Unauthorized immigrants in Washtenaw County could get county-issued ID cards
From left to right, Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi and immigration reform activists Javier Contreras and Ola Kaso at a Wednesday night panel discussion inside the Michigan Union.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"We are working with the clerk's office to make that happen. This could be big for us," County Board Chairman Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, said Wednesday night during a panel discussion on immigration reform at the University of Michigan.
"We're kind of tired of waiting on the state, we're tired of waiting on the federal government, and we're looking at actions that we can take right here in Washtenaw County to change the way things are going — especially for immigrants," he said.
"Congress came close to passing a reform bill in 2007, but it just couldn't get it done," said U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn. "We appear to be in a somewhat similar situation today."
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The forum was hosted by the Washtenaw County chapter of Organizing For Action.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, gave a keynote address, calling the U.S. immigration system broken and in need of reform.
He cited estimates that somewhere between 11 million and 15 million unauthorized immigrants are in the country, and he said they should be able to earn their way to citizenship.
Rabhi said the lack of a government-issued ID card prevents unauthorized immigrants from accessing a variety of basic services — everything from signing up for perks at a local grocery store to opening a bank account — and it leaves them in fear of getting pulled over without ID.
If an unauthorized immigrant is pulled over for speeding in the future and is able to show a Washtenaw County ID, Rabhi said, that person wouldn't necessarily be detained.
"Because they'd be able to provide proof that they are, in fact, a resident of Washtenaw County, and say, 'This is who I am and here's my picture,' " he said.
Rabhi said unauthorized immigrants aren't the only people who would benefit from a local ID program — it also could help out homeless people and transgender people.
"If you get an ID right now from the state, you're either a male or you're a female, and we want to make sure we're inclusive to everybody," he said of how it could help transgender people.
Rabhi said county officials still are in discussions about some security issues and how to establish identities in a way that's legal.
"I'm confident we'll find a solution that will work for our community," he said. "Hopefully the capital costs will be minimal and the cards will come with a small fee."
Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said he's worked with Tlaib, D-Detroit, to introduce legislation aimed at making Michigan a more welcoming place for immigrants.
State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, spoke about creating "a culture here in America of acceptance — of love really, rather than hate and fear."
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Tlaib is the chief sponsor of a bill that would establish an Office of Immigration Integration to help coordinate resources and services for aspiring citizens, students and investors.
Tlaib, who has a background as an immigration attorney, said she and her peers wanted to bring forward legislation that fits with Gov. Rick Snyder's message that welcoming more immigrants into the state is one of the keys to driving economic growth and creating jobs in Michigan.
"Having an Office of Immigration Integration where somebody could pick up the phone and call a department within the state of Michigan's system, I think, really will stand out," she said.
Irwin is the chief sponsor of a bill that he calls a "state-level Dream Act," which would provide in-state college tuition for unauthorized immigrants in Michigan. He gave credit to the University of Michigan for taking steps in that direction recently.
The lawmakers also are pushing for getting driver's licenses and state ID cards in the hands of unauthorized immigrants in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of State was required by federal officials earlier this year to begin issuing driver's licenses to DACA — or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — participants.
Contreras, a recent Skyline High School graduate who came to the U.S. from Mexico with his family at age 4, talked about growing up as an unauthorized immigrant.
State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, is the chief sponsor of a bill that would establish an Office of Immigration Integration to help coordinate resources and services for aspiring citizens, students and investors.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
He wasn't able to get a driver's license until recently. And unable to apply for student loans, he wonders if he'll ever achieve his dream of going to U-M.
"With immigration reform passing, I could finally get a bank loan, I could get federal aid," he said. "I can't sign up for FAFSA right now."
AnnArbor.com reported earlier this year that Contreras and his brother, Jose, have two-year full-ride scholarships to Washtenaw Community College.
Kaso, who was born in Albania, told her story of coming to the U.S. with her family when she was 5. At first, she couldn't speak a word of English, she said.
She eventually became proficient in English, excelled in her studies, and devoted herself to community service projects, but her immigration status threatened her future.
Two months before her high school graduation, she was spontaneously detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"I was led into the basement of the ICE office and handcuffed to a chair in the hallway for six hours," she said. "I was an 18-year-old honors student set to graduate in two months."
She was released and told she would be deported within a week — back to Albania, a place she could barely remember — but her community rallied to delay her deportation.
She's now a junior at U-M, studying biomedical engineering on the pre-med track — with aspirations of becoming a surgical oncologist.
Even now, two years after almost being deported, her future remains in limbo. She said she can't apply to medical schools because she's not a U.S. citizen.
"I'm an American in every respect," she said. "When I think of home, I think of Sterling Heights, Mich. When I think about my country, I think about the United States of America.
"However, under current law, there's no way for me to become a U.S. citizen," she said. "Make no mistake about it, our immigration system is broken."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
GoBlue2001
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 5:33 p.m.
I was born and raised in Michigan and came back here prior to going to college to live with family. After being back here a year, I applied to UM to a program that takes 30 people a year and I was accepted. Then they stuck me with out of state tuition for 3 years, because I "couldn't prove" that I didn't move back here just to go to school. Glad that I could have walked in ILLEGALLY and been provided in state tuition! So once again, people get rewarded for breaking the law.....
Laurie Barrett
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:15 p.m.
No fence, law, card, or what have you can control immigration. The Americas are gradually, eventually, inevitably becoming one, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. USA has as much chance of keeping out new populations as the Indians had keeping Europeans off their land. There are just too many coming. Don't get upset; rather, embrace the blend of cultures. It's what makes the USA such a rich place.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:12 a.m.
If this program goes forward Washtenaw County officiails would be aiding and abetting lawfreaking. Such behavior really smells bad. They are supposed to support the rule of law and not help those who break it.
Roger Kuhlman
Sun, Sep 1, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
Let us stop rationalizing and excusing the breaking of US laws by certain people. This story is about illegal immigrants or illegal aliens not unauthorized immigrants. We need to remember that the overwhelming number of illegal aliens besides entering or staying in our country illegally have commited other serious crimes such tax evasion, identity theft, social security fraud, and purchase and use of fraudulent documentation. The rule of law, respect for the rule of law, and equal application of the law are important American values.
simone66
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 12:04 a.m.
What other countries give illegal... ooops, I mean undocumented immigrants gov't ID to make life easier for them in a country they are not legally a citizen of?
BhavanaJagat
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
Indeed several countries absorb people from their neighboring countries. Since 1959, India has been hosting His Holiness Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and several thousands of his followers. India is flushed with people from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, and displaced people from Pakistan. The idea of ID Card is the manifestation of a Police State in action.
BhavanaJagat
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
Police State vs Free State: The term 'Free State' was originally used to designate States that abolished slavery before the Civil War. I am using the term to offer a contrast to the reality called Police State. This Washtenaw County initiative to provide a ID represents the reality called Police State. People need an Identification Document to avoid the problem of getting arrested, or detained by the Police, particularly while stopped for any perceived traffic violation. This initiative may help some people but would not change the reality. Both Democrats, and Republicans are reconciled to the inevitability of this transformation of the United States into a Police State. I am not surprised to know that many, young, white Americans are now living with a sense of fear and feel helpless as their freedom is taken away by either Police, or Corporations. An increasing number of such white Americans are buying guns as they feel that their freedom is at risk. There is no ID that can change this reality. In fact, the desire for ID is the confirmation of the fact of a Police State controlling people.
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
Are you an American? Where did your ancestors come from? Northern or Southern Europe? Asia? Were they Catholics? Or Jews? Did you know that when they immigrated to this country there was a large, powerful, and vocal group who predicted that your ancestors would ruin the country? They said your forebearers were lazy, lawless, drunken libertines, who would bleed this country of it's wealth and security. They considered your ancestors parasites who would dilute the purity of our nation with alien creeds and cultures. These naysayers, these self-appointed "protectors" of Americanism were called Nativists. Their political influence was based on fear, bigotry, and ignorance. Needless to say they were highly successful. They occupied many local and national political offices. They perscuted the new immigrants because they were different. Because they were poor. Today of course we know different. Those immigrants who were so despised turned out to be the people who built the nation we enjoy today. Our ancestors were not angels, some of them really were crimminals. But collectively they brought ambition, hard work, and the desire to built a better life. But of course Nativism isn't dead either. If you've read this far down in the conversation you know why I make that statement. There are those who argue that history isn't so much a linear progressive process as it is a sprial, either up or down, where we repeat the same things over and over. I think this item could be used to suggest that they have a point.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
Does it bother you that business interests are the strongest single force supporting high levels of illegal and legal immigration. Bringing in huge numbers of foreign workers has always been the prime way business has sought to reduce wages and benefits they have to pay their workers. High levels of immigration is Anti-Labor.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:26 a.m.
Very few people who oppose Amnesty and citizenship for illegal immigrants are nativists nor are they racists as advocates of Open Borders policies so like to maliciously and malignantly characterize people who are not in favor of sky-high illegal and legal immigration
Judy
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
Gee, Responsible Citizen, I don't like to wait to I am 65 years to get medicare so I guess I should be able to get it at 62 right! I can not retirer at 62 because I can not afford heath insurance, (Please do not start on me about how great Obmama Care is) you see a lot of laws and rules stop people from doing what they want. To bad so sad isn't it!
JRW
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
"However, under current law, there's no way for me to become a U.S. citizen," she said. This is incorrect. There is a process and many follow it. She should too. It may not be easy, but there is a process. Try Canada if you don't like it here. It's a lot harder in Canada to become legal than in the US.
JRW
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Help me out here. There is a process for someone brought into the country illegally by parents to become a legal resident. Why aren't these people following the steps to become legal residents and eventually citizens? If you are not able to apply to medical school because you are not a US citizen, there is a reason for that and skirting the law is not the answer. Become a citizen and enjoy the benefits legally. There are plenty of good people around the world who would be contributing members of a lot of countries, but all of them should have to go through the legal processes in their new countries. If I want to go to any other country and live there legally, I have to go through the process to become legal. Why are these people asking for ways to continue breaking the law?
Joel A. Levitt
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.
I'm proud to be a Washtenaw County resident. Thank you: Yousef Rabhi, John Dingell, Jeff Irwin, Rashida Tlaib and Ryan Stanton.
bobslowson
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
Ditto. I appreciate our reps and what they are trying to accomplish.
Judy
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Mike, "Employers hire undocumented because they do not want to pay the wages of the American workers. This is not done to lower the cost of the projects they build, it is done for the added profits they receive." I agree with you, MIke 100%! DonBee, "While these jobs are critical to the economy, ICE polices these industries so heavily that no sane business owner would hire anyone who did not have a valid visa and the visas are easy to get." If employers stopped hiring undocumented/illegal immigrants they would not want to come here so badly. Big business does not care they will pay the fines if caught and laugh about it all the way to the bank. ICE, is a joke and Bib Business no's it!
CobraII
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 5:54 a.m.
Why is Dingell still in DC? How stupid is this! I want local perks too!!
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:55 a.m.
57 years in Congress is far too much and makes us look like we have an inherited politcal class
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.
It's called voting. You know, the democracy your type cherishes when it fits your purpose.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:09 a.m.
"I've always known I was undocumented and knew that eventually I would be faced with a lot of barriers." --- because your parents ignored the FIRST barrier- The U.S. border which men and women are sworn to defend with their lives. There is no moral issue but one: which Democrats routinely violate. It's the idea that we live in a geopolitical area which requires defense. The Democrats are not "morally superior" - they're just working to ensure a larger voter base to prevent any other party from ousting them from government. The rule is and should remain: you may enter this country under rules and you may apply for citizenship here - under the rules. There's an old Chinese saying which boils down to: If you would fix your country, first fix yourself. And the first fix is to learn and follow the rules like those who work (and even die) to maintain our sovereignty. Go back and fix your own country - that way, you won't be motivated to remake OUR COUNTRY to suit yourselves.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:53 a.m.
Jaime I agree with Jay about what happens to children of illegal aliens. Hasn't America done a heck of a lot for children of illegal Immigrant parents who have broken US laws by providing them with a very expensive US education?
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
Jaime, the federal government usually ends up sending the kids back with the parents. When they are older they can return to the U.S. as adults (if they were born here).
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:33 a.m.
There are many moral issues intersecting in this situation. The immorality of abandoning children who ended up here through no fault of their own would be one.
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:39 a.m.
Correct me if I am wrong here, Washtenaw county is figuring a way to get County I.D. cards to unlawful immigrants in the county. This is to provide them with some type of identity if pulled over by law enforcement. This will also permit them to acquire some type of government assistance from local business. Immigration is what this country has been made of since it's inception. But, that has been legal immigration. I feel that the children of illegal immigrants should have a path to legalization in this country. But, not over those that have been waiting legally to come to the United States of America. The thought that comes to mind is that Washtenaw county is tired of waiting for state and federal government to act so they will act not understanding the consequences. This could cause a rush of illegal immigrants to the area creating a host of issues from unemployment to housing issues, creation of entitlements. We all realize that those that were brought here by their parents are not at fault, and most of us do not fault someone for wanting to better their lives. But breaking the law is not the way to better yourself. The almighty wise OZ is opening up a can of worms here.
conservative
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:28 a.m.
Never been more disappointed to live in this city (and county for that matter). This city is so delusional it's pathetic and I would be embarrassed to be associated with any of these self-serving clowns...
tinkywinky
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:34 a.m.
This idea has totally inspired me. Tomorrow morning, I will go down to the bank and make a withdrawal from an undocumented account. I'm sure nobody will have a problem with that either.
Tex Treeder
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:32 a.m.
On second thought, this may be an unintended excellent idea by the commissioners. It clearly says to local police, "I"m an illegal immigrant. Please identify me as such and deport me." Well done.
Gownie
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:50 a.m.
I intend to acquire one of these identification cards and use it whenever possible. I suggest that other citizens concerned with lack of immigration reform do the same in order to enable those who need them to use the cards without stigma.
Eg Eg
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:42 a.m.
So, i guess this means that they'll also be able to get food stamps, insurance and everything else that I keep getting denied assistance with, even after working and paying taxes my whole life!!! I lose my job of 20 years after my company closes down, and nobody has been there to help me. NOBODY
Tex Treeder
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
ID cards for illegal aliens? This is so wrong on so many levels I don't know where to begin. I will be actively campaigning and voting against anyone who votes in favor of this proposal. And I'm not the only one. Wake up, commissioners.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.
