GRIEGO: A year later, some staying, some leaving Border Street

By Tina Griego, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Originally published 12:06 a.m., April 24, 2008
Updated 01:45 a.m., April 24, 2008

I returned to Border Street Wednesday. It looked better than I remembered. No trash in the streets. No upturned grocery carts on the corner. The two duplexes of subsidized housing owned by the city have been spruced up, new wood siding, the dingy blue paint replaced by a clean beige.

Longtime Eddie was outside, watering the grass; howya doin', he said. The street was quiet. A couple of doors down, the Mexican grandma's house is still empty. Someone bought it out of foreclosure, the Teacher's mother told me. They did some renovation, put up a for sale sign. No takers, yet.

"Guess what," the Teacher's mother said. "We're moving."

They've lived in their small home on Border Street nearly 30 years. They're going to Lakewood. "I'm excited," she said. "It's a big house. It has a three-car garage and three bedrooms upstairs and two down and a big laundry and two fireplaces and a big kitchen."

If the Teacher's family anchored one side of the block, the Patriarch's family anchored the other. But the Patriarch's house is silent now. The driveway and backyard are empty. Without the trucks, the kids' bikes, the windmills, the bathtub filled with flowers, the bench outside the door where the Patriarch had his beer after work, the house looks tinier than ever.

I find the house listed in foreclosure records. I remember talking to the Patriarch in his front yard the first time I met him. He wore his beard long, and his hands were scarred and calloused. He was a vet and a heavy equipment operator. He said he'd lived in the house for 28 years. He told me he'd never leave it, that he'd die there.

I finished my series about this Denver block and its mix of American citizens, legal residents and illegal immigrants last April. I talked to a few residents of the street over that time, but people are busy and other stories fill in the spaces that Border Street once occupied, and suddenly a year has passed and I wonder whether anything has changed there.

Illegal immigration is the issue that led me to Border Street. I wanted to see how it played out in the day-to-day life of an urban block. It was a premise that rested on the assumption I could isolate the impact of illegal immigration on one street. I couldn't. It was a part of the street's most intimate human relationships - the Americans married to illegal immigrants, the conflicts and compromises of neighbors and friends. And it was woven through the broadest of social and economic issues, most of them related to poverty.

I learned much about that complex intertwining, but I learned more about the day-to-day lives of people who, no matter their legal status, work hard and struggle to get by and don't really ask for much except to be treated fairly and with some measure of respect. It's them I think about when I see presidential candidates pandering to "the working class folk," by claiming common ground in the guise of a beer and a shot and cheese steak sandwiches.

It's Border Street I think about when the campaign veers off into flag lapel pins and gun jokes, inanities, which, in the reality of a place like Border Street, seem not only ridiculous, but insulting.

They have thick skins on Border Street, though. They'll tell you to wise up; politicians talk pretty when they need you and dump you when they don't. Choosing a candidate here is less an expression of hope than it is an exercise in deciding upon the lesser of evils.

A year later, Longtime Eddie, now 69, still battles the bureaucrats who control his health care. A year later, the American Spouse has left subsidized housing and moved away with her five children. The Christian couple has returned to the suburbs, renting out the apartment they once lived in. So smoothly did they slip back into suburban life, the Christian wife says, their brief tenure on Border Street seems dreamlike now.

A year later, the Fast-food Worker and his wife continue to work in restaurants and they now have a son, 6 months old, a citizen born into a family of illegal immigrants. And Maria the Other, 24, brought to this country illegally as a child, sits at her table and wipes away her tears because she and her American husband separated a year ago and a lawyer has advised her that without him she has no chance to become a legal resident. The house they owe $183,000 on is now valued at $173,000. "Either I feed our child or I keep the house," she says. "I can't keep up."

Will you miss this street? I ask the Teacher's mother. No, she says.

You going to leave, too, I ask Eddie. No, he says, where would I go? "You know the way I am, life changes, everything changes, you take it as it comes." There are struggles, he says, but he owns his house outright and he just built a new gate to the backyard and when new residents move in across the street, he "baptizes them," giving them the rules of getting along with neighbors.

Who knows, he says, Border Street might come around some day.

griegot@RockyMountainNews.com

• April 24, 2008

  6:43 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  strohslite writes:

  You still don't get it, do you Tina? They are illegal aliens, not immigrants. And you still refuse to report on the dark side of illegal immigration and the crimes that are commited by them.

• April 24, 2008

  6:58 a.m.

