Do You Support Denying All Public Assistance to Illegal immigrants in the U.S.?

[tinybear]

Well what do you say?

(a) Yeah of course. Illegal immigrants shouldn't be here in the first place. Why should they receive any assistance? They should be deported.

(b) No. Illegal? Why? As long as you're a citizen of the earth, you can go anywhere you like. Borders are artificial and arbitrary. All men and women are equal wherever they come from. If public assistance is available, it should be available to all.

(c) Public Assistance? What's that? I don't know what you're talking about.

(d) No, because illegal immigrants deserve our sympathy. If we can afford it, we should assist them and make them feel welcome. What's the matter? Have we forgotten what the Statue Of Liberty stands for?

(e) Other (Please specify and explain why)

[CallousGiant]

I think they should be deported, but until that time they should be given assistance such as housing, benefit or assistance in finding a job and education.

[tusaki]

CallousGiant, isn't that a contradiction? I mean.. you want to sent them away, but give them an education, jobs and housing?

Actually I see no reason to help them at all. Except for medical assistance, this should be provided anonymously, otherwise they won't go to a doctor for medical care and there would be a risk of infectious diseases spreading.

[tinybear]

Quote by: CallousGiant I think they should be deported, but until that time they should be given assistance such as housing, benefit or assistance in finding a job and education.

Why bother? Deport them ASAP if you think they should be.

[caspian88]

No help except emergency medical care, which is automatic anyway, regardless of who you are. Deport all illegals, including the Canadian ones.

[CallousGiant]

It is not always possible to deport illegal immigrants straight away. I think they should be deported as soon as possible, but until they can be deported, treat them with the dignity and respect that you would any other citizen, and give them the same rights.

[tinybear]

Well, why should they be treated like 'any other citizen'? By 'citizen' I take it you mean United States citizen. Why should they be treated like United States citizens when they are clearly not. Indeed they are not even guests. They came uninvited and without permission.

[CallousGiant]

Because if you're not willing to treat another human being with dignity and respect, you are a horrible person. Illegal immigrants often have very few options, for example, in Britain, you are unable to claim asylum until you are already in the country. As a result asylum seekers have to smuggle themselves in illegally before they can make a valid claim. These people often come from areas of political instability or a place of a natural disaster, why then should they be denied rights that everyone else enjoys freely?

Also bear in mind that they will only be in the country for at most a few weeks, and I'm not saying give them a luxurious apartment and 50 dollars a day to live off of, just enough for them to get by until the time comes when they can be deported.

[Osborn F Enready]

In answer to the question at the thread starter.

Selection "A" please.

If they value being an American, they will come here legally or be kicked back out.

[tinybear]

Quote by: CallousGiant Because if you're not willing to treat another human being with dignity and respect, you are a horrible person. Illegal immigrants often have very few options, for example, in Britain, you are unable to claim asylum until you are already in the country. As a result asylum seekers have to smuggle themselves in illegally before they can make a valid claim. These people often come from areas of political instability or a place of a natural disaster, why then should they be denied rights that everyone else enjoys freely? Also bear in mind that they will only be in the country for at most a few weeks, and I'm not saying give them a luxurious apartment and 50 dollars a day to live off of, just enough for them to get by until the time comes when they can be deported.

I'm not saying they should not be treated with dignity and respect. I'm only saying they shouldn't be entitled to everything a United States citizen is entitled to for simple reason that they are not United States citizens.

[CallousGiant]

I don't think they should be entitled to the same rights, just giving accomdation, a job, benefit, healthcare etc. I think they should be given the same legal rights as a citizen though, but not be able to buy properties, take out loans, vote etc.

[tinybear]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't they broken United States law? Why should they, having broken US law by entering illegally, be given 'the same legal rights as a citizen'. I just do not understand your viewpoint.

[CallousGiant]

I'm saying send them to a deportation centre, but concentrate on getting them out of the country rather than treating them like second class citizens. In some cases they are treated worse than criminals in prisons, which to me is unacceptable.

[tinybear]

Are they not criminals?

[CallousGiant]

Quote by: tinybear Are they not criminals?

Yes, but they are not dangerous members of society like most people in prison. If someone is caught speeding, they get fined, they don't get sent to prison. I don't think getting in to the country illegally is on a par with some very serious crimes, and so they should not be treated as if they have commited these crimes.

[Osborn F Enready]

No citizenship equals NO rights under U.S. law other than human rights, and what we deem to be inalienable rights.

[CallousGiant]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready No citizenship equals NO rights under U.S. law other than human rights, and what we deem to be inalienable rights.

What I'm saying is that until they can be deported they be given the opportunity of accomodation and benefits or a job. I know its not in the interests of the country, and it may be considered wasting tax payers money, but I believe it is the right thing to do.

[carlessbiker]

[quote=CallousGiant], just giving accomdation, a job, benefit, healthcare etc. QUOTE]
Why should it be given, why can't they earn it? I have no problem with Mexico native earning citizenship in the US through hard work but to get handouts.....

[tusaki]

How about this, we clothe, feed and house them untill the time they can be send back, and sent a bill for "care" along with it.

How about someone who doesn't say where he came from and it is impossible to determine.

Or how about it is perfectly clear where he came from, but the government isn't cooperative in allowing them back in.

[CallousGiant]

[quote=carlessbiker]

Quote by: CallousGiant , just giving accomdation, a job, benefit, healthcare etc. QUOTE] Why should it be given, why can't they earn it? I have no problem with Mexico native earning citizenship in the US through hard work but to get handouts.....

Because I think people should help one another, even if it doesn't suit them.