I would suggest you call the Commissioners and complain about their helping people who break US laws.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
Perhaps it has been noted here already. There are about 11 Million "illegal immigrants" here in the USA. Many people say they should all leave. They don't want to leave (obviously - they are here). Some may leave peacefully. What about the rest? The various vignettes that play out in my mind are horrific. Over crowded jails. Forced deportation at gun point. Violence, grief, death. Is this what we want the world, and our own citizens to think of our government? I hope not.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:42 a.m.
Haven't we learned anything by now. Providing amnesty and citizenship for illegal aliens just gives huge incentives for future illegal immigration. That is what we should have learned from the 1986 Amnesty and the Mini-Amnesties under Bill Clinton
dsponini
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
What you describe Robert would be a tea party dream, forcing them to leave at gunpoint under the threat of being shot
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:27 p.m.
If amnesty passes then there will be another 11 million who will pack up and head here. It's not a solution to anything you know. Mass deportation isn't needed either. All you need to do is stop making it easier for them (like handing out legal ID). Enforce the laws requiring employers to hire people legally here w/ huge fines and jail time for repeat offenders. Finish the fence on the border and add more agents. The problem will take care of itself.
walker101
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:39 p.m.
Millions work under the table, they don't pay Federal or State taxes, they have fake ID's, fake SS and anything to get a legit job where the employer pays them in cash, so don't tell me they pay taxes.
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:46 a.m.
Hate to say it, even getting paid under the table they pay some taxes... Gas tax, sales tax, cigarette tax, Liquor tax.
C'est la vie
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Regarding the question of paying payroll taxes or not, illegals can get ITINs from the IRS which allow them to file tax returns, with no need for an SSN. Then, like someone with an SSN, they can also get a nice tax refund check each year. I'm not an accountant, but I have heard that it is perfectly legal (vis a vis the IRS) for residents of Mexico (working illegally in the US) to claim family members back home as dependents, causing said tax refund check to be very handsome indeed. Or they can just borrow the SSN of a relative who obtained it through legal means, and said relative can return to home country for some R & R, while the new guy comes to Ann Arbor and takes on the name associated with the SSN. There are so little controls put in place by our government, so many ways to circumvent the beyond-broken system.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
These are facts but people don't want to hear them. The IRS sent $46,000,000 in refunds to over 23,000 illegal aliens supposedly living at a single address in Atlanta. Cue Sergeant Schultz: "I see nothing. I hear nothing."
rm1
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:22 p.m.
Two points. A large share, possibly approaching a majority, of unauthorized immigrants in this country were brought here by their parents -- like Mr. Contreras and Ms. Kaso in the article, at ages 4 and 5. It therefore doesn't make much sense to call them "criminals" or "lawbreakers", or to rant on about them "breaking the law", although many here do so, without thought. Their situations are different than those who came in illegally as adults. They didn't DO anything deserving of punishment or censure. "Unauthorized immigrants" has it about right, if you want to use one term. This doesn't solve the problem, but it does suggest that we ought to treat them differently than other categories of immigrants. As does the President's "Dream" program, which (by Executive Order) at least provisionally withholds deportation and gives them some rights, however impermanent. Secondly, Those who rage on about rounding up and deporting the 11 million to 15 million "illegals" aren't thinking seriously about the consequences, and overlook a lot. Think about how many people would need to be hired and armed, and how much in other police/transportation etc. resources would need to be deployed, to break down doors and round these folks up over a period of years. And think how this would look on TV and internet news, every day . Do we really want to do this? To effectively turn us into a police state? Or maybe a better question, do we really thinks it's politically feasible? Even if Congress managed to authorize this, it's very hard to imagine our representatives withstanding the furore. Especially when Republicans (a) know they are already in deep hot water with Hispanics, (b) know it, and (c) are flailing about trying to do something about it. (Romney got 27% of the Hispanic vote in November; even Karl Rove and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus have noticed .) Mobilization for mass deportation is just not going to happen. So we need to s
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:08 a.m.
It is not the 14th Amendment but a flawed interpretation of that Amendment that gives citizenship to children born of illegal alien Mothers. It is absurd that a foreign pregnant woman can cross legally or illegally into our country, and then have her baby here thus getting citizenship for that baby. You know there is a whole scam where foreign mothers are flying into the US to have their babies here so that they get citizenship for their children. What sensible country would operate this way and allow the abuse of its citizenship?
Roger Kuhlman
Sun, Sep 1, 2013 : 11:58 p.m.
Yes raise the bogeyman of forced deportation as a reason for giving them amnesty and citizenship. That is a false choice. The third humane alternative is voluntary self-deportation. If you put a program like E-Verify that makes sure only citizens and legal residents can get hired and work in America, Illegal aliens are going back to their home countries when they can not find work. Unfortunately the advocates of amnesty and citizenship do not want to put sound procedures in place that will deny illegal foreign workers the American jobs they illegally seek.
justcurious
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
"The Pew Hispanic Center determined that according to an analysis of Census Bureau data about 8 percent of children born in the United States in 2008 — about 340,000 — were offspring of illegal immigrants. In total, 4 million U.S.-born children of illegal immigrant parents resided in this country in 2009 (alongside 1.1 million foreign-born children of illegal immigrant parents).[14] These infants are, according to the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, American citizens from birth. These children are sometimes pejoratively referred to as anchor babies by those aggressively opposed to this method of citizenship attained outside of the legal immigration process"
rm1
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:28 p.m.
That truncated last sentence was supposed to say: "So we need to solve the problem some other way." And the mangled paragraph above that sentence should say: "Republicans (a) are already in deep hot water with Hispanics, (b) know it, and (c) are flailing about trying to do something about it. (Romney got 27% of the Hispanic vote in November; even Karl Rove and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus have noticed . No way most Republicans support large police action against Hispanics.)"
quetzalcoatl
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:07 p.m.
Let's enroll a crusading Army of undocumented immigrants and invade Canada, with the survivors gaining citizenship to settle the new lands. Lots of empty space up there, ay?
walker101
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.
"We're kind of tired of waiting on the state, we're tired of waiting on the federal government, and we're looking at actions that we can take right here in Washtenaw County to change the way things are going — especially for immigrants," he said. Maybe because its against the law, since neither State or Federal law have passed any laws you'll. just have to wait.
zucker
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:53 p.m.
Very happy to hear this news. Good step forward.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:38 p.m.
Is it only Contreras dream to go to U of M, and get federal money to do so? I don't think I've ever seen him want to be an American citizen.
LXIX
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
When the humanists preachers in your homeland are able to achieve zero population growth then let us talk. Until that problem is dealt with this goes on until nobody survives - with or without food coupons. There are no Native Americans. We are all African emmigrants. That said, why does anyone think there are over 200 diverse nations on this planet?
LRF
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
We're talking about criminals here because being here illegally IS or at least SHOULD BE a crime ...... HELLOOOO! If these people think they can come here and change our country by making a lot of noise and draw a lot of attention to their unwarranted cause then why don't we just open the prison doors and let ALL of the criminals out thereby giving equality to everybody regardless of the crime they committed?
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
Jaime, you are forgetting that the Contreras kids were working here as teenagers starting when they were 13 or something. It is illegal to work without a green card but regardless we have laws against child labor and such.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:01 a.m.
We are not talking about stealing physical objects. We're talking about humans being geo-located to other parts of the continent. It's absurd to think that you can send an innocent child away to someplace else where they have nothing. How would you even do that? What do you suggest? Cattle cars?
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:23 p.m.
Are we talking about criminals? Are you held guilty for the crimes of your parents?
David Cahill
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:25 p.m.
I think issuing these cards is a fine idea. I'm glad the County is taking the leadership on this.
localguy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
Immigration reform is a national issue that is definitely needed. We need a policy that deals with the issues in a realistic manner. It is unrealistic to think that 10-15 million people voluntarily will leave, could be forced to leave, or should be. Even if it could be done the consequences to the country would be drastic. That said, it is a federal issue not a state or county one even if there are consequences, good and bad, for both the individuals and governments or agencies affected by it. If it is wrong for Arizona to try to solve the issues they face because the federal inaction on the issue why would it be right for Washtenaw County to do the same? We need a system that deals fairly and compassionately with these individuals but they are here illegally and that does limit them in many ways. Blame their parents and the federal government for that and do not seek an inadequate, partial local "solution.".
justcurious
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
Or blame the companies who knowingly hire illegal immigrants because they work so cheap?
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:32 p.m.
Illegal is the issue here...not race. I don't want criminals of any race in this country, we have enough people here already who have no respect for the law. It is typical, and laughable, that dim bulbs are pulling the racism card when people disagree with them. Whenever one of the PC non-geniuses can't argue a point logically that's what happens, and those of us with brains see it coming. Until you can argue why it is ok to be rewarded for breaking the law you should save your ridiculous opinions. If you care so much, please write us and let us know how many of these folks you will sponsor and can like in your home on you dime as they become citizens. Talk is cheap, especially the drivel many of you are spouting here.
matt1027
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
Get a clue Petey. nobody brought racism claims up about my comment, I am talking about other people's. None the less, anyone who doesn't have the intelligence to differentiate between legal and illegal don't deserve to have their mealy-mouthed kumbayah opinion heard in the first place.
Peter
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
Perhaps if your talking points didn't line up so well with white supremacist groups, people wouldn't read between the lines so well. Try tuning your whistle up a few notes.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:06 p.m.
Matt1027 - thank you for arguing your point so "logically".
Pat
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
Sorry, you are basically authorizing people who broke the law. The number quoted is 11-15 million UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS. And now you want to just say, "Hey, all is forgiven, just give us your vote in November". Sorry, rules are rules, and these are rule breakers. There are millions of people wanting to come here, and are doing it legally even if it means waiting for years. They don't have the luxury of just walking across the border like our friends to the south who make up the majority of these millions illegal immigrants. I don't believe we should just wipe their slate clean. If they want a clean slate, go back to the country you are from, and follow the rules. This country is founded on the rule of law, and you've broken it, and yet you want to be a part of our country? It doesn't work that way.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
"While many Americans believe illegal immigrants don't pay taxes, billions of dollars deducted from paychecks issued to undocumented workers flow to the Social Security Administration (SSA) every year." "That means about $11.2 billion went into the Social Security Trust Fund in 2007, and $2.6 billion went into Medicare. While that money will be used to pay retirees and health-care beneficiaries, it most likely will never be claimed by the illegal immigrants who contributed it." ~Seattle Times, Dec. 28, 2011 http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2017113852_immigtaxes29.html
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:07 p.m.
Mexico and the U.S. have a social security agreement not to tax each other's citizens (from 2004).
walker101
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:35 p.m.
Unfortunately millions are also collecting SS disability benefits that never worked a day in the US. I know this for a fact, my wife's relatives (2) are collecting over $600 monthly living in Mexico, since they have family members living here they used their addresses and claimed to be living here for years, once they established citizenship they filed for disability, since SS is laxed when it comes to filing a claim they grant them SS disability. We've tried to inform SS to no avail, we both worked over 35 years and they almost collect as much. Think that doesn't PO us, think again.
ManA2
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
We desperately need immigration reform. To have 11mm to 15mm people in this country, who we know are here, and give them minimal rights is wrong. Most of them are here for the right reasons and should be welcomed over time. It is also wrong that many of them aren't paying taxes for the services they use. It is also wrong that we don't know who they are, and where they are, for homeland security purposes. Many of them need a rational path to citizenship. But this proposal is insane! This is so clearly something that needs to be done rationally at a federal level. Frankly, the last thing I would do if I were here illegally is to register myself as here illegally. There are things that can be done at the local level and things that need to be done at the federal level. Immigration policy into our country isn't even a close call. It's federal. Get back to work on things you should be working on. For those of you who get the cultural reference - "Squirrel"!! Get back to doing your actual jobs people.
Mara Alexander
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
Federal law allows illegal aliens to return to their home countries and apply for visas to come here legally without facing bars to re-entry, as long as they do it before age 18 1/2. At that age, they become legally responsible for breaking this country's laws. It's too bad that YOUR PARENTS put you in a bad situation, but it's not up to the U.S. to fix it for you. And most certainly, it's not up to us to legalize the kids who can then turn around and legalize the parents who as adults broke the law. By the way, I've lived and worked in corrupt countries in the MIddle East. What makes illegal aliens more "special" than the students I've taught who are still there?
martini man
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:48 p.m.
We the people ,elect these left wing, agenda driven activists, to public office, then seem shocked when they perform like left wing activists. We complain about all these things, then go right out and elect 'em over and over again.
Philip Semenuk
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
Send them where they belong #1 NOT HERE #2 HOME is where they should be sent #3 Get them out OF THIS COUNTRY. #4 wHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE WORD illegal??????
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
once again, adam zemke is working on behalf of people who do not vote or even live in his district. i expect him to be reelected handily by the rubber stamp straight ticket blind squirrels. obviously paid for by the unauthorized immigrants political action committee.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
I'm not the one bending over backwards to appease a constituency that doesn't follow the rules. Projection... what is it?
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
@ Jay - you are cementing the fact that you don't care about immigration...just word about "future voters" who would never vote for the very people that are trying to marginalize them. GOP voter suppression is a real thing.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:05 p.m.
The student vote is the deciding factor. They don't care about the rest of us, just their ideology.
JRA
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
Ryan, is it possible to insert a poll into this article, to see what local public (informal) opinion is on issuing id's to unauthorized immigrants?
Tom Hager
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:05 p.m.
Unbelievable.
BhavanaJagat
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
In God We Trust: I am surprised to note that this phrase is not mentioned in our conversation about Immigration Reform. During 1962-63, while I was a college student in India, I was attracted by the United States because it projected itself as a nation that stands for Freedom, Democracy, and individual liberties. At the same time, I was really afraid of living in the United States as they treated blacks as second-class citizens. Only during 1980s, I could muster the necessary mental courage to choose a destination for my life's journey. At the Embassy of the United States of America in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, a young Immigration Officer had inquired as to why I need to travel to USA. I had told him the reason is that of my Trust in God, I have chosen a country that officially proclaims, "In God We Trust." How could we separate man from God in the Journey of Life? In the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 25, verse 23, God claims:"Land is Mine and you are but aliens and My tenants." I have no choice other than that of existing as an alien in the Land that belongs to God.
BhavanaJagat
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:15 a.m.