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  JackieMC writes:

  That's why she's not a true journalist.

• April 24, 2008

  8:05 a.m.

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  Alive writes:

  The illegals with the anchor baby need to be deported. Period.

• April 24, 2008

  9:13 a.m.

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  tiero writes:

  They should all leave. They can't support themselves, so, why should the legal americans have too. What a way of life. I should claim another 30 million dependants on my tax return

• April 24, 2008

  10:50 a.m.

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  stevehorner writes:

  When the short-sighted,ill-witted,sentimental feminists and do-gooders argue in defense of illegal immigration,your best response is to say "Sorry, but this is not a 'people' problem-it's a 'law-enforcement' problem." Of course,they will still have a rough time fully understanding your logic(at least feign to).I mean,after all, look at what they've done with single parenting by rewarding women to be tramps...more bucks for each out-of-wedlock child,and penalties for getting married. And, besides,most of the pro-illegals are tied in with the feminist-run(acknowledged by their own research) social-services industry and earn a bigger paycheck by broadening their ranks of eligibility...housing,child care,food stamps,health care,education,etc.,etc. That's what's really going on with the illegal immigration issue.Steve@stevehornerbooks.com

• April 24, 2008

  11:37 a.m.

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  StandUp writes:

  We all disagree with Tina - if only we had a gavel so we could shut her up!
  Seriously, does anybody like her?
  dnrtfa

• April 24, 2008

  12:27 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  I like her. She tells it from a different point of view. You can't relate because you have never lived on Border Street. You can't relate to other cultures and lifestyles. Don't forget that that welfare system has changed. You can't be on it for no more than 5 years in a lifetime and no more than 2 years in a row. So all of you need to get off your racist, right-wing high horses and try walking a mile in their shoes at least a year or 6 months. What are you afraid of anyway?

• April 24, 2008

  1:10 p.m.

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  Fresh writes:

  Tina,

  when are illegal immigrants going to take a stand and admit that all of their problems are their own doing ?

  I see another anchor baby was born that the entire birth process and pregnancy was most likely paid by you and me.

• April 24, 2008

  1:27 p.m.

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  StandUp writes:

  To OCHIS um yeah I live in Commerce City which is worse than Border Street. You don't know crap

• April 24, 2008

  1:36 p.m.

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  CaptainObvious writes:

  NO WAY! GASP!! You only get two years of taking my hard-earned money for doing nothing?? That's all Ochis! How will you ever live??? That must be tough....

  And if, by walking a mile in your shoes, you mean sitting on my a$$ and occasionally sauntering down the block to get the welfare check, then sign me up baby! I'm tired of going to work. I could use two years off. Would that mean, if I took your place, that you'd get a job? DEAL!

• April 24, 2008

  1:37 p.m.

  ochis writes:

  (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

• April 24, 2008

  2:14 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  Hey CaptainObvious, why don’t you quit your job so we can give it to an illegal alien from say, Russia, Poland, China, Southeast Asia, or even England (Ginger Baker) remember him? Then you can sit on your butt and earn $300 a week on unemployment, get sick and go to Denver Health for your A1 health care, pull your teeth because you can’t afford dental work. Shall I go on? Your right, this would be great.

• April 24, 2008

  2:16 p.m.

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  Fresh writes:

  Ochis,
  they do it to themselves, PERIOD

• April 24, 2008

  2:33 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  Fresh,
  You have no clue. People want to do this to themselves? You're out of touch with reality. Did you take your meds today? You should PERIOD!!

• April 24, 2008

  2:44 p.m.

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  arby writes:

  I'm wondering how many of these angry postings would be done if we knew each other and knew how to make physical contact? A lot less I think.
  Vent on

• April 24, 2008

  2:57 p.m.

  ochis writes:

  (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

• April 24, 2008

  2:58 p.m.

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  StandUp writes:

  Ochis,
  You are the only spewing hate,you hate white people, you hate balck people - in other words anyone who is an American.
  As far as where I live I was only providing a rebuttal to your ignorant "Bawwahhh you don't live on Border street, so you don't know". Well, yes I do know. To your question, "Why don't you move" I say, unless you have 600,000 to buy a house you are going to be stuck in illegal alien over-run cities. Besides, I was here first and I will not be forced out!
  I do very well for myself actually - thank you. I can promise that I probably make double what you make so no worries from me. I also have not moved yet because I want to make sure I can afford a mortgage in a good city - unlike you who is probably on the verge of foreclosure or living in some rehabed crack-house. I am fiscally responsible - you know make sure you can afford it before you get it. But people geeting free stuff from the government probably won't understand this concept. Sure I could move now and join everyone else in foreclosure with their 0 down, intrest only loans.
  Ochis you either directly benefit from the enslavement of the Mexican people or are and Illegal yourself.
  I don't understand why you like to enslave Mexicans? Do you think it's their life long dream to scrub a toilet or pick cabbage - there is a bigger agenda here.

