LETTER: Let’s act to stop illegal immigration

There are laws that you have asked for on the books------
Federal Immigration and Nationality Act
Section 8 USC 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)(b)(iii)
Recruitment and Employment of Illegal Aliens
Encouraging and Harboring Illegal Aliens
Enforcement
RICO —Citizen Recourse
Tax Crimes
To deal with illegals the police need to be certified by ICE to deal with this invasion.
The Chief said the ICE acadamy is to far,He has sent a officer to the FBI acadamy which is on the same campus. Also we have no funds to do it. Ice has grants to cover cost. Do we need to know why he wont do it? ? I think so.
Besides other citys and towns have done it so why can't we. Only our great city fathers can give us an answer but they wont. All they do is beat around the bush

hurdle number one....the definition of "illegal", there are so many levels of classification, the definition is not as clear cut as "illegal vs. legal". there are several categories of undocumented, some are in the stages of gaining required documentation. the whole thing is more complicated than it seems.

To make matters more complicated, by 2010 there is said to be a 10 million person shortage of workers for the present jobs available, not accounting for future job creation.

Amen!
Nothing else needs to be said!

Does Fremont have a big problem with undocumented workers??

there is one defination of illegal, Coming into this country illegaly. Means you have broken a Federal Law.
And marring an American citizen will only make the matter worst for that person. it is not an easy matter and a costly one to get your Green Card to stay here. Laws have been written and must be enforced to make the system work.
I am by " rule of Law" and that is how it is suppose to be.
They are not illegal immigrants. They are invaders and brakers of our systems and laws

I do not believe there will be a shortage of workers in the near future. There was in Fremont a few years back but part of that is of course that some places don't want to pay a sufficient wage. Come on, when you are setting wages especially on a full time job, give the person something they can live on. This deal we have now where a full time job is not sufficient to pay for todays costs is bs. It ain't right and the employers know it, they aren't that stupid.

The problem I see with these ideas is we then have to make sure everybody carries proper ID to prove you are a legal citizen. You better have your birth certificate and SS card with you at all times. When do business owners, Realtors, landlord etc. ask for this proof? They better require it of everyone or be accused of racial discrimination. Remember, not all Hispanics are illegal and not all illegals are Hispanic.
I agree we need to get a handle on the influx of illegal immigrant to our country but we also need to find a fair and just way to do it and not just assume anyone of one certain ethnic group is illegal.

All you people do is complain about all the illegal immigrants in the U.S.. Let's say they all are legal to stay in the United States. What then? For all you racial people they will always be AN ILLEGAL AILEN to you. There are a lot of illegal immigrants that I know who are now paying taxes, without the benefit of getting anything back. No matter how many kids they have. Thanks for those illegal immigrants they are doing jobs that people like you and myself would not do. How many people legal do you see earning minimum wages out there picking up lettuce, tomatos, and etc.? Those so call people are harding working people wanting to come to the United State to make a better life for there kids and family. The problem with society today is that instead of trying to help the illegal immigrants out making them legal in United States they get deported. Do you know how much money they spend deporting illegal immIgrants every time they do? Lots and Lots of money. That money could be put in use other ways. I just think there are better ways for all of us to get along. Because for every time ICE deports an illegal immigrant 10 of them come back. There is a saying WE DON'T DIE WE MULTIPLY!!!

I hate it when people brake our laws. I also would bet you a tamale that the vast majority of posters here have, or do, cheat on their taxes. That would be braking a federal law.

Veronica
Yes, there are many undocumented illegal workers in Fremont. Ask any HHS casework who will tell you any illegal can get pregnant and get free medicaid, food stamps etc...etc...that's the law to protect that baby. Meanwhile, i work 2 jobs because my insurance rates are so high. I can't qualify for welfare ( i make $23000 a year single mom 2 kids). Doesn't seem right. If i'd move to Mexico they wouldn't have HHS forms and more in English for me. Moreso, they wouldn't give me welfare.
Jerry is right on with this editorial.

HOW ABOUT LOOKING TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WHEN YOU ARE POINTING FINGERS OR LOOKING TO BLAME SOMEONE.
THE LAWS OPEN THE DOOR FOR ALL OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR CITY ORDINANCES TO HELP, OUR CITY DOESN'T MANDATE COMPLIANCE FOR THE ONES THAT ALREADY EXIST (i.e. current and consistent slumlord situations that CLEARLY violate existing ordinances). Mr. Hart: How about a law or city ordinance that deals with racism, ignorance or criminal activity by legal citizens the caucasian nature?
Give me a break.

I just read an article called the Plan by Robin Williams and his logic is so simple. His plan is
1) The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past, present. We will never interfere again.
2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East and the Phillippines. They don't want us there. We would stating troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking in through the holes in the fence.
3) all illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal !!!
4) All future visitors will be thoughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide her. Asylum would never be avaiable to anyone.
5) No foreign "students" over the age of 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home baby.
6) The US will make a strong effort to become sel-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere esle to sell their production. (About a week of wells filling up the storages sites would be enough)
8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not interefere. They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they nee. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to their arym. The people who need it get very little if anything.
9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island somplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10)All Americans must go to charm & beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The language we speak is ENGLISH.. LEARN IT .. or LEAVE...
Now isn't that a winner of a plan?
I wish this was required reading for our politicians. He plan really is simple. It takes care of the illegal problems as well as a host of other problems. We ought to mail this to all our senators and congressman or any govenment official. If the politicians made a plan of this simplicity, the problem with illegal immigration would be dealt with and over by now. The problem is our government seems to think illegal immigrants have rights. (they are criminals no matter how you look at it and try to justify otherwise) They should have no rights here. What about the rights of US citizens, we are being trampled. I read the other day about a lawsuits bought about by illegals and guess who is paying the lawyer? That is wrong. Go home and come back the legal way if you want to be here that bad.
I just thought Robins plan is good!