I agree with the responses to my post and thank them for the same. I left India in the month of January 1984 while serving in Indian Armed Forces as a commissioned officer holding the substantative rank of Major, and a year prior to my promotion as Lieutenant Colonel. It was the result of caste prejudice or discrimination from members of own caste community for I had married a person who does not belong to my caste and religion. I had simply desired to live away from India, and I had initially tried to move to Iran or Iraq and could not get visa as I was at that time working in Sultanate of Oman in their Armed Forces. US has military bases in Oman and they were not willing to take me in spite of the fact that a lot of Indians work in those two countries. I have not returned to India after 1984. Fighting Communism is still on my agenda. I will not be surprised if God chooses another destination for my life's journey. The only blessing I have asked God is that of letting me live in a country away from India. If United States directs me to proceed to Tibet to help the people to regain their freedom, I am willing to proceed immediately. I was trained in a military organization with the US as a partner, and we have no age barrier to join the battle. If God is willing, Tibet is my final destination.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:51 p.m.
Wait, you came from India, and were worried about people being treated as second class citizens here? India has some of the biggest class disparities in the world.
justcurious
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
So you followed our law and came here legally and became a U.S. Citizen. Right? My father did the same thing after being born in Canada where my grandfather took them when he homesteaded back in 1908. Do you also feel that people should be able to come here from India just because they want to? Or should they also follow the legal course of citizenship?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
you might rethink your decision as the atheists are trying to remove the text 'In God we trust" from everything lest we "insult" immigrants coming here that do not believe in God.
Ypsi Russell
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
This might turn out like those *sting* set-ups where they tell you you've won a trip to the Super Bowl, but when you show up to collect, you're arrested instead!
matt1027
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 11:19 p.m.
Let's hope.
TheDiagSquirrel
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
This just seems like a big game of pretend. They can get their pretend ID's, but no entity of importance will accept them. Much like pretending to be a citizen without doing it the legal way.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11 p.m.
No, you're missing it. They will use them to get bank accounts, federal TIN's, and not be turned over to the feds by local police (who will do that when you have no ID). Rabhi said as much. It's just more sanctuary city nonsense.
Arboriginal
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
Dear Citizen Patrol, thank you for your service. While you were worrying about Oksana & Jose, a multi-national corporation continued to export your money and jobs, and poison the planet you inhabit, all the while receiving huge tax breaks. Have a splendiferous day.
matt1027
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
You had a point until you said spendiferous...then I decided that you were too lame to bother hearing.
Arboriginal
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:34 p.m.
You are correct sir.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:57 p.m.
It doesn't have to be a multi-national corporation. Gelman Sciences poisoned our ground water right here in Ann Arbor and Gov. Blanchard and the democrats did nothing at the time when we could have cleaned it up before it spread.
Ryan J. Stanton
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
It was interesting last night to hear the county board chairman talk about his own experiences with immigration. Rabhi noted he's the son of an immigrant — his father came from Algeria to attend the University of Michigan — and his mother is Italian American. He said he lived in France for four years with his family and experienced discrimination as an immigrant there. Rabhi and Irwin both argued a lot of the issues surrounding immigration boil down to racism and they said that's a hard issue to overcome. "It's really more of a cultural issue than a government issue, and that's why it's so important that we talk to our friends and neighbors," Irwin said. "We need to make sure we are building a community right here in Washtenaw County that is inclusive, that is a center of dissolving the barriers that racism puts in place, dispelling the fear of immigrants," Rabhi said.
1bit
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
Rabbi and Irwin are wrong, it is not racism. It is principled opposition in some cases and ignorance in others. Like just about everything. If you want to learn more about those here illegally, it is not hard. They are all around us. Go spend a weekend in May or June picking asparagus on the west side of the State. Or just stay in town. As DonBee noted above, the county ID card is not the right approach but there needs to be immigration reform in the US.
drew_blows
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:05 a.m.
Since the most of the comments here are right leaning and veiled in hatred I think its safe to assume that this area has a bigger race issue than most thought. Through my job I have met 100's of undocumented individuals and families. I would welcome most of the them to be neighbor before I would welcome most of the posters here as my neighbors. Its also safe to assume that for many here their hate spills over to other aspects of their lives and the people in their lives. The hatred they have is not a light switch they turn off and on
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:54 p.m.
So anyone that disagrees has to be a racist. I heard that about opposing Obama also. Of course it is impossible that supporters of illegals could be motivated solely by their own ethnic background and place that at higher level of importance than say, the financial costs involved for the rest of us, right. Because the Contreras family mentioned in this article (with three kids I recall from past articles on them) sure as heck wasn't paying the $40,000/year it cost to send those three to public school.
Goober
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:22 p.m.
My grand parents on my mothers side immigrated to the US from Europe. They did it the legal way. All others should do the same.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
@ Ryan Stanton... a LEGAL immigrant right? I think that is the difference, and the issue most people are taking with the situation. I think the process of legally immigrating to the United States should be simplified and improved, and we should welcome people. I think that if your first act upon entering this country is to do so illegally, essentially jumping the line in front of all the honest people doing it properly, that goes a long way to demonstrating your character and doesn't encourage me to welcome you at all. In my case it has nothing to do with race, I don't think a Caucasian criminal is any better or worse than a Latino or Asian criminal. That is simply a trump card that politicans (and others) use to dismiss the oppositions voice.
Ryan J. Stanton
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
Not making any points, just sharing what was said.
justcurious
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
Ryan, and your point is?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
Did he family come here illegally? My grandparents came here through Ellis Island, through legal means, worked hard, supported themselves, and raised children who were productive members of society. When they finally became citizens, they EARNED that right, and were proud of it. They never took a handout, and never expected the government to do for them. They did it on their own. This is not a race issue, it is a legal issue. If someone decided to move into your house, without your permission, would you not call the police and have them evicted, or would you let them live there with you, and share all you have with them? If you are one of the latter, there are many illegals looking for a place to live, and judging by all the negative ratings, are leaving a lot of ratings on this article, post your address so they can go live with you.
Westfringe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
The racism everywhere mantra is getting really old. This has absolutely nothing to do with racism and everything to do with the rule of law.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
"Rabhi and Irwin both argued a lot of the issues surrounding immigration boil down to racism and they said that's a hard issue to overcome." That's a load of bravo sierra, and they know it. Calling somebody who's against illegal immigration a "racist" is a disgusting liberal game the purpose of which is to scare those who disagree into being quiet. I'm wondering if they've noticed it's not working anymore because they've totally diluted the term "racist" by abusing it in cases like this and the Zimmerman trial. It has nothing to do with racism. Those of us who are against illegal immigration welcome immigrants (real immigrants) from around the globe if they come here legally and respect our laws.
jerrydog
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
I am sure you can post as many sob stories as you want... illegal is illegal and should be treated as such. Can i pick and choose what laws to follow and which ones not? If an illegal cannot get a slot at a school I am sure there is a AMERICAN CITIZEN that will. Illegals should be detained and then deported whenever they come into contact with the law. What? is there no medical schools in Mexico? Blame your parents for you situation, it is not my problem to accomodate their bad decisions, or should i say illegal actions.
bwp
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
This is wrong on so many levels
Veracity248
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
This appears as another attempt to obfuscate the real issue. We are a country founded on laws and beliefs. When you enter a foreign country you must comply with all their laws. As an American, I respect any person that betters him or herself. However, People that entered this country illegally broke our criminal law, and must be returned to the country they came from. If they do not like this, Too Bad. They always can have another chance to leagally enter this country. I have seen this coverup (of illegal entry) masked by compassion pleas or educational prowess. Don't forget with regards to breaking the law this mean nothing. I know alot of americans who have also attained a high level of education and are not criminal.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
"However, under current law, there's no way for me to become a U.S. citizen," she said. "Make no mistake about it, our immigration system is broken." No, it is not broken. People coming here illegally broke the law. This girls parents knew that when they came here.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:46 p.m.
They all just repeat the same talking points.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
This article paints a glowing picture of hard working, highly motivated unauthorized immigrant students, struggling hard to 'make it'. I wonder what percentage of the total group that is? With thousands of illegals in Ann Arbor, like every group there has to be, the good, as well as the bad. The drug dealers, gun runners, those selling social security numbers etc, why would we want to give those people ID cards? How do you pick and choose those that are worthy from those that really should be deported due to their illegal behaviors?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
I do not understand the negative reviews here. It is an honest question. What percentage of the illegals in this town are law abiding, fully functioning and productive citizens as opposed to lawbreakers? If nothing else, these ID cards should be done on a case to case basis. Who in their right mind would give a county ID card to someone who is not only here illegally, but is acting out in illegal ways? I would love some feedback on this.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Maybe they could balance out the story with an interview from a MS13 member. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_Salvatrucha http://www.documentary24.com/ms13-worlds-most-dangerous-gang--211/
brigd
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
So does issuing the illegals ID cards does this make them have to pay taxes? Or is it a pass Go for free card?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:44 p.m.
Philly, the U.S. and Mexico signed an agreement on social security about not taxing each other's citizens in 2004.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
In 2007 illegal immigrants paid over $11 Billion into Social Security, is that enough for you? "While many Americans believe illegal immigrants don't pay taxes, billions of dollars deducted from paychecks issued to undocumented workers flow to the Social Security Administration (SSA) every year. Those workers almost certainly will never see that money again. That means about $11.2 billion went into the Social Security Trust Fund in 2007, and $2.6 billion went into Medicare. While that money will be used to pay retirees and health-care beneficiaries, it most likely will never be claimed by the illegal immigrants who contributed it." http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2017113852_immigtaxes29.html
Westfringe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
You have got to be kidding me. "Come into the US illegally. Use all of our over-burdened services at no cost. You can even have one of our limited university spots!" Why are we rewarding people that broke the law? What a slap in the face of struggling citizens and legal immigrants.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:25 p.m.
"If an unauthorized immigrant is pulled over for speeding in the future and is able to show a Washtenaw County ID, Rabhi said, that person wouldn't necessarily be detained." My question to this is, does this mean the person does not have a drivers license? as if they had one, they would not need a washtenaw county ID, and if they did not, they should not be driving at all! Why are we changing our laws to benefit criminals? Gee makes me think robbing a bank would be a good way to get money.... I am floored by such nonsense! unauthorized=illegal=criminals=punishment... where does ID cards come in?
pbehjatnia
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
illegal immigrant is the correct term.
Nansmom
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:48 p.m.
Wow. I could not even finish the article for the fact that I am dumbfounded that we have immigrants driving without a license? So giving them a "county card" makes it ok for them to drive? I'm sorry but the majority of them can hardly speak let alone read english but they are driving around? What happened to driving is a "privledge NOT a right?"
dsponini
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
Are you a DR. Ken? Yeah, I didn't think so, but feel free to keep making stuff up, it's the FAUX News way!
Ken
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:31 p.m.
Rep.Dingell appears to be senile. What more can you expect?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
No insurance either. Total freeloaders.
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:46 p.m.
Unauthorized Immigrants need to be deported until they become "Authorized". Who's paying for these cards, anyways?
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
You know whos paying for those cards, us law abiding tax paying citizens.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
"Make no mistake about it, our immigration system is broken." Yeah, they broke it.
YouSaidWhat?
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
Many of us will be watching the position that Alicia Ping takes on this issue. Supporting illegal aliens unilaterally will mean a primary challenge for Ms. Ping.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
One last point... Rabhi says that if an illegal is pulled over speeding they could be detained.... is this guy for real? people voted for this stooge? If they are driving and are illegal immigrants it means : A) They don't have a driver's license and didn't go through the testing and process the state regards as necessary. Can I as a legal citizen drive without a license? NO. And I'd be detained as well B) They are not insured, so when they crash into someone while speeding (or not) that legal citizen is basically on their own to pay for their car, medical bills, etc. We need to vote these people out of Government. I can assure you (although I don't know if he'll make it that much longer) Dingell will not get my vote.
matt1027
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
And you are a citizen of this country. If it's good enough for a citizen it's good enough for visitors, legal or otherwise.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:46 p.m.
He's talking about the occupants of the cars. Very often, in cars with multiple people, everyone in the vehicle is ID'd. This actually happened to me a few weeks ago coming back from a performance.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
If someone enters this country outside of the legal process for immigration, then they are here illegally. If I entered a country, say Sweden, outside of the legal process, I would be a criminal, and a fugitive from justice. If I then worked in Sweden without a Visa, I would be breaking yet another law. If I assumed an identity to hide those facts, I would be breaking a third law. Working for cash and not paying taxes? A forth violation of the law. How would this program disinguish between those who ignored the law and entered illegally vs. those who comply with laws? Does this program not divert resources from legal immigrants?
nekm1
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Why?
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
Regardless of their inspirational. by the boot straps stories (severe sarcasm, seriously are we impressed by a college story in this town?) this serves as another example of an endemic problem that has destroyed the morale of this country. We live in a country with thousands of laws and regulations, yet they are enforced at the discretion of people who don't deserve their power. Cops let the cute college girl go with a warning and throw the book at the men...we all know it's true and everyone has met somebody this has happened to. As a result we have many bitter people who despise the police. We need far fewer laws on the books, and they need to be enforced UNIFORMLY for EVERYONE. If it is ok for these people to pour into our country fine, let's get rid of the laws regarding immigration entirely and put the money spent enforcing immigration and paying all the adminsitrative government workers in that field towards helping them assimilate. If, on the other hand, it is deemed illegal they should be treated as such.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Here is an article readers should consider. I do not see anything in the article about the costs created by administering to illegal immigration. This article addresses the costs to Los Angeles in welfare to only the children of illegal immigrants. It is really a staggering amount. I am not wondering why this event did not bring up this kind of information and I find it inappropriate that they did not. http://sanmarinotribune.com/2013/05/08/welfare-costs-children-illegal-immigrants-exceeds-54-million-march/
drew_blows
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
Mick52: I read your post and followed the link. The "article" you pinning your argument on talks about a couple offices that appears didnt follow policy. You are them making the leap to a national conspiracy that illegal immigrants everywhere are getting benefits. Not true. There has been an outreach, before Obama, to make aware of of programs/assistance for vulnerable populations. I am curious as to your solution of helping US born children of illegal immigrants?
Mick52
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
Responsible Citizen you are correct that this bill is for only the American born children. However the money goes to the parents, not the children. So while the kids are legally entitled to it, it is still a cost burden that we have to consider. And illegal immigrants can get lots of benefits, like SNAP program payouts: http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2013/04/case-worker-illegal-aliens-got-food-stamps-by-the-vanload/ I agree immigration is a big issue, but I think we have to seriously consider how much we will pay out for the people streaming over our open borders when so many Americans are suffering economically.
drew_blows
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 1:36 a.m.