  Good day.

• April 24, 2008

  3:05 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  Thank you Pat Robertson. You need to learn how to spell as well.

• April 24, 2008

  3:14 p.m.

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  CaptainObvious writes:

  Ginger Baker. Drummer from Cream? Yeah, didn't he come here LEGALLY? Isn't he now a LEGAL resident? Funny how once you stop breaking the laws of this country you are accepted as a citizen of this country. Why is that so hard to figure out Ochis?

• April 24, 2008

  3:49 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  No, he was deported like all illegal Europeans should be. Starting with your or your parents. Do you really think that 12 million people that do your dirty work are bad people? How ignorant can you be?

• April 24, 2008

  4:08 p.m.

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  Fresh writes:

  Ochis,
  It seems you are the one without a clue. First of all there are FAR more then 12 million illegals here ( more like 50 million)
  Second, not all of them do our dirty work you imbecile
  third, you claiming that the illegal europeans should be deported defeats your stance entirely ( but you seem to be to stupid to realize that ).
  last, my whole point was that the illegals that come here put themselves in the situation they are in now. it is no one elses fault for their plight, NO ONE ELSES ! this seems to be a going theme with illegals and their supporters , no accountability for their own actions !!!

  Think please.

• April 24, 2008

  4:14 p.m.

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  RickyLee writes:

  Seem's like someone's a bit outnumbered, or should I say,
  OUTVOTED!!!!!!!!

  American citizens are fed up with ILLEGAL ALIENS, wherever they're
  from, and we can vote. So keep blowing hot air, ILLEGAL ALIEN LOVER
  ochis.

  Tell us, if the ecomony depends on ILLEGAL ALIENS, why is it in the tank?

  Tell us, how will we pay for "universal health care" if we have to give to ANYONE who has the opportunity to sneak over one of our borders?

  I'm sure Tina will answer those questions promptly.

• April 24, 2008

  4:44 p.m.

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  tiero writes:

  The door only swings one way

• April 24, 2008

  5:52 p.m.

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  Shaupeen writes:

  I think ochis IS Tina. With a few on-purpose grammatical errors thrown in for good measure.

• April 24, 2008

  5:58 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  No, you tell us RickyLee Greenspan. I'm sure you'll blame the bad economy on Illegal Aliens too. I've read some of your other comments concerning other articles topics and you're just as ignorant there too. Universal Health Care seems to work in other countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, and France to mention a few. No but not here, we're too busy taking money out of the Social Security coffers to pay for a war in a country that has never done anything to us. Oh and those countries will treat Americans free of charge should you decide to visit. Imagine that!

• April 24, 2008

  8:29 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Rocco3454 writes:

  She's relentless with the 'Pity the Poor Mexican' articles. And as long as Temple is editor of the RMN she'll get all the space for her racist slop she wants. It's a form of emotional waterboarding -you'll either go crazy or give in. In a less than two generations this country will be 50% Mexican. Who do you think they will expect to provide for them?

• April 24, 2008

  11:59 p.m.

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  ochis writes:

  Themselves, because you'll get your racist self back to Europe.

• April 25, 2008

  4:39 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  p_myers661 writes:

  ochis

  They came here on their own. The reason was economic. An economic reason will send them home. If we want to eliminate illegal workers from our midst, the only practical way is for them to remove themselves. Eliminate the jobs by making it too expensive for the business owners to hire them. Fines and license revocations should do it. Oklahoma did it and they left in droves. We won't need to fight the battle on the anchor babies if they leave. It should be quite easy to have the matter brought before THIS supreme court and settled. They have reversed precedents before. This is one they could deal with in a few minutes.

  You may not like it but to enter this country illegally is a crime. It should be punished severely and those enticing them to do it should also be punished.

  My grammar and spelling should be clear enough for you and, yes, I also oppose socialized medicine. Look at those "wonder" countries and see the long lines for non-general treatments or procedures. Look at the London man who can't get his broken foot set because he is a smoker and tell me that it is a "better" system.