I am one of the illegal immigrants you are talking about. Please do not hate me. I was 3 years old when my mom brought me to Nebraska and I am 22 now. I was born in Mexico. I have a two year old daughter. I work in Fremont and I live in Fremont. I try to be a good member of this community. If you deported me to Mexico I wouldn't know anyone. I was little when my mom brought me to the United States, to Fremont. My daughter is a citizen of the United States. If I were deported I would have my daughter stay here. I don't know how, but I wouldn't take her with me, she has opportunites here that I will never have because I am undocumented. I will never have a driver's licence. I will always live in fear. I can never call the police for help if I am robbed or attacked because they might deport me. Mr Hart you talk about me using tax dollars. I do not recieve any money from the goverment. I can't, I am undocumented they will not give me welfare or food stamps. I don't know why you think they will? I will never attend college I can't. I understand you want me to go away. I understand it clearly. Please forgive my mom for bringing me here to Nebraska. She was only trying to do what she thought would be best for me.
I am scared to write this and I am scared of you. God help us all to find an answer better then fear and hate.
Maria

Aren't you fortunate that you were born here in this country and don't have to fight your way in. These people are just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. I mentor a child whose father has been working to get his U.S. citizenship for a very long time. So until that time comes, do you suggest that we ship him away and leave her without her parent? Have some compassion. These people are contributing to our economy...buying groceries, clothes, cars, paying rent or house payments....all of the things you are trying to prevent them from doing. I'll say it again...you are very fortunate to have been born here....

Why not let them work here in Fremont. Because if we did not allow them here all of you couch potatoes wouldn’t be able to get your bacon in the morning because Hormel would be shut down.

If all of your ideas would be put into place, the city would probably get sued by the ACLU, EEOC, and whoever else.
Furthermore, who is going to check all these people? They have some mighty fine fake documents or use other people's legal documents--is someone going to stand there at the Splash Station or Sid Dillions checking immigration documents?

What I don't get is all of these people concerned with the RIGHTS of Illegal Immigrants in this country. Awhile ago there were protests from Hispanics (a lot of which were illegal) about immigration policy. If these people WERE working (legally or illegally) they didn't go into work so they could protest Immigration Policy. And you KNOW that if some American Citizens decided to not show up for work because they wanted to protest a cause...they would get fired. What I don't get is that these people are CRIMINALS. They broke the law and came into this country illegally. They have NO rights here because they are not United States Citizens. They should not get ANY benefits at all.

I have no problem at all with anyone of a different race. But if you want to be in this country so badly then go through the proper channels and come here legally like EVERYONE ELSE HAD TO. Some of my ancestors emigrated here from Ireland a long time ago and had to do it legally. And plenty of other people's ancestors immigrated here legally and learned the English Language. WE SHOULD NOT have to incorporate Spanish into anything we do in our day to day lives either. We are being expected to learn Spanish and have our kids learn Spanish. We have automated phone lines with Spanish options, signs going up in both Spanish and English...etc.

If you want to come here, do it legally, and learn the language spoken here. We do not come to Mexico or any other country for example and expect them to speak and put signs in English. To me this is all just part of the coming North American Union. This is why our border policy is a joke in the first place. Lawmakers don't care whether or not people come across our borders, because soon enough we will have an open borders policy with Canada and Mexico (which is already in the works). This is all being laid out starting with NAFTA...then evolving into the SPP (Security and Prosperity Partnership). The SPP was first launched in 2005 by the heads of state of Canada, Mexico, and the United States at a summit in Waco.
The SPP was not created by a treaty between the nations involved, nor was Congress involved in any way. Instead, the SPP is an alliance of foreign consortiums and officials from several governments. One principal player is a Spanish construction company, which plans to build a super highway through the United States and operate it as a toll road. But don’t be fooled: the superhighway proposal is not the result of free market demand, but rather an extension of government-managed trade schemes like NAFTA that benefit politically-connected interests.
This has taken shape largely without approval from Congress, out of sight, and with no vote from United States Citizens. The United States Government is already illegally seizing privately owned land in Texas to build the TTC (Trans-Texas Corridor) which is part of the NAFTA Super Highway. This superhighway would connect Mexico, the United States, and Canada, cutting a wide swath through the middle of Texas and up through Kansas City. Offshoots would connect the main artery to the west coast, Florida, and northeast. Proponents envision a ten-lane colossus the width of several football fields, with freight and rail lines, fiber-optic cable lines, and oil and natural gas pipelines running alongside. The Kansas-City smart port will be a major hub/distribution center as well. Then cheaply made products from other countries can be brought into port in Mexico and carried at a higher volume and more quickly into the United States and Canada. So China, Corporate C.E.O.'s, and Government Officials that are deeply vested with Corporations can make much more money.