Jay, Since you did not post a link there is no way for me to look at what you are talking about. I, however, posted a link to the DHS website that shows the requirements as far as citizenship or having the proper immigration status. I also suspect this does not vary from State to State too much since the Food Assistance program is a Fed program and therefore most States have very similar rules. Yes immigrants can receive Food Assistance after having the acceptable immigration status and being in the Country the required length of time
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.
The USDA sent out flyers stating that immigration status is not checked in order to receive food stamps. "USDA and the government of Mexico have entered into a partnership to help educate eligible Mexican nationals living in the United States about available nutrition assistance," the USDA explains in a brief paragraph on its "Reaching Low-Income Hispanics With Nutrition Assistance" Web page. "Mexico will help disseminate this information through its embassy and network of approximately 50 consular offices."
drew_blows
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.
Jay: Please provide proof that Food Assistance is going to Mexican citizens. Unless of course you are talking about welfare fraud . Verification of citizenship or immigration status is a condition of eligibility. PS: Its what I do for a living so I know you are inaccurate. Here is link to the DHS website that clearly shows that in the Residency Requirements section: http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,4562,7-124-5453_5527_6691---,00.html
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:39 p.m.
Foodstamps are now going to Mexican citizens here as well and it is being promoted by the U.S. government.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:02 p.m.
They only get benefits (the children) if they're born in this country, which makes THEM citizens. Yes, they're the children of undocumented immigrants, but they were born here. I know this for a fact. I'm the legal guardian of a child who was born in Mexico and is here with an undocumented status. At this time, she gets NOTHING! And when she turns 15, she can't (at this point in Michigan) even get a driver's license. So your argument is false.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
Legal immigrants should receive the help, not ILLEGAL. They should be arrested as they pick up their ID cards and dealt with as criminals. We don't have enough money for citizen's to have late bussing, and we are laying off teachers, but criminals are receiving benefits?
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Not to mention I would like to know how Rep Dingell would respond to people who are trying to enter the US legally.
JGA2trueblue
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
They talked about a package of bills called the "New American Opportunity and Fairness Act" How about a bill called "Opportunity for LEGAL Americans and Fairness Act," for those of us who do NOT break the laws or DO NOT DEMAND entitlements and deplete our resources. News Flash - These people are ILLEGAL! ILLEGAL! ILLEGAL! They are not NEW Americans. They are lawbreakers that get rewarded. Liberals and illegals are responsible for the rapid destruction of our country.
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
Sorry JGA conservatives are enemies of the state, they think shutting down the government is a good plan. It's the only plan they have which is ludicrous in itself. Insinuating liberals are to blame when the GOP has done nothing but obstruct progress of the nation since the black guy got elected, is a fantasy. No surprise since most conservatives live in fantasy bubble
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
Dingell: "Broken and in need of reform." What they said about health care and they broke it more. Something bugs me about people breaking a law and not being held responsible for it, and get rewarded. Then we prosecute others who break laws. It is just not appropriate to pick and choose which laws we enforce. These folks need to be charged and fined in some manner be it significant or minor, minor fine okay with me. But if they have a criminal record, deport them.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
@ UsualSupect.... get a life professor. The day that someone cares about your opinion isn't coming anytime soon. Move on.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
" My cousin recently received a OWI, blowing over but just over the legal limit. This is admittedly wrong." The "this" in there could refer to either of two things - driving while drunk or being arrested for driving while drunk. I'd say it needs to be re-written, not re-read.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
My point is it is also wrong that some people get the book thrown at them and some people (those the cops think they might get a lay from) get off scott free.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
Read it without the blinders fella, I said it is wrong that he was over the limit. Biased much?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
matt, you are right. Americans spend the night in jail for doing things that illegals are being released on their own recognizance for doing.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
"My cousin recently received a OWI, blowing over but just over the legal limit. This is admittedly wrong." I don't understand. If he was over the legal limit, then why is it wrong? It's a limit, not a gray area. If you're 0.079, you're legal. if you're 0.080 you're illegal. The law doesn't say, "Somewhere around 0.08, give or take a few percentage points depending on whether or not you're somebody's cousin."
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
@ Cinnabar i like the way you think. why not abuse the system, everybody else sure is.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Matt just go down and get one of these ID cards and the next time you're pulled over give them county ID with Jose on it and your free to go, no probation, no jail time, no points on your driving record. But after a DWI you'll have to get a new ID card with a different name so you're free and clear again. I know I'm getting one, maybe 2.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
The reason that I deplore the police and the judicial system in general is for just that reason. My cousin recently received a OWI, blowing over but just over the legal limit. This is admittedly wrong. He is going through a ringer right now and is paying out thousands in legal fees, fines, etc. My friend got pulled over last year very drunk. She is a very attractive college girl. The officer let her park her car along the street, and drove her home. The police are low-minded and yet have the discretion to punish who they choose. And I have a few friends who are women who have been let off of speeding tickets, etc with warnings. I am a 6'3, 200 lbs man and when I get pulled over I get the initial ticket, and anything ele they can think of. They disgust me. This is another example of the system rewarding some criminals, while other law breakers get the full force of the law thrown at them. I actually believe that the point here is that the judicial system enforces laws where they can make a lot of money, and isn't so concerned where they can't (the punk who was vandalizing things has no money and therefore "may face charges" after defacing a building). No money, why bother...it doesn't pay the cops retirement benefits.
ordmad
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
One typically hates the other to displace their own feelings of lack of self-worth.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
Then you sponsor and pay for them. I have no ill will toward all of the honest, hard-working peopl ewho go through the legal process of retaining a visa or greencard. But keep simplifying everything so you can understand it. Just like anyone who has a problem with the behavior of an individual is either racist, sexist, whatever it may be so their opinion can be dismissed. Get a clue.
Arboriginal
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Amen.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
What level of past criminal activity would be acceptable to those pushing for this? Would felons qualify? What about someone with 5 misdemeanors? 10? 20? How will those expensive checks be made? Not every "unauthorized" is a budding medical student genius - would someone who acted as a "drug mule" qualify?
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:44 p.m.
Nicholas, the proposed federal guidelines have restrictions against those who have documented serious criminal activity. I wouldn't be surprised if local guidelines follow the same path.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
Many Americans do not get accepted to medical school. An immigrant has an edge over most Americans due to "diversity" unless they are Asian or white.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:59 p.m.
I don't think they care. They are just thinking of all the future voters and expansion of the welfare state requiring even more liberal democrat social workers.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
If someone wants to stand up straight and play Good Citizten after being in the country illegally, then they should get fingerprinted and background checked. Any program like this MUST include mandatory electronic fingerprinting and background checks. Any practice of jumping from Identity to Identity must end. And the only way that happens is via fingerprints. The fingerprints would go into the national FBI database - just like the lawful citizens do when applying for a concealed carry permit. Those fingerprints are then matched against a database of known criminal activity. Since there is an international component, perhaps they should also go to Interpol, and be checked against the country of origin. This would all need to be paid for by the applicant.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:21 p.m.
@Jay: "But a certain group of our fellow Americans on one side of the political spectrum is enchanted by them." I strongly disagree with that framing as a liberal/conservative, or left/right thing. There are large factions of right wing business people who *love* the low wages and hard work they get from those illegal immigrants. Romney was caught with illegals doing his yard work twice, wasn't he? Corporations and business people paying cash wages, and none of the other overhead, is a huge competitive advantage against companies that insist on doing business by the letter of the law. Plus it is easy to intimidate workers who are not here legally. I would say large swathes of American industry love their illegal workers. Why didn't Bush crack down on it? I think it is completely wrong to frame this as some kind of liberal vs. conservative issue. However, the motivations may be different.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:57 p.m.
Every year thousands of Mexican criminals get out of prison and make their way north to start a new life where people don't know their criminal background. This is widely ignored in the illegal immigration debate. The bottom line is that we really don't know who these people are. But a certain group of our fellow Americans on one side of the political spectrum is enchanted by them.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Good post, I agree. I would add some fine for the illegal act of being here illegally. This will also force them to pay taxes on any income they earn.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
As noted in previous coverage: MLive Media Group uses the term unauthorized immigrant as it was decided as it is the most accurate and neutral of the available options. If you have any specific feedback regarding its use please feel free to email us your thoughts so the conversation can stay on topic here in the comments. Thank you.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
Mick52- I'm not sure what you're referencing, no comments have been edited. Also, readers are welcome to use the term of their choice.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
If you are going to edit the comments, please remove the "Post my comment" button. I will add I think this form of editing is not appropriate for the press unless they are repugnant.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
A little more background- The editors of the 10 local news operations of the MLive network came to consensus on using the term "unauthorized immigrants" earlier this year and it has been used consistently since then. It's important for us to have a single style because all of our content feeds into the same site: MLive.com. Again, please feel free to email us feedback regarding this.
Michisbest
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
Rashida Tlaib another Wayne county politician we really need more of thier decisions in Washtenaw county. By the way did anybody see her on the newsthis trying to shakedown the scrap dealer for a cheap catalytic converter after she accused him of buying her stolen one.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
That's how Detroit politicians are.
bunnyabbot
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, gave a keynote address, calling the U.S. immigration system broken and in need of reform. I hope he feels as strongly about the broken IRS/Tax system, the NSA spying on it's own citizens, Bengazi, and the huge train wreck of Obamacare.
John
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
What's the name of your business bunnyabbot?. You can rail against Mark Hodesh over his ACA decision, yet you won't tell us your business to which you've already said you've cut everyone to part time. Not because the ACA will hurt you, but because their is some kind of "solidarity" between those who hate President Obama.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
He was one of the sponsors of an amendment to the Defense Department Appropriations bill that would have curtailed NSA spying and enforced accountability. (Amesh amendment). He supports the health care legislation - which makes sense being he's been trying to get such healthcare reform passed for several decades. He doesn't view the Obama administration's legislation as a train wreck - which makes sense considering all indicators show it will be a net win for our society.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
"We are working with the clerk's office to make that happen. This could be big for us." By which he means, "I see many millions of more new democrat voters who will keep me in office and power indefinitely."
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:39 p.m.
If being sensible and compassionate is "liberal", so be it.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:52 p.m.
The clerk is a liberal activist type just thrilled to be on the cutting edge of "fundamental change".
NSider
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:28 p.m.
Not to mention the influx of Syrian refugees which we can soon be expecting... of course, as a refugee you are immediately granted status in the country. Hmmm, is that a loophole? Could the current "undocumented" people claim to be Syrian?
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
If my parents had taken me to another country illegally, I really can't imagine myself demanding anything from that country. It wouldn't have been their fault that I was there. OK, maybe I'd ask for some helping getting my family back home.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
It looks to me like they are demanding. Ever seen the angry protests where these people "in the shadows" march through our cities daring the federal government to arrest and deport them?
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.
The Contreras kid wants federal money to go to U of M. He would take money and a spot from an American citizen who plays by he laws. How is that in any way fair? He doesn't want to be an American, he wants money.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:50 p.m.
Both of you are being very unkind. Also, they're not DEMANDING anything. They're asking to have their status made legal so they can pay taxes and work legally.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
I say that we all sneak into Japan and demand that we be made Japanese!
Billy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
I'm all for offering social services to ANYONE WHO ALSO PAYS TAXES....got it? No SS number? How are you paying your taxes then? Oh you're not....well...
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
They are getting foodstamps. USDA has an agreement with Mexico to promote American food assistance programs, including food stamps, among Mexican Americans, Mexican nationals and migrant communities in America. …
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.
Really Philly http://www.naturalnews.com/040985_IRS_tax_refunds_illegal_aliens.html
C'est la vie
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
Illegals can get an ITIN, which subs for a SSN, and allows them to file tax returns. Yes, they can even get a refund on the taxes that were withdrawn from their (illegally) earned wages.
John
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:13 p.m.
Yeah Billy, we know FOX News can legally make up lies and call them facts but you can't! Unless you win a lawsuit like FOX! http://foxnewsboycott.com/ resources/fox-can-lie-lawsuit/
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
Billy - where do you get your data? According to a news article in the Seattle Times, over $11 Billion was paid by illegal immigrants into the Social Security system. http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2017113852_immigtaxes29.html
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:49 p.m.
Exactly Billy.....make them legal and paying taxes. You hit the nail right on the head (though I'm not sure that is what you intended). And again, they don't get any social services.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
the employer did not require an i-9?
MgoBlueMomma
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
How ridiculous! No matter how you look at it. They are here ILLEGALLY! Go back to your own country adn then follow the proper channels to come here properly and legally. Yes we have a great county and we know lots of people want to be here. But our country can barely take care of the curent legal residents. We have problems taking care of children, homeless, verterans and the elderly. We don't need to take on another countries problems either. They need to come here legally and become part of the working class not get everything handed to them FREE.
DonBee
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:41 a.m.
They go to school free, they can get bulk food free via the various locations where government surplus food is handed out, they can get emergency care for free, etc. I it not a picnic, but it also is not a complete barrier to government support. In many states you only need to supply a valid address to get a Bridgecard, not proof of citizenship or that you have a visa. The same for many state funded clinics and some emergency shelters.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.
R.C.: Please look at the case of Barack Obama's Aunt who is an illegal alien from Kenya. She has lived in government provided housing with welfare benefits since before he became President (so it's not because of him).
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
They go to school free.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:48 p.m.
Mgobluemomma......they get NOTHING free. If you don't have a SS number, and you can't prove you're here legally, you get nothing, no Social Security, food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, student loans, etc. What exactly are you referring to that they get free? I don't think you know the facts. And again, it takes 18 years to get here legally from Mexico.
Billy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
""However, under current law, there's no way for me to become a U.S. citizen,"" Now that is just patently FALSE, and couldn't be more of a shill statement...
Ann23
Tue, Sep 3, 2013 : 3:40 a.m.
DonBee, number 6 would be to have extended family that is already legally living here.
Goober
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 8:16 a.m.
Some people have a tough time accepting opinions other than their own. Go figure!