  Together with my husband and granddaughter we live on under 30K a year. He is a disabled vet who keeps working. We had to go on food stamps for a few months because the company he works for had a drop in business. Our total income this year is 7600 dollars. I know about being poor. I also know that many illegal immigrants are nice people and I have had some of them as friends. They need to go home and get in line legally.

• April 25, 2008

  6:30 a.m.

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  tiero writes:

  IN 2 GENERATIONS, GREATER THAN 50% RHODE SCHOLARS. lOOKS LIKE BACK TO THE HORSE AND BUGGY DAYS.

• April 25, 2008

  10 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  RickyLee writes:

  ochis, spew some more of YOUR racist garbage, smartie.
  I'd like to see you removed some more. Keep hiding behind your keyboard as well.

• April 25, 2008

  11:48 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  ochis writes:

  p_myer661,
  You seem like a very nice and reasonable person. I’m sorry for the recent hardship that you and your family are living through. Please thank your husband for his service and sacrifice for me and all Americans.
  I agree 100% with you that the problem is economic. We all strive to better ourselves don’t we? I grew up very poor and faced racism my whole life, (now it’s mostly industrialized racism), but through education (2 bachelors and a MBA) I have been able to endure.
  Many times we seem to forget why Europeans came to this country in the first place. Also, many people seem to forget that this part of the country was Mexico (New Spain) at one time and is filled with great culture, such as food, music, language, art, and its people. These people did not move across the border, the border moved on them. Most of the people I’ve talked with about this subject feel that we give an enormous amount of aid to Mexico. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mexico is not even in the top 100 countries that we provide aid to. How many immigrants come to this country legally and illegally from all over the world and it seems that we only want to hammer on the Spanish speaking. The problem as I see it, and this is only my opinion, is that during the height of emigration to this country (mostly from Europe) they were mostly light complected people and were tolerated. They were poor and illiterate just as many functional illiterates are today. Now recently, immigrants, legal or otherwise are darker skinned and are not tolerated. What ever happened to:
  “The New Colossus
  Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
  With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
  Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
  A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
  Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
  Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
  Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
  The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
  "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
  With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
  Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
  The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
  Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
  I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"”

• April 25, 2008

  11:49 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  ochis writes:

  I just have a hard time understanding why we are building fences along the border when a simple economic package could solve the problem. Instead of outsourcing to India and Africa, why not outsource to Mexico, Central America, and South America? How is it that we can spend 3 trillion dollars of our hard earned money, take money out of Social Security, have 4,000 of our brave men and women killed on a war in a country that has never done anything to us? I’m baffled sometimes as to how people think and I get frustrated with such narrow minded thinking. I will fire back at such individuals that think they have all of the worlds problems solved by persecuting a group of people that want a better life. They want a chance at the same freedoms that you and I enjoy,if not for themselves, but maybe for their children and grandchildren.
  It's solely an economic problem that can be solved. We don't need to bus them back, to Mexico without a means to survive. That's similar to rounding up the Jews and shipping them off to concentration camps. One of the largest problems is that when they are deported to Mexico, many of them are not from there. There are many Spanish speaking countries, but we don't take that into consideration. Just dump them across the border and say "see ya". We can be so inhumane sometimes. That's all.

• April 25, 2008

  12:15 p.m.

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  redwhiteandBLUE writes:

  Ochis,
  You just don't get it.

• April 25, 2008

  2:18 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  RickyLee writes:

  I don't care who comes to America, as long as it's according to the laws of the land. How much more simple can it get?
  Anyone who doesn't like it can start an effort to get the laws changed, not expect the citizens to accept ILLEGAL ALIENS to be shoved down our throats, wherever they're from.

  I just love the tired old "they're just trying to feed their families" crap. Guess what? SO AM I!!!!!!!!!!
  But that doesn't matter to the bleeding-heart cry-babies that seem
  to think the U.S. can "help" EVERY POOR PERSON IN THE WORLD.

  Wake up. We can't.

• April 25, 2008

  2:27 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Rocco3454 writes:

  Very well said, RickyLee. Its like the middle class is just rolling in money, having trouble finding ways to spend it! When they kill off middle class don't they understand we'll take everyone with us - rich and poor alike?

