@Thomas Smith
They targeted the entire Hispanic community by sharing it nationally. They are attempting to instill fear and terror in our community of both citizens and undocumented migrants.
We cannot keep allowing illegal immigrants to enter our country. If they think they can enter without any consequences, the hoards will continue to come. We must prove to them that we mean business when we say that we will not allow them to enter. If it means deporting those who willingly and brazenly broke our laws, so be it. Maybe they will finally heed our advice and come here legally like millions before them. We want people to come but they must follow our laws. No exceptions.
12
@KMW
Trump himself doesn't follow our laws.
He hired illegal immigrants for years. Years.
That is the credibility problem with a "leader" who is clueless how to actually lead.
3
If this wasn't a terrible tragedy about to happen one could laugh at the ineptness of the government's planning for these raids. "In a tense meeting with White House officials on June 21, two days before the raids were scheduled to begin, Mr. McAleenan again outlined the challenges of the operation, including the separation of families and the logistics of housing them until they can be removed. If undocumented parents are found to have children who are United States citizens, for example, ICE agents will need to wait with the children in a hotel room until a relative in the United States can claim them." Who believes that ICE agents will wait with all the separated children until a relative in the US can find them? Or that these raids will not once more result in people crushed into inadequate spaces? Or that even more children will not suffer not only from the terror of separation from their parents but also inadequete management of food, hygiene and basic comfort needs like beds?
1
The headline for the online edition rereads "U.S. Prepares to Arrest Thousands of Immigrant Family Members". This is misleading. It should read "....Illegal Immigrant Family Members".
Further obfuscation on this issue by liberals and the liberal media will guarantee more trump in 2020.
16
@Stanley Gomez
You mean people rounded up who don’t have documentation even if they are legal.
Papers please! Maybe we should have ICE at every grocery store with machine guns asking for documentation.
1) our country’s food, farming and ranching cannot be done without this labor force. With this round up our entire food supply is in jeopardy
2) Trump is turning ICE into a Gestapo that is under no supervision nor oversight. They are removing Americans from work and trains for merely speaking Spanish even if there is no evidence that they are illegally here. They are arresting people even with proper US identification.
3) Every American should be up at arms about this because there is no telling who would be next. It might be me or you.
3
@Jan Newman, M.D., FACS Sorry, I don't buy this...A person who speaks Spanish AND has proper US identification is arrested. Nonsense. By any chance is this person working at a farm? or meat packing plant?
If so, I doubt they have "proper US identification."
Yes, food prices will go up if we have to pay Americans citizens more to do these unattractive jobs... however, farmers and cattle owners will lower the price if the demand declines.
2
I know people get bent out of shape when I compare modern history to a particular older set of events, but this week just happens to be the eighty-first aniversary of the Evian Conference.
As I'm sure you know, nothing came of it despite Rooselvelt's best intentions, and as the world would learn soon after, all it took was for a few good men to do nothing.
2
I can't help but be reminded of the systematic development and encouragement of "Nazism/Nationalism & Fascism" proceeding WWII. The parallels are unmistakable. Remember, The Nazi Party declared that Jews and others were not "real Germans" because they were not Aryan. (e.g. were immigrants).
The ideologies; and subsequent plans and actions taken by this President and other elected/appointed officials beginning with the Pre-candidacy embracement of the "Birther Movement" are no different except the “detainment camps” aren't death camps (yet).
These raids sound frighteningly similar to Kristallnacht and other raids by German and other fascist groups and governments, as well as other examples of "ethnic cleansing" around the world.
The additions to the Census questions to identify "legals" from "illegals" is straight out of the Nazi handbook. It begins with that identification followed by the methodical isolating & detaining, incarcerating and/or deporting "immigrants" after separating men, women and children, young, old, etc.
I am one of the horrified Patriotic Americans standing by and watching, feeling powerless to stop what’s foreseeable and preventable. I remember learning as a young child in school that with every horror of the WWII era, no one could imagine anything worse that what had already happened. And then worse happened. Again and Again.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana).
8
@Rachel
No one forced these immigrants to come here. They are free do leave at any time.
15
@Rachel Nazis and Hitler were terrible. He was a madman and Germany was only 25 years out of WWI. I see a difference in that Hitler wouldn't let Jews leave. We are not keeping illegal immigrants in the US. Just the opposite.
2
Responsible cities will let it be known to all of their residents, via public service announcements, that if they witness or learn of I.C.E. agents illegally forcing themselves into homes, they should call the local police authority immediately and attempt to record, if possible, these unlawful entries.
10
They're law enforcement agents. No wonder you guys keep losing elections.
14
Wrong! They’re lawbreakers if they effectuate an illegal entry. What is so difficult for anyone to understand?
3
@John Grillo
Yeah let us know how that works out. Baha
3
Trump's policy of brutality as a deterrent to increased migration may very well prove effective, as it becomes more and more apparent that those who migrate illegally face inhumane conditions and may also be separated from their children. Some will die. All will be abused. But that should not be the question. What we should ask is whether we are dehumanizing our own culture by blithely allowing such ill treatment of weak and desperate people to exist. Do we not make ourselves more bestial and less human by callously ignoring the cries of children penned without their parents into cages with only a concrete floor to offer solace. Instead of collaborating with what Trump and his cohorts do--- would it not be more suitable for our traditions and our religiosity (for those who profess to love God) to reach out more humanely and stem the flow by trying to improve conditions in the countries where desperation grows? Sanctions? Less financial help for those Central American nations? Trump wants to do just the opposite--to cut their resources . To make them more desperate and hungrier. No. Quite the reverse. What we as caring human beings should do is something like the Marshall Plan after WWII ,which helped former enemies revive their economies. The policy of brutality may work, but at what cost?
9
While it’s unfortunate that so many people came to this country illegally (only to have children who are citizens), they must face the consequences of their actions. And this applies to ANY illegal immigrant, whether her from Mexico, Europe, or any place else in the world.
The answer, at least in part, to illegal immigration is to enforce our own laws and remove them, giving humanitarian consideration the their legal children and finding homes for them, depending on their age.
I approve a pathway to citizenship for those who are here illegally, but that’s a pipe dream for this Congress. And before too many people say this is a Trump thing. Preceding administrations have dome the same thing.
We’re a country of laws. Let’s make it so.
24
@HeyJoe
Under the present administration, are we really a country of laws---where subpoenas are obeyed as the law requires, where emoluments are prohibited as the Constitution demands, where fairness and equality reign in McConnell's chamber?
4
Good points, and I agree with you on all. Justice is blind, or it’s supposed to be. It wasn’t blind with Jeffrey Epstein, the heinous monster who should have been put away in 2008.
Our system of justice is being tested severely. Ignored subpoenas can’t be ignored without consequences, it must be the same for ALL citizens. But we’ve gradually drifted to this state of affairs, worn down by the bullying and racist actions of our Bigot in Chief and his enablers.
Get out and vote in 2020. Nothing less than our democracy is at stake. As citizens, it the LEAST we can do,
1
What have we become? I guess the answer is something we always were. How sad. We are a republic of ideals that are really just illusions of ideals.
5
@Bookpuppy--Oh, but the people of this republic elected officials who passed immigration laws--the same laws so many of you think illegal aliens should be able to ignore. That's the corrupting influence of illegal immigration. Pres. Eisenhower, quoting the NY Times of his day, said that illegal immigration is part and parcel of corruption at the highest levels. We see that pretty clearly in efforts to nullify the will of the people as expressed by its elected representatives.
10
@Bookpuppy
“What have we become?”
We’re a sovereign nation with defined borders and immigration laws. Does that surprise you?
9
@Susanna
Enforce laws on those who hire undocumented labor first. Stop hiding amongst the crowd of racists. I will not support you in any endeavor as long as you do so.
Hold Trump accountable and then we can come to the table and honestly discuss immigration. Until then I don’t trust you nor believe anything from this hostile lying administration and the people who support it.
You don’t enforce laws by breaking them daily.
Trump has turned America into a totalitarian regime where crimes against humanity have become the norm. The founders never envisioned two failed branches when they crafted the impeachment provisions. Even the judiciary has been corrupted. So who is going to preserve this democracy?
7
Trump didn't anticipate that the Federal Courts would balk at his "order"to add the citizenship question to the Census at the last minute.
He was embarrassed by the sheepish US attorneys who actually admitted they had no idea what was going on when he tweeted orders reversing the previous stance.
Then, he was embarrassed by the leak of the British Ambassador's frank description of the ineptness of his Administration.
He is facing a herd of Democratic rivals whom he senses are subject to damage over immigration reform.
So what does he do? He launches a sensational country wide set of "raids on illegals." Think of it as his 4rth of July fireworks finale. First we have military might highlighted on Independence Day; then he announces militaristic operations.
We actually need Immigration and Customs Enforcement to function, and require clear but humane immigration and refugee, rules in place. They need to be in agreement withinternational rules we have entered into, as well.
But what is being done is Donnie's Side Show: it's meant to lure and trick and relies on misdirecting attention. And He doesn't care about the human damage it may cause. Those who are happy that he is inflicting harm to "illegals" should keep in mind that he doesn't mind inflicting damage on anyone outside of very close family members. As long as they do his bidding, that is.
11
"Agents have expressed apprehensions about arresting babies and young children, officials have said."
What is happening to the United States of America? How can our government - which represents us - do this? There are already people vehemently demonstrating in various way against the concentration camps for the newly arrived migrants. Now they're going to take people who are just living their lives and doing their jobs and put them in these for-profit camps? There needs to be some form of mass disobedience, a refusal to let this happen. These are human beings trying to live their lives. They are not stealing anyone's job (automation and outsourcing are doing that). Leave them be. How have people allowed their prejudice to cloud their morality this much? I am aghast at what my country is doing in the name of "strong borders." I would rather have weak borders than be party to arresting babies.
9
@Jaimie--"They are not stealing anyone's job (automation and outsourcing are doing that). Leave them be."
-------------Actually, they are stealing jobs, Jaimie. Millions of them are committing felony fraud by using stolen or fake SSNs and lying on the I-9 to get jobs. That's stealing jobs. Illegal aliens also expand the supply of labor, one half of the interaction that determines wages. The other half is demand for labor, i.e. the supply of jobs, which as you indicated, is DECREASING. So, you have more workers competing for fewer jobs--and yes, illegal aliens are not only stealing jobs, but depressing wages.
6
@Jaimie
Every rejected mother with babies is a potential death from hunger and disease. If we want to preserve all lives an open border is the only option. The oligarchs south of the border see the lives of their countrymen as disposable.
"In those deportations, the authorities might detain immigrants who happened to be on the scene, even though they were not targets of the raids"
I think you mean ILLEGAL immigrants...
They won't detain my wife, who spent $4,250 on immigration attorney fees and obtained a legal HB-1 visa through her American employer.
29
They’ll detain her now and ask questions later.
3
Not this time, maybe. They’ll come for her soon enough.
2
Hopefully you won’t have to prove that while she is detained in an unknown location. This is not a good time to be an immigrant in America, legally or otherwise.
2
How do we find out what hotel chains are participating in this horror show so we can express our dismay at them being complicit in the family separations?
3
This is beyond horrific - and that's saying something given the numerous atrocities Trump and his Administration have committed since taking office. Raiding people's homes to search for undocumented citizens?! Separating more parents from their children?! Stirring up more fear and uncertainty among those who are most vulnerable, who are simply in search of a better life for their families? Have we learned nothing from history, including our own in this country? This is nothing short of barbaric, revolting and inhumane. This is NOT how to solve the immigration crisis. Our leaders should be ashamed. WE should be ashamed.
5
@Steve--Yeah, it's so "inhumane" to deport someone who's had due process, had their chance to make a case for staying, couldn't do it, and was ordered deported. Most of these cases also were processed under previous administrations--we have a million immigration fugitives.
We have indeed learned from history--that when you reward illegal aliens with amnesty, you get more illegal aliens--especially when you don't enforce your laws. Remember the 1986 amnesty?
23
@Steve
Raiding people's homes to search for evidence of criminal activity?! Separating more parents from their children when they have found to commit a crime?
Sounds like something that happens to American citizens every day.
2
Stop hyperventilating. They are not randomly “raiding people's homes to search for undocumented citizens”; they are targeting specific individuals (who are “citizens” only of other counties) to enforce previous court orders of deportation.
7
The word “roundup,” which is being used to describe this operation, evokes the memory of a similar act, the Vel' d'Hiv Rafle of July 1942, in which the French Vichy government removed 13,000 Jews from their homes, then shipped them off to Germany, where most were killed. The circumstances, of course, are different, but the end result may be the same: a heartless government, complicit or cowed citizens who go along with this immoral activity, leading to death of innocents. (And yes, most are innocent, having done nothing more serious than cross a border.) Have we learned nothing?
6
@Ockham9--How do you know it's "heartless" to deport these people? They had their day in court to convince a judge to let them stay, and were ordered deported.
And it's because citizens aren't cowed that these deportations are happening. Many, if not most, Americans want our immigration laws enforced. In fact that's what we were promised we'd get when we agreed to the 1986 amnesty--that it would be the ONLY amnesty because the law would be enforced after it.
10
@Ali. Not true, though a vocal minority keeps banging on their supposed majority status. According to a Gallup survey conducted earlier this year, 81% of Americans think the US should allow immigrants living in the U.S. illegally the chance to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain requirements over a period of time. 61% oppose deporting all immigrants who are living in the United States illegally back to their home country. https://news.gallup.com/poll/1660/immigration.aspx. Or do you not accept data in forming your opinions?
1
If we can't throw out illegal immigrants who were given due process rights but a court has ruled they must be deported...then who on God's green earth can we throw out??
29
@Cjmesq0
It's still unclear to me at what point immigration advocates believe the laws should actually be followed. Only when they are permitted to enter the country (ex., when applying for asylum) it seems.
6
It is a glorious day for America when we at last summon the righteous fortitude to actually enforce our own laws which have been on the books for decades.
I ardently endorse the solidly logical arguments made by our esteemed fellow NYT reader, Sophie from NC, in the “Times Pick” section. Well stated, Ma’am!
8
"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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
"Come senators, congressman
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he who gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
The battle outside ragin'
Will soon shake your windows
And rattle the walls
For times they are a changin' "
What should we tell Lady Liberty who stands proud on our shores? Or Bob Dylan?
2
@Hedy Sloane
The nation-building era of the 19th-early 20th century Industrial Revolution is OVER...and it’s not coming back.
Surprise! It’s the 21st century, and we have a population of almost 350 Million....20 Million of whom are illegal aliens. Is there something about the word ‘illegal’ that confuses you?
5
They're targeting 2,000 immigrants? Trump said he was going to deport millions. Looks like he's about to disappoint his base yet again.
At a time of full employment, do we really want the 11 million person illegal workforce removed suddenly from the country? I hope you don't like produce, clean hotel rooms and your mom's home health aid.
4
It is the owners of businesses, like Donald Trump, who illegally employ these workers that need to be arrested.
Lock him up!
7
@SRP
Yes, and so that his buyers and golf club members can avoid actually paying in full for the services they want.
1
Trump must not like the questions about the 28 girls brought in to his Maralago digs for a party for him and that guy Epstein back in the day.
We know Trump is all about himself.
9
So why aren't they starting in our Northern border states?! Where the MAJORITY of immigrants who entered illegally are coming from?!
2
The Trump Show continues. I am not sure our nation will survive it.
6
Our society is rotting from people who think that their "special" circumstances mean they're above the law. We see this with the judge in New Jersey who didn't want to prosecute a rapist as an adult because the young man came from "a good family" and was on track to go to "a good school." We see it with the college admissions scandal where parents were using bribes and falsified extracurricular records to get their kids into elite schools. We see it with our president and his dealings with Russia and manipulation of the Department of Justice.
And yes we're seeing it with the illegal immigrants in our country. They break our laws to get here. Make false asylum claims to stay and then when they've exhausted their legal options they refuse to comply with their orders of deportation. Meanwhile Democratic "Sanctuary" Cities help actual criminals escape deportation, refusing to even hand over convicted criminals to ICE in all but the most severe of cases.
This has to stop across the board, and yes immigration enforcement is part of that. It's no wonder we're hopelessly divided as a nation. We've become hopelessly selfish as a nation. One's personal circumstances don't put one above the law. No society can function this way. Our legal immigration process is among the most generous in the world with virtually no merit requirements and a far broader range of family sponsorship options. Yes it takes time, but that's because we can't absorb everyone all at once.
Enforce our laws!
28
Yes, our society is rotting. We’re rotting from within with too many bigoted, fearful, amoral Americans who are only concerned with getting theirs and use the myths of laws and scarcity to justify their cruelty and greed.
2
This is just politics. Trump wants to scare immigrants into the shadows so republicans can continue to control government through gerrymandering.
If he really cared about the problem of illegal immigration he’d go after the companies that use immigrants for cheap labor. If there wasn’t work for these folks they would not come here. All the other “solutions” to this seem pretty racist to me.
6
they work for cheap & drag down the economy then Americans cannot afford to do those same jobs. wages hsve been stagnant for decades. i traveled recently and the airport workers were largely people who could barely speak English & I could barely understand them. Americans did those jobs--where are they?
3
@mag2
Blaming immigrants as if it is zero sum is mythology.
Pervasive Myths About Immigrants
Laura Collins, Deputy Director of the Economic Growth
George W. Bush Institute
http://www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/immigration/collins-immigration-myths.html
@mag2 Immigrants have not decided the wage structure. Americans know that they are starvation wage jobs which opens it up for immigrants. Blame the employers who want to make the most profit,no matter who they employ. Illegals are very compliant workers,afraid to draw attention ,so will put up with worse working conditions,low pay,no benefits. If you're coming from a country where a weeks pay is less than one day's pay at a fast food place, you're probably happy. Few Americans will take low paying service jobs and that's the truth Ruth
What a great nation, eh?
In instances such as this, language is everything. What does 'immigrant' mean? 'Migrant'? Refugee?
According to the UNHCR:
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence.
It seems to me that, in the case of many Mexicans and Central Americans, they fled their countries due to violence. That right there makes them refugees, and not just 'illegal' immigrants.
2
no it's mostly due to gang violence because of corrupt civil governments. if these countries can possibly pass their responsibilities over to the U.S they will do it. they pocket foreign aid and blame us for their problems. What's going on in those countries is not the same as what is going on in Syria for example.