The real issue is national sovereignty. Once again, decisions that affect millions of Americans are not being made by those Americans themselves, or even by their elected representatives in Congress. Instead, a handful of elites use their government connections to bypass national legislatures and ignore our Constitution-- which expressly grants Congress the sole authority to regulate international trade. The ultimate goal is not simply a superhighway, but an integrated North American Union--complete with a currency, a cross-national bureaucracy, and virtually borderless travel within the Union. Like the European Union, a North American Union would represent another step toward the abolition of national sovereignty altogether.

Any movement toward a North American Union diminishes the ability of average Americans to influence the laws under which they must live. The SPP agreement, including the plan for a major transnational superhighway through Texas, is moving forward without congressional oversight-- and that is an outrage. The administration needs a strong message from Congress that the American people will not tolerate backroom deals that threaten our sovereignty.

For far too long, we the American people have put up with big government. The time is way past due for us to speak up and let our voices be heard. We are sick and tired of a government that has its hands in every little detail of our lives. The founding fathers would be disgusted if they saw what we put up with by our government today. And don’t get me wrong, I love America, I love my country! I am very much a patriot! I believe it is the DUTY of every American Citizen to speak out against the government if they do not agree with things that are being done. The Constitution was written to restrain the government, never to restrain the people! America needs to follow the Constitution! This is not a document that is to be ignored, pushed aside, or buried under tons of bureaucracy like has been done for so many years now!

Do some research people and see that the processes I’ve discussed are actually happening! Don't just say "oh that’s hogwash" and not look into it. These things are happening and the groundwork was laid awhile ago. Do your RESEARCH!

The comment that illegals do the jobs that Americans won't is simply preposterous. What it should say is an illegal will do the job for minimum wage that an American won't, but pay a living wage and I guarantee you that an American will do it.

About 20 years ago, I had friends that worked in the meat packy business. They were paid $14 an hour, this was in the early 80's. I'll bet you that hormel doesn't pay that now. I know I am not paying less for bacon than I was in the 80's. Corporate greed is all this is, pay less for wages and benefits, charge more for the end product.

And to the illegal that posted, to claim you do not get any thing for the taxes you pay, that is BS. And I for one know that it is very easy to work without paying any taxes. Either you work for cash, or you claim more dependents than you have and never file your tax forms. Chances are you can do this for years and never get caught.

Deport them all. Don't tell me it breaks up families, send the whole family south (or wherever). Seeing illegals protesting for rights in the USA just gets my blood boiling. Why don't you protest for these same rights in your own country. It's so sad you were born on the wrong side of the fence, but it isn't my problem and it should take my taxes to fix it.

And in case any of you liberal do-gooder democrates/socialists think I am anti-imigration, far from it. I work with people from all over the world who came here the right way. I admire them for what they have had to deal with to become citizens. These are some of the most patriotic people I know. But they started out the correct way, not sneaking in like a thief in the night.

To Ralph:
What you said about Hormels now is correct, but when I was little I remember praying my dad would get on at Hormels. It was an elite place to work! You had to know someone to be able to get a job. Then they got smart and divided the Hormel contracts across the United States, so if they threatened a strike it wouldn't shut them down. Look at whats happended now. Wages and benefits go down, profit has went up and now anyone can get a job there! My brother has worked their for almost 30 years and seen the many changes Hormels has went through. No wonder they have bused in workers from Texas, they don't pay a decent wage the way they use to.

How many of you who posted sit in judgment and attend church regularly? Most of your ancestors were illegal immigrants at one time and were not turned away. What hypocrites you all are.

To Maria:

If you are really concerned about the things that you'll never have because of your undocumented status, have you considered doing something about it? To start with, complete the paperwork to become a legal US Citizen. That way some day you can get a driver's license and possibly attend college. You will no longer have to live in fear of being deported. And, besides all of the things listed above, you will be setting a good example for your own daughter. Good Luck!

to shame on you:
how dare you compare our ancestors to the illegals of today. our ancestors came to this country and THEY LEARNED THE LANGUAGE. get it? wake up and quit playing the martyr role.

To shame on you:
Yes my ancestors were immigrants however when among americans (in this country they loved and served) they learned the language, never recieved welfare and worked their butt off to EARN what they were given.

To the Tribune: May I suggest the Fremont Tribune share Maria's IP address with ICE or police? All computers have a IP address that allows for tracking. This would allow ICE to contact the necessary internet provider and make a visit to her residence. Just my 2 pesos.

In reply to Jane about Maria. Why should she she get's it all while we pay.After 22 years why did she not get a Green Card. The first step to becoming a citizen. We did at a cost of over $2750.00. If we can do it why can't she. And I am 71 years old.Play by OUR rules and you can stay. If not go back where you came from.. And how much did your anchor baby cost to be born here. Yas I am angry if I can play by the rules so can you and all the other illegals. You brake the law and WE pay. You brake the law then get out
I am "RULE OF LAW" Why have laws if you disregard it

SEND THEM ALL BACK. I'm tired of carrying them on my back, and now my children will be carrying more on their backs.

How can we sit by and let this happen to this great nation. Much of our struggles today are because there are too many of them that are using our system against us. And they are well educated about how to go about it, well before they enter this country.

These people send the money they make OUT of our country, so again, they are taking from us.

Its high time that we, as citizens, start rounding them up and taking them to the INS our selfs, since it seems that our government won't do anything about them being here, and draining our tax dollars away.

I'm sick of seeing them deplete our tax dollars and then cry discrimination. You wanna live here? Then go get the proper documentation and pay taxes, like the rest of us do. Oh, and learn the language, speak English!!!