• April 25, 2008

  3:04 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Tim_CA writes:

  Typical pro-illegal Tripe - all touchy-feely with no facts, substance or opposing points of view. A little history for you Ms. Greigo from someone who grew up in southern California and has watched this once great state turn into a crowded third-world toilet...I remember well the heady days before 15 million Illegal Aliens came traipsing unfettered across the border forever altering our culture. Back then (a whopping 15 years ago) a blue collar worker (roofer, carpenter, etc.) could make a decent living, raise a family, own a home. Alas, those days are now gone. Our schools, Our emergency rooms, Our Infrastructure, Our Language never to be the same, and the gap between the "haves" and the "have-nots" has become the Grand Canyon. And guess what??.... now we're treated to roving bands of illegal-alien gangs who are purposefully exterminating our African American Citizens. Do I blame the ILLEGAL ALIENS for coming here(notice I don't use the word immigrant which implies that someone migrated legally)? Of course not....I'd do the same thing in their position. I blame our politicians - on the Democrat side, it's all about a potential future block of votes that would render the Republican party impotent. On the Republican side, it's all about a cheap labor pool for big business cronies. Oh yeah....and I blame morons like you, who perpetuate the myth that illegal (do you not understand the word?) aliens are somehow "noble" or "good for the country". You are a pathetic uninformed person Ms. Greigo and God help us all.

• April 25, 2008

  3:59 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  RickyLee writes:

  Time for a CITIZEN INITIATIVE to jail employers of ILLEGAL ALIENS.

• April 25, 2008

  4:03 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Rocco3454 writes:

  Tim_CA - Absolutely telling it like it is; well written, factual. Could not agree more - especially about the politicians.I won't cast my vote for anyone, at any level of government who is pro-illegal immigrants. We need 1) A fence, not 800 miles but 1600 miles - 2) Strict laws against hiring illegals; $10,000 + one year jail time for each illegal hired and 3) An English-only ammendment.

• April 25, 2008

  4:04 p.m.

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  tiero writes:

  Not a problem that groups of people want to come to America FOR A better life. Go the legal route. Spelled L-e-g-a-l. No i-l there. Anchors away

• April 25, 2008

  4:06 p.m.

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  Fresh writes:

  Tim_ca

  Tina doesnt give a rats ass about what you have to say, she only cares for illegals and their self inflicted plight

• April 25, 2008

  7:14 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  ochis writes:

  Don't you think we have other more important problems than this? Do any of you have solutions how to really solve this problem? We already have fines and jail sentences for employers that don't obey the rules. You don't get it. It can't be stopped. Assume that "tiero" is correct and 50% of our population will be hispanic. Maybe then hispanics might let you stay and you can now take up the low end jobs. Understand that this is a political monster that is about to wake up L-E-G-A-L-L-Y...... M-I-N-O-R-I-T-Y no more. Wake up! Now someone want to discuss the article and the reality of how a diverse neighborhood population lives their daily lives? Don't be followers come up with real ideas people.

• April 25, 2008

  11:17 p.m.

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  p_myers661 writes:

  orchis

  The European immigration occurred legally. Ellis Island required identification, medical clearance, no criminal record and proof that the person would not become a burden by proving they had a trade or a sponsor who would assist them in adapting.

  The illegal immigration is not solely from Mexico, but the illegal immigrants who have been identified with crime are far less offensive to most of us than those who cheat our welfare system. The Russian Mafia is a real threat and they import illegal Eastern Europeans to commit crimes.

  I suppose that many grew angry as the presence of Hispanics in social services offices who had no knowledge of English. The anger grew as paperwork was prepared in Spanish. (When I applied for LEAP benefits this year it took them fifteen minutes to find an application in English. Last year it took twenty minutes to find one.)
  Voter registration programs centered in Welfare offices angered many too.

  The greatest source of anger came last year when militants took to the streets demanding services and rights set aside for citizens and legal residents. The "gimmie" attitude combined with the arrogance and the obvious anger tipped the scales.

  I believe that it is easier to control the rabbits than the wolves. In the immigration debate, the wolves are the illegal immigrants who come here to get jobs from the companies that hire them, the rabbits.

  Stiff fines and other penalties for hiring illegal aliens combined with a national ID card will set back illegal immigration ability to work in this country. Once we have that the number of illegals who self deport will increase. I wish we had a legislature like Oklahoma where they passed stiff laws and enforced them. A magazine had an interview with a man in Texas who had moved from OK. He stated that he moved because the employers in OK wouldn't hire him because of the penalties. Texas didn't have penalties. When asked what he would do if Texas passed laws like that he said he'd move. And if all the states had laws like that? He said he'd have to go to Canada or back home to Mexico. He knew that if he couldn't work he'd have to leave. This is news to most legislators.