5
Shouldn't the headline and article simply be " U.S. to enforce existing laws" And note these are laws of the nation as passed by Congress, not a President, and not Trump. Didn't vote for Trump and don't like him, be he/his admin. has not pushed or passed any new immigration law, they are simply enforcing existing laws. And he is not doing anything Obama did not do, for some reason it's a problem for Trump it but was OK when Obama did the same.....
18
If Trump and Obama had the same level of intelligence, the same degree of understanding of the problem and the same amount of compassion for their fellow human beings then the comparison would make sense. But we’re talking about apples and oranges. And the barrel with the apples is rotting!
I empathize with those undocumented immigrants that will be subject to this draconian effort, but the attacks on the current president are humorous in that under President Obama, ICE conduct numerous of these nationwide raids. Obama wasn't called the deporter-in-chief for nothing.
9
I find it telling that the Trump Administration are targeting illegals who illegally crossed the border recently but are not targeting the ones who illegally overstayed their visas. Could it possibly be that the visa violations are almost all Europeans or Chinese instead of Latinos?
4
@Jeff, they are targeting anyone with an outstanding deportation orders. Ethnicity is irrelevant.
3
ICE is launching this attack on undocumented people in much the same way that President Buchanan assisted slavery Democrats to expand the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Law.
It is as simple as that.
1
I think, as many write and agree, that immigration laws need an overhaul. There are some people, I imagine, who work as coyotes or agents but are legal residents of US. These crooks take money and promote crossing across the border. How to handle those? Does anyone think of these legal but criminals?
6
@HS How to handle human traffickers? Strip them of their citizenship, seize everything they own, deport them if they have dual citizenship, or just toss them in the ocean if they don't. Maybe I'm being too lenient though.
2
The Trump Organization has hired undocumented workers for years, as recently as 2018, to work at his golf resorts. His immigration policies are racist and bigoted. People are fleeing their countries of origin due to war, famine, and violence. Crop failures are becoming more common because of the global heating crisis. The world needs to come together in an international forum to consider how we can find a way to treat refugees and asylum seekers with the dignity that all human beings deserve.
5
According to the former head of ICE 90% of the asylum claims by Central Americans are fraudulent. The figure comes from the federal government. These people game the system and make it difficult for those who actually deserve asylum. They cheat both citizens and deserving asylum seekers. Yet the democratic party piously proclaims that no one is above the law as they aide illegal aliens to cross the border illegally which is a federal crime. Or help them evade ICE when they have defied a court order to leave the country. What other laws and court orders can be defied with impunity? I for one will applaud when these people and their enablers are finally brought to justice.
24
If the primary goal was to deport these people they would not have announced anything before executing the operation. That they have announced it seem to say to me that the primary purpose is political theater...with illegal immigrants as the props.
3
which will probably include half of the nation's police force and those running county halls
The discussion we don;t seem able to have about what kind of borders and immigration we want is missing.
This is a sensationalized attention grabbing move: such things always do damage. It's meant by Trump one more time to divert attention. and he thinks this will result in damage to Democratic primary candidates. He isn't doing it because the people present a danger.
And it may endup costing a great deal. Again, this is not something Trump cares about. This is his finale to the July 4rth parade with tanks.
It's also a way to get back at the federal Court system for not welcoming his belated demand to place the citizenship question on the form.
It's a sick way to run immigration operations.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement performs necessary functions. I wonder what they aren't able t do while the war on illegals is being waged?
And man, I am hoping that there are a slew of Saudi students who have outstayed THEIR visas who are the first to go. Or that we find out that they escaped harassment . .
3
The way to prevent scenes like this is to nuke the incentive for illegal immigration in the first place-- make it impossible to get any job without a rigorous check of legal status and punish any employer who is found to have violated proper procedure with a ferocious fine for a first offense-- equal to double the cost of processing and deporting the number of illegals found to be in their employ-- and hard time for subsequent offences. That wouldn't stop every illegal-- there are, after all plenty who don't work, and who wouldn't be directly affected-- but it would be a good start. Finally, make legal immigration easier for people of means and people we need like those from STEM or medicine.
10
I support legal immigration, but we are allowing our abhorrence of the Trump administration to overlook the fact illegal immigration is not supported by the majority of the American people. If he retains office, it will partly be the result of an open borders policy on the part of the Democratic party. There is a large impact on the planet by the consumer mentality of the American people, population growth also contributes to sprawl and congestion in our cities. I can’t just move to Sweden and say I’m going to live there. We can’t pick and chose the laws we live by. What’s really crazy is now some people say illegal aliens who commit crimes should not be deported! Really? Trump should lose the next election in a landside, but this issue could keep him in the White House.
17
While 2,000 immigrants are being pursued with our precious tax-paid resources, how many Russians are hacking The 2020 election, and what is the Trump administration doing about that?
4
Something astonishing is the outrage of commenters. The people targeted have final orders of deportation. Many of them didn't show for their asylum hearings because they knew that they only has a 10% chance of their "creditable" claim being a legitimate basis for asylum.
That they would now be permitted to hire lawyers to appeal their absolute disregard for the law and get a delay is disgusting.
We have enough American citizens who have no regard for the rule of law, including the commenters of this article, that we have no need to admit more. Nor is there any logical explanation for giving them additional due process.
15
@ebmem
How long have they been here? A day? 6 months? A year? 10 years? Do they have citizen dependents of family members that need them working to provide for them or pay medical?
Yeah it’s easy from your arm chair isn’t it.
Why not start with enforcement of the executive branch breaking laws and work our way down.
@Mathias
Americans with dependents who break the law end up separated from those dependents while serving prison time. Crossing the border illegally is a federal crime. If no one is above the law as the democrats piously claim when talking about Trump, then that includes these illegal aliens. These people had their day in court and were ordered to leave. They defied a court order. They need to leave. Their children can leave with them or be placed in foster care or with relatives. As would happen to American children. The laws don't just apply to all the rest of us and not to them.
1
As a legal immigrant and naturalized citizen, who has literally bought his right to be here, I am ashamed of this country and holding on to my alternate passport. Good luck to future USA refugees when they will try to find a home abroad!
7
Brazil has made an appeal for people to relocate to that country. Spanish is similar to Portuguese so assimilation should be faster. Of course, wages are slightly lower than in the US and welfare benefits are not nearly as good. But remember, it’s all about fearing violence and has nothing to do with money.
4
You can’t pick and choose which laws you want people to obey and which you would like them to ignore. That’s called chaos, which is pretty much where the immigration situation is at.
15
@Larry
Funny. This admin does this daily. Kind of like defunding agencies like the Consumer Protection Bureau instead of legally ending it through Congress. Or defunding the IRS branch that audits the wealthy. Or ignoring subpoenas. Or lying to us daily.
But those darn immigrants!
Trump is smart to announce these raids with plenty of advanced notice. It gives ample time for it to sink in that the Dems over the eight years of Obama did nothing but let the problem only get worse, otherwise why would there be so much cause for alarm of such mass deportations?
5
@John Doe
Your log in your eye is showing.
Gang of Eight (immigration)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang_of_Eight_(immigration)
In the United States of America, the Gang of Eight is a common colloquial term for the bi-partisan group of eight United States Senators—four Democrats and four Republicans—who wrote the first draft of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.[1] The group was also instrumental in bringing comprehensive immigration reform back to the legislative branch in early 2013.[2]
In June 2013, the immigration bill passed the Senate with a strong majority—68–32, with 14 Republicans joining all Democrats. The United States House of Representatives under Speaker John Boehner did not act on the bill, however, and it expired at the end of the 113th Congress.[3] This bill would have created reform that would have resolved some of the issues that are currently being debated as a result of the 2018 government shutdown.[4]
—
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_Immigration_Reform_Act_of_2007
The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (full name: Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348)) was a bill discussed in the 110th United States Congress.
@Mathias, excellent use of Wikipedia. Now type in the search box “ how come it’s okay to live and work in the United States of America illegally in spite the law?” Maybe Trump is just tired of incompetents from both sides of the aisle who only like to play “rule of law” or use it only to impeach him because he has no use for them and their lukewarmness.
Rev. 3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Scripture is fun to quote, isn’t it?
3
These are people who already have deportation orders. In other words, they received Due Process and have ignore court orders. I don't support Trump. I support a path to Citizenship. All this move will do is fire up his base. Nothing will change. Illegal labor will still be exploited so that Americans can enjoy affordable food, dining out, etc... There is nothing preventing Americans from doing the jobs that the undocumented currently hold, except American laziness and employer greed.
6
There’s actually only 4 or 5 raids but they intend to have them heavily covered by the press. The Trump Way.
2
The U. S. government has reached a low point equal to the confinement of Japanese Americans during WWII and the McCarthy era when citizens informed on each other in the name of stemming communism. There are alternatives. Build the necessary facilities to process immigrants (think Ellis Island), increase the courts and judges to hear cases quickly, and properly staff ICE. The aim of the GOP/trump is to foster hate. Choose to disagree with the forces that are destroying our democracy. We are better than this.
2
It is ironic beyond belief.
Trump’s value system is based on the idea that there are essentially no limits that should get in the way of pursuing a better life.
His attack on those fleeing repression and poverty in other parts of the Americas contradicts this fundamental aspect of his value system. The suggestion that these people are somehow dominated by drug traffickers and other violent criminals is so lacking in supporting evidence that it does not merit serious discussion.
I have no doubt that the targets of Trump’s attacks are mainly people trying for a better life, and trying to escape conditions that many, if not most, Americans would consider unacceptable, perhaps even intolerable. Indeed, if one looks at the grievances articulated in the US Declaration of Independence, those grievances seem rather tame when compared to the conditions faced by would-be immigrants.
Why would anyone want to escape death squads and extra-judicial executions? Any American confronted with the personal impact of these types of conditions would likely scream bloody murder, and would support virtually any action intended to help them escape from those conditions. The motivation is a no-brainer.
I am not suggesting that the US should turn a blind eye to illegal immigration. However, it is not helpful to demonize those seeking a better life. They are simply doing what most Americans would do in similar circumstances.
5
The optics these raids create are not going to be pretty.
The problem reverts to inept border procedures and this round-up brings to mind a saying, "The horses are out of the barn".
Spending time and money to clean up a mess more simply fixed at the border (the barn) is poorly spent resources.
4
@GP
Their door is broken but they don’t want to fix it. Progressives have a plan.
Warren’s Immigration Plan Includes Pledge to Investigate Abuses Under Trump
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/us/politics/elizabeth-warren-immigration.html
1
I recently watched a local fastfood franchise get raided and it's mostly Indocumentado crew get deported. I was initially horrified at watching what I thought were the lowest human beings in the US economic "food chain" getting singled out by federal law enforcement until a week later when I saw all of those vacated positions filled by Native Americans from the local Pueblo 11 miles away.
I don't begrudge anyone their dream of coming to the United States(my own family came through Ellis Island) but without immigration controls these people take jobs and resources our poorest citizens need to survive.
14
The immigrants who will be deported have gone through the entire process, including court hearings and receipt of a notice from ICE that they need to schedule an "orderly removal." They have ignored all efforts on the the US government's part to address their presence here. They have left the government with no alternative but to remove them like this.
They are and have always been free to leave.
15
Methodical, step by step.
1st, our politicians get campaign funding from wealthy and corporations.
Then they allow exploitation of our national resources and labor for the profit of the few.
Then they distract blame for our national problems by pointing to big govt interference in "freedoms", and to immigrants, and racial/ethnic minorities.
These policies force average Americans of varied groups to compete for reduced economic crumbs. The resulting resentments are handily exploited by politicians and much of the media, which avoids talk of big money dominance of our politics, and the ripple effects from this.
The soil is thus prepared for---guess what? The Trumpocracy that we see worsening daily, taking over our democracy.
It's step by step. A nifty coup.
1
Frankly, I can see both sides of this issue. On the one hand, The US has many undocumented immigrants, and something needs to be done to overhaul the system. I don’t think it’s unfair for a nation to know who is in its borders and have control of them. On the other hand, we all know what drives this laser-like focus on the legality of immigrants. The entire marketing concept of Trump is rooted in fear, intolerance, distrust and hatred of the other. It bothers me that those motivations have thrust this issue into the spotlight, but I do believe that immigration needs more attention, albeit attention that’s driven by decent and humane motivations and goals.
6
Harsh as it may seem, those who have flouted court orders to leave should be removed from our country. It's too bad we have let it come to this. Rather than all the political infighting we need to get together to correct the long term problem. Immigration is good but it needs to be controlled and regulated.
10
Note: ALL law enforcement can tear families apart due to the arrest of a parent. Should the parents of minor children be exempt from the laws? What kind of a lesson would that teach the rest of society?
8
@Z97
Should we throw you in prison for j-walking or a minor speeding ticket? Maybe just deport you. What are the costs. Do we now pay foster care and the children are wards of the state?
@Mathias, people who are here despite having had their day in court and being given a deportation order are basically stealing something, namely thebenefits of being an American - free first-world medical care, free education and food for their children, the relative safety of living in a generous, law abiding country. This is not a minor crime like a single instance of jaywalking. It is ongoing theft. That they may work and pay sales tax is irrelevant. They have been told they must stop stealing those benefits and return to their legal home.
If they love their us citizen children, they will take them with them to their homeland. Citizen children can always come back when they’re grown. If some are left here in foster care, that is still cheaper in the long run than encouraging more illegal immigration. See yesterday’s article about overcrowded schools in Florida if you want to begin thinking about the costs of open borders (which is what non-enforcement amounts to).
4
As as a former immigration lawyer, I can assure the administration or anyone else that many of these families will simply come back, illegally. I routinely represented people that had been deported several times and simply returned. Again and again and again. A few had been deported and returned over 5 times or more.
Regardless of your feelings about the current policies or deportation generally, it does not work and you will not stop the flow of people entering this country illegally. Therefore, if nothing else, you should focus on things that can be changed.
7
Are only people from Latin countries being deported? What about people who overstayed their visas from Europe? The racism of Trump shows his ugly face. Time to impeach!
14
@SLD
Yes. People that overstayed visas from Europe are also deported. They are also a very small fraction of the total number of illegals.
9
@SLD Or Asia.
@SLD This sweep is for all those who are here illegally in defiance of a court's deportation order. Race is not a criteria. Please stop the race-baiting. It is a cheap argument.
7
If they were actually doing this for everyone, NYC would be empty. Tons of illegal immigrants from Asia,Europe and South America who very easily are granted legal status. This is just a racist tactic. Shameful.
8
There are tens of thousands of European illegals living in the US. Restaurants in all our big cities and resorts are full of them. Can we expect an even handed effort by ICE on Sunday?
9
@Iwrite--
Question is, did PREVIOUS administrations go after these other non Hispanic illegal aliens? ICE is going after those who have final orders of deportation, most of them issued under previous administrations.
Of course, most illegal aliens are Hispanic, and more than half are Mexican, according to Pew, so we'd expect that Hispanics and even Mexicans would be the largest number of deportees.
8
Why do Democrats spend all their time working for non-citizens. Open borders, free school for them not for thee, free healthcare for them not for thee, no laws for them but for thee.
If you are a United States citizen, you are lower on the list to a Democrat than people from anywhere but here.
You would have to be self hating and/or mentally out of it to vote for a Democrat.
32
@John. Or, you can be non-affluent and vote republican party which historically and assuredly will vote against your better interest.
So, take your pick!
3
I feel like that is a misleading statement. Those things are not free for undocumented immigrants. All undocumented immigrants pay for schools as much as any American would - through property taxes (or by paying rent that effectively pays the property tax). Many of their children are American citizens in any case.
I think it is the position of Democrats that everyone who lives in the US should have access to high quality, affordable education and healthcare. Some want to pay for that through taxes - others through providing a public option. I don't think we're anywhere close to that goal yet, but I think the closer we get to those goals the better our country is. I don't believe it is the goal of Democrats to exclude anyone. I don't think we make a better society if by excluding people we make people who live among us uneducated or sick.
@Adam
Illegals do not pay property taxes because they pay rent. The landlord is paying the property taxes from money he earned from his renters. Just as I pay my property tax from money I earn. My employer does not pay my property tax. If citizens were not paying for the education of children who are in the country illegally. Perhaps property taxes could be reduced.
1
Undocumented migrants? No. They’re very much documented. They’re citizens of other countries.
The official term is ‘illegal aliens’. Is there something about the word ‘illegal’ that you can’t comprehend?
29
@Susanna
Is there something about human beings that you do not understand?
It is not necessary to inhumanly imprison men, women, and — for Christ’s sake — children to enforce reasonable and fair immigration laws.
In fact, the government is currently breaking its own immigration laws by denying people lawful asylum proceedings.
Are we a country ruled by laws or bigotry? Apparently it’s bigotry.
1
Ha what a joke! A neighbor just hired a plumbing company to dig up his old sewer line, go under his house to replace all the old cast iron pipes. Temperature was 100- 103 every day and was grueling, back breaking work that could only be done with shovels. The owner of company is a Caucasian. He would hire more legal Americans if they were willing to do this work. But he can’t find any legal Americans willing to work that hard. Americans are lazy. We don’t want to crawl under a house to dig old pipes by hand in hundred degree weather. Even during the recession the construction industry couldn’t hire legal Americans to do work because they weren’t willing to work that hard. Americans are spoiled. We want cheap labor, cheap food but aren’t willing to get out there and bust our butts and work like the illegals? Farms where our meat, milk, vegetables originate from have to hire illegals because no American wants to work in a slaughterhouse standing in inches of blood, bones and guts from a dead cow or in the manure of a milking farm. Americans, even the poorest ones don’t want these jobs. They just want to complain about illegals or about the high price of food yet they’re not willing to pay for it or work for it. Construction, plumbing companies, farmers all over this country need illegal labor despite Trumper’s admitting it. It’s a heartless farce to satisfy his base. It won’t make a bit of difference because we need this “slave labor”. Give’em a legal way to stay. We need them.
29
@Sherarae--He would hire more legal Americans if they were willing to do this work. But he can’t find any legal Americans willing to work that hard.
---------You forgot to say, AT THE (LOW) WAGES that guy was willing to pay. Farmers can hire an UNLIMITED number of legal seasonal agricultural guest workers on H2-A visas, so why do they prefer to hire illegal aliens? One guess--illegal aliens are CHEAPER than legal ones. And of course, that means they can never be legalized, because by your reasoning, we "need" them as cheap labor, and that goes away if they're legalized.