Its time for us people to take back this country that we have slaved to keep running. We all need to call them in, report the heck out of business that are hiring them and keep pestering the government until they do something.

NAFTA is real, look at the Mexican trucks that are being allowed in this country. And the majority of the trucks are unsafe and do not meet our strict standards. Google Illegals caught, and see what you find. Its staggering, how many of them are getting into our country on a daily basis.

I'm afraid that we are loosing our country here people, and the government is sitting back and letting it happen!!!

There is quite a problem in this town with illegals. I live in apartment building which when I moved into was mostly white families, and single moms..over the course of the last few years I can assure you I have seen and watched MANY illegals gain a place to live here, some stay for a few months, some 1 month. How do I know they are illegal? I understand Spanish, I have over heard conversations had in the open assuming I do not understand.I have heard everything from being scared of cops, to trying to out smart the system to get more in welfare, and the pros and cons of having more children to get more benefits so that they can bring relatives " home". To rent in some parts of this town it takes nothing more than a signature and the money. I think we as a city definatly need to take a stand and do something about the growing problem. Business need to make sure they look at who they hire, us as citizens need to make sure we report anything fishy we see. I know I have, and sometimes its turned out to be nothing, and sometimes I have watched arrests be made. As guilty as I feel for that. I feel better knowing I am doing my part to help my community.

The ignorance of the posters here never ceases to amaze. The majority seem to think that if the "illegal" would just go away, they would then be magically be transported back to the days of Ike. Those days are gone. There are those here that like to cite history. Go back and read how protectionism never, ever has worked. Most of you are like the high school jock that's trying to keep living the glory, but can't hide the fact that you're now fat and lazy. That's the US. India, Europe, China, Brazil and the rest of South America are kicking our butts, and its not because of the immigrant. Have you people ever read a financial paper? Have you been to a hospital lately? All, not just some, of the interns are from India. American youth are just not interested in making the sacrifice.
"Cal" thinks Americans would do the work the illegals do if only they were paid a "living wage". That is an ignorant statement. Fact: If an employer has to pay more, he either hires less people, or he sends the work overseas. Or he raises his prices to where he can no longer compete. Just ask any former or current UAW member. Either way, the job goes away. The minimum wage farce has proved this time after time.
Another example: I needed a new roof. I hired Mexicans. Not because they were cheaper, but because they were better and faster. My house was roofed in 1 day, including tear-off. Takes "American" workers a week. If they show up.
"Curt" is another example of the ignorant protectionist. Do you honestly think that cheap imports will go away if the SPP and the TTC never exist? You seem smarter than that.
As for Andy Schnatz? Good for you that you can quote chapter and verse. Put your money where your mouth is, then. Quit buying anything produced by an illegal. I challenge you. I also hope you've never under-reported on your 1040.
"Upset" is angered that a baby born to an immigrant in this country has legal rights. To quote others on this board: "Rule of law". But, you're right-if you'd have a baby in Mexico, not only would you not have HHS docs in English, but you'd probably be having your baby on a toilet.
To NJB: Huh?
Something I learned in paramedic training: In a triage, those that cry the most are injured the least. That's what going on here. While the rest of the world is going on about their business, there is a vocal minority that gets their undies in a bunch fretting about the "illegal" instead of getting on with their lives like the rest of us. The reality is that the immigrant worker has been, and is, an overall benefit for the economy. Otherwise, prices would rise even more. He's here to stay, one way or another. Get used to it.

The other reality is that no politician will ever do anything meaningful about immigration; they know it, and you know it. Enjoy your cheap bacon.

if they (illigals) get sent back can you even think of how much gas would be saved by them not using it! who knows it might go back to 2 dollars a gal! less people driving more fuel more fuel less cost.

In response to 'Slim Goodbye' who said ""Curt" is another example of the ignorant protectionist. Do you honestly think that cheap imports will go away if the SPP and the TTC never exist? You seem smarter than that."

When did I say anything of this sort? Cheap imports were here way before the SPP was ever thought of. Heck, there are quality imports as well. In no way, shape, or form was my post about the topic of cheap imports. I believe you missed the information all together.

Right here:
"Then cheaply made products from other countries can be brought into port in Mexico and carried at a higher volume and more quickly into the United States and Canada. So China, Corporate C.E.O.'s, and Government Officials that are deeply vested with Corporations can make much more money."

Let's not be ignorant here!! You really want to blame gas prices on illegal immigrants??

Illegal immigration will not stop because it is benefiting Big Business and our Big Government.

Some of you have posted for and against illegals, lets just get down to business. This problem has been growing since the early 90's, probably earlier just not talked about as openly,and nothing was done then, pretty soon, it was a HUGE problem. Now 15 years later we have a mess on our hands, what can we do. Well, you start by being concerned citizens, then you you consolidate into one organization or group, after that you make so much noise goverment has to listen. Many Many movements started out as little grassroots things, and grew into organizations that accomplished a lot, so instead of complaining, lets do something, maybe you set up a good neighborhood watch and report ANY fishy activity you see, turn in the people you see driving with their children on their laps ( your on your cell anyway). Ignorance is not bliss in this ever growing problem, history has taught us that time and time again. I think they need to go back to the days when every person went through Ellis island, obviously we would have to update protocol, but maybe its time to do something drastic,we can't be nice anymore.

to Slim Goodbody
Show me where we can buy produce or anything for that matter that isn't from south of the border or made outside our once great country.Even Herseys is now made in Mexico. Check the lables. Herseys large chocolet Kisses are made there

I totally agree with the above letter. I have lost most of my compassion for these people who come here to find a better life. They should stay at home and improve their own countries. I can't hardly afford to subsidize any more illegals. Doesn't any one know the meaning of the word... ILLEGAL.

