Yes, I remember I said I would write about politics. No, I hadn't gotten around it yet. I downloaded this spiffy mac program for blogging called Ecto (haha... windows users be jealous... as a mac users, there's tons more where this came from) and it's helping me at least start the entries I mean to write, then I can go back later and upload them. Right now I have 3 or 4 that are started... look for me to catch up on those soon.
ANYWAY, there are a couple recent political things I'd like to comment on.
I am retarded and still occasionally read the blog of the most ignorant and immature person I know (well, top 3 anyway). I guess I do this because I hope that someday he will open his eyes, but as well all know, you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. Anyway, yesterday he said this (formatted exactly as I have below):
" 'Justice, for Illegal immigrants'
Is it just me or does that not make any sense at all, i read that in the AJC a few days ago."
Apparently he's forgotten that the purpose of the justice system is to deal fairly and justly with those who do not obey the law, so clearly that sentence makes sense. Maybe he just hasn't looked up the word justice (I wouldn't be surprised). However, even more than this his opinion of immigrants shines through in that simple little statement. I suppose this may be the opinion of many Americans, although this kid actually is on the extreme side as far as it comes to intolerance (he is the one that justifies the war and prisoner abuse by saying they did it to us, so we do it to them). I'm actually quite surprised at our dear President's stance on this, although to be honest I haven't read much beyond him telling everyone not to fear immigrants (the irony of him telling people not to use fear is amazing). So, I figured I'd post my thoughts, being an immigrant.
A little background on my immigration to the United States. I came here with my family when I was just 4 years old. To my knowledge, we arrived legally. We followed all the proper procedure for becoming residents and naturalized citizens. But, if you recall, I did not become a citizen until roughly half a year ago, and my dad and I are the only citizens in my family, despite everyone applying together. So, what happened?
When we first applied (all together) they lost 4 of 5 applications. All except my Dad. He went on to become a citizen in 1996. Because we had to reapply (and hence save up again to reapply, since it's not exactly cheap), I did not receive a green card until 2000. Yep... some 12 years after having arrived. I wasn't that interested in becoming a citizen (much like my sister) until I chose to do AE and realized it would be necessary. So I applied.
Here is what happens when you apply for something with the former INS/current department of homeland security. You send it in. They send it back saying that (although you were meticulous in providing everything they asked for) you are still missing something. You send that something in. They send it back, saying that since your original application date, the fees have increased. Rinse, repeat. Finally, about 1 year after beginning the original application (and considering that I am the daughter of a citizen and that should help me out) I was naturalized. I figured life would be much easier now that I am a citizen. Did the problems end there? Certainly not. Just the other day (Sunday) while waiting to disembark our ship in Port Canaveral, I heard my name being called over the ship's loudspeaker asking me to go to immigration. Hmm... I wondered what could be the problem. When I arrived, they asked for my identification and I showed them my naturalization certificate (I didn't have enough time to get a passport without expediting which I think is ridiculous). Anyway, they asked when and where I turned in my green card, and I told them in Atlanta in August when I received the naturalization certificate. They said they knew, because you have to turn it in in order to receive a naturalization certificate, but that I had been flagged for not turning mine in. WHAT THE CRAP?!? You JUST said that you have to turn it in to get a naturalization certificate... I have one of those, so deductive reasoning says that I turned in my green card. And yet there I am, flagged by border patrol. Now I have to make sure that I get my name taken off this list, or every time I travel I will be flagged.
This little story, of which I have many, I think hits my point on the head. I believe that people would come here legally if they could. Many of the people who come here illegally pay others lots of money to bring them in. So if it's not the money, then what is it? It's the fact that the process that you have to go through is absolutely ridiculous. And your forms are constantly being lost by the lowest common denominator that works for the Department of Homeland Security (funny that they change INS to that, isn't it??) Sadly, bright, well-organized, efficient people do not work for the government. They go on to well-paying jobs with mobility. So, the futures of immigrants are in the hands of people who could really care less, which doesn't help the amount of paperwork the department has to process. In the meantime, there are millions of workers here that are illegal, but contribute to this society and economy more than some people born here, and many more waiting in line to get in.
What this country should do is give a test to everyone wanting to come in. And a test for everyone already living here. Let a person who proves that they will be a productive, contributing member enter, and send a mooch back to live in their place. Do an evaluation a few years later... if the mooch has changed, let them back in.
No, I'm just kidding (sorta). I like letting the workers stay, and especially giving them residence after a few years. Although, many just want to save up for a while then go back home. Don't get me wrong, I don't condone entering illegally. But as a person who has done it the legal way... I gotta say, there must be a better way. I just hope that people can look at the situation from different perspectives.
But I guess I can't and shouldn't expect that from the kid who says it's better to be a female in Darfur than to go to school here.
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