14
Sherarae- your comment is So on target- and don’t forget all the landscaping workers too. The “deplorables” that constantly complain would never take the jobs that very hard-working illegals are doing. It’s no question who the real assets to our country are and will continue to be -and they certainly don’t wear a Maga hat.
@Sherarae Your friend is probably paying slave wages, no benefits no vacation pay to make a profit.
7
What was ordered:
The officials said ICE agents were targeting at least 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported — some as a result of their failure to appear in court — but who remain in the country illegally.
What is being said by the media:
Thousands Are Targeted as ICE Prepares to Raid Undocumented Migrant Families
Newsflash bleeding heart Liberals, when you receive a subpoena, a court notice to appear in court, you cannot choose to ignore it. This applies the same to divorce court, moving violations, felonies and should apply the same to immigration cases.
Thus the people being called in to court who refused to show up, are fugitives of the law, and should be arrested under the law.
To say anything else is to say the law does not apply.
30
@AutumnLeaf
I'm assuming the requirement to appear as a result of a subpoena also applies to Trump administration officials subpoenaed by Congress?
3
Actually, there are plenty of subpoenas being ignored lately by the Executive branch. Apparently subpoenas no longer have meaning.
4
Immigrants made America great. Trump brings shame on us all.
10
@Michael Stevens
You still can’t discern the difference between ‘legal’ immigrants... and “illegal aliens”, now numbering over 20 Million?
4
@Michael Stevens LEGAL immigrants made America great.
1
@Susanna
Why not just say 50 million?
Are there any news sources left to report news? I am a paid subscriber hoping that the Times reports news. The authors - Dickerson and Kanno-Youngs - have fashioned a story. The facts of the story emerge in the 4th paragraph. THe first three paragraphs simply serve to 'frame' the story, but to what end? I suggest the authors practice objectivity and their editors reassess their roles. An equal compelling headline 'ICE plans to enforce the law potentially in different places at the same time or close to the same time; potentially, of course, because these are plans that we have become aware of from sources and they may change over days and weeks ahead'.
14
Why are we calling them "immigrant family members" now? Isn't everyone a family member?
9
when is the administration going to target, fine and/or arrest the folks and companies who employ immigrants?
13
@lar such as the Trump cabal.
1
The same conservatives who shouted about Waco and Ruby Ridge and referred to the FBI as jackbooted thugs really have no agency to gripe if some of these raids go awry.
1
@Merrill R. Frank--Which is why it would be preferable to take them into custody at jails and courthouses--but sanctuary cities and states do NOT allow that.
4
@Ali I reside in a so called Sanctuary city. It's been one since Ed Koch signed the legislation in 1989 and was enthusiastically supported by Rudy Giuliani and subsequent mayors. Crime has declined just about every year since while there are over 170 crimes that are flagged to ICE and lead to custody.
I think he's missing out on a GREAT opportunity. Take all of this weekend's migrants; crosscheck blood types, and all that match with those needing kidneys immediately have a path to citizenship. Perfect trumpian solution. Make him a HERO.
2
Americans who’re gloating over this might want to be aware of the recent history related to such intrusions of privacy and rights!!
The patriot act and related measures are now used to spy on Americans too, if not mostly Americans.
Most Americans thought these tools were targeted towards foreigners only.
however, if one thought about it rationally, one would have realized that the patriot act affects say Africans less cause they barely use the internet or have mobile data services.
It’s Americans who have these data services or use Facebook the most!!
So of course any online privacy breaches hurt Americans more cause they have the most data in the world to steal or spy on!!
they use these divides or data more than those poorer people across the world.
Same thing with facial recognition.
Of course this will affect Americans more cause they use these devices and data more than the people it’s being used against now!!
So, if anybody gloating here thinks the methods ICE uses against immigrants will be restricted to immigrants, they might be in for a nice little surprise.
Today it’s immigrants, tomorrow it will be Americans targeted by their police forces or other organizations, creditors, employers etc!!
So for those who gloat, be ware!!!
The joke might really be on you!!!!
1
A billionaire (maybe) fooling everyone into thinking that he cares. Only thing he cares is to get elected and stay out of jail.
6
Call them what you will, whether refugees, illegals, or undocumented, the bottom line is that Corporate America wants them here for cheap labor, and to do jobs that Americans don't want anyway. The farm workers, the lettuce pickers, the hotel room cleaners, the dishwashers, etc etc. These "raids" are nothing more than political theater. Announcing a "raid" days before they are to begin is just comically ridiculous.
13
@Dr. Vinny Boombah
Planting, tending crops, and harvesting crops, such as lettuce, is now being mechanized. Robots vacuum and machines wash dishes.
Robots do not incur permanent injuries or need medical and housing support once they have "outlived" their usefulness.
Corporate America is belatedly beginning to invest in robots now that Trump is making it harder for it to hire undocumented workers and pay them little, thus pushing the cost of their workers and their families onto the general public.
(I agree that announcing a "raid" days before it is to begin seems like political theater.)
2
Absolutely! If they really want it stopped they would slap hefty fines on those (like the Trump Organization) caught hiring illegal immigrants.
@Dr. Vinny Boombah then change the laws..
OK... and when are the countries of origin and possibly the US gov. practicing economic reform and teaching birth control in the countries whence the undocumented came.
The population numbers need to decrease -- bye bye consumer economy -- war needs to stop, we all need to consume less ..
education has got to improve... put up a curriculum for as much as possible on the WEB already...
Too many flavors of the day... and PS what is happening with the now incarcerated kids-- many without parents??
3
@Auntie Mame
Children who arrive without their parents are supposed to be processed by the Border Patrol, within hours, and then handed over to Health and Human Services. HHS houses the minors until it can find relative (preferably a parents) who are willing to take responsibility for them until the minors’ court hearings. Before HHS can hand the minor over to a relative, the latter has to pass a criminal background check. If a relative is not available, willing to take a minor, or has a criminal history, the minor is placed in foster care to await his hearing.
So many unaccompanied minors have been arriving at our border that HHS has not had enough places to house them. Minors were backed up at the Border Patrol facilities which had not been built to keep anyone for more than a short time.
Until just recently, House Democrats refused to allocate more money to the Immigration Service, out of fear that some of it would be used to deport those who failed to qualify for asylum. Without additional funds, HHS could not create new facilities to house the minors while relatives or foster homes were being sought for them.
Without additional funds, ICE could not deport many people whose requests for asylum had been denied. (Only 13% of Central Americans are being found to qualify for asylum.) Central Americans saw practically no one was being deported, despite being denied asylum, so more have decided to come here, making our facilities all the more crowded.
3
"U.S. Prepares to Arrest Thousands of Immigrant Family Members"
No, CLARIFICATION required, the GOP Prepares to Arrest Thousands of Immigrant Family Members.
8
@WhatTheWow
Clarification required:
U.S. prepares to arrest thousands who are here without authorization and do not qualify for asylum.
3
Wonder if Trump's in-laws know? That'll be awkward at Thanksgiving...
2
@Coseo
Don't worry about them. They are legal through chain migration.
2
True, he only wants to end what he calls “chain migration” after Melania’s folks are in.
Big, Big, BIG difference between legal aliens and illegal aliens. How did that protest that the mainstream media didn't cover in Portland turn out?
1
You don't like it? Pass some laws to end it. Oh wait, that's in neither political party's best interest.
15
@Holden
Our country has asylum laws and a legal asylum process, on the books, in black and white.
This Administration is actively, and with malice, breaking these laws and denying asylum applicants a fair and legal process.
When the Trump Administration started arresting people who showed up for immigration hearings and proceedings, chaos was inevitable.
Excellent, most excellent. Vigorous enforcement of the law to deport illegal aliens and to dissuade other illegal aliens from coming.
America for Americans!
24
This post is a lot funnier if you say it in Mr. Burns’ voice.
2
😂 first time I have ever heard of enforcement ANNOUNCING they are going to do the raids . Is it like a message to tel the folks - hide yourselves ? !!!!!
The dreaded knock on the door. Rounding up the “undesirables”. Detaining innocent people in filthy, inhumane conditions. What’s next? Invading Poland and bombing London?
7
@Elaine Francis People who remain here in DEFIANCE of a court order of deportation are not innocent. Duh.
6
Those that resist border security and visa and immigration control must be delusional and imagine ---
"Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace"
Great idea but --
Humans will kill and die for just about anything.
4
@Koala:
Amen!, I’m not religious but your quote is so apt!
Trump has won his fight.
With his multiple announcements and twits, he has scared enought people so that they will avoid the census as a plague, they will not be counted, and the states they live in will be denied their fare share of the benefits, while they will still pay taxes.
By the way, what about taxation without representation?
And what about this policy of puting money into the WALL, instead of having enough people to sort and accomodate with dignity those who fly persecutions
6
@Max Lewy--Most of these people are NOT "fleeing persecution". The basis for asylum is persecution by a gov't based on race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group. Being a Guatemalan coffee farmer "fleeing" falling global coffee prices, as the Washington Post recently reported on, isn't "persecution". Meanwhile, all these economic migrants make it take longer and be tougher for those who really do face persecution, to get asylum.
8
@Max Lewy--Most of these people are NOT "fleeing persecution". The basis for asylum is persecution by a gov't based on race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group. Being a Guatemalan coffee farmer "fleeing" falling global coffee prices, as the Washington Post recently reported on, isn't "persecution". Meanwhile, all these economic migrants make it take longer and be tougher for those who really do face persecution, to get asylum.
By the way, those illegal aliens ARE represented in Congress. Seats in Congress are based on population, and states with lots of illegal aliens literally take away seats from those states without them. THAT dilutes the votes of citizens, one man, one vote.
6
What you call fair I call stealing political and economic power from citizens.
6
Here's a list of all individuals "targeted" who aren't strongly suspected of breaking US law:
11
“For there is but one essential justice which cements society, and one law which establishes this justice. This law is right reason, which is the true rule of all commandments and prohibitions. Whoever neglects this law, whether written or unwritten, is necessarily unjust and wicked.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero, On the Laws
4
Much of the chaos in the so-called Northern Triangle is a direct consequence of our foreign policies of the 80s when we waged war against the Sandinists in Nicaragua and the conflict spread across that region--especially after we urged the Contras rebellion and essentially escalated a decades long civil war in the region. The blow-back from that chaos spread refugees from the conflict across the Southern tier of the US concentrating in LA and cities from Arizona and across the Gulf Coast. Generations of gangs gained footholds; deportations sent them back to their homelands where their means and methods further wrecked vulnerable, largely impoverished societies across Central America and Mexico. Now combine climate change with socio-economic catastrophe and you have a refugee crisis, not unlike the one besetting Turkey and Southern Europe in the wake of the Syrian and now Libyan civil wars. Trump thinks playing tough cop will make great headlines for his base. Perhaps, but it's a recipe for long term damage to our society and to our relations with our neighbors--who should be our friends and our customers. Stupid is always the hardest problem to fix.
12
Obviously this is only being done because of the Jeffrey Epstein arrest, which created a need to distract from whomever else might be arrested in connection with sex trafficking. Either that, or I have to stop watching so much Rachel Maddow.
14
@Middleman MD--Jeffrey Epstein was a major donor to the Democratic Party, and was first tried in Florida, where the Democratic prosecution rolled over. That he was punished at all, under FEDERAL law, is due to Acosta. The case is being brought up now because of the connection to the Trump administration--but you won't find any mention of the failure of DEMOCRATS to hold Epstein accountable 15 years ago.
4
Is this activity taking resources away from agents who deport violent criminals, pursue human traffickers, and drug smugglers? You know, the actual bad people. Not families who just want a job and a safe place to live with their kids.
10
@Joshua--Processing asylum seekers, 144,000 of them last month alone, sure takes away resources from pursuing human traffickers, and drug smugglers.
2
The people targeted went to court and lost. They have a legal deportation order.
3
Anyone who is that outraged about the conditions at the border should take 2 weeks and head to Texas. I’m sure volunteers are needed to clean bed pans, change diapers, mop floors etc. Any takers? I didn’t think so.
20
@Kevin
There are many volunteers who are banned from the facilities. (Just as members of Congress were not allowed to see what is what in the Homestead FA facility.)
Reuniting families is one problem: the children who arrive solo entirely another.
OTOH we throw away 264 billion in food annually so "we" could certainly feed a least a few extra stomachs. There are towns losintg population -- empty homes, classrooms -- which IMO is where the migrants should be settled NOT in the so called sanctuary cities.
I feel bad for all of them and for us. because I have no idea beyond my suggestion above, population control everywhere, axing the super rich so that decent quality housing can be built (something that recycles and lasts a long time and is attractive), education paid for... the problem of jobs is huge esp. with more automation looming...
1
Your comment makes no sense . People can’t just leave homes, family , children.
It doesn’t mean we won’t do what’s reasonably possible to help .
Including voting for those with decency and humanitarian values
2
@Kevin Au contraire! I am a Canadian, and donated to an international NGO that provides kits for for those held in detention camps.
What kind of kits? Kits containing clothing, food , some money and other resources.
Why the kits? They are needed, when the Trump regime takes detainees out of the camps , usually at night, , and dumps them in small towns or desolate areas near the Mexican border. The kits help people survive , as they take their next steps....one hopes, to a safer place.
If I were a US resident, I'd be volunteering, to ease the pain of unnecessarily cruel, incompetent, and expensive mismanagement of the Mexican border migration situation. MAGA? NOT!!!
New York, California, and other states provide free legal assistance in immigration cases. Look it up! Also, do not cooperate with ICE. Don't open the door, and record every interaction. Resist abuse.
5
What the Trump administration is doing to the refugees seeking asylum is immoral, vile, inhumane, and crime against humanity. The people of the United States and the world should hold Trump and the former and present members of his administration responsible and charge them with crime against humanity.
7
You didn't read the article. People with a lawful order of deportation are being targeted. By definition they are not asylum seekers as they were found to not qualify by a court.
8
@The Baron
Can you prove why they lost their asylum cases? Were they properly represented by immigration lawyers? What about those coming from Europe and other countries who have overstayed their visas for many years and never appeared in courts? Is the government seeking them too?
1
@willt26
I read the article. Do you think that deporting the parents of American citizen is fine because in the past, they have forcefully separated families without mercy.? Also, were the targeted people represented by immigration attorneys? Can you state the reasons for the deportation orders considering that an overwhelming majority of them don't understand English and do not know how to properly apply for asylum?
Finally, how come Trump and ICE are not seeking those from Europe and other countries who have overstayed their visas for many years?
1
Meanwhile, farmers are hiding their workers in the barn ...
6
Working Americans are sick and tired of being taxed at every level - local, state and federal - to take care of illegal immigrants.
Medicare for all? Take care of our homeless? Improved infrastructure? Global warming?
Impossible when we spend billions on illegal immigration.
25
@Dr. John
They put more in than they take out. What is expensive is this enforcement policy. But republicans never complain about money on their watch. Deficits don’t matter.
2
@Dr. John
and we spend such a miniscule amount on defense and weapon development...
actually more and more we have regressive taxes like those on fuel and food that hit everyone...
For a healthy young population, medical care costs nearly nothing --vaccinations, eye check ups, contraception -- most medical spending (which tends to benefit society at large not the patient) occurs in the last year of life!
Education - not the same for everyone can to a large degree be provided FREE online.
Maybe the utility companies (vulture capitalism) should pass their profits onto their customers and not to the people who own stock. Now a days many companies pay better interest than do banks...
It can be very hard to get and keep a job.. American or not.
@Mathias No, they don't "put in more than they take out." First, many work under the table and pay NO taxes at all. Those over the table are law wage workers, and the little tax they do pay is swamped by the cost to us as they swell our public schools and emergency rooms, and our prisons. Then add in health care. The illegals cost us many billions every single year.
5
This round-up is a publicity stunt for Trump's base.
Democrats need to emphasize: immigrants are the SCAPEGOAT, a distraction from income inequality. High profits, especially in finance and the global reach of US corporations are why working people are struggling, not low wage immigrants.
So far only one democratic presidential hopeful has said immigrants benefit the US by paying taxes especially into Social Security.
All the democrats running for president need to expose Trump's (and the republican's generally) lie that immigrants are the source of working people's struggles to make a living. This has to be announced by everyone loudly and clearly. Then there would be no excuse for this atrocity of mistreating people who are seeking refuge in the US.
8
@Cecily
It just occurred to me that when all of those jobs return from China et al, because of Trump's trade war, we'll need many migrants to do the work here. PS there are special regs for agricultural workers.. Much more complicated than one might think.
I think many were hoping Obama would again grant amnesty as did Reagan -- a natural trouble maker.
I have no idea to WHAT the current influx is due. According to international law, if I am right, the refugees should shelter in MX.
1
It was initially reported that Trump will include those who are currently serving in our military and their families. If this is confirmed, this is totally wrong for this subgroup.
If anyone should be given an exception it should be this group, including their families, for who are fighting and risking their lives and dying for us, especially including our specious bone spur evader Trump!
It's about time some decency was shown for this group of people, as our lives are not at risk!!!!
1
It was initially reported that Trump was targeting you! It's fun to make stuff up.
2
@willt26
And I can provide facts to say who is and isn’t.
Trump Wants To Withdraw Deportation Protections For Families Of Active Troops
https://www.npr.org/2019/06/27/736362986/trump-wants-to-withdraw-deportation-protections-for-families-of-active-troops
The Trump administration wants to scale back a program that protects undocumented family members of active-duty troops from being deported, according to attorneys familiar with those plans.
The attorneys are racing to submit applications for what is known as parole in place after hearing from the wives and loved ones of deployed soldiers who have been told that option is "being terminated."
Speeding.
Trespassing.
Breaking and entering.
Tax fraud.
Shoplifting.
Social Security fraud.
For which of these or other crimes should a person found guilty face no punishment?
If none, then why should we ignore asylum laws?
25
@John - In each case above - add Sex w Minors - and here in Wis - drunk driving & vehicular homicide while intoxicated - punishment or evasion thereof depends on the legal team purchased for your defense.
It’s about time. There should not be even one person in this country who is here illegally..not one. We are a nation of laws..the laws on the books MUST be upheld for everyone, equally. We have devolved into an dysfunctional anarchy because immigration laws have not been enforced. If you don’t like the laws, change them..but until then, they MUST be upheld and followed.