DonBee
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
Responsible Citizen - There are several shorter paths to citizenship for someone from Mexico. 1) Get an advanced degree and come in under an H-1B and then apply for a green card (about 9 years elapsed time from getting the degree) and almost all of it is in the US and employed 2) Get a US company to hire you at their Mexican facility and get then to transfer you to US on an H-2 visa, then have them apply for permanent residency after 3 years on the visa, convert that to a green card 3 years later (11 years for the total path time). 3) Get married to a US Citizen and stay married to them. Apply for a green card after the marriage and get your citizenship in 5 years from getting your green card. 4) Join the US military and serve, get an honorable discharge. 5) Apply to become an officer in the US Military, and get accepted And there are others, but these are all shorter than the 18 years you quote.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
Billy.....you are wrong. If you are here undocumented, the only way for you to become a US citizen is to go back to your country of origin and apply to come here legally (a process that currently takes 18 years for people from Mexico). It is true that under current law, a person who is here undocumented would have to go back to their country of origin and apply for entry, but practically speaking, for people from Mexico, there is no way for them to become citizens in a timely fashion, and there is no way for them to become citizens as long as they remain in this country undocumented. You're splitting hairs.
justcurious
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
Before commenting on this topic I decided to educate myself a bit. A lot of people scoff at Wikipedia but it remains as a good source to find out things we don't know. My knee jerk reaction to this was "h#ll no!". This isn't right. This is a very complicated problem we face. On the one hand I can see that America remains the dream for so many people in the world. If only they could get their foot in the door they could make it so much better for their children and future generations. That is indeed why most of us are here. I know that is why my 5th great grandfather came to America from Ireland. On the other hand things have changed radically and things that seemed to work in the past now don't. Do we want to pay out more taxes for services for people who did not take the legal means to get here? Do we want to support more welfare? On the other hand, are legal Americans willing to do the kinds of service work for the amount of money that these illegal immigrants will do it for? Do we actually "need" them to keep our prices down? Should these "undocumented" immigrants get perks that people who are attempting to gain citizenship by legal means don't get? What about the money that these people send back to their home countries? Is that significant? What if that money stayed here in our economy? Yes, it is a thorny problem and I don't think that we should just make up our minds about it without knowing what the issues are. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration_to_the_United_States
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
R.C.: Not really true. Bank of America lets illegals with those matricula cards from the Mexican consulates open bank accounts. Illegals can apply for taxpayer ID numbers (TIN's) and use them to get EITC.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
Wikipedia may not be the best source for this type of information since ANYONE can add to these articles. They are usually quite accurate, but also, if the children of immigrants are born in this country, they are citizens, and they're the ones who are using social services, not the undocumented. Again, if you don't have a SS # and cannot prove you are here legally, you cannot get any social services, a bank account, Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps, student loans, etc.
incubo734
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
@ Silly Sally - wages have remained stagnant and CEO pay has skyrocketed..and it's not because of illegal immigrants. www.alecexposed.org
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
Sally this is what I call legal slavery with the democrats supplying the chains. Funny how liberals support unions because they provide a safe place to work with a livable wage but have no problem exploiting illegal immigrants. Just because illegal immigrants are willing to do the work for slave wages doesn't make it right.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
Many jobs such as meat packing, have had their once good wages held stagnant for the past 30 years due to the change to immigrant and especially illegal immigrant labor. Then to exacerbate the situation, the work load changed for the worse. They now have to process animals at a rate that is 50% faster, wearing out their bodies. What once was a good paying job with reasonable conditions is now a low paying job with horrible conditions that American do not care for. The answer is not to then search for illegal aliens but to allow the market place to change the jobs to what they once were. If the Midwest had illegal Mexicans 100 years ago, instead of combines, there would be large groups of men doing the harvesting manually, just as in California today with vegetables.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
Thank you. And that was after I agreed with justcurious, with whom I often don't agree, about allowing more if we really do need them.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.
I do not always agree with Usual Suspect, but here I see no reason to criticize him personally Sayzme, with information you obviously have made up.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
Mrs. Suspect does the gardening. We don't have a house cleaner. We don't have a nanny. Yeah, we take care of our own responsibilities.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
Thanks so much, sayzme. If you take exception to that, go talk to whoever wrote the Wikipedia article referenced above that makes the economic claims based on certain jobs. You might also want to take exception with our very own Jaime Magiera, who listed these certain jobs: "farming, labor, construction and restaurant industries." No McMansion here, just a humble, little house that many other people refer to as a "starter" home, but that I consider a suitable place to raise a family even though it's a bit cramped. But thanks for showing us your enjoyment in invoking stereotypes.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
If we need more of them to do certain work, then by all means let's get more of them.... LEGALLY.
Chester Drawers
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
I had to laugh at the absurd example of being denied perks at the local grocery stores. I have about 2 dozen 'loyalty cards' on my keychain from groceries, drug stores, shoe stores, AAA, coffee houses, etc., and not one of them ever asked me to show ID to enroll!
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
Responsible, the Mexican embassy gives out ID cards that Bank of America now takes to open accounts.
Chester Drawers
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:52 p.m.
Responsible Citizen, Jeez! Please re-read my original comments. I said nothing about bank accounts or being stopped by the police. I specifically mentioned only how ridiculous I find it that anyone could use receiving grocery store perks as a reason for needing ID.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
But getting a bank account requires ID. I wouldn't laugh. It's not funny. True that example may be weak, but you can't get a bank account without an ID, and if you're pulled over or stopped by the police, you are required to show ID when asked.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
NSider, the NSA is not looking at anyone other than real threats. Also those of us who collect the loyalty cards do so on our own decision to gain benefits. My Kroger card for example has saved me hundreds, maybe thousands and I get no emails and only an infrequent card in the mail which, is loaded with coupons for what I purchase. Goober though, is obviously a read national threat.
Goober
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Not me. I have a lot to hide and try to keep a low profile. The NSA would need a magnifying glass and tweezers to find me.
Chester Drawers
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
NSider, "All that personal information" consists of nothing more than 'phone book' info and an email address I have set up for the express purpose of reeling in all of those retail deals. And no, I don't complain about the NSA looking at me. I'm not that interesting; pretty sure my life would put their analyst to sleep (or death by boredom).
NSider
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
Just so I understand... You voluntarily provide all that personal information to "about 2 dozen" data farmers. Do you then complain when "the NSA" might be listening to your phone calls or read your emails? Why, if you do complain, why?
upnorth45
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Don't hand me that political BS junk. You mean illegals who shouldn't be here!!!
John
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
There are an awful lot of people posting here, who's sole concern seems to be they are worried that these immigrants will be future Democratic voters. Is that what this hate is really about? If the GOP had good ideas, hell....ANY ideas, you'd think they'd want to try and get some of these immigrants on their side? Of course not! The GOP continues to be the party of stupid (Bobby Jindal's own words) alienating those who might actually be able to help them!
Mick52
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 2:45 p.m.
Drew, go to my post from 10:15 above yours on this thread, copy and past that url into your browser and read the story. This has been reported for a few years now. It applies to California and each state can decide on its own how to dole out welfare dollars, however this does show how much it can cost and just imagine how this will balloon if all illegal immigrants become legal. Sorry I did not get back to you sooner.
drew_blows
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:48 a.m.
Mick52: Please tell me what Social Service programs illegal immigrants are eligible to receive?
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Silly Sally (apropos name).....where do you get these facts? I disagree with you. I think most immigrants who come here want to assimilate, as evidenced by the fact that there are so many free English classes offered by churches. True, they tend to live in areas populated by people from their own countries, but Americans do that too in other countries (Ex-Pats). If I went to live in France, I would probably seek out people from the US to socialize with and live by. That doesn't mean they don't assimilate. Do you know any immigrants? I do, and they are well assimilated.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
"You realize they can't vote, right?" Not legally, but we know they have no problem breaking the law.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
Most people in other nations hold a different set of values from many Americans. When they come here in large numbers and do not assimilate as past immigrants once did. They then keep these values, encouraged by multiculturalism. The values of Democrats, large government with hand outs, appeal to them.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:48 p.m.
John, no it's not. But it is what is motivating the democrats to make us all bend over backwards to accommodate people breaking the law. They do plan to get these people legal and eligible for citizenship so they can vote democrat. That's the whole point. Until that time some illegals will just have to use the broken motor voter law combined with their own affirmation that they are not citizens of another country... to vote.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
I think the vast majority will vote democrat since dems want to raise taxes through the ceiling in order to fund social service dollars to pay out in welfare programs. The countries many of these folks come from do not provide the programs the US does. Since I like to provide facts/proof, here is an article on how much just the children of illegal immigrants costs just one US city in March of this year: http://sanmarinotribune.com/2013/05/08/welfare-costs-children-illegal-immigrants-exceeds-54-million-march/ This is not a good situation.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Excuse me, I should have said, "They MAY not vote." You're right, that doesn't mean they don't vote.... for Democrats.
sayzme
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
@ Usual - What?? The right keeps telling us about the rampant voter fraud done by illegals...are you now saying they are lying? That can't be! They are so honest and stuff!
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
You realize they can't vote, right? Nobody can get the "on their side."
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
What identification will need to be provided to obtain this "ID"? Will there be criminal background checks? Misuse of a social security number is a felony. Will IDs be issued to those suspected of stealing social security numbers? How much taxpayer money has and will be spent on staff planning this?
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:14 p.m.
Nicholas.....this won't get them a SS number. That is issued by the SS Administration, an arm of the Federal Government. That won't happen until immigration reform is passed (far overdue). All this does is give them an ID card. It just says this is who this is.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Good questions. Apparently, the left wants background checks for people who want to do something legal (own a gun) but no background checks for people who want to do something illegal.
mary
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
Are you kidding me! They are illegal! Start over and go back to your own country and do it the right way! It's not rocket science. Apply for your darn freedom! Anyone that is illegal needs to be deported. THE END!
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
responsible citizen: please play fair, calling other commentators ignorant, isn't very nice. it seems you feel a kinship toward some mexican illegals. So you have pertinent information regarding their laws. Perhaps you can get a group together to help them change the laws of their country., as you are so eager to change the laws of ours. If their laws were changed, maybe they can take care of their own people, and you would be doing a greater service. After all, isnt it better to teach someone how to fish, than to hand out fish?
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
Apparently, it is as tough as rocket science for those on the left.
buffalobob
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
We MUST require that illegal immigrants pay their fair share of income taxes, health care costs, and car insurance. They may pay some, but not their fair share. Then maybe they should do some jail time, same as US citizens would if they didn't pay their fair share of income taxes and drove illegally. If any citizen wants a job held by an illegal, they should get it.
Rachel Resin
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
How are they supposed to pay income taxes, health care costs, and car insurance if they don't have cars or jobs? How are they supposed to get jobs if they don't have IDs?
arborani
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
"If any citizen wants a job held by an illegal, they should get it." Now I *have* heard everything.
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:23 p.m.
Don't legal? immigrants come here tax fre for a certain number of years? If so that should stop also.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
Not jail time, back taxes and a fine for their offense, which will be removed from a criminal record if they remain law abiding for few years.
Ken
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
"If an unauthorized immigrant is pulled over for speeding in the future and is able to show a Washtenaw County ID, Rabhi said, that person wouldn't necessarily be detained." Are you telling us that we no longer be needing a Michigan driver's license? I do not recall the law being changed on this - rack up all the points you want, it will mean nothing. Just say, "I'm illegal." Also, the mandatory no-fault insurance card in the glove box will be a thing of the past.
DonBee
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:32 a.m.
craigjjs - If they have a driver's license, they have government issued ID, or so I have been led to believe that a driver's license is official ID. I know I can get on an airplane with a driver's license. So if the county ID card is to give to people without IDs, then by extension they don't have a valid driver's license or they would not need a County issued ID, RIGHT? So they are advocating not enforcing traffic laws - or so the statement seems to indicate. Please, tell me where my logic is wrong? OBTW - if the county ID is cheaper than a driver's license, can I get one issued when my license expires and use it in place of my driver's license in Washtenaw County?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:13 p.m.
Sally, the world has changed; they are no longer as marxist as we are.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
"..unnecessary arrest" But if here illegally, they should be arrested and deported. Every other nation enforces its immigration laws.
craigjjs
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
Nonsense. No one is claiming or advocating that the traffic laws should not be enforced. Those who lack an insurance card are not typically taken into custody. The ID cards might prevent unnecessary arrest or detention.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
Unfortunately, these days, telling an officer you're illegal probably puts the fear of lawsuits into them if they do anything but let you go.
blackstarwhitelight
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
For such a supposedly enlightened & progressive area of Michigan (ha), these comments are so painfully ignorant I could vomit. These are people - young people - who are making amazing use of what little services/resources to which they have access & are obviously wanting to make the world a better place. They're actively seeking schooling. They clearly treasure their opportunities. As someone who is of a younger generation, I don't see even half of people my age putting such value and faith in education, nor actively striving in the face of adversity to better themselves. They shouldn't be criticized or deported. They should be lauded, and held up as a great example for young people everywhere.
1bit
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
@JayT: I love that quote too, but remember that the road to heaven is not paved with bad intentions. Another of my favorites: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:12 p.m.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
Blackstarwhitelight.....very well said! You sound like a compassionate person.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Settle down children. Look for this event the participants put up very accomplished people who are here illegally. Did anyone expect them to put up criminals, or drug mules? I applaud their accomplishments however do I think they represent the majority of people here illegally? Nope. Once again I will post this as an example of an important issue here: http://sanmarinotribune.com/2013/05/08/welfare-costs-children-illegal-immigrants-exceeds-54-million-march/ Not sure we want to support illegal immigration if the costs are so high.
craigjjs
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
The comments on aa.com are not representative of the majority of people who live in AA. AA is a very progressive city and has been for quite a while. Judging from local election results and governmental policy, it is clear that this is not a right wing paradise. The comment sections in aa.com attract the most opinionated, at times emotional, at times hateful, at times reasonable, at times humorous, at times intelligent and at times just demonstrating that the posters have too much spare time (I have fit in most of those categories at one time or another). It is good to see the debate and participate in it, but it is hardly representative of the AA community.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
"Usual...the laced kool aid has been spoon fed to you by Rush Hannity Coulter Beck into believing that the economy will collapse if we allow them to stay here legally." Did I invoke that claim?
buffalobob
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Illegals should use their talents to make Mexico a better place. They are breaking our laws for one reason - money. Just like a bank robber. Let them apply for legal status and wait their turn. (I have sponsored two LEGAL immigrants who had to pass many hurdles).
incubo734
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
Usual...the laced kool aid has been spoon fed to you by Rush Hannity Coulter Beck into believing that the economy will collapse if we allow them to stay here legally. The same people that screamed unemployment would be 20% and fuel would cost $6 a gallon if President Obama was elected/re-elected. Fear mongering and paranoia are tools of the right. The Democratic party is trying to do the right thing...you know, because supposedly we are all human
sayzme
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
Spot on analogy blackstarwhitelight
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
"For such a supposedly enlightened & progressive area of Michigan (ha), these comments are so painfully ignorant I could vomit." It seems to me that laced koolaid is likely to make a person vomit. Please excuse those of us who have refused to partake of it.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
It used to be we could count on the county to balance some of the Ann Arbor's insanity. But the county government has now been taken over by the same extreme, leftist nonsense that has turned Ann Arbor into an embarrassment.