Illegal immigration needs to be stopped. People need to realize that people are coming to the U.S illegaly and taking the jobs that many unemployed U.S citizens need. The government needs to do more to prevent this issue.

Sure, yeah...kick out all the undocumented workers! Awesome idea. Have fun paying $25 a pound for chicken, beef, pork... have fun with your $5 heads of lettuce, $10lb bags of apples. Watch your precious Wal Mart prices go up because they now are paying more for the cleaning crews and stockers. Go ahead and hit me with the "they are taking OUR jobs" blast. Yeah good one. Let me know if you are willing to take $7 (or less) to clean toilets in a hotel. Can you even see past the noses on your faces to realize that we are reaping the rewards of our own greed. We LOVE the cheap goods, but when the process of getting those goods starts to creep in, we freak out. Lovely. Could you imagine if Tyson, Hormel (name a company) had to pay $20+ an hour and full benefits to people to yank chicken/pork guts what that would do to the price? Reap what you sow people.

There was an incident of Mexican gang activity in Fremont a couple of weeks ago. The police have identified the gang members as illegals. Why haven't these gang members been arrested and deported? Immigrants and citizens of Fremont should support this: Any illegal linked to gang activity is obviously not here to better their lives. Get rid of the crime committing immigrants and maybe we will have a better view of the immigrants who are here to make an honest living.

Hey Slim Nobody,

Typicaly liberal attitude. Don't agree with the points made by someone, start off by saying their ignorant.

I know a lot of people that used to do the work that others say "Americans won't do". These include roofers, construction workers, processing plants and trash haulers. Without exception, when illegals started doing it cheaper, the wages for everyone dropped. Now, the only ones that can compete who are legal are the dregs of society that have a hard time getting up because they were to drunk or high the night before.

Many of the illegal workers claim more dependents than they have when the fill out their fraudelent forms for taxes, so next to nothing comes out of their checks. Then don't file a tax return. A lot of them also work only for cash, which also means no tax burden for them. Someone making $8 an hour without taxes is roughly the equivalent to an honest person working for around $11 per hour. They are a burden to our society and are driving American citizens out of their chosen fields.

Comparing the resultant wage decrease to organized labor that drove wages so high they were out of work is a reach at best. And contrary to your statement, not every job can be taken overseas. Kind of hard to make money processing meat when you ship it two directions. Try to get garbage collection done over seas.

It wasn't "ignorance" on my part that has seen the effects of illegal imigration on my friends. Luckily for me I went to college and have a good job. Most of my family and friends did not and this is a problem many have faced or will face in the future.

I agree that there are many of the next generation that don't care enough to try, but there are far more examples of those that have tried and will succeed. Go to any college campus and you will see plenty of American children enrolled there.

Three comments:

1. "Four Words" mentioned how Americans "slaved" to keep the country running. Yes, we slaved, all right. We swept whole families from their roots in Africa, plunged them into slavery for generations and now brag about the land of the free--even as posters here today urge us to turn in to the authorities any "suspicious" people. I won't be spying on any of my neighbors, thank you.

2. From the spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc., on this board I think some Tribune readers should take their own advice and learn the language. Or else investigate how English is taught in Fremont. The answer, clearly, is to deport all the students in town, regardless of national origin, if they don't get at least a "D," as one poster suggested.

3. The Robin Williams idea of withdrawing our troops from around the world is the best one here. Only we need to start with Iraq. Now.

I feel sorry for those of you who are complaining about ilegal immigrants. have you think of all the places that would go out of business without immigrants? to mention two of them are hormel foods and fremont beef. and one more thing ALL OF YOU ARE ILEGAL OR IMMIGRANTS IN THIS COUNTRY, REMEMBER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO THE NATIVE AMERICANS YOU TOOK THEIR SPACE AND SETTLE IN THEIR LANDS AND PUT THEM IN RESERVATIONS IS THAT FAIR? WHO ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT THE ILEGAL IMMIGRANTS?

For Pete's sake. I hate to be a name-caller, but some of you people are complete IDIIOTS. Because someone isn't speaking English right NOW doens't mean they don't want to or aren't trying. Have you done the research? Do you have stats on this? Have you any idea how many children are trying to teach their parents the language? Have you everp picked up a second language? IT IS NOT EASY!!!! You can't do it in a year or even five for heaven's sake. Do you know how messed up and DIFFICULT the English language is? It is a horribly difficult language to learn, and makes absolutely NO sense. Some of you who have posted need to learn your English better!!! MOST non-native speakers are trying, and hoping to make their lives better. How can anyone FAULT someone for trying to make their lives better in a country that allows it to happen?!?! It is NOT their fault we allow them to be here. Please let them live their lives for Pete's sake and lose the anger you are feeling. You will be much happier if you grow to accept the things you cannot change.

"Learn the language or leave." Someone wrote that earlier, What's the timeline on that? Duh. What a very stupid thing to say.

Wouldn't YOU want to raise YOUR CHILDREN in a safe place with opportunities? Everyone wants that for their families.

