The Crackdown on Illegal Immigration in Irving
It looks like they are trying to crack down on illegal immigration in Irving, Texas by racially profiling people in order to stop them and verify their immigration paperwork. The first time I heard of this happening was when Irving police arrested several Hispanic men in an apartment complex for public intoxication. Since then, if you looked like you were breaking the law, you would go to jail. The police department has been enforcing a program which allows jailers to identify suspected illegal immigrants and refer them to immigration authorities. The police chief says they aren’t targeting specific groups of people because the identification of suspected immigrants is happening at the jail, not on the streets.
Racial profiling has always been an issue in the black community and it’s sad to see it being used in this manner. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and since the federal government has been silent on the issue, this is an example of how city officials are going to crack down on illegal immigration. Some of the people who were arrested were there for minor offenses which probably would have been overlooked any other time. While I agree everyone who enters this country should come here through the proper channels, those who have bypassed it and are working to feed their families should be allowed to stay. All they are trying to do is have a better way of life and earn a living. If it means having to illegally cross the border to do so, then so be it. We’re mad at the wrong people. I’d do the same thing for my family if I were in that position. Would you?
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September 28th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Good Morning,Mr. Theo Johnson
Before I start I would like to say that I am totally disagree with the Police Department or Mr. Gears for inforcing this type of program.
I am an immigrant from Argentina, who came here to USA when I was only 15 years old, the reason why I came as was because my Father’s decision. I had a Visa that would let stay legally for only six months, during this 6 months I got my Texas ID, my bank account, and my Tax ID. Then I went to Mac Arthur 4 year until I graduated, after graduating from High School, I was enrolled in college, for one year I went to Mountain View, and two years in North Lake and always paid for my classes, I am a member of Saint Ann in Carrolton for 4 years, I even served more than 50 hours community service for Irving library, . I always paid my taxes, I always had insurance, I always lived as an American.
Now here’s my situation, my Parents are living now because they have been here for several year in this country, and We have never been accepted in this community. They just feel tired, I feel tired my self too, because I done everthing I could to be accepted, and USA never recognized it. I perfectly understand that the number of Immigrants here is around 12 millions, and that is frustrated for Americans to see how Immigrants live. Most Immigrants don’t pay taxes, run away if they have a car accident, over abuse public services, etc. But I know that there’s people like me who wants to have an opurtunity to live better. Now Irving wants to kick me out because “I AM JUST AN IMMIGRANT” How do you think I feel? How do you think I live?
September 28th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Mariano,
Thanks a lot for leaving a comment. It means a lot to hear from someone in your situation who has entered the country legally and still has problems with acceptance in America. Sadly even when you’re born here those types of problems still exist. I’ve given up on the idea of acceptance and just try to be the best that I can be. If you like me, then cool. If not, then leave me alone. I respect you for all that you’ve accomplished and ask that you don’t let them frustrate you. Everyone deserves the opprotunity for a better life. This is what America is all about. The system is obviously broken and that needs to be fixed first before anything else gets solved. Continue to make your voice heard and fight for those who are working to add value to our society. Thanks again for your comments.
September 29th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Why has Mariano and his family not applied for citenship??? He has had plenty of time and is educated enough to pass the tests.
September 30th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
You can argue that those who want to enforce immigration laws all of a sudden are hypocritical after turning a blind eye to the issue for so many years. You can also say they are displaying racism and xenophobia because they feel threatened by the way immigrants live and that it’s encroaching on their lifestyles. However, you can also ask the immigrant, why haven’t they exhausted all means to become a legal citizen, as w.w.b did above. if you know you aren’t legal, why aren’t you doing all you can to remedy that? It’s true that the system may not be easy to go through but that doesn’t exempt someone from going through the proper channels. It is your responsibility to do things the right and legal way. It’s also your responsibility to know the rules; as they say, ignorance of the law is no excuse.
What you’re seeing in cases like this is states and munincipalities taking action on their own to deal with an issue that the federal government (which is charged with doing so) has failed to deal with. Local entities feel the burden (and benefits) more intensely than the feds so they’re going to take action. The problem though is their motive. Therefore they need to be policed by its citizens.
I agree with Theo: the system needs to be fixed before stern efforts to correct problems are used. But if given the consent of the governed, local munincipalities can do as they please. The law is the law regardless of when it was initiated or when it is enforced. I just hope it’s done with understanding.
September 30th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
I also don’t feel they want to kick anyone out just because they are an immigrant. While there are those that don’t want any foreigners in the country at all, I think the vast majority are concerned with those that are not legal and live in the shadows. The biggest concern I think they have is a lack of assimilation. While there is definitely no one type of American, there has to be something that ties us together. A total disregard for this is a slap in the face to alot of people.
We have to look at an issue from all angles and perspectives. Assuming racism and/or discrimination before examinging something isn’t right and doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do what’s right. However, I can understand why someone would feel that way.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:51 am
You really do have to look at the issue from different perspectives. My first move would be to seal up the borders as much as possible. Not just the Mexican borders either. All borders because we’re concerned with any illegal entry into this country.
Then I’d go after companies giving jobs to illegal immigrants. Let’s be honest. This is modern-day slavery. Most of the people complaining about illegal immigration, have probably hired someone at some point in time because capitalism drives this country and the bottom line of the balance sheet is king.
Then I’d start looking at the process for getting into the U.S. and start making the necessary changes on the federal level to get things started. Then everyone will be on the same page.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:22 am
I think that’s the general process lawmakers want to use to fix this problem (although I haven’t heard much about holding business accountable). They’re getting caught up in details and can’t seem to come to agreement on how to get it done. There are so many competing interests that it makes this probably the most difficult problem for the legislature to solve in recent times.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:46 am
I agree. It’s like each side wants the credit for fixing immigration without the other’s help. I thought Bush was the one able to bring both sides together like he “did” here in Texas. The country is more divided than ever.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
we moved from a city because everytime we went to conferences at my daughters elementary school that every other room was an interpretator for spanish parents who couldn’t speak english let alone alot of their children. My daughter’s grades went up when we moved because she wasn’t teaching the Mexican’s english. I don’t feel that my daughter should be the minority so we fixed the problem. Maybe it’s about time we take what is ours.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Sherri, that’s just another side effect of an ineffective immigration policy. People should be given the opportunity to become citizens and also somewhat assimilated. Assimilated means different things to different people. To me(and probably most people) it just means learn some English and learn about U.S. history and government. It doesn’t mean scrap your culture or adapt to an “American” way of life (whatever that is). It just means brings your dreams and add something positive to America. I can’t imagine what this country would be like if not for some immigrants. We are after all, a country of immigrants.
I have to take exception though, to your “take what is ours” mindset. What exactly is ours? This country is built on taking something from someone. The thing to do now is figure out how to share it properly and provide access. You can’t blame immigrants for wanting to come here and improve their lot in life. They have responsibility to become citizens the right way but you also have to consider the broken system. All of the frustration shouldn’t be aimed just at the immigrant.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Joel, well said. If you look at American History (not what’s taught in schools), this country was built on the backs of others. I’m not just talking about slavery either. Even today our economy is run by purchasing services and products from lower waged countries where labor laws don’t exist. There’s so much more to discuss when it comes to immigration and just like the war, no one has a solution on how to fix it.
In my opinion, what’s done is done. The past should remain that way and we need to move forward to solutions. Marches and protests serve their purpose, but the real way to have a voice is to vote. And the only way to do that is to be a U.S. citizen. We have to make our elected officials fix the system in a realistic manner that’s fair for all.