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
@ MIKE - What responsible citizen said is true. You want proof? Two words = Joe Arpaio
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 5 a.m.
@ Responsible Citizen "Perhaps you'd feel better in some place like Arizona where their values are to harass people who aren't white and middle class." Your remarks are uncalled for. Why is it that the left side of our community brings out this race card all of the time? This is one hot topic with several hundred post and you are the first one that I have noticed that throws out this race card. This is not a race issue, it is however a legality issue, stick to the topic. I agree that Ann Arbor has many good points, it also has bad points, I would like to think that you are one of the good points.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:23 a.m.
A2Centsworth: Where have I been? I've been working for the major educational institutions in the city for nearly 20 years. In everything from the grade school system to the university system, I've seen people of all ethnicities and religions interacting with each other. I've also been part of the music scene for even longer than that. Within that system is a mixture of many different styles and people interacting together. The reason you see the homeless downtown is because we have services in the city provided to them so they can survive. Between the day shelter, the night shelter and the various other placement programs, we are a very compassionate city. In terms of environmental organizations, we have Recycle Ann Arbor, Clean Energy Coalition, Ecology Center, Michigan League of Conservation Voters and many others. Ann Arbor used to also have a Greenpeace office - which I worked at. We can always do more. However, to portray Ann Arbor the way you have is completely inaccurate. (And you really don't want to start asking me about the ethnicities, religions, cultures, genders and orientations of my friends. You would fail miserably on that point as well).
Gownie
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
Mick52, how far to the west are you planning on moving?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
Jamie: Ann Arbor has a deep undercurrent of racism. Where have you been? Look at our schools, all the different races stay by themselves, rarely do you see them mix. We have extreme reverse discrimination, with the ridiculous nonsense known as 'achievement gap". Ann Arbor town council live in an alternative reality. The idea of paying 360K to paint trees as artwork on the stadium bridge is nuts. their decisions are based on the economy and thought of the 70's. not relevant to today. Compassionate? look at all the homeless laying along the sidewalk downtown... how can you say a town has compassion if there are so many street people. these so called 'diversities" that you speak of... how many close friends do you have of different races? Ann Arbor has a false face. Ann Arbor is a business. the hospital and U of M set the tone, and everything is done to insure money coming in. Name 3 environmental conscious programs in this town. It seems you were sold on the hype Ann Arbor officials put out to make this litle midwestern berg look appealing to garner students and doctors.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
I agree with Jaime. I've been in A2 41 years now, and I've always been proud to live in this town. My children are products of the local schools, and one of the things they've always told us is that they were grateful to have met so many people from other countries and cultures. When I tell people I'm from A2, they react with awe, not derision. People think this is a great place to live (and it is), and it is consistently rated as one of the best cities in the country to live and raise children. Perhaps you'd feel better in some place like Arizona where their values are to harass people who aren't white and middle class.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
Liberalism is a serious disease Usual. I may have to keep moving to the west. I do not think that many would get one of these cards. It is going to put them on a list that can be used to round them up later for penalties. I would suggest to the county they should wait to see what happens at the federal level, especially after the 2014 election.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
The things that makes Ann Arbor great are the mixture of ethnicities and culture, and the input of progressive, creative, environmentally conscious, compassionate individuals. The things that you hate about Ann Arbor are the things that I love about Ann Arbor. Also, newsflash, Ann Arbor is not going to move away from that vibe any time in the near future.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
The city is great. The fools down at City Hall (or whatever it's called now), not so much. But I understand you won't agree with that. Not everybody gets it.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Embarrassment? Not really sure what you're talking about. Ann Arbor is one of the most awesome cities on the planet!
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
This is an excellent step forward. There are couple things that need to be highlighted: First, note that a substantial part of the business infrastructure of Michigan relies on the work of undocumented immigrants. Without those people, our economy would fall apart. Second, note that a substantial amount of the undocumented immigrants came here when they were younger, through no choice of their own. As a compassionate society, we don't punish people for the choices of their parents. Also, I would think that an ID card would be appreciated by everyone, regardless of your stance on reform. An ID card means that these people can be identified and held accountable for their actions while in our communities. Lastly, the notion that an undocumented immigrant just take a bus or a train out of our country and into their country of origin, where they may not have any remaining family or accommodations, is completely ludicrous. As such, it's time for the county to move forward - since the state and federal government can't seem to get their shhht together on this issue. These people have been making substantial contributions to our communities and have a lot more to offer. It's time to take steps so that they can do so without hiding in the shadows.
Judy
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Mike, "Employers hire undocumented because they do not want to pay the wages of the American workers. This is not done to lower the cost of the projects they build, it is done for the added profits they receive." I agree with you 100%! If employers stopped hiring undocumented/illegal immigrants they would not want to come here so badly. Big business does not care they will pay the fines if caught and laugh about it all the way to the bank.
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:46 a.m.
@Gownie Just curious, are you being sarcastic? What factual points has she actually made? Michigan's unemployment and under employment rate is much to high to say that Michigan depends on the undocumented workers for their highly skilled professions. With a 1.5 % undocumented immigration or about 150.000 undocumented immigrants, many that are children This does not seem that it could cripple our economy. children of illegal immigrants I do feel sorry for, but once again, Is this a concern for law abiding citizens? Do we punish the parents of these children and deport them away from the child that has no accountability of being here? An I.D. card grants them the obligation of their actions? Really.... Lastly, we are to assume that because mom and dad brought little Suzy here to the States she has absolutely no one in her mother country, after all, won't we send mom and dad home too? I am not heartless, I have 3 sons, fairly well educated in trades. Employers hire undocumented because they do not want to pay the wages of the American workers. This is not done to lower the cost of the projects they build, it is done for the added profits they receive.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.
"An ID card means that these people can be identified and held accountable for their actions while in our communities." If it's serious enough they already are. Felonies are not simply ignored. I also doubt they will be required to provide birth certificates, so it's kind of a farce anyway. Hispanics make up close to 90% of all illegals and the Hispanic population of MI is very small. Our economy wouldn't collapse; that's scare mongering. They aren't in the shadows either; they are right in our faces, hooting and hollering and challenging the government to arrest them. Anyway, you covered all the usual talking points. Good job.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:11 p.m.
Man... you never cease to amaze. Have you sponsored an immigrant in your home yet? or donated to a charity to support them? bet not. All talk.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
Thank you Don Bee for some actual facts!
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
Jamie, where are you getting these so called facts? Can you list sources please.
DonBee
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
Jaime Magiera - According the Pew Research Center (http://www.milhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/FactSheetMIImmigration.pdf) undocumented workers make up roughly 1.7 percent of the Michigan Labor Force. Most are in low wage jobs. Farm workers are almost all documented and on special visas which are cousins of the H-1B they are called H-2A, and there were more available this year, than there were people to fill them. The Grand Hotel and other seasonal tourist locations use documented workers under visa type H-2B, again there were more visas this year then people to fill them. While these jobs are critical to the economy, ICE polices these industries so heavily that no sane business owner would hire anyone who did not have a valid visa and the visas are easy to get. Because of the way they work, you can't just hang out in the US until the next work season, rather you have to go home between growing seasons or tourist seasons. I would love for you to provide real statistics on how critical having a county ID card that could be used by a higher level government unit to do a round up is to the local economy. Statistics are kept on almost all employment aspects, and I see no statistics in your post. So please, give us a better understanding of what the numbers are the support your qualitative post.
Gownie
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
Thanks to Jaime Magiera for the most informative comment here. I wonder which of his factual points people disagree with.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
Illegal aliens are not all ".. making substantial contributions to our communities." Many are criminals. They are in American jails and prisons at a much higher rate than American citizens. Many who work are taking jobs from lawful American citizens and legal residents. Americans who work at these jobs would have a pay increase due to less competition and over supply of cheap labor. Their presence makes our taxes increase to pay for all of the education, health care for emergency room visits, crowded roads, and many, many other expenses..
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
Jamia it sounds like you're for slavery. Why is Michigan so dependant on "undocumented immigrants"? If you're not going to pay these people a livable wage, why not just put the chains on them?
RUKiddingMe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:16 p.m.
Man, SOOO much wasted money. With the debt the county is dealing with, why would they put money into such an unbelievably stupid project? How does this ID keep one from being detaned if one is an illegal immigrant? Is the system so ridiculous and inane that all I need is some random card issued by some random agency, and suddenly I will never be deported or detained? If THAT's how the system is set up, then I don't know why there's a system to begin with. But I do appreciate the drownin-in-debt soon-to-raise-taxes board coming up with imagineative ways to pend more money on crap that doesn't serve the citizens of the county in the LEAST. Why are these people not getting fired?
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:05 p.m.
Cinabar7071.....pretty racist. "Jose?" There are undocumented people from countries other than Mexico.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
They don't get fired because the student vote keeps them in office. Yousef Rahbi made campaigning for student votes his top priority.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
We should all go down and get one of these cards, then when pulled over for speeding Jose gets a ticket and our driving reconds remain spotless. Where do we apply for these ID's again?
Greg
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
Any other country would escort these folks out the door, if not into jail on the way. Seems we think so much of illegals that we should be paying them to exist. Wait, we are - schools, social services, pools, and much more all for free. Why would they want to go back when they relatively have it made here? Illegal is breaking the law. Seems these folks think the law should only be followed or enforced if they agree with it. Not the way our system is supposed to work. But then again, they are trying very hard to make it not work.
DonBee
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
If I were undocumented, the last thing I would want would to be on a government list that could be used for a round up by another government unit at some point in the future. President Obama's administration has deported more people since he took office than President Bush's did. What the next president may do with the various executive orders is anyone's guess. Yes the people who have these needs have a law to be here. Yes, some people think it is a big deal and others don't. There is a bill working through Congress, and we need to let it work its way through Congress, it started as bi-partisan solution and should stay that way. The county is putting people at risk by doing this, and they are meddling in National politics and decisions, but then the Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor City governments seem to think that that is they duty. Forget balancing budgets, or anything hard - political grand standing is far more important.
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:11 a.m.
@ Jaime Magiera "In fact, this is a budgetary issue. Our local economy would collapse without the work of undocumented immigrants." Have you ever asked what the unemployment rate is in Washtenaw County? Ever wonder how many people are under employed in Washtenaw County and the surrounding area? I believe that you are sadly mistaking that the work of the undocumented is the salvation of Washtenaw County's economy.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
Jamie: they are taking jobs from american workers, and making it easy for employees to pay less, and make more. It does not help society, it helps corporate pockets.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
Cinnibar is correct... again, and of course. Slavery was instituted because cotton would not be profitable if you had to pay people to pick it. Sounds like what's happening today.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
"You would not get many of the products and services that you enjoy, and not at the prices that you're used to paying." Jamia isn't that the same argument they used for slavery? No thanks I'll pay a little more.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
Do we want to become like California? California's illegal problem was like that of Michigan 35 years ago. Now big parts of it are dominated by illegal aliens and their children. The traffic, land and home prices are horrible.
Silly Sally
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
@Jaime Magiera - Construction has been a very depressed industry with high unemployment for the past 5 years. If Illegal aliens are working in construction, then they are taking jobs from lawful American citizens and legal residents. "..and not at the prices that you are paying." While fast food and janitorial services prices may rise, our taxes for all of the education, health care for emergency room visits, crowded roads, and many, many other expenses would go way down. Americans who work at these jobs would have a pay increase due to less competition and over supply of cheap labor.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
Jaime, you really jumped the shark on that one. This is Michigan and not California. Illegals do not even make up 1% of our state's population.
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Jaime Magiera, show me the research you are talking about in the farming, labor, construction and restaurant industries of Michigan that is being done buy all the undocumented immigrants. The way I see it the same business that hire undocumented immigrants are business I do not want to send my money at, so show me your research please.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Then maybe I shouldn't be getting them at those prices. I'm comfortable with that. I'm perfectly willing to pay higher prices for legal (oh, excuse me, that's "authorized") people to do those jobs.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Usual Suspect, you need to do some research into the farming, labor, construction and restaurant industries of Michigan and surrounding states. You would not get many of the products and services that you enjoy, and not at the prices that you're used to paying.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
"Our local economy would collapse without the work of undocumented immigrants." You lie.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Don, two of the people promoting this step are Jeff Irwin and Yousef Rabhi, both of whom have been working very hard on budgetary issues in our community. In fact, this is a budgetary issue. Our local economy would collapse without the work of undocumented immigrants.
belboz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
You mean illegal? Over 30% of kids in the US live in poverty, and this is what legislators focus on?
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:06 p.m.
sayzme: the government shouldn't be funding such private organizations at all.
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:37 p.m.
They also focus on abortion and trying to defund planned parenthood and the ACA, over and over and over and over again. Is that what our legislators should be focusing on?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
R.C.: As far as I can tell there are an endless number still coming so me volunteering for anything isn't a solution. However the fact that you would like to volunteer me and consider law breaking harmless is par for the course in the decline of this great country.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
Jay Thomas.....Again, these are children, and they're here. We aren't importing anything. Get them educated (like our own children), paying taxes, and supporting our society, and you'll be surprised at the outcome. Instead of criticizing, why don't you go volunteer at a school that has a high immigrant population? You'd be surprised at what you'll find. If you feel so strongly about this, why don't you write your congressperson and tell them you don't support immigration reform? Too much money was spent on deporting people whose only crime was that they ere here without documentation. I know of several people who were attained legal citizenship in the last reform in 1986, and they are upstanding members of our community. And by the way, they are not on welfare, do not get food stamps, and do not get Medicaid. TheyAgain, make them legal and paying taxes.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
I agree, Jaime. We are importing poverty by record numbers.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
A significant portion of those kids in poverty are the children of undocumented immigrants. Maybe reread the article to pick up on that.
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
Since my earlier post was deleted, I will reword it a little. I am so tired of unauthorized/illegal immigrants getting things that I have followed the rules, laws and worked so hard for. Us who are legal need to speak up, stand up and make sure were heard at local board meetings, letters to Washtenaw County, Lansing, DC. and the voter's booth. This madness needs to stop.