I know many with your story, and many more who came here not just for a "better life" financially, but who were fleeing unimaginable evil in their home countries. We now exist in a climate of hate towards illegal immigrants because this group was most recently used as a scapegoat for everything wrong with our country. This way, our government could draw attention toward you and away from their own mistakes. Please be assured that while there are many who hate illegal immigrants, there are also many of us who have the compassion to know that each person needs to be looked at on an individual basis. Stay strong, and good luck.

To JH: wow, a voice of reason on these boards.
To Cal: If you think that only the US produces quality beef or other food products, you are mis-informed. Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela produce some of the finest beef in the world; it can be processed there. It doesn't have to be "shipped twice", since the vast majority of beef products are not fresh, but processed/frozen, i.e., easy to ship. To think otherwise is short-sighted.
You are right when you say that it wasn't just wages that hurt autoworkers-it was their quality as well. Today, the wages are comparable, but the US still lacks in quality, and so the Japanese and Koreans still dominate. You are also naive to think that your friends don't fudge on their taxes.

Here's the crux of the immigrant issue:
The immigrant, illegal or not, is who the American worker used to be not so long ago. The immigrant comes to this country, and in spite of overwhelming obstacles, still has the dogged determination to risk everything, including his life, to work hard, and to better his lot in life.
Americans as a society no longer are willing to do this. I strongly disagree that wages dropped because of the immigrant was willing to work for less. Rather, equivalent (or similar) wages were offered in jobs such as telemarketing and the like, and the younger worker followed, taking the path of least resistance. So then, the American is exposed as being lazier and weaker. Thus the resentment towards the immigrant-they are who we used to be.

Ask yourself: If Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador were communist countries, how would the American public & government feel toward those who came "al norte"?

Answer: They would be embraced as heroes.

In response to Slim Goodbody's remark:

"Right here:
"Then cheaply made products from other countries can be brought into port in Mexico and carried at a higher volume and more quickly into the United States and Canada. So China, Corporate C.E.O.'s, and Government Officials that are deeply vested with Corporations can make much more money.""

Hmmm....it seems as though NOWHERE in there did I remotely say anything about cheap imports going away if the SPP and the TTC never existed. It seems as though you once again missed the point and purpose all together.

No matter how you look at it, "Illegal is still a criminal act." So no matter how any of you want to whitewash it, it is still a crime. Criminals should not be rewarded no matter what the circumstance are. If you do not like what's going on in your country, do something to change it or come here through legal channels, but please do not try and make me feel guilty for your living standard. You and only you can do something about it and do it legally. Is this what you want to teach your children, that committing a crime is Okay if it suits your purpose? I went to watch the March in Omaha last year. You know what caught me as strange? All these people thought they deserved a right to be here, but were all waving Mexican flags except for one or two. This is not Mexico and if you want to be here, show some patriotism for the USA. And one more thing, as I read all these posts I am struck by the posters who resort to name-calling when someone disagrees with them. Makes them look ignorant, not the people they are calling ignorant. Remember this is the USA and we are all entitled to our opinion whether you agree with it or not. That the beauty of it!!!

I must say that I am amused by the number of posters indicating how their ancestors immigrated to America and “learned” the language…English! Being of Native American descent, let me enlighten you. There were a number of Native American languages prior to English being indoctrinated as the language of the United States. I don’t see any of the “original” Native American languages being used today. Actually, the “original” ancestors of the United States (Native Americans) were not granted citizenship until 1975! Europeans, etc. would have been considered illegal immigrants.

So while I find the humor in those spouting intolerance and “we were here first” comments, I think you need to remember your history a bit better. Being that the first illegal immigrants to this country are allowed to vote, work, etc., why not allow the more current “illegals” the same rights?

Ship all the illegals back to their respective countries? Keep in mind you will be shipping yourself back and returning the country to it’s original ancestors…Native Americans.

To those who want to spout History of abuse to native Americans as an excuse to allow ILLEGAL immigrants have total Amnesty.
1. No race was "native" to America. Even the "Native Americans" can be genetically traced to Siberia or Mongolian areas of Asia if one looks at world history far enough.
2. I totally agree that the treatment of such people were not morally correct by the European settlers of 200 years ago or more.
However that being said the nation built by those Europeans saved the world many times in the 1900's. The US tipped the balance of power that won WWI. We were the arsenal of democracy that defeated the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, Japan & their few allies. We won the Cold war and literally saving half the 6 billion world population against Communist oppression. Plus the tons of money the citezens & government has donated to world disasters in the past 222 years such has the Tsami tragedy of a few years ago. As a nation are we perfect? No, not by a long shot, but as a nation we have done far more good than bad. Evry nation in world history has some blood on thier hands someplace. Even native American tribes had wars with other tribes on occasion. This does not mean we as the US should ignore immigration laws b/c of political correctness. Now to the point. We are a nation of LAWS. We have over 300 million legal people now. We can only take in a limited number each year. We also have the right to do background checks to make sure immigrants are healthy, or no crimminal records. Why should we have to deal with other nations crimminals when we barely have room for our own citizens who choose a path of crime. Come on people, use logic & common sense.