21
My brother-in-law's sister is in the US illegally; she's from Canada. My second cousin is in the US illegally; she's from Ireland. Both have been here for decades. Both of them are white. Does anyone think they're afraid of being arrested and deported?
6
@mhfella
"been here for decades" - and still haven't made the effort to follow our immigration laws?!? I hope they get caught and sent home.
5
@mhfella
They ought to be. Some of their countrymen/women have been deported.
"Sitting in the visiting room of the Suffolk County House of Corrections, Dylan O'Riordan, 19, wears a lemon-yellow jail jumpsuit and a bewildered expression on his pale face.
"I was aware how with Trump immigration was going to get a lot harder, but I didn't pay as much mind to it as I should have, which was my first mistake," he says."
https://www.npr.org/2018/01/22/578930256/undocumented-irish-unexpectedly-caught-in-trumps-immigration-dragnet
2
@mhfella. Do they have a deportation order? If so...they are gone.
1
Another spectacle to prove to the world how "heartless" this country has become, to borrow the word from the Speaker of the House.
1
God bless Merica .. it’s heart is good. It will overcome the tirades of this diversion
I am sick and tired of people blaming Trump enforcing existing laws, and the politicians that actually voted to enact the laws complaining. The Senate approved a compromise years ago, and it never was approved by the House. The House passed a bill lame duck bill at the end of the last session, and the Senate refused to allow a vote. Stop blaming Trump, and demand congress acts now. Lincoln said the best way to get rid of a bad law, was to strictly enforce it. He must have assumed congress took their jobs as legislators seriously, not strictly politically.
13
This might include family members of immigrants currently serving in our military forces. Nothing says thank you for your service like throwing your mother out of the country.
There must be a better way to handle this situation rather than Trump's political stunt of cruelty. If he were in fact interested in solving the immigration problem he would put the wonderkid Jared on it. He is more interested in being cruel than solving the problem because that would mean he would have to work with the Democrats to come up with a policy acceptable to Congress.
That doesn't make the headlines he wants.
3
For many of us, it is a shame that this is a news making event. This should be a daily routine activity. It should be standard operating procedure that people who are here illegally and have been notified of such and ordered to leave the Country, be arrested and deported.
17
Hear Hear the wise man speaks
It is disappointing to read the comments below from citizens living comfortably enough in their privilege, who have no sense of our nations's history with regard to immigrants, no sense of the situations that drove today's asylum seekers to America, no sense of how they are being traumatized on our border, no sense of the contributions most undocumented workers have provided and still provide, and no recollection of the assorted similar causes that drove their elders to America, often by any means necessary.
Where there should be a heart they have only a stone.
7
@Larry Levy
It doesn't indicate that a person is heartless because they want illegal immigrants deported anymore than we could say a person is evil because he calls the police to evict a home invader.
And I say again there is a large group of Americans who do not have immigrant ancestors by even the most flexible interpretation of the word.
In 2019 the US does not need large numbers of low skill workers who do not speak English. The US should spend more time and resources on US Citizens-not foreign nationals who snuck into the country and won't leave.
1
Trump is doing this not only to please his base, but as a re-election tactic to force Democrats into an impossible position. Democrats like to vehemently deny that they are the "open borders" party, but then they whine when any attempt is made to remove those who have been through the legal process and been denied asylum. The truth is that by attacking the deportation process, Democrats want the functional equivalent of open borders with plausible deniability that they favor that result. Because the vast majority of voters oppose illegal immigration, I sadly foresee a Trump re-election victory in our future.
10
Trump is not forcing Democrats into an impossible position. The Democrats themselves have chosen to adopt an impossible position.
4
@RunDog
Progressive plan. Might not like the numbers but it’s nit open borders. Sure seems like republicans like to stretch and lie for their Trump troll king.
A Fair and Welcoming Immigration System
https://medium.com/@teamwarren/a-fair-and-welcoming-immigration-system-8fff69cd674e
—
I don’t believe the numbers here but it’s for Fox alternate facts crowd. Feel free to attack Fox News.
Fox News Poll: 83 percent support pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants
Large majorities of voters favor granting work permits or citizenship to illegal immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, according to the latest Fox News poll. | Fox News
...
The poll finds a record-high 83 percent of voters support setting up a system for all illegal immigrants who are currently working in the country to become legal residents, up nine points since last year. Just 14 percent say “deport as many as possible,” down from a high of 30 percent in July 2015.
...
Setting up a system to legalize undocumented immigrants working in the U.S. also receives bipartisan support: most Democrats (95 percent legalize vs. 4 percent deport), Republicans (69-28 percent) and independents (82-13 percent) want legalization to happen.
https://fxn.ws/2EHQXkf
I think most progressives, liberals, Democrats are WAY off target in their assessment of what is driving the backlash against illegal immigrants and migrants. For most middle-class and working-class Americans it has nothing to with color of skin or fear of other cultures. It has everything to do with economics:
— Americans have seen their quality of life destroyed by billionaires and corporations for the past 40 years.
— They have seen social services and workplace benefits eliminated or whittled down to bare bones. They’ve watched unions and government oversight disappear.
— They hear politicians talk nonstop about helping illegal immigrants, but nothing about our own homeless, helpless, veterans, elderly, needy, poor.
— At the same time they’ve seen H1B workers from China and India take their jobs. They’ve seen their companies send service and manufacturing departments offshore to India and China.
So Americans now must try to work 2-3 minimum wage and blue collar jobs to get by, but they see employers using illegal immigrants in construction and service industries instead of hiring Americans and paying living wages and benefits.
It’s wrong to label people who are opposed to illegal immigration—people who want our immigration system reformed AND enforced—as racist and xenophobic. That is just creating further division and driving these people to vote Republican.
32
This doesn't make any sense ; why would Trump stymie himself by publicly announcing when this will happen ? These families are being given ample time to go elsewhere in the U.S. and or refuse to open the door. Could it be another Trump publicity ploy to keep his base aroused and keep these families on the run ? Futile and a waste of time ; but then , he's our stable genius .
This is an excellent article. It clearly makes the case that, once line-jumpers present themselves to a border official and claim asylum, no matter what hoops our government jumps through, the new residents of America cannot be sent home. Period. They're here for the duration.
Is this good? Is this bad? Have American citizens ever been asked to vote as to whether they want this to be so? Does it matter what American citizens think, if their thoughts would be deemed (by social justice warriors) to be racist?
Might it not be progressive to deprive (obviously racist) Americans who disapprove of this situation of their vote, and transfer their right to vote to brown people with babies clinging to them who desperately need free healthcare?
Instead of name calling and worse, we need to be truthful with each other and bring this situation to its logical conclusion.
6
I was in graduate school back in 1980's when Ronald Reagan wanted America to feel great again (after Vietnam). He unleashed secret wars in central America until it turned into full fledged civil war. Once these countries lost all its Government functionalities ... it never recovered. To this day infrastructure, government services and anything that can help these countries get on it's own feet ... never recovered.
As a result people are sick and tired of poverty, lawlessness etc so they flee to a country which happened to have created the problem in the first place.
Same thing happened in Pakistan in the name of containing communism. Luckily Pakistan had strong Army and powerful Intelligence. The latter outsmarted the CIA and the KGB and kept enemy thinking and American from uprooting the country. We still have the problem but enemies are contained while the Central American countries failed.
America needs to own up to the problem it created.
2
"For weeks last month, the ICE director at the time, Mark Morgan, signaled that agents would escalate efforts to round up families."
Wait, I thought the storyline was that the Trump administration was targeting criminals. Now the stated goal is "rounding up" families? Now that we've established how inept, cruel, and sociopathic Trump, Miller, and everyone associated with this administration is, and how deadly for children, we're just going to drop that earlier story line?
LBJ established an historic War on Poverty. One of Trump's many crimes and odious legacies will be his War on the Poor.
3
Democrats r entering into a very dangerous territory & GOP (not just Trump) would love to get engaged in it in 2020. Democrats must not treat this immigration mess as a ploy to appease/encourage illegal immigration, with or without children. It doesn't matter which countries they are coming from.
Citing empathy on religious (mainly for Catholic) or whatever basis is also attractive to support law breaking (other criminals also have babies/families to feed, care for). It's so emotionally appealing to have visa-free international travel and border-less world where people can move around freely. But to reach that we first must believe in some basic values and ways to define "truth" and "justice", which must be based on (scientific) logic and data, and must NOT be based on religion, race, nationality, or political ideology. That's also beyond, mainly, short term personal interest.
There are reasons why we, just like any other developing or developed nations, have the immigration laws. It's our collective duty to protect our borders by any means necessary and feasible. It's not any political GOP vs Dem issue. First generation immigrants, myself included, need to remember that there are reasons why we left our countries and came to the U.S. There is no reason for us to do anything to undermine that in an effort to make America like the countries we left.
4
@bonku
Progressive hard left extremist plan! No open borders just common sense.
A Fair and Welcoming Immigration System
https://medium.com/@teamwarren/a-fair-and-welcoming-immigration-system-8fff69cd674e
When I worked in manufacturing, if a company (plant) needed some layoffs they would call ICE, and poof they would be done.
This is a slippery slope and now we have issues with room and cost, so this will prove what?
2
That is sick. Even a developing nation would be more hospitable than having you arrested to fire you . What a shame
All the attorneys with lots of time on their hands should be offering free help to obtain a green card, to file and win an appeal, or to secure first class airfare to take these people back to their home countries. We could also divert resources from the prosecutors’ offices to do this work rather than going after persons accused of violent crimes.
We need to calculate the actual costs of these kinds of "removals"... loss of the income earner of American citizen families, cost of supporting the families left behind, cost of detentions, cost of loss of needed workers, cost of all this enforcement and decide at what cost do we do this? At least during Obama's tenure, the focus was on criminals, recent arrivals, singles--particularly men without families rather than anyone they can pick up.
@Mary, if you think this operation is focused on “anyone they can pick up”, then you are guilty of not paying attention. These raids target specific individuals who have refused to comply with court issued deportation orders.
2
Let's face it, there probably aren't more than a few Americans that believe that any person on earth should be able to move to the US. There are also a few Americans who believe that no new people should be able to move to the US. The majority is in the middle - we just disagree on quantity.
Here's my quantity: low enough that it's not an issue GOP hatemongers can use to ride to power. That's it. If that number is 100,000 a year, that's the number. The current number is obviously too high since it resulted in Trump being elected and could result in him being re-elected. Democrats, come up with a number and let's move on to other issues.
3
@Djt
Progressive plan with numbers.
A Fair and Welcoming Immigration System
https://medium.com/@teamwarren/a-fair-and-welcoming-immigration-system-8fff69cd674e
Raise the refugee cap. At a time when 70 million are displaced around the world, President Trump has abused his authority to lower the refugee cap for the United States, admitting just over 22,000 refugees in total last year. I’ll welcome 125,000 refugees in my first year, and ramping up to at least 175,000 refugees per year by the end of my first term.
Thank goodness. If we can't deport those that have received due process, seen a judge, and have received final orders of removal, who can we deport?
16
@Hank
This isn’t about deporting. This is about invoking fear in the Latino migrant community.
So we're rounding people up like cattle now? And we don't even have the facilities to do this in a remotely humane fashion, if that's even possible. Dark days as history repeats itself in the "greatest country in the world".
1
Or, just let them in. Help them resettle in the towns and small cities that are dying across this country. Immigrants (both legal and illegal) have done a wonderful job revitalizing the neighborhood I live in. I am thankful for this and benefit from their contributions every day.
2
Let's talk about competence. If the focus of these mass arrests is asylum seekers who presented at the border during President Trump's two and a half year watch and who had been adjudicated and issued deportation orders in February or earlier, that means his administration did not enforce the law effectively and efficiently. He can blame Democrats and make excuses, as he always does but the fact remains that he did not enforce the law timely on a case-by-case basis as laws are supposed to be enforced. Most of our justice system is underfunded and overloaded, if that should be his excuse. It's a problem he is responsible for solving but like all problems, it requires money Republicans don't want to spend. Instead of solving problems, they'd rather cut taxes and get re-elected.
I would like to listen any publicly discussion from the Democratic leadership on the issue on these specific points-
How many people they think USA should take each year, if not unlimited?
- What should be the basis for taking such people (if not unlimited)?
- Can that solve the socioeconomic issues that are claiming to be forcing such people to (illegally) immigrate to US (or other “better” countries)? In other words, will such unlimited asylum taking reduce future flow of such illegal immigration?
-Will Dem Presidential candidates support taking any person, from any country in the world, claiming to (or actually having) have hard life in his/her home country, not just where many/most of their target vote bank population immigrated from? For example from countries like China, India, Middle East, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hungary, Russia, Indonesia, Africa etc.?
-Will Dems support taking anyone (mainly non-Christians) with a baby or teen age children on the ground of sympathy? Do these people know that in many countries children are sold/borrowed/loaned for many purposes like begging, organised crime, sweat shop or slave labor, even in legal industries?
Most of Trump's Immigration policy clearly not working. But suggesting to abolish ICE, demean efforts to curb illegal immigration, opposition to deport such law breakers are equally dangerous. It may help winning elections but would make much harder to govern later.
10
I will take the Trump administration's immigration policy seriously, when it announces that it is going to go forward with mass arrests of all employers of undocumented individuals. Such arrests would include all of the dairy farmers in the state in which I live, along with many other agricultural employers. It seems if we're really serious about this so-called problem, then perhaps we need to start arresting the powerful, and leave the powerless alone.
2
There has to be a better way. Many of these families are a mixture of dreamers, legal citizens, and those immigrants here illegally. Is this administration interested in overstayed visas, or do they "conveniently ignore" these people?.
Many of these people have jobs and pay taxes.
Many of these people are educated and are here since infancy, or young childhood.
The easy way, and extremely wasteful way is to just deport and split up the families. In many cases this is a waste of resources, since US has made a tremendous investment in some of these people. This applies mostly to the dreamers who have gone through school and college here, at taxpayer expense. Why would we throw that investment away if they have good jobs and stable families here? Not to mention they know only this country as their residence.
There are no good answers in some of these cases, but Trump's playing to the base instincts of those who hate Mexicans is not the right approach (again what about the visa violators?)..
We are better than this as a nation.
2
@Martin
They throw it away because of fear and bigotry. Even worse of that immigrant is educated and doing well and they aren’t. They see themselves as victims even if they were never directly impacted.
I was hit in the computer industry with visas. I hated it at the time and was directly impacted. After years of experience and life I look back and realize it worked out better. And the world is a better place. It used to be anyway.
The rust belt is rebelling against brown people. You hear in their words such as illegal, invasion, criminals, etc.
The immigration debate is taking place without the benefit of the historic context that explains why conditions in Central America are so poor as to drive millions of refugees to leave their homes to come to the USA. The USA colonized Central America and claimed the lions share of the regions natural resources and wealth. US companies own huge portions of the lands in those countries. The US has controlled the governments of the region for over a century, justifying its control via the “Monroe Doctrine” which notified competitor colonial nations that Central America was the political and economic domain of the USA. That the economic and political refugees of the region are fleeing to the US is appropriate and just given the historic circumstances.
2
@tony I disagree. The US did not "colonize" Central America.
2
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Matthew 25:40-45
11
@Koala, is there no foot that shoe is not tried to be forced on?
2
The title of this article is misleading. "U.S. prepares to arrest thousands of immigrant family members." Shouldn't it read: U.S. prepares to arrest thousands of criminals who broke into the U.S.
32
Then why don’t we provide a way for these people to become citizens. That’s the problem.
2
@Jim Tagley Then why does this administration allow Saudis to come and go as they please? Even with court cases, off they go undetected in private jets>
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/saudi-students-facing-jail-time-united-states-go-missing-n966106
5
See you at church on Sunday. Afterwards we can retire to the country club and be served by those who didn’t get picked up by ICE.
4
This is an action reminiscent of Nazi Germany.
21
Hugh
Yes that is all I can then no of and it scares me. I am white and born here and still scared. Who will they come after next people that don’t fit Trumps ideal of attractive. Personally I find his looks repulsive.
3
@Hugh McIsaac. That's so insane, the 23 Dems running wouldn't even say that.
3
@Hugh McIsaac
Every stable country in the world deports illegal immigrants. Every last one. Black, white, asian, other. Are they all Nazis?
Humans do not believe in open borders for their country although plenty seem to think they should be able to enter someone else's country without permission.
2
Some say these deportations are the legal result of due process. I believe the statement is false. The Supreme Court has repeatedly refused to consider challenges to current asylum law which omits appeals from due process procedures. Appeals are fundamental to US law and to fairness, and in the absence of appeal requirements, seems to me there is no real due process. All people have the right to assert grievances to government.
9
@Dan Holton--These people have final orders of deportation and have exhausted the appeals process. Most of the also had literally years under previous administrations to appeal the decision. At some point, enough is enough.
Moreover, "all people" do NOT have a right to be in this country to "assert grievances". Let them make grievances to their own governments. We're doing that to ours, and on this issue, maybe we're starting to be heard.
7
@Dan Holton, these people were given their day in court and were given deportation orders. They refused to obey those court orders. Now those orders are being enforced, per existing law. If you want to change the law, lobby Congress, not the Supreme Court.
4
Most "illegals" (hate that word) are immigrants who have over-stayed their visas.
They work and pay taxes.
Their kids are DACA or are born here.
What possible good, besides pleasing a rabid racist, low-information base, can come from ripping people from gainful jobs (that fat Americans sneer at), busting up families, and shipping people to somewhere thy have not been in decades ?
To what end? To prove what ? That you're a tough guy?
Better to find an avenue to allow those who have and do contribute to America to stay and continue to do so.
But that would take leadership and courage.
Send in the goon squad instead and continue to create chaos.
30
@r mackinnon--So, what do I tell my students in the Middle East about following the law? Shall I tell them that it's OK to lie to get a NON immigrant visa they plan to overstay? That kind of corruption is something they find makes their own countries so unpleasant to live in. Meanwhile, people who actually follow our immigration laws are disadvantaged by those who don't. It's tougher to get a visa if you come from a country with a lot of visa overstays.
They work and pay taxes how, since it's illegal for them to work? And of course, question is, do they pay NET taxes.
Having kids born here gives the parents NO RIGHT to live here. No country I know of derives the citizenship of the parents from that of the children. Too bad that the parents chose to break the law, but that's on them.
7
@r mackinnon
Or, these people could quit giving us the finger as it relates to our immigration laws and follow the processes in place. Tens of thousands of people follow the process each year to immigrate to our country legally.
