Map to freedom?
5 Comments A mexican government agency is going to disperse over 70,000 maps marking main roads and water tanks for people who want to cross illegally into the US. Is it just me, or is that kind of funny.
“It is not helpful for anyone, no matter how well intended they might be, to produce road maps that lead aliens into the desolate and dangerous areas along the border, and potentially invite criminal activity, human exploitation and personal risk” –US Official
“The only thing we are trying to do is warn them of the risks they face and where to get water, so they don’t die” –Some Mexican
Last year the Mexican goverment did something that made me laugh even more. They gave out comic books showing people how to travel safe. I wonder what they will have next year, travel guides?
“Now here on your left folks is a great place to cross. Remember to stay low and move fast”
Wow, this is absolutely ridiculous to me. I see the mexican government encouraging more illegal immigration but masking its true goals with protecting mexican lives. The mexican economy clearly gains from the money made by illegals in the U.S. It is a proven fact that most of the money made by illegals is sent back to Mexico. It seems to me that the maps could be a ploy to improve the mexican economy. Mexican GDP per capit (per person) is around the $8,000 mark. No country wants its population to leave (unless of course the gov’t is ruled by nazis and desires the purification of thier race). More people leaving means less money made. Unless of course in the case of Mexico where millions of dollars yearly are sent back home. Please note, i do not discourage honest/hardworking families desiring to cross the border in order to provide a better life for thier family. The mexican government here seems very suspicious.
Comment by Jake — February 2, 2006 @ 12:24 am
Let’s take a journey through United State’s response to immigration over the years.
The Chinese Exclusion Act: 1885
From what I know this was the first time the US actually cut off people from coming into the country. Don’t worry they were still killing natives though. There were even opium laws, passed to damage Chinese business then to protect people from opium.
Quota
At some time, 1920s or something, the government came up with this great idea of quotas. A quota per country was set out, but didn’t work out to well. The main reason was politics. World War II left many European immigrants on the US doorstep, and we were obliged to let them in. Since we hated their governments we let a bunch of Cubans and Vietnamese over in the 60s and 70s. The US then removed the nation quotas, but did keep an overall quota.
The Immigration and Reform act of 1986
I don’t really remember much of the act except that for the first time hiring illegal immigrants was an offense. That didn’t work really well, now did it? From Wall Mart to Arnold Schwarzenegger have been caught employing illegal immigrants.
What I think
If you look at the history of the United States one thing is quite apparent, we hate everyone. Sure we hate some more then others, but give it time. I don’ think the Map thing is that big of a deal, and I even see the benefits of it. I think illegals value American freedom more then citizens do. However, I do feel immigration from Mexico to California should be regulated. Not for California’s sake, but for the illegals who are taken advantage of by big business (WALMART and others).
Comment by Moe — February 15, 2006 @ 4:54 am
i love the comments man, =).
Comment by Moe — February 15, 2006 @ 4:58 am
I say we go to war with mexico again. Problem solved. As far as immigration is concerned. Americans have always hated people who do not melt into the pot, as does every other society that has existed. The whole reason the nation state was invented was because people could not stand living with people who were not like them. You left out some crucial details moe. The quotos of the so called Nativist movement were very effective in curtailing immigration from specific countries. The Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965 eliminated biases towards european nations. Hence why you are here today. So not all immigration laws have been negative. Also the reform act of 1986 legalized millions of mexicans… only to make every mexican in mexico wishing they could be a mexican with an american citizenship. This is why you should never reward law breaking.
Comment by Matt — February 21, 2006 @ 12:48 am
Good points matt. However, I suppose it is the human being in me that wants to lend out a helping hand to poor people with hopes and dreams. Well no, it is rich, mostly white, business men who reach out and grab the illegal and make them work long and hard for a few bucks a day. If we wanted to control illegal immigration we would, but I have a nagging suspicion that big business makes sure there is always a set amount crossing. Remember that movie, A Day Without A Mexican?
Comment by Moe — February 21, 2006 @ 2:37 pm