Well since we are going back to when the Americas were first discovered and who's blood and sweat built this great country instead focusing on the HERE and NOW and what "ILLEGAL" means why not go even further and say we should all go away and let monkeys take over the world since Darwin's theory is that all humans originate from great-ape ancestors that existed a few million years ago. Do you really think it should turn into the "Planet of the Apes"? I can't believe what I'm reading in some of these post. Native Americans and African slaves have nothing to do with this issue! How many "I'm Sorry's and government issued payoff checks" do you people need!!! Besides I personally have yet to kill one buffalo and have never owned a slave, So what should I even be saying I'm sorry for!!! I don't see anyone complaining about all immigrants just the ILLEGAL ones. My great grand parents settled in Stuart Nebraska from Germany and spoke German. Their children spoke German in school but they learned English so they could succeed outside of that community, and they came here through the legal process not as someone said earlier "like a thief in the cover of night" and the government did not support them financially. I have NO problem with people trying to better their lives, but when I read the court reports and see most DUI and drug charges are attached to a hispanic name, I feel these are NOT people trying to better their lives! and I remember the story about the guy being deported six times before he got arrested again in Fremont for domestic abuse. These are the some of the things that feed the public's steroetypes. This system is not working! and needs a better solution NOW!

Wasting My Time..
You need to get your "facts" straight! "We swept whole families from their roots in Africa, plunged them into slavery for generations" This statement is so vary far from the truth. The truth is that the African tribe leaders SOLD their under clansmen/women into European slavery. They traded and bartered members of their tribes as if they were property that they owned. Much like some tribes still do with women and children to this day, but now it's call human trafficing instead of slavery. Europeans DID NOT go to Africa and KIDNAP 'whole famlies' and tribesmen to turn them into slaves. And the New World was not alone in using slave labor. It was the norm for every civilized nation, England, Gremany, France etc. We are basically the only ones still apoligizing for it!

and then..."even as posters here today urge us to turn in to the authorities any "suspicious" people. I won't be spying on any of my neighbors, thank you." So I suppose if you saw children hanging around someone's house who is a registred sex offender, you would not contact the authorities? or if you saw what could be the supplies for a meth lab next door, you would think, 'not my business' Right? I'm sure glad I don't live in your neighborhood!

Well said WOW. I wanted to make one comment to "Enlightened". I dont know about a time line to learn English but I have come across people who have been here for 20+ years and still do not speak the English language. Their kids translate for them anywhere they go. To me that is unaccaptable. I used to work with a man who didnt speak English till he got to school. This was 60 years(for him)ago. They do offer classes to those who want to learn to speak English but most dont want to as they dont seem to have a good reason to as this country caters to those who dont speak Enlgish.

TO: Enlightened:
Great comments. We have to remember that the majority of this country received their history lessons from the "Great White Father" and we can't expect them to know their own history or those of other cultures any better.

Brian and WOW,

Can't say I disagree with you entirely on your points; However at no time did I ask for total amnesty for illegal immigrants or an apology to Native Americans. The fact of the matter is that we have people "illegally" here in the US right now. Rather than blather away about how other's ancestors had to learn English (this is from previous poster), it might be a better expenditure of government money to set up a system where these individuals can become legal citizens. Those that are law-abiding citizens, etc. may earn their citizenship; criminals, perhaps another alternative.

Language is cultural and generational. The English language is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn to speak. Historically speaking, a number of original immigrants depended on their children to translate for them as the parents did not know the English language, and spoke their "home" language, whether it is German, Swedish, etc. Often by the second generation, the ability for the grandchildren to speak their home language is lost, which is rather sad culturally.

It would be nice if there were flexible opportunities for individuals to learn the English language, but given the work schedules, time classes are offered, it may not always be possible. Also given the raid in Grand Island and the general hostility towards Latinos in general based on what I have observed and read as far as previous posters, if I were a Latino, I would be intimidated and not willing to trust many community or government agencies. Might as well tack a scarlet letter on their chest and send them out into the community…racism is alive and well here in Fremont. Some may prefer to not admit it.

Where I grew up, a number of individuals listed in our newspapers for crimes, etc. had last names of Finnish descent. Given that a significant number of the population in this area was of Finish ancestry, it would make little sense for me to say “based on last names in the paper a particular nationality needs to be removed.” Given the Latino population in Fremont, of course there will be Latino names listed in the paper (as well as traditional Anglo-Saxon names).

Our history books are written from the male, white/European viewpoint. It is interesting how the lenses we view things skews our perceptions, current and historically. It can be a real challenge to look at things from another’s perspective.

to JH
I am 71, white and was born here. And I work cleaning tolets for $7.00. And you should see the messes. Poo smeard on walls, Poo in the showers , used sanitary napkins in the showers,used tolet paper on the floors. So don't give me any crap on jobes we wont do and for $7.00 an hour