Is the immigration process slow and difficult? Of course it is. It's not supposed to be easy.
5
@r mackinnon
100% agree. Excellent comment!
3
Instead of ongoing continual deportation when a lawful order has been issued, Trump prefers made-for-tv roundups and the instilling of fear. The only thing missing are the jackboots.
Trump is filth. Virulent, hate-filled oppression is his mantra.
You're foolish if you don't understand that he will turn on lawful citizens at the drop of a hat.
29
@Bob Woods--The Obama administration made a point very publicly of telling illegal aliens they weren't a "priority" for deportation, that they would NOT be deported unless they committed a violent crime. Well, that's changed and what better way to give them a chance to leave under their own steam than to warn them that the rules have changed?
3
@Bob Woods: Trump is perfectly cool with strangling journalists and chopping them up with bone saws. One can only imagine the conversations he has with Kim Jong Un, another individual fascinated by inventive means of dispatching political enemies.
2
In what country can we go to, illegally enter and stay, pop out a baby or two then demand that country to give you everything you want or may need? Canada? NZ? AUS? Sweden? SWITZ? I don't think so.
38
@cf
Over 30.
Canada included.
If it’s really as impossible as it looks to stop a sadistic
Narcissist from acting on his racist beliefs toward migrants and their children ,then what do we need to do to limit other Presidents, under law,and let’s start NOW.
9
Well, well . . after a few hundred of us pointing out that the word "Immigrant" in the headline was legally and factually wrong, it's been changed to "Migrant."
Now, if they would only change it to reflect reality: "Illegal Alien" is the official terminology. ICE is raiding only those already adjudged illegal. NYTimes, your bias is still present; this is supposed to be a story, not an editorial.
I thought it was the custom of the NYTimes to add an explanatory footnote when a published article is revised. Wonder why there is no such note here.
31
@Austin Liberal: How can human existence be illegal in a land of forced birth?
We are sitting by and witnessing history slowly repeat itself. Most who lived through it have passed. Placing blame for the countries problems on a specific group of people.
Most don't realize that the first country Hitler invaded was Germany.
12
Some people in this Country were actually enraptured with Border Pic of Óscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his dead daughter washed ashore, not enraged. And Trump is their Pied Piper. America has sanctioned inhumanity under guise of patriot....Sick
11
@TWShe Said--You're enraged--but at the wrong thing. You should be enraged that a father would risk the life of his daughter so that he and his wife could get jobs here and save to build a new house in their homeland.
One woman, who had forded that river ahead of him, learned of the deaths, and said that she and the others she'd crossed with simply hadn't believed that they could die.
2
Remember what we did to Jews fleeing Nazis in the 1930s
when they tried to enter the U.S.
Are we about to do something similar?
15
@C--If they have final orders of deportation, they've had their chance to make a case for asylum--and couldn't do it.
Fact is, most of them these days are using kids as "passports" into the US. They're economic migrants, "fleeing" poverty and gang violence--but those aren't persecution, nor are they bases for asylum. Moreover, MEXICO has offered them refuge, so your Jewish example breaks down. Truly desperate people don't pick and choose. They stop in the FIRST safe country.
7
@Ali Ali. Fleeing poverty and gang violence may not seem "persecution", but what would you or I do under those circumstances? Jews fleeing Eastern Europe in 1939-40 were desperately fleeing BEFORE gas chambers. We didn't take them in either. And maybe we CAN'T take them all in. But we are decent people. We need some way of dealing with the issue that might not include taking them in, but doesn't label them "animals" or "killers" and finds some middle ground. How about funding Mexico settling them as one option?
1
I am shocked to read this headline. I am originally from Germany. The headline echoes what we learned in history class about the beginnings of the holocaust. ...invading people's homes, arresting, and detaining them with the goal or shipping them off... We cannot allow this to happen. To all those who think this is right, I say: You have done nothing to have been born here. That you are legally here, is pure coincidence. Birth is random. Nobody (except maybe those who have fought for this country) has done anything to earn their right to be here.
21
@M. K.
Why are you in my country? With that attitude apparently it was a big mistake to let you in.
The whole point of citizenship is (Heinlein novels aside) is that if you are born in a country you don't have to earn it. There's actually a constitutional amendment stating that, which is more than we can say for most European countries, including Germany.
But if you aren't born in this country you have to ask permission to enter. Otherwise you are subject to be identified and forced to leave, which is no different from any other nation.
6
@M. K.--Neither have the children of all those illegal aliens done anything to be born here--but they're still counted as citizens of this country. However, their parents and other illegal aliens are NOT citizens, not even legal residents of this country. They have done nothing for this country except to break its laws, and they certainly haven't had the guts to do anything for the countries they come from--except leave them.
4
BTW, military parades, concentration camps and raids. Sounds familiar?
23
Join your local chapter of MELT as soon as you can and stand up to ICE!!!!
3
Really, what this boils down to is what's called a "warrant roundup." Major cities conduct these every now and then to collect fines and round up scofflaws. Someone, anyone, who ignores a court order, summons, or warrant is a fugitive from justice, and runs the risk of being caught. And yes, if one is a fugitive from justice, and caught, one will be separated from his/her family.
Lex dura sed lex - Latin for The law is hard, but it is the law.
27
How many people from India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, England, etc. who came here legally with tourist visas, but never left the country, will be rounded up and deported? Or will it only be families with Hispanic names?
14
@TVance Here are the top countries of origin for people here illegally including via overstays: Mexico 53% of total, El Salvador 6%, Guatemala 5%, China 3%, and Honduras 3%.
By regions of birth, its Mexico and Central America 67%, Asia 16%. South America 6%, Caribbean 3% and Africa 3%.
5
@TVance--Actually, MEXICO is the second largest source of visa overstays after Canada. And also accounts for more than half of all illegal aliens, according to Pew. Pew also says MOST illegal aliens are Hispanic, so, by "disparate impact", not only would we expect that most of those rounded up and deported will be Hispanic, but also Mexican.
3
@TVance, it is only people with outstanding deportation orders, regardless of ethnicity.
2
I always thought that the genocide of First Nations people and its history of slavery were arguably the worst blots on America's history, but it seems we can now add that sunday will be a modern day Kristallnacht where there will be a purge reminiscent of the Russian pogroms. Shame on the Republicans for enabling this. America Land of the Free is no more.
14
@Donniebrook
The fact that you would compare 250 years+ of slavery and genocide and Russian pogroms to a nation making a handful of unlawful entrants go home shows that you're lost all perspective on this issue. Shame on those who agree with this hyperbole. It makes reasoned discussion impossible.
6
@Lilo Really? A handful? The estimate is in the thousands.
Of course reasoned discussion is impossible when you attempt to reduce the problem so disingenuously to a few unlawful entrants who should be caught and sent "home". What home? For many nothing awaits them there except more misery and possibly death.
Where is the effort to find a reasonable and humane solution instead of cooly creating a reign of terror by raiding and detaining both legal and illegal immigrants who may happen to be on the scene. Does one not feel the chill in "nationwide raids" "collateral deportations" and the goal "to deport the families as quickly as possible" even though some of those families haved lived and worked for many years in the US and have no home to return to?
These human beings may have gained entrance to the US unlawfully but they also may have been productive workers who took on jobs that no one else wanted to do and who were employed by legal American citizens who knew of their undocumented status and yet who suffer no consequences. Being a party to the enablement of this humanitarian crisis and likening it to shameful episodes in America's past is no hyperbole. It is the truth.
1
It is literally impossible to have a rational debate about the Illegal immigration issue as the headline to this NY Times article suggests. The article refers to "immigrant families" without specifying that they are here illegally. The article also states that they are to be "arrested" when, in fact, they are only going to be deported. How we can we even have a rational debate about the illegal immigration issue when progressives like the NY Times will not even define it as such?
31
Hmm, ICE can start by knocking on the doors of Trump's hotels and golf courses.
18
We are a lost and soulless nation of greedy selfish thugs.
There is so much good we could be doing in the world and for ourselves yet we chose this path.
Will we ever find compassion and empathy again or are those attributes lost with our forbearers? I fear the answer to that.
13
@JJ--One of the kindest things we could do for the world is to show it that respect for the law really matters. One would never know, for example, that Mexico is one of the richest countries in the world, #15 in GDP. However, corruption creates poverty and violence there--Mexico ranks 135 among countries on corruption, according to Transparency International, one of the worst.
2
It stuns me there are so many hateful comments on this thread towards immigrants/refugees. Many of them coming from places in the US that have a low to non existent immigrant populations. In California we have large immigrant populations and we all get along pretty well.
Megan Rapinoe was right yesterday in her NYC speech. Stop the hate!
10
@George,
I have a difference of opinion on this matter.
They are called illegal for starters
Come in the front door , welcome
How do you know these folks are not scared of their employers, how do you know this.
How do you know they are not being mistreated, scared to go to the police or labor board? How do you know this ?
For the Hollywood, New York crowd who have to have house maids, are you paying at least minimum wage of $15 a hour taking out payroll taxes, providing health care, because if your not your just modern day slave owners, maybe you need to go to jail. what if one of your twisted husbands sexuality assaults your workers ,
Secure the border once and for all , start the process of at least giving them temporary work visa so they receive fair wages and benefits from their employers and not have to live in fear.
If an employer can’t pay at least a $15 minimum wage on their payroll they shouldn’t be in business in the first place.
This is Pono meaning do the right thing
3
I live in a sanctuary city and have great neighbors. The kid next door fixes cars out of his fathers garage and helps me out around the house if I need it.
My entire block looks like a United Nations summit. I couldn’t imagine living in all white fearful America where people of color cringe from me walking by because they live in fear.
1
@George--You all get along "pretty well". Yet, California has the highest poverty rate, adjusted for cost of living, and the most welfare recipients of any state. Your K-12 schools used to be the best in the country, and are now in the bottom third--not a good sign for how your immigrant children will fare. And of course, you take pride in being a wealthy state--yet you have enclaves such as Malibu that use local laws to restrict who lives there, and where's the money to bring those schools up to par?
8
Trump and his criminal cronies need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as soon as he leaves office. No excuses, no sympathy, no compassion. Only then will true justice be served.
12
Dog & pony show that will tear families apart . . .
sounds like a Stephen Miller dream come true.
13
As much as the media portray Donald Trump as inept, incompetent, racist etc he is outsmarting the opposition. This ICE campaign is purely designed to get his base with him through the election.
Currently he has solidly locked 44% of the voter with him and all he needs 6 more percent to get him reelected.
On the other hand the Democrats appears to be mumbling, bungling, tumbling, disorganized with no message.
If this continues, Donald Trump, is your next President.
12
Trump is a "racist" for wanting to deport immigrants who have exhausted all legal remedies to remain in our country and have received a final deportation notice? If so, then all law-abiding Americans are "racist". A note of caution, however. When everyone is a "racist", no one is.
20
That’s not how it works. Is Stephen Miller not a racist? Is Trump not a racist?
Feel free to defend them.
1
That’s not why he’s thought to be a racist. Anyway, I prefer Michael Steele’s formulation: “I dunno if Trump’s a racist, but he sure hangs out with them a lot.”
1
If it is known where to round up these usual suspects why does the government need to wait until Sunday?
Trump gets great pleasure by fanning the flames of the chaos that will ensue from the nationwide raids.
Why create an atmosphere of fear that could lead to unnecessarily violent situations for ICE, police and the people who they will detain?
Just go quietly arrest and deport those that fit the criteria and shut up already.
Seems like Trump’s attempt to finally have his extravaganza after the July 4th dud and the cancellation of the previous Sunday round up threat.
Finally, what happened to the the campaign Trump who said he wasn’t going to give the “enemies” the plans for upcoming attacks?
Trumpstanding at its best.
2020 - Dump Trump, Ditch Mitch, Can Graham
11
This is serious, yes, but it also feels like a smoke screen, meant to keep the MAGA base fed with fresh meat and liberals outraged and exhausted. Keep one eye on the subpoenas coming out and on Jeffrey Epstein. That's the real fire.
Are the ICE police Trump's to deploy and direct as he alone pleases?
3
For many, many decades our society has looked the other way as immigrants arrived and worked hard at jobs we didn't want to do in order to improve their lives such as farm labor and working in meat packing plants. We are such hypocrites!! Our food has been much cheaper because we have paid them slave wages. Now we are on a different path, one of hatred and self centered nationalism. We need to examine why they are coming and perhaps create a type of Marshall plan to help their countries of origin as has been recently discussed. Central American is in extreme distress and has been for some time.
17
My 65 year old neighbor, an immigrant from the Middle East since 1980, was accosted on the street by someone in a military uniform yesterday, and questioned aggressively. We really don't know what is coming.
14
There is one pressing and paramount need: to get this evil and vicious man out of office and out of our lives.
14
And into prison where he belongs.
1
It seems ironic that Donald Trump is so selective with immigrant qualifications at the same time as he hangs over us with his bluster that illegals are taking our jobs We cannot have it both ways when the only immigrants he'll accept are "the brightest and the best" and the greatest threats to taking our jobs away..
4
Okay, I hear the outrage of rounding up people and deporting them. I also HATE to agree or align with ANYThing Trump says or does on principle. I detest how he goes about most if not all the things he does.
HOWEVER, the target of these deportations are people who have been given ALL of the provisions of due process under our laws.
They applied for asylum, they were seen by a judge, allowed to appeal, etc. They had their day in court (costing us taxpayers thousands $ I am sure) and their application for asylum was ultimately denied, which results in an order of removal. I have heard that they were also notified by mail and "ASKED" to leave per the final a determination from the courts, and they have not left.
These people have not voluntarily exited the country, so they get put on the list to be collected and deported as a result of the court order. Isn't that how this is supposed to work?
What are we complaining about???
They were given all due process and allowed to remain while their case was heard. The answer was no/application for asylum is denied.
If we don't' now remove them then why are we even bothering to spend the $$ and time to process their application...... we will send the message (that will create a huge influx) the all you really need to do is get here on US soil and keep your head down and you will ultimately be allowed to stay. That is really open borders I have to say.
We either have laws that we will enforce..... or we don't
34
"Illegal immigrants." Why don't Americans call them for what they are? Refugees. Across the world, people flee their countries for one reason or another (they have done so for tens of thousands of yrs). When humans can no longer live in their natural habitat because of war, big business, climate change, they become refugees.
Get used to it because it is the future.
9
@Perspective
If were refugees, they would have been grant asylum.
5
@Perspective
If someone messes up their house and overpopulates it they have no right to move into my house without my permission, no matter how large or nice my home may be.
And if they insist on doing so there will be conflict.
Is that the world you want?
I thought that "Camp of the Saints" was supposed to be speculative not predictive...
3
This is a basic tenet of fascism - terrorizing minority communities, first ostracizing them, then rounding them up. We have a president cum dictator who will stop at nothing to create demons out of brown, black and yellow communities, while employing illegal immigrants at his casinos and personal residences. So our immigration laws are broken? Is that justification for raiding homes and forcing people to leave? No. They have due process also, and also the recognition that the US economy, for years, has depended on cheap labor made available only through illegal immigrants from our southern border.
The US needs to wake up - Trump is nothing short of a dictator, and with a Republican Senate serving as his lackeys, has destroyed American "democracy," such as it was, in just a few short years.
7
Looks like Trump doesnt want a second term he cannot do all these raids, mistreat our migrants and slap tariffs on everyone and still expect to get re-elected. It just doesnt work that way. And for you Trump supporters who may make your way here there are not enough of you to elect him without people like me in the middle and at this time its my intent to vote only for Indys and Democrats in 2020.
5
I think the exact opposite will happen, the vast majority of Americans support this, even a lot of democrats.
1
"Mr. Morgan then directly lobbied Mr. Trump to move forward with the raids. He is now the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection" ... He seems nice...
1
More families will be separated by the President endorsed by the Evangelicals.
7
We have to hold the employers (who hire these workers) and landlords (who house them) criminally and financially liable. We also have to stop the American organizers who are helping immigrants come to our country illegally. Stopping the criminal human trafficking caravans from Central America is another issue entirely...
8
"Gosh darn it, I don't like that Trump, but I just can't vote for Hillary Clinton. I guess I'll just sit this one out."
6
@Tim Moerman ... and this time I'm voting for Trump because the Dems have completely alienated their base.
3
@Tim Moerman
And in retrospect, that was the right call. Clinton cash would be rollin' in...unchecked.
2
@Tim Moerman
Don’t blame anyone except the crooked DNC
2
These raids aren't about migrants, their family members, the merely undocumented, they are to remove those who are illegally. If you want to be here, go home and come back legally.
14
The people who are being deported are not threats to our country. Homeland Security should stick to finding and deporting or jailing terrorists.
When Jarod’s sister was offering citizenship to wealthy Chinese who would invest in their business and help pay off their debts, was that ok with Trump? Of course it was. It still is ok. They could be carrying a bomb and get in as long as they line Trump & families pockets.
6
@Louise This was a law passed under Clinton called the EB 5 program. Get a green card with a $500,000 investment in the US. Just google the history of the EB 5 program, it will come right up. By the way this IS a stupid idea and Congress should end it.
3
@Louise
Disagree. These are people who have had their hearings, their request to stay has been denied, and they have received deportation orders. They have had their day in court. We're simply enforcing our laws.
2
ICE has become increasingly voilent and abusive -- not just to immigrants or even suspected immigrants but to travelers at our airports. It is becoming Trump's SS and must be abolished. The most abusive members and along with those making policy and their defenders should face charges as well.
4
Obama deported millions of people in the country illegally, many times more than Republican presidents. They were people with criminal records. The Democratic Party has NEVER supported "Open Borders".
Trump's plan is clear: scare poor brown people from trying to gain asylum by caging their children and tracking down and deporting families, scare naturalized brown people from voting, and satisfy his base's hunger for an enemy they can blame and cruelly punish (including children and the elderly).
The economic, security, and moral hazard this places our nation in is dire.
5
Enforce the laws....humanely. The most dangerous aspect of this whole imbroglio is the carte blanche given by so many Americans (not least commenters here) to the monolithic concept of "just enforce the law".
Desperate people will be deported...so do it humanely.
Pay for their care in detention by fining employers who seek them out.
We need immigration reform. But first the illegals need to go home. It’s clear there has been an organized strategy at work to increase the number of Latin American immigrants in the U.S. by getting us addicted to cheap undocumented labor. That strategy can not be allowed to succeed. There is no path to citizenship for undocumented migrants, and there never will be.