  Thanks for your kind words. I have very bad heart disease and can't work any more. Most of my posts take over an hour and sometimes as much as four hours because I have to rest from typing. I DID manage to get off of dialysis for the summer though. My husband will have to take two months to have shoulder surgery.

  Illegal aliens need to get back in line and come in legally. Once we can secure the border and enforce the laws on temporary workers, those who can comply with the same conditions the European immigrants faced, (healthy, contributing and no criminal records) they will be welcomed.

• April 25, 2008

  11:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  ochis writes:

  p_myers661,
  I can agree with nearly everything you've written except that there were thousands of European immigrants that came into our country illegally as well. Where do you think the racial term "WOP" came from, just to name one. Also there have been thousands of illegal immigrants from China and other Asian countries. This problem is bigger than all of us can understand and it isn't going away very soon.
  I also understand your pain of being very ill, I have lost all of the women in my life over the last few years from various illnesses. As a matter of fact, today is 6th year anniversary of my daughters passing, next month will be the 4th year anniversary of my wife's passing and I just lost my mother 9 days ago. I understand everything you are going through. Hang in there and God Bless.

• April 26, 2008

  7:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  RickyLee writes:

  Yep, thousands....compared to MILLIONS who've ILLEGALLY crossed a border. SO what's the point?

  I say jail employers of ILLEGAL ALIENS wherever they come from. Is that too complicated?

• April 26, 2008

  8:06 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  tiero writes:

  A year later & the social economic problems still exist. In 2 generations, we'll be a country of peasants. Any farms for sale ?

• April 26, 2008

  10:08 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  arby writes:

  ochis,
  That was then this is now. You keep going on about immigration that occured 100 years ago. The laws were different then. You want a solution. Here's a beginning. Get the corruption out of the Mexican government. Begin teaching Mexican youth how to use PC's and become programmers so they can get the jobs currently going to India. Mexico has been offered US assistance many times. President Fox and President Bush discussed it. President Fox couldn't pull it off because of his corrupt government. We need to prosecute employers that knowingly hire illegals. Big time. Last the Mexican government both Federal and Provincial depend on the Pesos being sent home by illegals working here and living 20 people in a 5 room house..
  That's the facts Jack.

• April 26, 2008

  2:54 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Tim_CA writes:

  Rocco…

  We vote absolutely the same – and more and more American’s are starting to wake up. As you clearly point out…this is NOT a Partisan issue!! It doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you’re from - it effects every American’s standard of living and birthright as well as the legacy we leave our children.

  It was Americans (not Democrats or Republicans) that beat back McCain/Kennedy amnesty last year, and in numbers that scared the hell out of congress (really scared the hell out of McCain)!

  The tide is turning, the people are realizing they’re being played – just keep on spreading the truth!

  Peace.

• April 26, 2008

  3:15 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  me2 writes:

  When you look back at history, it is clear that there are some things no civilization has ever been able to control: the migration of peoples and diseases. It has been possible to keep people in a country, remember the Soviet Union and East Germany?, but keeping people out is another problem.

  When large amounts of people migrate they bring their culture, language and skills, and nothing stays the same.

  If Mexico was as economically sound a country as Canada, we would not have this problem.

  Now however, the problem of all these people here is not going away any time soon, and documenting their experiences in this country is journalism, not support for them.

  Throwing around words like illegal alien vs, illegal immigrant is silly. If we all use the same words, will that change anything?

  Europeans would have flooded this country in the millions, legal or not, but there were those two large oceans between us.

  Can you imagine people from Ireland, during the potato famine, waiting to come hear legally if they could have walked over the border? When the Germans were rounding up the Jews, what kept millions of them from coming here? The oceans did, not the laws.

• April 26, 2008

  5:57 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  ochis writes:

  me2,
  Very well said!

• April 27, 2008

  10 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  outrider writes:

  I care who comes to America Legal, or Illegal.

  Foreigners no longer want to adapt to America, they want to bring their baggage with them. What they are supposable be getting away form they never shewn. When the land of Milk and Honey falls on hard times as is fast approaching we'll see who is a true American.

  Immigrants no longer come to this Country to be part of it, but to take advantage of what it has to offer.
  The real Immigrant is recommitted to the United States for which it stands and to no other.