I WONDERED IF I WOULD SEE A POST THAT KNEW THE TRUTH ON SLAVERY. CONGRATULATIONS WOW. AND TO WASTING MY TIME , I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE YOU WOULD NOT BE THE FIRST IN LINE TO SPY ON A NEIGHBOR AS YOU SHOW NO TOLERANCE TO THOSE WHO CAN NOT SPELL. NOW FOR MORE FACTS. I LIVE IN ONE OF THE BIGGER COMMUNITIES BUT WAS BORN AND RAISED IN FREMONT. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES WHOM ARE NOT CITIZENS LIVING HERE ALSO. THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN EITHER INVITED BY CHURCHES OR ARE WORKING ON THEIR CITIZENSHIP. THEY ARE OUT IN THE OPEN IN THE DAY LIGHT FOR THE MOST PART. THEY ALSO ARE HARDLY EVER SEEN PAYING WITH $ 100 BILLS BECAUSE THEIR EMPLOYERS ARE PAYING THEM LEGALLY. FREMONT IS DEFINATELY IN TROUBLE IF THEY DO NOT NIP THIS IN THE BUD. GANGS DID NOT JUST SHOW UP A WEEK AGO. THEY HAVE BEEN THER FOR SOME TIME. FREMONT AND THE COUNTY WILL BE PAYING THE BILLS ON THE ILLEGALS AND THOSE WHOM THEY WORK FOR WILL BE COME RICHER BY PAYING THE LOWER WAGES. THEY ALSO SEND BACK TO MEXICO LARGE AMOUNTS OF AMERICAN MONEY TO SUPPORT THOSE BACK HOME. THEY ARE NOT PUTTING IT BACK INTO OUR TAX SYSTEM. IT SEEMS SO MANY KNOW THEY ARE BEING EMPLOYED AT HORMELS BUT YET NO ONE HAS CALLED . CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION I; 1-877-287-8667. WHEN I LIVE OUT OF FREMONT ANDAM TOLD THEY ARE USING FALSE IDENTIFICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT IN FREMONT , I KNOW MANY OTHERS DO THAT LIVE THERE. BUSINESSES THAT HAVE SUPPORTED FREMONT IN THE PAST MAY VERY WELL BE THE DOWN FALL OF FREMONT'S FUTURE. THESE DEFINATELY ARE THE NEIGHBORS WHOM YOU DO WANT TO TURN IN. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.? DO YOU WANT THEM TO THINK THE DRUG BUSINESS THAT THAT IS ON THE INCREASE IS OK? WHO IS PREPARED TO BURY ONE OF THEM BECAUSE EVERYONE TURNED THEIR HEADS? MANY ILLEGALS ARE CAUGHT THRIVING ON THIS BUSINESS. HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY INCREASE IN DRUGS OR THEFT LATELY? THE ILLEGALS WHOM HAVE CHOSEN THE BAD SIDE OF LIFE VERY OFTEN DO CARRY GUNS. DO YOU KNOW THAT TATOOS IN THE SHAPE OF TEARS ON THE FACE OF GANG MEMBERS SIGNIFY A MURDER FOR EACH TEAR THAT THEY COMMITTED? DON'T FORGET YOU ARE PAYING FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE CHILDREN WHO TEACH THE OTHER ADULTS ENGLISH. TO ENLIGHTENED , CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG BUT I DO BELIEVE THER WERE NOT ANY LAWS THAT I AM AWARE OF WHEN IMMIGRANTS FIRST CAME HERE. YOU ARE VERY CORRECT IN THE FACT PEOPLE THAT CAME TOOK AWAY EVERYTHING FROM THE NATIVE AMERICAN. I TOO ALSO HAVE NATIVE DESCENT AS SOME OF MY INHERITANCE. THEREFORE I CONCLUDE THAT ALL THAT HAS BEEN LOST ONCE DOES NOT NEED TO BE LOST AGAIN WHEN SUCH LAWS ARE IN PLACE. WE HAVE ELECTED PEOPLE TO INSURE OUR SAFETY, AND WHAT IS BEST FOR RVEYONE'S WELFARE. SHOULD THEY NOT SEE WHAT THE MAJORITY WANTS DONE THEN THE MAJORITY SHOULD RECALL THEM. NOONE SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THOSE WHO GO THROUGH ALL LEGAL CHANELS AND WORK HARD. MARIA IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE CHILDREN CAUGHT UP IN THE MESS WHEN LEGALS RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY WITH ANOTHER AMERICAN BORN CHILD"S BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND THEN BRINGS BACK WITH THEM ANOTHER CHILD, GOING UNNOTICED THAT IT IS NOT THE RIGHT CHILD BEING BROUGHT INTO THE U.S. IN CASES LIKE THIS I THINK WE ALL WOULD BE SCARED TO DEATH.I GUESS TO MARIA MY QUESTION IS IF YOU WERE GIVEN A CHOICE WOULD YOU IF YOU COULD APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP AND PAY ALL BACK TAXES? I FIND IT A LITTLR HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY ASSISTANCE. IT IS FRAUDENTLY ATTAINED ALL THE TIME. TO EVERYONE WHO POSTS ON THIS SUBJECT, YOU MUST BAN TOGETHER AND LET THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT THAT THEY WILL ACT UPON IT AS YOU WISH OR THEY WILL NEED TO FIND NEW EMPLOYMENT. THE OTHER DEMAND YOU NEED TO MAKE IS THAT THEY EXPAND THEIR POLICE FORCE.YOU WILL NEED THEM. DO NOT BE PENNY WISE AND DOLLAR FOOLISH WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTION. YOU HAVE A PHONE NUMBER , YOU CAN NOW GET YOUR TOWN BACK BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

To Ramona:
I don't know if my post will see the light of day, but what are you trying to say? Be more concise. I read it twice, and I still don't know. Slow down.

To APs:
I'm usually kinda harsh in my comments, but I'll lighten up in your case. If you can't express yourself any better in person than you do on-line, (i.e. spelling, etc.), then it's no wonder you work for $7 an hour. I might suggest some remedial English, although it's probably too late.

to BoBO
Lets see what you are like at my age, Mr Perfect There is never respect for people like you. The last person that was perfect they put on a cross

to Romona
ICE has been called many times and also by other people in town in the past year and nothing has been done.