16
What part of illegal entry does a typical reader of The NY Times not get? Would you let anyone stay on your personal property without permission? Does The NY Times allow anyone to trespass in their offices without calling security? Does Disneyland let people into their parks and eat their food for free? No to all of these. Yes, my grandparents also immigrated to the United States; however, they did so LEGALLY! I’m sad that there is poverty in other countries; however, there’s also poverty in the United States. What are we doing to care for our own before we care for others? How are we fighting poverty through the encouragement of responsible sexuality (e.g. heterosexual marriage), chemical sobriety, and hard work, avoiding addictive substances and behaviors that only kill (e.g. gambling, nicotine, laziness)? President Trump should be celebrated, yet the Democratic Party and its bullhorn, The NY Times, condemns our President for establishing strong boundaries.
22
@Jim How in the world did you get through the Times screeners? They must have been on lunch break! I hope Trump unleashes ICE to the fullest to protect us and the rule of law. Trump 2020. It's a no brainer.
5
I’ll give you “chemical sobriety,” but bloviating about responsible marriage and avoiding “laziness,” anywhere near Trump’s name is fall-down funny.
Crossing the border illegally is a crime. And so is making a false claim of asylum. Though the facilities aren’t prisons or concentration camps, migrants are free to leave anytime and go back to where they came from. This migrant crisis is not organic, it’s being manufactured and financed by several NGOs. The same is being conducted in Europe. The goal is to diversify and weaken the US population. It’s much easier to control the masses when they're divided and depend on the government for assistance. They're also an endless supply of cheap labor. The last thing these agents want is an homogeneous, self-sufficient, educated and cultivated population.
14
There will be an accounting for this policy and these actions. The U.S. will not be able to afford the cost to pay reparations and legal settlements addressing human rights abuses committed by the Trump Administration under our watch. When it hits our pocketbooks, then perhaps these will be regarded as the crimes against humanity that were so unnecessarily committed by a sick regime.
2
We could accomplish the same thing without immediate arrests by announcing that after August 11, 2019, anyone who is in the United States through a visa overstay or is otherwise undocumented, and who does not depart voluntarily will be subject to arrest, and must await trial in Puerto Rico. On conviction, they will be deported from the United States and its territories with no possibility of ever stepping on American soil again, not even as a tourist.
4
This is voter suppression. Yes, there are valid immigration issues involved, and yes, those here illegally can’t/shouldn’t be voting anyway, but that is not the real point of this operation.
The timing, and how it is magically coinciding with his executive order to add the citizenship question to the census?
It’s about power, and staying in power. It is about intimidation and diminishing the voice of a certain non-white racial group (that tends to vote Democrat) — including the legal immigrants and long-time citizens among them, who will fear for their safety and the safety of those they know.
It is about establishing and maintaining one party rule. And one race rule. At any cost.
1
Like most authoritarian regimes, this one uses migrants to stir up hatred against the 'other' and the 'foreign,' subvert their humanity and make them objects of scorn and fear for his voter base to feed upon. Trump 'policies' and tantrums are often the same and involve picking on victims that can't fight back, from poor migrants to foreign diplomats, and are at the mercy of his bullying tactics. Then concentration camps, with family members separated for maximum cruelty, can become a regular feature of this governments determination to 'make America great again.'
2
Johnathan Swift proposed a solution (see J. Swift, "A Modest Proposal") to the destitute immigrant problem almost three hundred years ago. The Trump administration may be the perfect group to adopt and administer a similar program. It is surprising that they have not yet begun to do so.
1
Several agents came to my door just this week looking for someone who may have lived here previously. While they were courteous, they were clearly resourced and positioned to remove someone from the premises. It was frightening and infuriating.
This Is Happening, friends. And you do not have to be or know an illegal immigrant for it to come to your door. Literally.
5
@Lillie
A close relative just spent 16 months in prison. No one allowed him to break the law and get away with it. No one cared that he had 2 kids. No one cared that he hadn't committed a "serious" crime. There was no sanctuary city where he was safe from prosecution. No democrats came to his rescue. No one in media publicized his plight.
8
I can see deporting people who have committed serious crimes and who didn't show up for their court date. However, the rounding up of families and, once again, separating parents from children is reprehensible, and I'm ashamed of our country for doing so.
4
@Dee
These people have received final deportation notices. They are being "rounded" up for deportation, which is required after all legal channels have been exhausted.
For the record, they are free to leave at any time.
7
@Dee What about people who do show up for a court date, lose their asylum case, and are ordered deported. Those people, along with those who did not show up, are the people the government is seeking to deport now.
3
How about those abusing our healthcare system with free care?
2
To get moderate Republicans on board, perhaps we should allow for permanent residency for adults and children, however, no citizenship or the right to vote.
2
i would like to listen any publicly discussion from the Democratic leadership on the issue on these specific points-
How many people they think USA should take each year, if not unlimited?
What should be the basis for taking such people (if not unlimited)?
Can that solve the socioeconomic issues that are claiming to be forcing such people to (illegally) immigrate to US (or other “better” countries)? In other words, will such unlimited asylum taking reduce future flow of such illegal immigration?
Will the Dem Presidential candidates support taking any person, from any country in the world, claiming to (or actually having) have hard life in his/her home country, not just where many/most of their target vote bank population immigrated from? For example from countries like China, India, Middle East, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hungary, Russia, Indonesia, Africa etc.?
Will Dems support taking anyone with a baby or teen age children on the ground of sympathy? Do these people know that in many countries (e.g. Indian subcontinent) children are sold, borrowed/loaned for many heinous purposes, like begging, organised crime, sweat shop or slave labor even in legal industries? Let me know if anyone need credible examples.
Most of Trump's Immigration policy clearly not working. But suggesting to abolish ICE, demean efforts to curb illegal immigration, opposition to deport such law breakers are equally dangerous. It may help winning elections but would make much harder to govern later.
7
RE: "solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems." Does anyone know what he means? Which loopholes, specifically, with regards to legal asylum? Does anyone have any idea?
If Congress wanted to stop this, Pelosi can listen to AOC who has previously suggested to defund ICE. I wonder if ICE would continue with this if they weren't being paid? (just curious)
She can’t take funds away. The executive can unfortunately which seems to be a miscarriage.
She handed them 4.5 billion so they have funding extra for awhile now.
it apparently costs the government almost a million dollars a day to keep the children. and it probably costs the same for the adults.
what is not being discussed here, the real crime and corruption that seems to be going unreported, is who the financial beneficiaries of these policies are and their connections if any to politicians.
the prison companies or other companies holding these people who get paid per bed etc are having a party now. their shares if theyre traded are probably rising.
but, interestingly there's no discussion of that.
and there's no knowledge of what politicians have links or shares in these companies.
so, while this is being presented as the law, the real questions are probably not being asked.
what is really the motive of this??? who if any policy makers have links to the companies that benefit from this.
nobody knows. i heard on NPR yesterday that it costs the government about 700,000 nearly a million dollars a day to hold the children.
what is really going on with the money here?
4
I am confused over who will be included. I've heard different reports at different times and numbers ranging from 2,000 to 100,000. If its more than the 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported than who else will be included? I've heard it's just those with existing orders to leave, which should be more than "families being targeted crossed the border recently", but then there are the “collateral” deportations as well.
I guess if its a couple of thousand it will play well in Trumplandia but it's not enough to make a difference and that shouldn't play well. And if its enough to make a difference than that should bring elation, but then what's the real story?
While this "round-up" is executed:
Question 1 - How many employers of illegal immigrants will be rounded up by the Federal government and arrested?
Question 2 - How many businesses which employed illegal immigrants will be closed by court order and forfeited to the Federal government?
Question 3 - How many corporate assets of businesses which employed illegal immigrants will be forfeited to the Federal government?
I'll be probably next to zero is the answer to all three questions.
5
those of you in favor of open borders can pay my school and hospital district taxes which would be much less if not for illegal immigrants. For those of you in favor of open borders contact should congress people and have the laws changed. I don't like paying taxes for things I don't support. If I don't pay the taxes, should there be any penalty to me. So individuals can decide which laws they want to follow and which they don't?
14
There are no fudging open borders nowadays,unlike when your ancestors came when all they needed was a boat ticket even if they could not read and write in their own language. Funny, the people who protest the most are the ones who would not be here today if the United States did not open borders back then.
2
Progressive plan
A Fair and Welcoming Immigration System
https://medium.com/@teamwarren/a-fair-and-welcoming-immigration-system-8fff69cd674e
Raise the refugee cap. At a time when 70 million are displaced around the world, President Trump has abused his authority to lower the refugee cap for the United States, admitting just over 22,000 refugees in total last year. I’ll welcome 125,000 refugees in my first year, and ramping up to at least 175,000 refugees per year by the end of my first term.
Take the money spent on securing our borders and instead invest it in stabilizing the countries of origin to the south. Take the money from the military budget - we won't need it if our neighbors are better off.
And citizens of this country need to acknowledge the connection between the immigrantion crisis and climate change. As the climate puts more pressure on human life at the equator, we should expect bigger waves of people moving north.
1
@Sean Better idea. How about spending our money on our own citizens, so cities like San Francisco do not have such large homeless populations and so our veterans can get prompt access to quality healthcare. We should not be spending our money is other countries until we have fulfilled our obligations to our own citizens.
2
@BecauseTruth Priorities! Nothing is stopping this country from also doing all those things. That outsized military budget could be reappropriated if voters forced our politicians to address our domestic issues.
What is worrisome are the "collateral" deportations of people who have no deportation order, who have been in this country for a long time, working and supporting their families here, with children born in this country, but unable to legalize their status because Congress has refused to provide a path to legalization. So these individuals will be detained and deported. What about their families? This does not make sense and it's just a way to spread terror. These are not targeted deportations, as anyone caught in raids can be deported if they do not have a legal document allowing them to officially live here. And they do not have that document because, I repeat, they have not been allowed to legalize their status, even if they have a clean record and have been productive workers for decades.
2
@Julioantonio
That's unfortunate. But if they aren't citizens or legal residents they have no right to be here. They need to go home.
1
Citizens please recall this paragraph from the Declaration of Independence: Does it sound familiar?
"He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands."
Do not forget where we started and why we became the one of the greatest countries in the world. Be careful not to forget we are all human beings. Be sensible, thoughtful, and humane. It is all we will leave as our legacy to our children.
1
Most descendants of European immigrants forget they are here thanks to open borders back then when all you needed was a.bost ticket to NY.
3
The Federal Government has ignored this issue for decades. As in both parties. And this is what happens when a sore is ignored. It developed into a serious wound and might even become cancerous.
And it could not have happened at a worse time, with the most controversial President in recent history leading the charge. The problem is, rather than motivating the Republicans and Democrats to come to the table to resolve this, it has devolved into a finger pointing game.
I can't think of a better reason for no incumbent to be reelected at the 2020 and 2022 cycles.
I remember during the horrors of last summer that courageous flight attendants and other employees refused to work in service of evil. I am praying that we will all come together - politicians, ICE employees, hotel employees, airline employees, and any private businesses that stand to profit from any kind of contract, service or sale that enables all of this to continue for another second - and say NO. I know it takes courage to say "i am willing to be insubordinate, risk my job, risk my livelihood." For all of you who have found yourselves unfairly entangled in one of the most morally anguishing crises of our time, and had the courage to say you will not be complicit, thank you.
3
I believe that immigration is good for America, be it legal or illegal. What could be better for a country than to have highly motivated people of working age join the country and contribute to its growth?
But with that said, unfortunately standing up for illegal immigrants is not a winning issue for democrats. I am proud they are doing it anyway.
1
I’m curious. Do you believe that, unlike earlier waves of legal immigrants, we should grant safety net benefits to the incoming flow of illegals? Does it occur to you that perhaps these benefits might increase the motivation of ever more of the world’s poor to come here? Is there any point at which you might stop believing that illegal immigration is good for the country?
1
@Z97
That's a good question: Do I believe there could ever be too much immigration? Yes definitely, for example immigration does place a burden on many European countries that have a strong social safety net, and at the same time don't have a good system to avoid discrimination against immigrants and therefore can't get them to work quickly.
But these items don't really apply to the US: There is almost no safety net for immigrants (other than emergency medical care) so the burden on society is small, employers usually have no qualms about hiring immigrants and helping them become productive members of society, and there is a labor shortage in the US right now. So in the current economic circumstances in the US we could benefit from significantly more immigration. Of course there is probably an upper limit, but we are far from reaching it.
What's the point of publicizing these raids? If you're one of the people they're looking for, wouldn't you make sure you weren't around today for the raids? It's a safe bet that most of the people they're looking for won't be found. It seems like this operation is mostly a publicity stunt for Trump to claim he's doing something than a really effective means to actually arrest people. Headlines in every paper in the country warning of this action hardly seems a productive method of law enforcement.
2
If you've ever lived near an agricultural area you know about migrant labor. If you've ever eaten produce from the US you are more than likely benefiting from migrant labor.
These people, seeking a better life for a multitude of reasons, do the jobs that no one wants, cleaning, cooking, agricultural work, slaughter houses...
They are not taking from you, there is room here and a value to our society in finding a way to bring them in on a path to citizenship.
Cheap and readily available labor are a big part of what keeps costs down for those things you grab in the supermarket from the produce section.
Last year fruit was rotting on the trees in Eastern WA, no one to pick and pack. Doesn't matter what wage you offer for hard and back breaking labor, most people already here are not interested.
Are you ready to pay the "real" price of food?
Sure there are bad actors, but there are lots of bad actors that are US citizens, maybe they look more like you though so they aren't as much of a threat.
Time to work together to make this horrible situation better for us all.
3
To be honest, it is hard for me to recognize my own country. It is strange to think that Ronald Reagan, whom my family absolutely despised for disparaging the new deal and demonizing African-americans, now seems compassionate in comparison to who we currently have in the office. I am a mother and l since Trump has come into office I have lost any shred of hope for a better future for my kids. Common decency seems to have gone out the window. There are ways of dealing with an influx of migrants and asylum seekers and even those who break the law other than well-publicized and politicized raids. My parents explained the holocaust in Europe to me for as long as I can remember and I spent a great deal of my youth wondering how the general German populace could have let it happen. I wonder no more at the apathy and ridiculousness of mankind. The wonder may be that we ever worked cooperatively to any positive end. The common man seems enjoys hating one another more than any hope for universal peace or collective good. I used to consider myself and optimist, I can definitely say that is not the case in 2019.
1
Why are the Immigration and Customs Enforcement announcing upcoming raids. They know that people will hide from them. I think the only reason why they are announcing the raids is to instill fear. Or to stir up the alt right base. This is like emotional terrorism, the main reason is to create chaos and fear. How many people are now very afraid and feeling panicked? A raid cannot be effective in arresting people if the people know they are coming. So, what's the real reason?
2
Issues like 'Immigration' are clearly wedge issues that will help decide the next Presidential election. Voters get emotional about this issue and vote accordingly on both sides of the political divide. While changes in immigration laws will have zero impact on the life of most Americans (versus the huge impact of education reform, healthcare reform and infrastructure spending), both sides continue to beat the drum.
Politicians and the media focus on immigration because Americans pay attention to the issue when we have much bigger issues to deal with like educating the next generation.
All 4 of my grandparents were immigrants that came from northern Europe between 1900 and 1910. No papers, no money, no family here, and no sponsors. That would not have been the case after the Immigration Act of 1924, or the Johnson–Reed Act which included the Asian Exclusion Act. Donald Trump's mother (Mary Anne MacLeod ) was an immigrant who came from Europe in 1930. On May 2, she departed Glasgow arriving in New York City on May 11 (age of 18). She declared she wanted to become a citizen and would be staying permanently in America. What a breeze considering she entered on a visa to be a house maid.
Our country hasn't always been so open as in: 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'. On May 13, 1939 the MS St. Louis left Hamburg, under command of Captain Gustav Schroder. It was carrying 937 passengers. Mainly Jewish refugees seeking asylum from Nazi persecution. The Cuban government refused to accept the refugees. They agreed to issue them visas before they left. The passengers didn't know that the Cuban government had invalidated their landing permits with a new ruling called Decree 937. Captain Schröder directed St. Louis and the refugees head towards the United States. He circled off the coast of Florida, hoping for permission to enter the US. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, advised Roosevelt not to accept the Jews. Most of these people were murdered at Auschwitz and Sobibór; the rest died in internment camps! USA, USA...
21
@Jim
Thank you, Jim, for this important lesson.
The only thing new in the world (for most Americans), is the history (their own) they don't know.
-- Harry S. Truman
1
Yes, there were many millions like your grandparents.
1
@Jim--My grandparents came from the Middle East around 1900, went through inspection,and had to show they were healthy and self-supporting--then stay that way. No welfare and other means-tested benefits provided by taxpayers. They also had skills and education a par with those of most Americans of the time--low. We got our first federal public charge laws in 1882, but we've had them dating back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony when most immigrants were white and European.
You might also mention that Cuba and Canada also refused to accept the refugee ship you mentioned--and that most of the refugees went back, NOT to Germany, but to other parts of Europe which were later overrun by the Nazis. Of course, I doubt that people at the time had any conception that the Nazis were as brutal as they were--anymore than most Americans believed 19 illegal aliens would fly planes into the WTC, Pentagon, and the ground.
4
Sunday. Because this is what the Bible tells Christians to do on Sunday, the holy day of the week. It says so in Two Corinthians.
12
@chambolle--You know, most of these "asylum seekers" come from Christian, even Catholic countries. Countries where Catholicism has been the dominant religion, and power, for several hundred years. Now, how has following the Bible worked out for citizens of those countries? Tell us again why this secular country should base our immigration policy on religion, a religion which has failed the people who have followed it?
2
And again the intellectually dishonest NYT cannot differentiate between illegal and legal immigrants.
They had a hearing. They lost or did not show.
Now it is time to go. Like the bartender at 3:30 am, "you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here".
Buh Bye...Next time try the legal way...
Although we're not going to accept very many the legal way until about 20 million undocumented are sent home. This is but a start and long overdue...
40
The most dangerous thing that could happen to the ruling class in this country and around the world, would be for working people to realize that they have more in common with each other - regardless of race, ethnicity, country of origin - than with the wealthy.