Rachel Resin
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
Judy, I met an undocumented woman yesterday who had no job, no car, no telephone, no computer, and virtually no home. Is there anything she has for free that you followed the rules, followed the laws, and worked so hard for?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:51 p.m.
Responsible, they are getting all those things and more. Just look at Barack Obama's Aunt who is illegal and living in government provided housing, collecting welfare. The democrats changed it so they can get tax payer ID numbers and they can file for EITC tax refunds and get checks back in the amount of $5-7000 dollars depending on how many kids they have (covered in the national media). They are voting even through motor voter with a simple affirmation that they are Americans.
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
Responsible Citizen, I believe you are wrong on your point, again these unauthorized/illegal immigrants are not able to receive Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, student loans, or any other government program legally....but it is happening all over. It was unauthorized/illegal immigrant who stole my charge card numbers last year in AZ so their is your proof. If an unauthorized/illegal immigrant shows up in the U of M emergency room they get the same service I do.... Do I need to go on.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:07 p.m.
ID's..... why would they want them? When the new administration comes in, and decides to send them all back where they came from, they are easily found... lull them into complacency... give them a treat, and then use it against them.... Obama wont be president forever.... but the ID card will track them.... I would be wary of a government wanting to give something like that. While we all fight amongst ourselves about "paths to citizenship" someone got the bright idea to tag illegals to make them easier to find. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
Judy....can you tell me what they get that you worked hard to get? At this point, they don't get Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, student loans, or any other government program. It isn't madness; it's compassion. Let's get them paying taxes and supporting our economy.
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Atticus F. that is part of the problem to many people for to long have Relaxed about the illegal immigrant issue.
Atticus F.
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
Relax, they are only getting ID's... Are you suggesting that you somehow worked harder then them to get a photo ID?
tlb1201
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
This isnt a county issue, this is a federal issue. We need a clear and swift path to citizenship for those who are willing to play by the rules and enforcement of the laws for those aren't. Until then, the county and state should just stay out of it.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:11 p.m.
"We need a clear and swift path to citizenship for those who are willing to play by the rules and enforcement of the laws for those aren't." There is already a path top citizenship for those who play by the rules. The thing is, illegals didn't play by the rules to get here, they cheated. There are people who are playing by the rules and waiting for their turn to come here. Those are the people we need to welcome quicker by getting rid of red tape in that process. Those who are here illegally can go home and apply to come here legally.
jcj
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
What I am outraged that we are not offering them the Keys to the County. Oh yea we have to ID them so we know where to send the checks and keys.
jcj
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
Responsible ? Angry yes! Uniformed? NO! I don't care what color they are! My Grandfather was NOT born in this country. BUT he came here legally. I will never feel comfortable as long as people like you are willing to give away the farm to illegals.
Itchy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.
to responsible citizen..... Why do you have to insult others when you try to state your position and opinions?
Jack Gladney
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.
I thought ID cards were racist. Oh, they are only racist when you want them used in ensuring fair elections. Got it. Wake up people.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
Mojumbo.....I believe Nsider was being sarcastic, referring to the Nazis tattooing numbers on the Jewish people, though not a very sensitive comment.
mojumbo
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Nside, I am sure you would vote for segregation too...
NSider
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Its either ID cards or numbers tattooed on the forearm... I vote for the ID cards.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
"especially for immigrants" ... "making Michigan a more welcoming place for immigrants" They're not "immigrants." Why is that so hard for the left-leaning brain understand? And they're not "unauthorized immigrants," either.
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
After think about it, it is not surprising, Washtenaw County has big problems (millions) with the budget and this is what the officials are spending their time on.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
What they are saying is that they are tired of the United States constitution and want to get around it. The county can just do it. But the same people will say that the state of Arizona can't do a thing -- it has to be the federal government. So many bogus arguments! I thought Rabhi was banned from U of M property because of his constant electioneering on university property?
Townspeak
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
Very good to hear. I hope it comes to fruition. These are hard working valuable members of our society. They deserve legal recognition and not to be punished for immigration status. They should get drivers licenses too by SOS. Snyder talks a good game about welcoming these folks but he has done nothing to really stand behind his words. We were all immigrants at one time.
matt1027
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
...our families were legal immigrants. These are criminals...you don't seem to get that.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:48 a.m.
Fact: Most Americans were born in this country. They were never immigrants!
John
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Red states subsidizing blue states? Now I have heard everything! Only on Conservative Fantasy Island!
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:55 a.m.
@ Carrie Rheingans "I find it funny that you think we're "a giant welfare state", since we have one of the lowest proportion of people receiving government benefits out of all the industrialized nations. We're kind of a laughingstock around the world, actually. " Not claiming to be knowledgeable about the world's affairs. But, if everyone is laughing at us and we don't give our people government assistance, Why does any body want to come here to live, work, and provide for their families? Yes we are the laughing stock, mostly because we permit ourselves to be ruled by undocumented and illegal immigration.
jcj
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:36 a.m.
@responsible I was born here. But my grandfather came here legally in 1900
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:42 p.m.
dsponini: The blue states don't pay their "fair share" to begin with because they get deductions that are so much larger on their income tax return for the higher state income taxes of blue states. In effect the red states are subsidizing the blue states. Then there is the question of all the democrats living in red states. The South (a mostly red area) has a disproportionate number of blacks compared to the rest of the country. There's your explanation. If you looked at it on a democrat county versus republican county basis you would be embarrassed to make that assertion.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:37 p.m.
@Carrie: The number of people on food stamps doubled under Obama. We have everyone and their brother signing up for disability when their welfare expires in the red states. Only half of the adult population pays federal income taxes (lowest rate in forever) and at the same time we have half of the population collecting a government check of some sort (earned or unearned). We are living in the democrats ideal system of 1 to 1 redistribution right now (but does it seem ideal?).
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
@Responsible: The 1987 amnesty of 3 million was a green light for even more people to try and sneak in. This 12-24 million will be a green light for even more than that. It will not solve illegal immigration... only encourage it.
Mara Alexander
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
Responsible citizen, MEXICO alone accounts for 15-20% of our legal immigration. What "quotas"? There is no quota on family immigration, which is the main way most of our 1.1 million legal immigrants annually get here. There are quotas for countries and for extended family members, but generally, there is no cap on the number of people who can immigrate here legally. You might also note that the long waits for countries such as Mexico are for EXTENDED family members and occur because we already have so many Mexicans here that they're competing for visas to sponsor their relatives.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
JCJ----Because unless you're of the upper class in many countries (not just Mexico), it's very difficult to support your family. I know of one Mexican family who sold everything they had (including their wedding rings) just to buy food for their children. And again, the waiting list to come here legally from Mexico (at this point) is 18 years long. Their children will be grown (or dead) by then. And I didn't hear anyone saying anything about open borders. Part of immigration reform is to tighten border control. And to usual suspect......when my ancestors came here (pre-Revolutionary War) there was no INS or any laws preventing people from entering the country. You may have been born here, but at one point, you're ancestors weren't unless you're a Native American. You were just lucky enough that your ancestors came before there were immigration quotas.
jcj
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
@Carrie If we are such a "laughing stock: WHY do SO many want to come here? Some of them even try it legally.
dsponini
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
Yes, we have a lot of giant "red" welfare states that take more from the government than they give back. Yet the citizens of those states keep voting against their best interests. Not long though, Texas is turning BLUE
Carrie Rheingans
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
@Jay Thomas - I find it funny that you think we're "a giant welfare state", since we have one of the lowest proportion of people receiving government benefits out of all the industrialized nations. We're kind of a laughingstock around the world, actually. It's hard to know these things when one doesn't read any news sources from outside the USA though, because the US-based news outlets follow the not-entirely-true idea that "we're #1 in everything! we're the best! everyone else must suck if they're not us!"
jcj
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
@townspeak These (Caucasians) are hard working valuable members of our society. These (African Americans) are hard working valuable members of our society. These (Seniors) are hard working valuable members of our society. These (Teens) are hard working valuable members of our society. You can't make a blanket statement that "These are hard working valuable members of our society" Because it just is not so ( That all are hard working) in ANY of these groups.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
"We were all immigrants at one time" I wasn't. However, my ancestors were LEGAL immigrants.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
You are making an argument for open borders in a country that is a deeply indebted and giant welfare state. These people will then qualify for these programs and go on them further bankrupting us.
Carole
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.
I am beginning to wonder why we have laws anymore. They don't seem to mean a thing. An unauthorized immigrant is here illegally. Illegal. If a US citizen illegally entered another country, the consequences could be extreme especially if that country is Mexico. Don't mean to be mean-spirited, but laws should be followed and obeyed.,
mojumbo
Tue, Sep 3, 2013 : 4:50 p.m.
Roger, I am suggesting neither of what you inferred. I only want to point out the irony of how your ancestors broke the rules to settle here, yet now you are advising others not to do what your ancestors did. It's kind of like a thief advocating others not to steal.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:47 a.m.
Mojumbo: If following the law is optional for some people why should it not be optional for all people? Right? Or are you saying equal application of the laws and respect for the rule of law are just quaint self-serving practices of privileged white men that should be swept away to allow the progressive socialist all powerful and caring state of the future to be built.
mojumbo
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
Jay, don't make me laugh with this "follow the rule" mumbo jumbo. Yeah, no doubt your ancestors followed the Native American's wishes when the first got here. If they can slaughter off the natives and take land at will, then I don't see anything wrong with what modern day "illegal" immigrants are doing. I can understand that you are tring to protect your resources, much like what the native americans were trying to do. Just don't be a hypocrite by bringing up this "follow the rule" nonsense.
Judy
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
Gee, Responsible Citizen, I don't like to wait of 65 years to get medicare so I guess I should be able to get it at 50 right! I can not retirer at 62 because I can not afford heath insurance, you see a lot of laws and rules stop people from doing what they want. To bad so sad isn't it!
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
It would make more sense to send the people back who have little invested and can't follow rules. Mumbojumbo. Such people don't make the best citizens anyway.
Carole
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.
Responsible Citizen -- yes, I know folks who have waited a long time to come to the US via the appropriate methods. One of my friends and co-worker had to wait 6 years for his future wife to come to the USA -- they did it the right way.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
responsible citizen: then maybe they should go to Canada.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
Carol.......Again, see my comment about it taking 18 years to go through the legal route to get here. Could you wait that long, and you are being mean spirited. Do you even know any undocumented people? I can put you in touch with some. They just want a better life for themselves and their families without having to wait 18 years to get it. Many of these people LITERALLY cannot support their families in Mexico. They cannot feed their children or house them. I probably would do the same thing if it meant supporting my family.
mojumbo
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
If you guys don't like it here, feel free to go back to where your ancestors came from.
Goober
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
The group in power in DC doesn't believe in following laws, especially if it means they can add more future voters to their party.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.
The founders said that our system would only work if we had good people running it. The system itself was not enough. Obviously we do not anymore.
MaryT
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
I don't see the point of this UNLESS it takes a step toward the immigrants becoming legal.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:17 p.m.
They can carry ID from their country. Millions of foreign visitors do here every year. Foreign drivers licenses and international drivers licenses too. Big canard.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
Because they cannot even get a bank account without some form of ID. The federal government is working on steps to make them legal, which was last done in 1986, and if they're stopped by the police, they have no way to prove who they are. Did you read the article?
SMAIVE
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
So will the card guarantee the holder pays all appropriate taxes including social security and income?
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:37 a.m.
Homeland Security and the IRS has known for many years that there are problems with millions of Social Security numbers but they have done nothing about it. They were going to notify employers of this situation in 2009 but President Obama stopped these letters of notification to employers. These are the facts of non-enforcement of US immigration laws because political and business special interests do no want them enforced.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
It usually works like this. Prospective but illegal employee makes up a number. By the time it is discovered (which can take a while) they move on. Sometimes they find an American with a matching name and use their number (that tends to last longer). Sometimes they apply for a TIN (taxpayer identification number) as a replacement for a soc security number. Often they cite being a citizen of Mexico and no FICA tax is taken thanks to the 2004 mutual tax exemption deal between Mexico and the U.S. Even more often they just work "under the table" and pay zip in taxes.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Mike, Here's the problem with your "fake" SS card idea: real SS taxes go to the Federal government along with an accounting of who paid them. The government HAS NO RECORD of having issued any "fake" SS numbers. The same is true of state and local governments. Were any "taxes" collected and forwarded to the treasury using a fake SS number, the employer would be notified nearly immediately of a problem. (I know; I pay taxes directly to the Treasury.) If illegal immigrants are having "taxes" withdrawn from their checks, those "taxes" are being skimmed off and pocketed by the employer before the taxes for all of the legitimate employees are sent to the Treasury. Employers are increasingly being REQUIRED to verify the legitimacy of the SS numbers of their employees. Employers in the US who hire illegals KNOW exactly what they're doing and should be prosecuted for it.
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
@ snark - No they don't know what they are talking about. They only know the lies spread to them by FOX news
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:44 a.m.
@ snark12 Very possible that your numbers are correct, The fact still remains that if Illegal immigrants are employed and are paying taxes, these employment opportunities would be available to legal immigrants and citizens and the taxes would still have been paid.
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:40 a.m.
YpsiLivin If the illegal immigrant has a fake Social security card he is probably having taxes removed from his pay check. Therefore he is probably paying parole taxes. State taxes and federal taxes, maybe even a city tax. Yes, he/ she is still paying sales taxes gas taxes and various other taxes. The illegal immigrant is also employed at a job that would be filled by a legal immigrant or citizen of the United States. Therefore these taxes would be paid anyway. Giving authorization for undocumented or illegal immigrants does not help the economy. These jobs could and would be filled anyway.
snark12
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 2:44 a.m.
It would be nice if the people here had any idea what they are talking about. "Illegal immigrants" contributed $15 billion to social security in 2010 alone. http://tinyurl.com/d3ycjvo
leaguebus
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:31 p.m.
Last time I knew, you could not get a job without a SS number. So working immigrants are paying into someone's SS account. They pay sales tax, FICA, the whole nine yards. Otherwise they don't work unless the employer does something illegal, too. Of course this is the reason a lot of them are here, employers want cheap labor.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:15 p.m.
Carrie, the national media has reported that Mexicans are receiving EITC and food stamps even back in Mexico.
matt1027
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
@Carrie... theryre free to leave if they dont like it. And your wrong...illegals dont pay income tax, because it's not reported. Which rock did you crawl out from under?