Who benefits from having an underclass of workers who do not have the right to advocate for themselves and other workers who are too consumed with hatred of that underclass to see who is benefiting from their own oppression?
The same people who benefit from keeping wages low, from passing laws that make it illegal for teachers to go on strike, from forcing workers into arbitration rather than lawsuits, etc.
So the ruling class vilifies the other, blames them for stealing your job and making your life worse. And a lot of people fall for it. They say, "This country is for US, not for THEM! MY family came here the RIGHT way."
And meanwhile, us regular people continue to get screwed, and the rich get richer, and people who are playing out an American immigration story that probably mirrors many of our families' get rounded up (because, I'm sorry, do you REALLY know that your family came here the "right" way if they arrived 100 years ago? I certainly don't know that mine did).
How I wish working people would wake up to this reality and vote for their own interests, rather than some imagined threat from the evil other. Unfortunately, it's an old saw that is brought out each generation because it continues to work.
13
@Jenna--"The same people who benefit from keeping wages low, from passing laws that make it illegal for teachers to go on strike, from forcing workers into arbitration rather than lawsuits, etc."
-------------You know how wages have been kept low? By importing millions and millions of immigrants and illegal aliens. Alan Greenspan, Bush's chairman of the Fed, said that's why he wanted more immigration--to keep wages and salaries low. And that's what's happened for 30 years. Meanwhile, low wages boosted profits and share prices for the wealthy, the reason they now control a larger share of the wealth of this country.
Immigration has also played a role in union-busting. Samuel Gompers, found of the AFL-CIO, recognized that letting employers have access to large numbers of workers through immigration made it hard to organize unions and negotiate for higher wages. Cesar Chavez recognized the same about illegal aliens when he was organizing the UFW--and had his union members patrol the border to keep out illegal aliens. Until the 1980s, meat packing was a good paying middle class job--even though at the turn of the century it was a low wage job mainly immigrants did. Immigration time out and unionization enabled better wages--which union busting assisted by immigration killed in the 1980s. Now, meat packing pays about half what it did in real wages 30 some years ago.
3
@Ali I guess you think you're disagreeing with me, but you're really proving my point. Business owners take advantage of workers by undercutting unions and those who might have the standing to fight back. If working people voted for politicians who passed laws that protected the rights of unions and workers, rather than vilifying one group or another, all workers would benefit.
1
Trump's actions may be harsh but he is bringing urgent attention to a crisis long in coming and ignored by members of the House and Senate for political gain. And he is fulfilling a campaign promise. His actions call attention to the steadfast failure of democrats to negotiate comprehensive immigration reform. As much as the left and NYT readers decry these actions, his base and many independants support vigorous enforcement of our immigration laws. These actions, along with a booming economy ensure Trump will be re-elected in 2020
21
Let clear the air on this situation.
1.Mr. Trump is a massive racist. He does not want people of any color, except orange, to be in this country.
2. Mr. Trump likes dictators and strongmen, so being without empathy is his ego trip. So mistreating people is his way to feel strong.
3. This roundup will appeal to his base.
4. He does not care what it cost or who it harms, as long as his hotels are staffed, and golf courses are mowed.
This is showing that he is becoming who we are fear. He is going against the fabric of this country. Lincoln in the Gettysburg address and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
So call you congressman, protest your senators, do not be sheep but to stand with your fellow countrymen to protect for those who need to be protected. Define a term great society, i am sure it does not include mistreating women, children, and men. Excluding the ones that need the most help. This is wrong and barbaric.
83
Vote for candidates that can win general elections. Not candidates that can only win a borough in NYC or Vermont.
33
@Greg--The people being deported had due process and have final orders of deportation. They have no legal right to be here, and have remained here in defiance of a court order. It is not "mistreating" people to hold them to the consequences of their actions.
62
Trump is NOT a racist. He Just’s people here legally no matter what color and there is nothing wrong with that!
26
This entire scenario is tragic. Would that we could take in the world, but we can't. A sovereign nation has the right and the imperative to control its borders and decide who enters. We must do what we can to help these people, but simply letting everyone in is not an option. There is already a strain on housing and educational resources in this country and bringing in thousands of uneducated, unskilled people with no resources and expect taxpayers to foot the bill in these precarious economic times is not going to fly. One can see the economic cost in Texas for health care and education from previous waves of illegal immigration.
I don't know what the solution is. All I can say is that Europe probably has a greater immigration crisis than we do. We must pass some sort of viable immigration reform in the U.S. and enforce it. Both parties have been guilty of kicking the can down the road for far too long.
20
We can handle the current demand but we must apply more resources. Trump has a problem that defeats his mind’s ability to address. He wants to discourage migration by being as nasty as a scared rattlesnake but he cannot do it with impunity. The images of suffering people in U.S. custody serves to convey the message that migrants will not be treated humanely, which he wants migrants to see, but not everyone else to see.
I hope that Democrats stick with their appeal for benefits and amnesty for anyone who wants a better paying job in the US. They should continue to call for free, upscale accommodations and nice schools to be paid for by local taxpayers. Democrats need to back open borders. Doing all of that will assure the re-election of Trump.
20
@John Yes, Trump will get re-elected based on his spreading fear and whipping up hysteria against dark-skinned people; he won't be elected because he actually has any plans to better the country or its citizens.
Incompetent racist "businessman" = incompetent racist statesman.
2
We have met the enemy, and--as is so often the case--he is us.
10
Over the past years with different presidents, we have allowed our immigration laws to be totally ignored which has caused the large mess that we are in now with so many illegals already in the country. The government is doing a great job now preventing illegals from entering the country but we also need to work on getting the illegals that are already in the country back out. I feel as if this is going to make a big change to the amount of illegals in the country and is going to be a very good opportunity to fix our past mistakes.
16
There is a serious problem related to illegal immigration on both sides of the argument.
On the GOP side, they are vilified, cast as "less than", blamed for every ill in our country and willfully mistreated. At the same time GOP refuses to acknowledge that many illegal immigrants arrived because for decades GOP refused to properly police and enforce laws against companies who hire illegal immigrants and paid them next to nothing.
Democrats (and NYT) play with words and skew reality. These are not "undocumented" immigrants. Terminology intended to imply that they simply misplaced their documentation. They are illegal immigrants. Just like I am a legal immigrant. There is, in fact , a difference as long as laws are on the books. Democrats like to pretend that we can simply accept anyone who comes across because their lives back home have become economically hard. But there are 2 billion people in the world who fall into that category. And the United States can't simply accept all of them without becoming another India. That refusal to accept plain reality and facts makes the Democrats look like ideologues and hypocritical when they argue that Trump refuses to deal with reality.
We need a real comprehensive immigration reform. We need a path to citizenship for those who are already here and have not committed crimes. We need enforcement at the border and modification of birthright and asylum processing rules.
We need common sense, not demagoguery.
22
This round up is like jailing the people who break into stores for food after a hurricane which has closed all grocery stores, rather than fixing the infrastructure to reopen the stores.
Congress needs to act, but of course big business and certain golf club owners need to have cheap labor, so we will keep having the same situation.
Remember the history of lackadaisical immigration enforcement has always been as a favor of the Republican Party and some corrupt Democrats for agribusiness, construction business, and other manual labor intensive businesses.
8
Cheaper and more effective for stirring up the base - lets just schedule regular and mandatory "Two Minute Hates". An executive order should do the trick. Trump's base can vent and seethe at the scapegoat of the day, and as long as the undocumented participate (hating in English of course), we can accept them as having assimilated. Bonus: in the hating mob, you'll never hear who I might be targeting. :) Not perfect but better than what we are doing now.
5
Set up a detention center until deportation at (or within 1/4 mile of) the residence of each congressperson that voted against immigration bills closing egregious immigration loop holes. Place offices (No parking within 1 mile) on site for lawyers deployed by to fight their (the illegal families) removal. Waste removal, laundry facilities, schools and catering service delivery on site.
6
If we are so adamant on laws, why is the current administration rewriting the constitution. Why are people running the country involved in illegal activities which impact the whole country and make scapegoats out of the vulnerable.
12
@barbara--Actually, the previous administration re-wrote the constitution--and he was a Constitutional lawyer. DACA is unconstitutional, something he himself said that action would be, yet he created the program for political reasons literally months before his 2012 re-election.
6
Imagine if the IRS staged mass "round-ups" of taxpayers whose returns had been audited and the taxpayers ordered to pay additional tax and penalties to comply with the law. Except in riot conditions, law enforcement is a case-by-case, individual affair. There would be no need for publicized, controversial "sweeps" and "round-ups" like this if his administration had been doing its job all along. President Trump has been in office for two and a half years with illegal immigration as a high priority. If he needs to stage a round-up of families who crossed the border recently, were processed and ordered in February to report for deportation, that means his agencies did not promptly and effectively enforce those orders. Why not? Can he blame Democrats for his agencies' failure? Can he blame Obama? There would be no controversy if his agencies had been doing their job efficiently, effectively and quietly all along. Instead, he is making day-to-day law enforcement a spectacle, no doubt designed to benefit his re-election prospects and create more racial animosity and "nationalist" fervor he can use for other purposes as yet unknown.
4
@abigail49--There'd be no need to advertise these sweeps if the previous administration hadn't advertised that it would NOT be enforcing the law unless you were a violent criminal. Illegal aliens in the last administration had a chance of basically ZERO of being deported if they hadn't committed a violent crime. Remember all that talk about "priorities for deportation"? Well, most of these people are still here because they weren't a "priority".
3
It would be a nice thought to see Trump and his family rounded up by the IRS for not paying taxes.
2
@Ali Under the Obama administration, total ICE deportations were above 385,000 each year in fiscal years 2009-2011, and hit a high of 409,849 in fiscal 2012. I wouldn't call that "zero" odds of being deported. Those high numbers could not have all been violent criminals, you think?
ICE should start with all trump locations by deporting all their undocumented people.
He can then employ his followers at much higher costs, and keeping safe work hours.
Yes, the law applies to him and his cronies as well. Or is he going to the supreme court again....
6
A question for Democrats and Liberals:
What defines the United States of America? Are there any borders? If so what defines them? What distinguishes those who live within the borders as to citizenship? What are the benefits and obligations of citizenship?
21
Well, if the plan goes as ‘efficiently’ as most of Trump’s policy’s, they have little to worry about.
5
Why the loaded term "family members" in a news article? Isn't every individual - yes, even those subject to outstanding deportation orders - a member of a family. Do you say elsewhere "police today arrested a family member subject to an outstanding warrant"?
18
@Ambrose Rivers
Great point. These subtle (or not so subtle) language choices are used all over these types of articles to manipulate our emotions instead of just reporting the news.
4
This process has been in place for many many years. What is new is the political use of it by Trump. Announcing these raids is a political stunt to appeal to his base that actually makes the raids less effective. The targeted aliens are all subjects of final deportation orders so their legal status is not in question. Other aliens in proximity to the targeted individual may also be deported if they are found to be in the U.S. illegally.
10
@James Fear--You think it wasn't a "political stunt" that the last administration advertised publicly and repeatedly that illegal aliens who did NOT commit violent crimes would NOT be deported? You might also remember that DACA was created literally in the middle of the 2012 re-election campaign to appeal to Hispanic voters--despite repeated claims by the constitutional lawyer who was President that such a program would be unconstitutional for him to create.
1
@Ali I agree that DACA was also politically motivated. The DACA young people would not ordinarily be targeted for raids due to limited ICE resources, but they might be encountered incidentally during one of these raids or some other law enforcement action. In my view politicians should just let ICE do its job without political interference.
1
The cost of all the deportations and housing those who are waiting for a hearing, -- what does that add up to? Into the billions. What about investing in UN peacekeeping troops for the countries w/ the most violent oppressive conditions such as El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, etc -- where people are fleeing terrible gang violence and fear death? Offer them some hope that conditions will improve. Declare war on the gangs. Why declare war on innocent people who just want better lives?
5
"When possible, family members who are arrested together will be held in family detention centers in Texas and Pennsylvania. But because of space limitations, some might end up staying in hotel rooms until their travel documents can be prepared. "
Taxpayers are now on the hook for paying for hotels rooms. Maybe the Trump family will consider their golf resorts so they can make more money.
6
American citizens are expected to follow the law, so I don’t understand why non citizens should be allowed to break U.S. law with impunity.
20
Our country would be immensely better off if the resources devoted to the politics and implementation of these inconsistent immigration policies were redirected toward:
1. Reinvestment in local infrastructure - roads, bridges, pulic transportation.
2. Vigorous prosecution of white collar crime - including the jailing of employers like the Trump entities which knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
3. Election of a congress willing to pass legislation including comprehensive immigration reform, comprehensive healthcare reform, comprehensive election reform, and reform of the Federal agencies to allow management by career professionals rather than political hacks.
6
For decades, the US has destabilized the countries from which we now receive the most immigrants.
We have created the refugees and the environments they are fleeing. Without context, without empathy, we can't design policy, we can't take action.
No human being is illegal.
4
@Isabel human beings are not illegal... what they do can be. What these people have done IS in fact illegal. We are a nation of laws and when you break the laws there are consequences.
7
@Mystery Lits I agree - it's our responsibility to continually question those laws because, as we learn from history, we can be wrong.
In other countries, we have directly supported genocide, restricted and collapsed free markets - were we not breaking laws? Mass immigration to the US is one of the consequences WE must face, because of our actions.
1
If he would issue an executive order mandating e-verify and conduct raids on businesses well known to employ illegal aliens and follow through on the HUD order regarding illegal aliens living in subsidized housing we'd have a real message being sent to discourage illegal immigration. Of course Congress has to address the asylum rules as well. Why are Democrat pols opposed to ending illegal immigration? Political power of course. And why are (most) Republicans pols opposed to ending illegal immigration? Money, of course. Citizens and legal residents. Don't. Matter.
6
People who enter the country illegally, ignoring our laws and who continue to ignore our laws by dismissing court orders are not the kind of people we want here.
13
@Pat Yup. Let's hope Trump's wife and her chain-migration parents are deported.
3
Who owns /operates the detention centers that will be filled by this raid? Are the principals associated with the current administration?
3
@NIki Wealthy republicans like Jeff Sessions, texas wealthy ranch owners who see this as easy money and probably trump's cabinet. It's big money for them. Stocks in private prisons skyrocketed when Jeff Sessions was confirmed. But a huge Thank You to @SunBankTrust for stating they will no longer invest in private prisons or private detention centers. I was scammed on a NY Apartment Rental 10 years ago by Wire Transfer from Chase Bank to Sun Bank. Sun Bank worked with me to stop the money from going through but Chase had no "live" person in Wire Transfers. What does that even mean? Most likely wire transfers are done off shore like all unAmerican big, greedy, corporations. By time Chase got back to me, more than a day later on a wire transfer! my money was gone! Only @SunBank was humane enough to help, but Chase's "no one's in the office now" policy is Chase won't spend 5 seconds on helping a customer.
Mostly this is a prelude to Trump’s upcoming rallies
I can hear them chanting
Round them up
Round them up
Round them up
9
If past is prologue, this effort will be a disaster if it 'works' and
a blessing if it doesn't. Frankly I'd rather have the illegals here than the intelligence-impaired red hats.
13
Who will be next for the internment camps. Perhaps journalists.
9
Trump's senior policy advisor Stephen Miller will finally get his Krystallnacht.
20
Yes. God help us!
Since politicians on both sides of the aisle have demonstrated an abject failure to address immigration reform, perhaps we need to replace the inscription on the Statue of Liberty with the words of Dante: “Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” This would befit the bully president who has stepped into the void to destroy what it means to be a land of immigrants.
5
Really? Dems have tried many times and also have gotten plenty of bipartisan agreements. But all it takes is a few - and often 1 senator - to block things.
1
Not both sides! Democrats have been trying for years to get Republicans to the table to work out an SANE and just immigration policy but Republicans refused!
1
“Immigration reform” will likely mean a mass amnesty, just like Reagan did and just as a future Congress will do again in 2035...
I see no humane and/or feasible manner to restrict illegal immigration...Whatever the new criteria for asylum the claims of immigrants will conform...
Children born in the US, to parents who are illegal immigrants, will be forced to file IRS 1040s for the rest of their lives, EVEN IF, they return with their parents to where their parents were born. Allow that to sink in for a minute.
4
Citizenship has its responsibilities.
7
@BBB
Horror of Horrors!
2
Yes! I hope they take their Citizenship responsibility seriously! They'll be able pay back the Trump Party as soon as they reach voting age. They'll all have vivid memories of how the GOP riped their families apart, and justice will finally be served. Kids grow up fast, not long to wait!
1
Reality Check this what happens when decades of looking other way letting it continue. Nothing last forever with techolgy now illegal cant hide in city. Our laws should stop this long ago the usa should give aid to countrys providing they have human rights so illegals will stay in home countrys. Alot can be done to encourage people to come to usa . One All imports from countrys dont have human rights should stop completely. We can make our own Alot of imports come from countrys who exploit labor workers being exploited an work poor conditions. Usa could feed entire world it has techolgy to do it providing those countrys leaders except freedom for own people.
4
Few people seem to be stating the obvious. When your livelihood and/or your life, and that of your family, is at stake, it is nobler to strike out for a new land and risk the consequences than it is to stay put and accept your lot. Try putting yourself in the others' shoes for a moment. Immigrants don't want a free handout, they want a chance to earn a living and protect their loved ones. Self-righteously standing on the formality of the law is oh so easy when it is not your goose being cooked.
5
Thank you, Tom, those who agree with Trump won’t listen to any compassionate point of view.
1
@Tom
Right, because it's obvious. We know why they're here. Now, what's the solution, no laws?
2
Isn't he about 8 months too early for this, he knows the election is next year right?
It would be wise (resource effective & will require smaller private jails) to put employers of these illegal worker.
Let's start there.
2
@P2 That includes trump's hotels, a fact his base ignores & doesn't get.
1
Hopefully Trump goes on to loose the election by the biggest landslide in presidential voting history.
8
American Xenophobia and Cultural Narcissism: The false assumption that most brown people living below the U.S.-Mexican border would do anything to immigrate to America and by coming here they will destroy the greatness of our country.
The reality is that most would prefer not to leave their family, friends, and community to start over in an alien country as a second class citizen (would you?). Many of those trying to immigrate or seek asylum to America are doing so out of extreme desperation; and, they perceive America as their next best option to survive. Also, America really needs to get over itself. If these immigrants could cross the border into Germany, Canada, Finland, or the US, the US would likely be their last option.
6
Aren't these actions somewhat ironic emanating from an individual whose wife worked illegaly in this country on a tourist visa?
10
@Milliband Please, feel free to use the correct word, "somewhat hypocritical" and her parents received "Merit Visas" based on what?
1
@sandra Does Trump have the naturalization papers on his Mother , or did that just sort of slide after she met Fred?
1
"collateral" deportations? is this not illegal profiling?
2
One of the greatest joys of my life will be seeing Donald Trump sentenced to prison. That day is coming. He is a fraud and an utter disgrace to this country.
8
Weird article. What does "members of undocumented families" mean? Anyone who has any living relatives is a member of a family. Are these raids specifically targeting illegal aliens who also have illegal alien relatives living with them, or who entered the U.S. as part of family groups? The article doesn't say.
Referring to the targets as "family members" seems like language chosen to tug the heartstrings, not for any objective reason.
15
They are children of God. The raids are inhumane!
@Mari By this logic no one should ever be deported, even if they commit horrific crimes. You have clearly abandoned reason and are operating purely on emotion.
1
What’s wrong with deporting these people ? “2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported — some as a result of their failure to appear in court — but who remain in the country illegally.”
14
I hope my gardener doesn't get swept up in this.
He's chasing the American Dream. Works his tail off 12 hours a day, pays taxes, goes out of his way to show kindness to everyone he meets.
But he doesn't have the papers necessary if he's collared by ICE.
7
@John Adams
Taxes huh? Do you pay him by cash, check or charge? Who's social security number does he use to pay these taxes you assume he pays? Is he committing identity theft?
6
@John Adams
Convenient for you then. You don’t have to pay him a living wage and can socialize the real cost of all that expensive landscaping since the rest of us are all chipping in for his healthcare in the ER, his kids’ expensive bilingual schooling and the decreased quality of live and increased burden on the environment from his cramming his family into a 1BR apartment and driving an old uninsured car on that long commute to you McMansion. Sounds like a win win — for you and for him, not so much for the rest of is and the planet.
2
'Pays taxes'...uh, that means you file Form 1099 with the IRS, right? Or do you simply hand him cash, thereby joining in the underground economy? (Bet anyone reading this knows the answer...).
1
If I overstayed my visa in say, South Korea, I would be deported. But I guess that's ok for every other country, just not the USA. Just like the citizenship question, which is asked by Germany, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries. But if the US asks we are a bunch of racists. I can't be the only person that see's this pattern, am I?
24
Undocumented immigrants do the jobs none of us want. They are the ones harvesting our crops! I hope the crops rot this year! There’s a huge difference between a tourist and a worker!
1
@Tom Hmm! Did you not read about Thomas Hoffeller who designed the Citizenship Question for the Census so that areas where immigrants were concentrated will loose federal funds and representation; it's a cartographer's plan to gerrymander districts to keep Republicans and "white, non-Hispanic Republicans" precisely in power for years to come. And McConnell vetoed the bills guaranteeing voting booth security. So what you have is a rigged system by Republicans who stay in power by every crooked way we never knew about. Hofeller's hard drives were turned over to Common Cause after his death by his own daughter who saw the vile ways her father was using his "strategy skills" to rig the country for Republicans.
1
@Mari
Oh please. They do the jobs "none of us want". They keep wages artificially low. If the crops rotted in the field the market would correct itself within the next growing season.
1
We are a very compassionate country. It's a very sad situation that our immigration problem has gotten so bad. There are 2 main problems that are causing this, Lack of economic opportunities any central American countries and violence And are crazy immigration laws along with federal judge interference that is basically said if you can get across our border no matter if you really don't have a legal reason to get here which is only political prosecution you can stay. So basically what we have now is half of sensor Central America now wants to a legally immigrate to the United States. These emigrants that should be deported came here illegally had full due process and after full due process were ordered to port it because they had no legal reasons to be here. They then refused legally to go back to their home country and disappeared into the country Again any country has a right to determine who gets in their country how many get in the country because of the expense and it people from other countries refused to follow that law they have no right to be here and should be deported forcibly if they refused to leave legally
5
Misleading title.
They are illegals ,already ordered deported and still here.
Illegals in a double way !
17
@Mary They are families; people; mothers; fathers; children. Trump Cultists only feel hate. Germans in 1939 sounded very similar.
1
I’m going into hiding.
1
I want to wake up to an America that has 15 million fewer people.
15
@Jim Tagley
One of them just might be you. Be careful what you wish for.
2
@Jim Tagley
Me too. Can we just dump Florida and be done with it? Maybe return it to Spain? That's about 20M there!
I guess we'll have to keep Orlando so families won't need passports to go to Disney.
2
Please explain how Obama deported as many people without all the fuss and drama?
Trump has created the problems for theatrical effect.
I expect that he would go on a raid, a’la Rudy and Alphonse’s undercover crack buy.
11
@John Caught at the port of entry, returned to home country, counts as a deportation. You just don't see it.
2
John, President Obama DIDNT round up undocumented immigrants, didn’t RAID communities! Big difference!
Rules are rules. Don’t like it legally change it. This issue is a loser for the Democrat Party. California offering free HC to illegals will make the state draw in even more, which will lead to Dem’s losing seats even in a blue state.
20
Obama deported more people than Trump. Why didn't we read about that when Obama was in office?
9
“US Prepares to Arrest Thousands of Immigrant Family Members”
*Seriously* distorted and inaccurate headline!
Prepares?
No, not really *prepared* to handle the children affected, some of whom are native born Americans.
Arrest?
No, deport.
Thousands?
OK. Two thousand is plural...barely.
Immigrants?
No. Undocumented/illegal. Refugees whose asylum claims found unsupported, maybe.
Family members?
Who is ICE deporting here, the undocumented or their *family members”? Only deporting people with *families*... no single adults?
Really, NYT, no matter where one stands on the whole refugee/immigration thing this headline is a serious Fail!
18
President Obama, who (last I heard) deported more people a month than this president, did it quietly and efficiently. Trump on the other hand has not only put deportation in the center ring of his circus, but he has done so in a particularly cruel way by drawing out his threats on twitter without acting on them thus giving us a clear picture of his character and incompetence.
14
Just a reminder.
For the very same reasons, President Obama deported 3 million immigrants.
Democratic politicians and Liberals did not complain or call Obama names for doing this.
21
@Dr. John Obama did not use the deportations as a trophy or use it to incite racism.
Obama did not use it for campaign points.
1
Obama did not feel compelled to make it a reality show for deplorables. Trump gives you drama. It will make great TV for his Fox and Friends.
1
Without the U.S. government working to alleviate the dire conditions south of the border that is the source of this migration, there will be no solution. That we have the stupidest people imaginable now in charge of this only will exacerbate the deliberate cruelty we now see. On climate change alone, impeachment proceedings should have begun two years ago.
3
How dare the US Government deport illegal immigrants who have violated final orders for deportation!
All who come to our nation must be welcomed with open arms and allowed to stay despite breaking US Laws multiple times over many years.
Compassion people, compassion...…...
24
@Prof
Since there are still quite a few felonies Trump may have committed and hasn't wormed his way out of, you must feel a great deal of pity for him.
2
The correct headline is "Trump's ICE Co-opts News Media to Scare Even More Immigrants."
8
This is vile. What can we do to block a president who acts like a despot? What can we do stop him from turning this country into a totalitarian regime, where children are treated like criminals, because they happen to have been born elsewhere?
4
These people had thei day in court, refused to show up to be sent home, and must now be found, one by one.
The U.S. has the kindest, most principled system on the planet for people who - we have to admit - broke our laws coming here uninvited.
The Mexicans do this is in a bit harsher way - just ask the very same people.
Even Bernie Sandes realized that welfare states like ours cannot have open borders or we will go broke quickly.
The people you should be mad at as those who begged these people to leave home to try to get here. THOSE are the bad guys you seek.
18
They obviously want to create maximum distress among immigrants by this early announcement.
Also, I thought there was a crisis on the border because they couldn’t handle the numbers trying to cross and claim asylum- so now they are adding thousands more - families with children too.
Sick! This Administration is sick!!
6
Why does the NYT insist on using such misleading titles?
They are not deporting all immigrants. They are deporting ILLEGAL immigrants. There is a massive difference between the two.
25
Why does the NYT have so much trouble differentiating between Legal Immigration and Illegal Immigration?
24
Despite one's personal disgust at 45, unarguably one of the worst presidents in our doleful political history, one is heartened by the success of ICE in enforcing Title 8, USC. Illegal immigrants have no legal mandate to remain on the soil of the USA, but they have innumerable illegal incentives to do so. I work with ICE daily in my capacity as a Federal law enforcement officer on innumerable criminal cases: huge seizures of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, guns, money and property, all the proceeds of gang-related drug dealing. And guess whose name appears on most of the cases? High time we flushed this offal into the sewer and barred the door to its continued entry without our invitation.
75
@Tournachonadar
What is the market for the drugs—which don’t come in with the immigrants, by the way? The industry that feeds our drug habits is outside the law, and it destroys anything that gets in the way of profit. So, these people either support the trade or are eliminated. What’s your choice?
10
@Tournachonadar Thank you.
9
@Tournachonadar
Illegal drugs.
Illegal immigrants.
Both supported by Liberals.
8
"U.S. Prepares to Arrest Thousands of Immigrant Family Members" - give me a break! How about "US to arrest people violating US law for years."
60
Where was ICE all this time? Twiddling their thumbs? This is just drama for the base. Enjoy the show. One day you may be on the business end of a mass federal police raid.
Some “great America” you have there.
14
@Jim, why are you living in a place you have come to hate? Think you'll like it better after the re-election in 2020? Time to travel, and find a new home where you can breathe easy and actually like where you are. Life is too short to live tensed and angry.
14
@Jim--Ask the Obama administration. Under it the chance of a non violent illegal alien being deported was essentially ZERO.
Check out the Morton Memo of 2011, which prohibited federal agents from detaining or deporting entire classes of illegal aliens, such as those merely claiming to be "Dreamers" or the parents of Dreamers.
8
Most Americans welcome LEGAL immigrants, but do not want ILLEGAL immigrants. They recognize that the US cannot afford (or choose not) to support our own citizens: the poor, the ill, elderly, disabled, veterans, et al., and that they and other US taxpayers cannot possibly support the hundreds of millions of foreigners who would like to come here.
US laws allow foreigners to seek entry and citizenship. Those who do not follow these laws are in this country illegally and should be detained and deported; this is policy in other countries, too.
The cruelty lies not in limiting legal immigration, or detaining and deporting illegal immigrants, or forcing those who wish to enter the US to wait for processing. What is cruel, unethical and probably illegal is encouraging parents to bring their children on the dangerous trek to US borders and teaching the parents how to game the system to enter the US by falsely claiming asylum, persecution, etc. Indeed, many believe bringing children on such perilous journeys constitutes child abuse.
No other nation has open borders, nor should the US.
166
@Mon Ray We might spend the billions we invest in mistreating these people to improve the conditions they flee from, but no, that is not the Trumpy way
68
@Mon. Ray It’s not the asylum seekers but the United States government, who is breaking the law. The vast majority of the the children have valid legal claims to asylum. Legally they do not need documentation. Of course, we all now know the government is also disregarding it’s legal responsibility in terms of providing a safe and sanitary environment for the children. In addition, the law states these children must be placed with a parent or relative living in the US. Absent that, the parent not the government directs who else might care for the child. The last resort would be a foster situation.
How hypocritical that the administration calls asylum seekers “illegal” when it is the one breaking the laws!
15
@Wendy Holtzman give us a break. The adults put the kids up to all this just so they can get in. What little kid is going to think of “ let’s go to the border and ask for Asylum?
30
The US is being colonized by the new imperialists- people who destroyed their own nation through massive population growth. We will need to build thirty thousand homes a month just to house all these illegal immigrants . We will need to train an additional three hundred doctors, a month, to provide them with care. We will need to build a half dozen schools, a month, to educate them. Looks like our ability to do anything else is gone- no universal care, no free college, no free kindergarten. All the resources will be going towards foriegn aide to criminals.
27
@willt26
Not to worry. Most immigrants that have come into country have a higher level of education than your neighbor.
7
@Theodore Frimet--No, they haven't. Most LEGAL immigrants are coming here because they have relatives here to sponsor them. They're generally unskilled, uneducated, low wage workers.
9
@wilt26
Americans are having fewer and fewer kids.
What's abhorrent is not the deportation of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the United States. What's contrary to human rights and any human decency is the conditions of detention illegal immigrants are being kept in and the separation and detention of children. That is 1943 Germany-level.
10
@Phantomnyc
No one is stopping all those people kept in horrible detention centers from going back where they belong.
Must not be so bad
21
@John. CHILDREN cannot walk out of a prison!
if nobody claims the citizen children, won't they just be sent to foster care? Given they had already lost their "asylum" cases, how would re-opening their case help?
8
Administration plans to remove illegal immigrants.
Rule of law applies.
24
Is that a just law or an unjust law, and if the latter, should we celebrate just because it's "the law." That is the question too many don't pause to reflect on.
3
@Sherry Jones--What's "unjust" about the law? Be specific. And if it is "unjust", just what immigration law should we have? I'm betting you'll say that anyone who gets here should be able to stay here. That is, open borders.
13
@Ali
An unjust law would be to require the deportation of people like those who have lived here for a long time, worked for Trump's golf courses and cleaned his shirts with his knowledge they were illegal, and who have developed deep family roots. Or people who were brought as infants who were innocent and know no other country. A just law would require the deportation of people who were given an asylum hearing, with notice and due process, and denied asylum. Saying that fairness and decency and compliance with asylum law is a call for open borders is just a shorthand way to simplify the issue and demonize Democrats for really trying to solve the complicated problem.
Serious question. What do you do with undocumented immigrants who came illegally, were given their day in court often times with free legal assistance, lost their cases, were ordered to leave the country but didn’t? At what point do we say enough is enough and start enforcing our immigration laws? Either open the borders to everyone who wants to come or enforce the laws.
445
Open the borders. We are condemning millions of people to a life of poverty by limiting their ability to leave the countries they were born in (which was by mere chance) and migrate to parts of the world where there are more work opportunities. It’s not fair. At the same time, do more to prevent the unfairness in our own country that can keep you living in poverty if your parents aren’t wealthy, through more progressive taxation, better labor policies, and social spending.
50
@Sharon
The problem is, in the 5 years or more it took for the courts to rule on their case and deport them, some of the immigrants have married and had kids who are US citizens. They now have roots in the country. Do we want to separate parents from their children or do we let them stay behind and go after the ones who have not put up roots.
14
Stop the warmongering, terroristic foreign policy and the immigration “problem” resolves itself.
26
10-20 million illegals are the result of nearly 50 years of lax to non existent enforcement of the law, combined with out of date laws. Even a tiny token deportation like this will cause the left and the immigration industry to howl while they work to stop even small deportations and work to add to the millions here now. "Comprehensive" immigration reform has to include:an end to birthright citizenship, an end to chain migration, an end to visa lotteries, nationwide e-verify, employer sanctions (yes, especially people like trump) and timely deportations for those who've over stayed visas or had their hearings. This is a staged stunt that will serve to only fire up emotions on both sides. Changing the laws that got us to this sorry state and then enforcing them might keep us from going further down the failed path that got us here.
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@Al
"an end to birthright citizenship"?
If you want to end birthright citizenship, you will have to amend the 14th Amendment. Good luck trying to do that.
Amendment XIV
Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
13
@Al What you call chain migration is an insulting way of saying family migration. When people want to emigrate legally they have to have sponsors here. Generally someone already here legally (and I believe they have to be a citizen ) are naturally going to want to bring over another family member if they do sponsor someone. That is how Melania Trump’s parents got here so if you’re against chain migration they should go back to Slovakia too. What is the matter with visa lotteries? It is the ONLY way for many people to ever have a shot at migration because we’ve decreased not only the numbers allowed but also what countries they can come from. You know, places like Norway.
7
@Joe From Boston. As you probably know, the 14th amendment was adopted to protect former slaves and their kids. It was never intended to promote birth tourism or intended to be an enticement to get across the border just in time to show up at an ER to have your citizen as is now the most common birth in LA county hospitals. A scotus ruling could clear this up. As far as chain migration goes, if we go to a merit based system, as most people want, we will get immigrants that benefit the US not an endless chain of relatives, distant or close that may not want or bring anything except a desire to get out of dodge. That's not what immigration should be for.ex 2016. ~1.2 million legal immigrants. ~65% are due to some kind of chain migration. They of coarse can petition to bring in other relatives in the future. The bipartisan Jordan commission recommended scraping this part of our immigration law.
18
I can't feel too sorry when people have their day in court and lots of pro bono legal help, and still, they rather sneak into our country than do the right thing and apply and wait. I read these raids have "rattled immigrant communities" -- so there are many, many in fact millions living illegally in our country. It is time to enforce the law.
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Some people don’t have the time to wait. Immigrating to the United States takes years unless you are “special” and have connections, are rich, or have a certain job. Otherwise, it’s a lottery, and some people could die before then, Please think before you post.
9
@gmt The very fact that there exist ‘communities’ of illegals in ‘sanctuary’ cities is a factor which will help to re-elect trump.
15
@Jasmine--We have asylum laws for that purpose. Right now, most "asylum seekers" are plain old economic migrants, not people who are persecuted as the law requires. That's why most of them are having their asylum claims rejected. Meanwhile, people facing genuine persecution have to wait all the longer for their cases to be heard.
By the way, around half of our legal immigration is from Latin America, and 15-20% of it from Mexico. The "connections" you have to have are (extended) family ties--which is why, thanks to that and the 1986 amnesty, Mexico has had such a lock on legal immigration for more than 20 years. Some 3/4 of our legal immigrants each year are here for no reason other than having a family member to sponsor them.
3
This won't end well when it comes.
I foresee riots, shootings and killings and rising poll numbers for Trump.
6
@A. Stanton Despite our nation's descent into despotism under our populist tyrant leader, I have more optimism for the United States than do you. I believe the good people of this country, and most would fall in this category, will finally check the behavior of the tyrant and put an end to his cruelty and inhumane treatment of children and babies and families.
1
Melina Young
I wish I had your optimism. I am so depressed right now.
@Melinda Young, so "rule of law" is now despotism? Darn those founding fathers for their dystopian madness.