YpsiLivin
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
Carrie Rheingans, If the "folks" you refer to are here illegally, they do NOT have valid Social Security numbers. Without a valid Social Security number, they do NOT pay SS taxes and they do NOT pay federal, state or local income taxes. Please don't even bring up the "well, they pay sales tax" argument. Everyone pays sales tax on taxable purchases, regardless of their citizenship. Your assertion that illegal aliens somehow pay more in taxes than US citizens do is both laughable and insulting.
Carrie Rheingans
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:22 p.m.
Many of the folks working here in this community ARE already paying those taxes, and they will never receive those earned benefits back. They are paying for YOU.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
If I break the law I go to jail or get a ticket/fine
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:25 a.m.
Responsible citizen: populations in every country in the World have moved around a lot so that you can fairly say they are descendants of immigrants too. Your argument that we should support illegal immigrants now because sometime in the past your ancestors lived somewhere else in the world is awfully strange when you examine it closely. Are you arguing that everyone in the World should have the right for themselves alone to decide whether they should come live and work in America?
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
A2 cents worth, your comment makes no sense. Pay for what? RC is suggesting they pay taxes . . . maybe you meant RC ought to get the tax money from them?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:53 p.m.
responsible citizen; then you pay for them.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
Let's remember that the men who fought in the American Revolution were breaking the law. They fought so that we could have a free country. And unless you're a Native American, at some point, all of our ancestors were immigrants. The only difference is that when mine came to these shores, there was no INS or even anyone keeping track of whom came and went. Let's make these people legal and paying taxes. That will help both them and the economy. Most of them are hard working, honest, and reliable and just want a better life for their families, the same as our ancestors when they left Europe or wherever else they came from.
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:23 p.m.
No, John just send them back to were they came from.
John
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
So we should round up all illegals and put them in jail? The shameful scam that is "for profit prisons" loves this idea!
NSider
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
Talk about discrimination? If you don't have a legal right to be here you will be given an ID card but if you are legally here you have to pay? And about adding Transgender as a choice along with male and female, if we go that far, shouldn't the choices Both, Either, Neither and None also be included?
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
it is unimportant whether they are male female or undecided unless they go to jail. no point including it on the id. let the sheriff or ins decide which cell to put them in.
Atticus F.
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
Would it make you feel any better about the situation if there was a proposal to charge a fee?
George
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
Honorably discharged veterans are charged $10.00 by the county clerks after proof of their service to receive their ID cards so discounts may be offered at stores who offer them. What kind of charge are you going to levy to the "unauthorized" .
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:18 a.m.
When it comes to immigration policy, President Obama seems to channeling Richard Nixon who famously said that when the President does it it is legal. Look if Obama and other democrats dislike our immigration laws why don't seek to repeal them. It is a joke to say you oppose illegal immigration and then do everything in your power to see that the laws are not enforced and positvely subverted.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:12 p.m.
It's the democrats that don't care what the law is. What the cost is. What the constitution says (Obama admitted he couldn't do it without the law passing and he did it anyway). They stand to gain too much, even if the country goes broke and poverty explodes. When you see the lengths they go to make the argument like Rep. Luis Gutierrez... it is desperate.
incubo734
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
Democratic voters Jay Thomas, not Democrat voters. Nice try Hannity. The GOP is quaking in their boots because their future is quite dim. They don't care about immigration at all, they're only worried about "future voters" Desperation is the last gasp of a dying party I suppose
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
The "unauthorized" are future democrat voters. Nothing is too good for them.
Mr. Ed
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:41 a.m.
This is a complicated problem. I think we need to take the compassion route and offer the immigrants a route to citizenship. We are all immigrants here in America. Well except me I'm Native American. We are still the land of the free. Lets open our arms and welcome the immigrants to one of the greatest countries in the world. Remember our country is based on values that we respect and honor all life.
Roger Kuhlman
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 1:12 a.m.
How is compassionate to average and poor Ameican citizens who are having a very hard time in this economy to force them to compete for jobs, wages, and benefits with an additional 33 million imported foreign workers over the next decade as so-called comprehensive immigration reform would require. Left-wing Political elites and Right-wing business interest sure don't have much compassion for Americans.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
Mr. Ed, illegals are frequently found to be committing identity theft. They will often use the social security numbers of Americans to work, buy houses and get credit; and that really is a crime.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:35 p.m.
Thanks for the good comment, Mr. Ed. On a separate thread today, I came to the realization that it would be folly to try and kick out the 11 million or so people living here with out a green card etc. Think of it - they don't want to go; we don't really want them to go (they do some of the hardest manual labor here etc.). If they people who claim they ought to be deported carried through, then there would be a great deal of grief & violence.
Mara Alexander
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:13 p.m.
Ed, entering the US without inspection is a FEDERAL CRIME, punishable by several months in prison, a large fine, and deportation. Lying to a get a non immigrant visa you overstay is immigration fraud, a felony. There are some five BILLION people in the world who live in countries poorer than Mexico, and most of them would like a "better life" if they could manage to get here. Now, just how many of them are we supposed to take in?
Mr. Ed
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:37 p.m.
Are you saying all illegals are breaking in to houses or using computers to break the law. Big difference between people wanting a better life and a better education in our great country. No I would not be compassinate towards someone breaking in to my house. But I would offer a hand to someone looking for a country to call home where the pursuit of freedom and happiness is the end game.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
"What happen to people being compassionate towards other people? It's the right thing to do. They are here lets make them legal" Ed how compassionate would you be if you came home and found a few people had broken into YOUR house, trashing the place, were on your computor ordering stuff online with your credit card, pretty much doing as they liked with YOUR stuff. Would you be compassionate?
Mr. Ed
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.
Thats pretty harsh A2 cents. I think your statement is wrong I bet the people that came here illegally are good people seeking the American dream. To say they are teaching their children to lie and cheat is a leap.
Richard
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
Not sure why people insist on blaming everything on "the left". Did they complain when Bush wanted to grant amnesty to all the illegal immigrants? Where is "the rights" compassion, they all claim to be christians.
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
it is not a matter of compassion. It is a matter of respect. people who come here illegally do not respect the system. they are teaching their children to lie, cheat and steal to get what they want and need. they are skirting the laws of a nation for their own betterment. This is not what freedom means. The parents knew they were illegal when they brought their children here. If the children wish to stay, 4 years in the armed forces would be sufficient payment for that right. Otherwise go back to where they came from. There is no honor in sneaking over a border to take something that is not theirs.
Mr. Ed
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.
What happen to people being compassionate towards other people? It's the right thing to do. They are here lets make them legal.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
Yes Ed we send back the children with their parents, they don't belong to us.
Westfringe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
Most of the Native Americans that are here now displaced earlier American peoples, violently. It's is the case the world over and not unique to the US.
Mr. Ed
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
What about the children do we send them back?
MgoBlueMomma
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
I have a route for them.....go back to their own country and follow the proper channels to do it LEGALLY!!!!
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
It's time for my Redd Fox heart attack impression ("Sanford & Son") - Mr Ed and I agree on something :)
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
So, you're claiming to be a Pangaean-American?
Mr. Ed
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
Sonny dog I believe my people were here long before the setting sun in the west.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : noon
We do welcome immigrants. Many, many of them every year. Unfortunately, the left also wants to welcome cheaters and trespassers.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
Didn't your ancestors cross over the land bridge from Asia to North America? Wouldn't that make you an immigrant, too?
nicedoggy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
Illegal ! How about our a step up for legal residents?
Hunterjim
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:33 a.m.
If they can do it for illegal immigrants, than they can issue it to folks so,they can show ID to vote.....
sayzme
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
@ MIKE - YES, voter suppression. Take a look at what the ALEC bought and paid for legislature did to North Carolina....it's not about ID at all, more about making it difficult to vote
Mike
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:16 a.m.
Please people, GOP with voter suppression? GOP would like to see all legal voter at the poles. The problem today is that being a legal voter in Michigan means that you are a citizen and reside in the precinct that you are casting your ballot in. The problem is that many voters now cast an absentee ballot in one voting precinct and actually vote in a second precinct. There is no cross references for students. Home address Ohio, absentee ballot, I am away at school. Ann Arbor school address, vote at the local high school. Why is it that people think this is ok? I have had I.D for 50 years . I have had to show it to cash checks, Credit card proof, To have a drink, verify identity for jobs. There is nothing wrong with voter verification and everyone knows it. But to give I.D. to undocumented immigrants in a single county in the United States of America is asking for trouble. WELCOME to Washtenaw county your new home with I.D. card to prove it.
Great Lakes Lady
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
AMOC: Students can vote twice.....once at U. of M. .....and with an absentee ballot in their home state.
Responsible Citizen
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:33 p.m.
Jay Thomas....I'd like to know where you get your statistics. Please supply references as you shouldn't quote statistics without stating where they came from. I doubt they are true.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
Bob you'd like us to believe that wouldn't you? Just like globle warming is a thing of the past, whats it called now?
bobslowson
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
Jay...you do know that ACORN went extinct in 2010 right?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
@dsponini: And the only way that democrats win national elections is to have ACORN register Bart Simpson and Donald Duck a million times. College students voting back where they came from. Black districts with 130% of eligible voters having voted. Not to mention motor voter which has been shown to make it easy for illegals to vote.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
@AMOC: Michigan requires residency for 30 days prior to the election. Therefore, citizen students who live here certainly qualify. Please explain your assertion of anything "in direct contradiction of Michigan law"
dsponini
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Because the only way the GOP wins anything EVER AGAIN is to suppress as many people from voting as possible
AMOC
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Hunterjim - Washtenaw and Ingham County clerks already allow voters with home addresses far outside their boundaries to register and vote if they are also students. This is in direct contradiction of Michigan law, but since it let lots of students vote for Obama in the last 2 Presidential elections, they get a bye from the Federal Election Commission.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
Giant contradiction. But we are talking about liberal democrats.
TheDiagSquirrel
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:32 a.m.
Even though they are technically government (Washtenaw County) ID cards that are being proposed, what places would accept them? I cant imagine FAFSA accepting them for student aid, or any other federal program...
Judy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
I only wish your statement was true but my fear is they will be accepted, besides WCC has aready said they were going to give unauthorized/illegal immigrants in county tuition rates.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:02 p.m.
Obama will just write an executive order making them eligible. Problem solved. Who needs a constitution.
murphthesurf
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:31 a.m.
don't they need to have a drivers license ? an id card doesn't give them the right to drive ! if they have a license then they won't need an id card ! why does our government seem to cater to un documented individuals ? is there not a process for these people to follow to become 'LEGAL' ? I don't have a problem with helping people out but shouldn't they at least be 'DOCUMENTED' ?
Atticus F.
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
a2cents, you are confusing a criminal act with an illegal act... Is wanting to support ones family via hard work considered "criminal"? Also, it's not tho job of police to assume somebody who speaks spanish is a criminal. In all actuallity, it is illegal, and predjudicial behavior on the part of the police to make such assumptions.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
murphthesurf - "is there not a process for these people to follow to become 'LEGAL' ?" No there's not. So how does a person brought to the U.S. as a baby/toddler/young child become legal?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
carrie: its their job! these people are criminals, and need to be treated as such. Enough with the bleeding heart liberals.
Carrie Rheingans
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
Sometimes when people get pulled over, the driver is the only one in the car with a license for driving, while all the others are just passengers and don't need to have a license for driving. It's sad, but true, that sometimes, officers who pull over someone who looks Latino, or if the officer hears Spanish being spoken in the car, they then ask for ID for everyone in the car. I've been pulled over a couple times, and as a white lady, have never had the officer ask for the IDs of anyone else in my car. Now, if the officers DO ask for IDs for everyone else in the car, they could at least have an ID.
motorcycleminer
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
There are smart people ..and there are dumb people ...sadly here in Oz we have local politicos that make even the dumb people look smart...
Goober
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:03 a.m.
They are unauthorized or illegal and we are going to give them ID cards? Would any other country do this? If they wish to stay here (in the US), they should go home and follow the proper route to residency in the US, citizenship, etc. Go figure!
Itchy
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
To responsible citizen..... Why are you insulting others by calling them ignorant?
Atticus F.
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:14 p.m.
a2cents, you say 'there is no excuse for breaking the law'... Have you ever broken the law? have you ever exceeded the speed limit, or forgot to use your turn signal?... If so, you yourself have broken a law that you have no excuse for.
djacks24
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:14 p.m.
"It is very hard to make a living in Mexico if you're not of the upper class. We are talking about people being unable to house and feed their children." You do know there are plenty of American citizens in our country who are unable to house and feed their children, right...?
A2centsworth
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
responsible citizen: That is no excuse to break the law of another country.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Atticus, I would also like to see us protect U.S. corporations from foreign takeover if the other country in question does not allow takeovers of their companies (like China). But I guess the same defense could be made in that case (they are "third world countries"). The bottom line is that we are being taken advantage of. Constantly.
Atticus F.
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
Jay Thomas, are you honestly advocating that our laws be more like Mexico? I can't even imagine that any sane person would advocate that we adopt the laws of a third world country!
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
We should be following Mexico's immigration system. If it is good enough for them it should be good enough for the Mexicans who come here in defiance of our laws.
JimmyD
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11 a.m.
Since we're taking out $300M in loans to pay the County Pensions, how will this program add to our County debt?
Great Lakes Lady
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:28 a.m.
"So let me get this straight: If you cross the N. Korean border illegally, you get 12 yrs. hard labor. If you cross the Afghanistan border illegaly, you get shot. 2 Americans got 8 yrs for crossing into Iran. If you cross the U.S. border illegally, you get a job, a driver's license, food stamps, a place to live, health care, child benefits, education and tax free business income for 7 years? NO WONDER WE ARE A COUNTRY IN DEBT!!!"
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
Yousef Rabhi will figure that out. He's super smart.
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:50 a.m.
What kind of basic services are they being denied? Perks at local grocery stores, where are mine?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
Federal student loans. Then illegals can also not graduate college and default on them. We don't want to discriminate against people who haven't paid into the system. They should be entitled to bankrupt the country the same as everyone else.
A2comments
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 10:35 a.m.
Here we go...
Great Lakes Lady
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 12:20 a.m.
Come on people.....cut the "Politically Correct" BS. This is legitimizing illegal activity. Where are the consequences for breaking the law? You are now rewarding illegal activing??? Is this a lesson that you teach your children?
rs
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:12 p.m.
The silver lining is at least there will be a master list of all the illegals living in Washtenaw county and it will be public record.
UloveM
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:45 p.m.
Will this county ID be called as "Washtenaw county resident identification card" or "Washtenaw county undocumented resident identification card" or " Washtenaw county illegal resident identification card"??